May 2012 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

May 2012

Directions www.twinwest.com/directions

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.TM

Meet the Small Business Awards Finalists page 3 Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

A Reasoned Appeal to Legislators for SWLRT Action—page 2

Small Business Awards Luncheon —page 12

Profile: Representative Sarah Anderson—page 11

May Networking Event at T.G.I. Friday’s—page 13

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message... A Reasoned Appeal to Legislators for SWLRT Action As the legislative session wraps up, five area chambers of commerce, including TwinWest, submitted the following letter to the editor of the Pioneer Press. The letter was published April 27 and is worth a read. Here's a remarkable situation: Part of Minnesota is poised to create 60,000 new private-sector jobs, but lacks the transportation to let people get to those jobs. The communities in the area have developed a plan that will be 90 percent funded by money that cannot be spent on roads, and half of which would not come to Minnesota at all if we don't spend it on this need. We are talking of course about Southwest Light Rail Transit, a solution to a problem any state or region would love to have: lots of new jobs are coming. The solution is practical, and clearly nonpartisan. It has been endorsed by all the chambers of commerce and all the city councils on the line, in communities of all political stripes. On the flip side, the alternatives are clearly bad. If we don't add this transportation option, one or both of two things will happen: 1. Many jobs will go elsewhere in the country. 2. Some of those jobs will come anyway, adding to our already bad traffic congestion. At that point, we might try to add more roads, but doing so will take highway money away from places in Greater Minnesota that really can only be served with roads. Everyone agrees we need more transportation capacity to serve job growth in southwest metro. Everyone agrees that transportation money is tight and should go first to fix the system we have. Here is an opportunity to grow available transportation options in Minnesota, using money that can only go for new transportation. To unlock $1.125 billion in federal and county transit funds, the state needs to invest only 10 percent of that: $125 million. Of that, $25 million is needed this year to keep the project on track. Legislators in both parties have said they are looking for points of agreement in a session that is too often short on them. Legislators in both parties have also said they are looking for the maximum leverage from the state's investments, and there is nothing else in either the House or Senate bonding bill that gives the 9-to-1 return on state money that SW LRT would give. In sum, a state investment in SW LRT does exactly what bonding projects are supposed to do: contribute to the wealth and welfare of the whole state, leverage other dollars and do so in a way supported by citizens and businesses of all political stripes. As the House and Senate work to reconcile their bonding proposals, we urge them to add their bi-partisan support to ours and fund this project so we can reduce congestion and continue to add jobs.

Bruce Nustad, president TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;May 2012

Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults... Meet the Entrepreneur of the Year Candidates TwinWest’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year finalists represent established, successful leaders who have proven themselves. The Chamber will recognize all three of these finalists and select one as the Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2012 ―Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults‖ Small Business Awards Luncheon. In the next few pages, Directions magazine will give you a look at each finalist. TwinWest’s Entrepreneur of the Year is a member entrepreneur who has established and maintained a successful businesses of $100 million or less in annual revenue, and is five or more years old.

Keith Schoolcraft aCOUPLEofGURUS, LLC

Scott Seiler SeilerSchindel, PLLC

Steve Solbrack Solbrekk, Inc.

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Re-think, Re-invest, Re-sults... Meet the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Candidates TwinWest’s 2012 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year finalists represent the best in innovation and creativity. As the Chamber prepares to celebrate all three of these finalists and recognize one as the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2012 ―Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults‖ Small Business Awards Luncheon, Directions magazine gives you a look at each finalist. 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.

Jason Alvey The Four Firkins

Frank Gustafson RenovoData Services

John Sturgess ADOGO Pet Hotel

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults... Keith Schoolcraft aCOUPLEofGURUS, LLC Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―I love having the freedom to set my own path and the opportunity to do things differently and better. I love being able to strategize - it's like chess only on a much bigger scale.‖ How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―I learned early on that I need to listen to my gut when it comes to shaping our product offerings. I was thinking about a managed IT service structure years ago, but didn't run with it then since it seemed too radical at the time. Now the whole industry is operating that way. We got on the bandwagon, but could have been ahead of the curve. That experience caused me to get intentional about learning to listen to my instincts and trust my ideas.‖ What are your goals for the future? ―In the short term, I'd like to improve our cash allocation so that we are in a position to start doing acquisitions. Long term, I'd like to grow aCOUPLEofGURUS to $30 million in revenue, with a staff of 200 IT consultants.‖ What's the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs? ―Entrepreneurs are naturally forward-thinking. Sometimes you may have an idea for your organization that it's just not ready for. Don't give up on those ideas. Keep them around and review them every so often. As your company matures, it may grow into those ideas.‖

Scott Seiler, SeilerSchindel, PLLC Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist What does do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―Creating the vision for our operation, then developing and implementing the steps to reach our goals. I love being involved in every step of the process and being able to integrate myself at any point I desire or am needed. I have the freedom to make high level decisions and role up my sleeves and ―get dirty‖, something that simply is not an option in most corporate enterprises.‖ How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―My experiences, especially my mistakes, have driven almost every accomplishment. I learned early that events that seemed like failures were actually lessons and opportunities. This attitude and recognition allowed me to develop thoughtful, efficient and successful skills, philosophies and practices. I hope that I am able to teach these to my team so that they can learn, grow and implement these items without having to meet the struggles I faced while learning on my own.‖ What are your goals for the future? ―I have three distinct objectives. First, we are excited to work with our current clientele, helping them reach their maximum potential. Many of our clients include us in their long term plans, which allows us to monitor progress, chart our influence, and continue to provide services. I also look forward to our continued growth. We want to increase our client base, add staff, grow gross revenues and widen our margin. But this is only a means to our real objectives of providing a tremendous place to work that allows staff time to ―live‖ outside of the office. We will continue to Continued on next page...

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults... Scott Seiler, SeilerSchindel, PLLC Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, cont’d. Continued from previous page… develop means for staff to create their own hours and share in the firm’s success, while providing opportunities for the firm to participate in more community and philanthropic activities. ― What’s the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs? ―Take controlled risks, but before doing so, make sure you know the true reason behind the actions you are taking (or foregoing). When you think about what you truly want out of something, then carve out the plan for achieving that goal. For instance, if your goal is to make a bundle of money, ask yourself why you want the money. Once you know why you want/need the money, you will be in a far better position to determine how to earn what you want/need. Finally, ask for help. It is critical that an entrepreneur develop a broad range of contacts and develop meaningful, trusted relationships, so she has sources of assistance to answer questions and provide direction regarding matters that the entrepreneur cannot handle herself.‖

Steve Solbrack, Solbrekk Business Technology Solutions Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―I enjoy the interaction with employees and customers. I really appreciate and respect the team of employees we have, and enjoy coming to work every day. We have so many great customers with many long-term relationships.‖ How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―I learned the importance of having an executive management team that is in alignment around the mission and goals of the organization. Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when the timing is right, and be prepared to make difficult decisions when necessary.‖ What are your goals for the future? ―My goals for the next 5 years are to continue to grow our business, while maintaining our focus on our core missions and values. I would like to continue to develop and empower our management team to grow and expand their careers. I would like to continue to stay actively involved in service in Rotary, the Chamber and in the community.‖ What’s the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs? ―Focus on customers, employees, shareholders, and then yourself, in that order of importance. Empower others to make decisions, and allow them to make mistakes and learn. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impression.‖

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults... Jason Alvey, The Four Firkins Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

Frank Gustafson, RenovoData Services Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―Watching my brand and my employees grow with the business. It is really something to see your own brand go from inception to something that is recognized nationally in our industry. Watching our employees grow and gain the celebrity status that comes with such a position is also a lot of fun. They are having the time of their lives and so am I. ―

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―I love getting up every morning knowing that I have an opportunity to create something new out of whatever comes my way today. There is a freedom that comes with that opportunity that excites me. It allows me to think out of the box and use everything at my disposal to help a customer solve a problem or find a new way to do something more efficiently.‖

How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―Sometimes I feel like everything I did before starting my own business was simply practice for the main event. Everything I learned either about myself or with regard to running a business is all part of the success I'm experiencing today. On a personal level I have changed dramatically. In order to be an entrepreneur you really have to become one. You can't fake this. You have to be ready put yourself way outside of your comfort zone and make things happen.― What are your goals for the future? ―I have many plans. We are at a milestone right now. With the relocation of our store we now have essentially a launching pad for many different things. I plan to open other, different businesses, some in retail, some in service industry but all things that I am passionate about.― What’s the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrpreneurs? ―There is no such thing as a 40 hour work week anymore! This will either make or break you. Be sure to choose something you really enjoy doing because you're going to spend a lot of time and effort making it happen. If you are successful though, be careful not to let it consume your life. You have to make time for friends and family too. ―

How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―My grandfather and my father were both entrepreneurs. My father taught me, through his actions, that honesty and integrity were paramount to personal success. They are more important that financial success, however they are typically the foundation for personal success in all areas of life. I believe that watching and trying to emulate my father has been a determining influence in my personal journey.‖ What are your goals for the future? ―I have a heart for continual learning and for developing longterm relationships. I am always in the act of learning and growing it is a goal of mine to learn every day. When that that stops, so will I. Additionally, long term relationships are very important to me; relationships with great employees and great customers. I believe that people want to work with people who they trust, like and respect. My goal is to be trust worthy, likable and respectable, and I believe that I will attract people who have those qualities.‖ Continued on next page...

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Re-think, Re-invent, Re-sults Frank Gustafson, RenovoData Services Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, cont’d

John Sturgess, ADOGO Pet Hotel Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

Continued from previous page…

What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? ―1) Developing and working with a great team to build something you believe in. 2) The freedom executing a well thought out plan.‖

What’s the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs? ―I continually encourage folks with great ideas and good work ethic to hang up their own shingle. This country was and will continue to be build on the backs of hard working, risk taking business owners. My daughter just closed her business after two years with her shoulder to the wheel. I encouraged her and told her that there is no shame in failure as long as she learns from it and grows from her experience. I encouraged her to evaluate what has happened to her and rise from the ashes and take on the entrepreneurial challenge again.‖

How have the lessons you have learned in the past influenced your success? ―Developing and delivering upon a strong business plan with specific models is essential. Using this plan as a road map to build on successes and amend items that I call glorious failures that you learn from.― What are your goals for the future? ―Operations goal is to build a safe and fun environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy with employees that are engaged in this process. Business goal is to build a sustainable business in a growing industry.‖ What’s the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring entrepreneurs? ―Build a strong business plan and models to support the plan such as financials, operations, marketing and process. Surround yourself with individuals you trust and that add value to your endeavor. Finally, understand who your customer is and be able to deliver to that customer better than your competition. Highlight what differentiates your business and champion this.‖

Photos courtesy of Sandy Benson Photography

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Success TwinWest... Member Article: The Five Worst Personalities in Business By Martha Carlson, The Bailey Group Managing different types of people is part of every business. But some personalities are more difficult than others. Here are five personalities you may have encountered, and a few tips for managing them well.

The Aggressive Rainmaker Motivations: winning, fear of rejection Strengths: achievers who get results, persuasive and influential, can be charismatic Weaknesses: self-interested, difficult if sales are down, may alienate and bully To manage aggressive rainmakers, business owners or leaders need to weigh the benefit of the results they achieve with the downside of their seemingly two-faced tactics. Leverage their natural competitiveness by outlining core competencies that are tied to compensation or promotion. Point out the areas where they need improvement, such as ―building consensus.‖ Challenge them to use their influence and charm internally just as they do with prospects and clients.

The Negative Nelly

The Pleaser

Motivations: being heard, fear of being wrong or holding the bag from someone else’s ―bad‖ decision Strengths: challenge arguments to make sure they are sound, skepticism can generate better ideas overall, fact checker Weaknesses: potential to stall projects, poor communication skills

Motivations: intense need to be liked, fear of rejection Strengths: eager to honor requests, good follow-through, positive Weaknesses: does not add to the dialogue of ideas, reluctant leader

To manage Negative Nellys, business owners or leaders should explore training on verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that will help these individuals develop powers of observation, social cues and persuasion. There are ways to question a strategy, idea or decision without alienating team members. For example: ―Have you thought about this?‖ or ―Tying this to our goal of a 10 percent increase in revenue, what are the potential cost considerations?‖

To manage Pleasers, help them to first visualize their personal goals, then map out how those personal goals match company goals. Provide coaching on clarifying personal values and creating an individual development plan that aligns with company goals. Train them on setting personal milestones that can become increasingly sophisticated over time. For example, put them in charge of an administrative or internal project. Instruct team members to encourage the person and give positive feedback.

Continued on next page...

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

...Success TwinWest Member Article: The Five Worst Personalities in Business Continued from previous page...

The Hermit

The Maverick

Motivations: fear of rejection, preferred introversion Strengths: productive and focused, usually highly analytical Weaknesses: socially awkward, hesitant or rude

Motivations: being unique and different, opposing authority and conformity Strengths: risk takers, innovators, not swayed by popular opinion Weaknesses: difficulty accepting direction and team structures Identify the Maverick’s primary goals in your organization and see where they match the company goals. If you can find common ground on outcomes, you can offer this person space for exploration and innovation. You’ll have to clearly determine if the maverick in your organization produces results or new ways of thinking that lead to better results. If not, encourage the person to move on to something ―different‖ outside your business.

Hermits may do very well in one-on-one situations, but don’t force them to speak in front of groups or attend networking events. They will benefit from training on communication skills and from projects that tap their intellect and talent for research and reporting. Because they may feel drained by too much interaction, offer a workspace that is more private. They may do well as telecommuters.

Want to explore more talent management techniques for business? Go to http:// www.thebaileygroup.com/resources/articles

Martha Carlson, MBA, CPCC, is Chief Operating Officer and Consultant with The Bailey Group, which harnesses deep knowledge of human behavior to help organizations chart a path to high performance and growth. Contact her at 763.545.5997 or martha@thebaileygroup.com; www.thebaileygroup.com

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Profile... Minnesota Representative Sarah Anderson 43A Year Elected: 2006 Term: 3rd District: 43A Contact Information: (651) 296-5511 rep.sarah.anderson@house.mn Twitter: @Rep_Sanderson Legislative Assistant: Gabrielle Soojian Home: Plymouth, MN Education: BA, University of Minnesota Duluth Family: Married 15 years to Paul, one son, Cole. Committees/organizations: Ways and Means, Taxes, Commerce, Rules, Redistricting (Chair) What has been the greatest eye-opening experience for you as a legislator and why? The volume of E-mail one receives and how that varies depending upon the area you represent. What specific bills or initiatives have been a key focus for you during the 2012 legislative session? My focus has been on removing barriers to job growth, streamlining government operations, and improving our educational system.

What should the Governor and legislature do to help stimulate the economy, support job growth, and increase Minnesota’s economic competitiveness? House Republicans are pushing for expanding the Angel Investor Tax Credit, boosting the R&D Tax Credit, establishing the Net Operating Loss Tax Credit, and giving small businesses an upfront sales tax exemption on capital equipment. We are also working to eliminate the statewide business property tax to help businesses grow jobs and stimulate the economy. What are the biggest challenges that face your district and why? Job growth and the overall economy is what I’m hearing about the most from constituents. The uncertainty of financial stability weighs on the minds of everyone. Though government cannot grow jobs, we can remove the barriers to job growth and create and environment that encourages consumer confidence. Why is the business community important to you? The job providers of this state support what makes Minnesota great. We cannot afford to alienate job providers with tax policies and regulations that will drive them away or put them out of business.

What is your favorite local or state landmark? I love the Minnesota State Fair. It highlights the vast diversity of our state and it’s a great celebration of what binds us all together. I don’t know if you would consider this a landmark, but’s it’s the first thing that comes to mind for me. What is something from your past or present that people would be surprised to know about you? I play the tenor saxophone. I’m out of practice, but I still pull it out every now and then and play for my son.

Link | Rep. Sarah Anderson’s Profile

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Small Business Awards Luncheon... CMF Holdings, Inc. Founder to Speak at Small Business Awards Luncheon Thank you to our sponsors: Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors:

Honor the entrepreneurial spirit, witness the awarding of the Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, meet TwinWest Foundation High School scholarship recipients and donors, and hear keynote speaker and franchisor entrepreneur, Ron Olson, CMF Holdings, Inc. at TwinWest’s May 24 Small Business Awards Luncheon. CMF Holdings is the franchisor of Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Computer Renaissance, Music Go Around, It’s About Games, and Disc Go Round. WCCO’s Frank Vascallero returns as the event’s emcee. The TwinWest Foundation scholarship reception will take place prior to the luncheon.

Bronze Sponsors:

Event Details Small Business Awards Luncheon Thursday, May 24, 2012 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Link | Register online Tickets $45/members, or $400 for a table of 10/members

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 TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

May Networking Event TwinWest Networking at T.G.I. Friday’s Networking with a TwinWest twist.... Join TwinWest and T.G.I. Friday's in St. Louis Park for a late afternoon of networking, complimentary appetizers, beverage specials, and games. Experience T.G.I. Friday's newest restaurant concept while enjoying the beginning of summer on the T.G.I. Friday's outdoor patio.

Investment: Included in your membership More Information --no additional cost to attend. For more information visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Appetizers and fun are compliments of the host. Link | More Information No need to RSVP. Open to TwinWest members and T.G.I. Friday's guests. Event Details TwinWest Networking: Networking Event at T.G.I. Friday’s May 30, 4:30—6:30 p.m. T.G.I. Friday’s 5875 Wayzata Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Click here for map.

Interested in hosting an upcoming TwinWest networking event? Click here to learn more about the new networking platform at TwinWest.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Members

Welcome New Members/Member Orientation Photos Anytime Fitness Minnetonka 11104 Cedar Lake Road Minnetonka, MN 55305 Chris Thompson HEALTH & FITNESS PRODUCTS/CENTERS

Chris Larsen & Associates 16609 Hidden Valley Road Minnetonka, MN 55345 Christine Larsen PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITERS

Hamernick Decorating Center 1381 Rice Street North St. Paul, MN 55117 Barry Shiff FLOORING PAINT & WALLCOVERING

The Home Depot St. Louis Park 5800 Cedar Lake Road St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Joe Lucker RETAIL

Hennepin County Community Works Development 701 Fourth Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55415 Patrick Connoy GOVERNMENT

Make-A-Wish 615 First Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55413 Lauren Lambright NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Wayside House, Inc. 3705 Park Center Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Heather Wolfgram DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Member Orientation sponsor:

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”

Twin Metals Minnesota 380 St. Peter Street Suite 705 St. Paul, MN 55102 Bob McFarlin MINING From left to right: Chris Wandmacher - Allied Waste Services; Laura Anderson Neptune Society; Heidi Stennes Opportunity Services; Shelley Klaessy– Galleria Shops of Distinction; Paul Schirmers Paul Schirmers Agency - Farmers Insurance

From left to right: Jay Whitcomb The American Red Cross; Heather Wolfgram - Wayside House; Ann Kim - Calhoun Beach Club; Ann Huhn - Children’s Hospital - Minnetonka; Jacob Parsley-Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd.

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 May 2. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Members

Renewing Members

25+ Years_____________________ Employment Action Center General Mills Latuff’s Pizzeria Lehrman, Flom & Co., P.L.L.P Wells Fargo - Wayzata 21-25 Years___________________ Coldwell Banker Burnet - Plymouth Continental Diamond Hopkins Auto Body McLaughlin-Gormley-King Co. Wipfli, LLP 16-20 Years___________________ Courey, Kosanda & Zimmer, P.A. Coverall of the Twin Cities, Inc. Dolliff Insurance Jurgensen, Stanley F. CPA Ltd. Park Dental St. Louis Park Private Bank Minnesota Watson Forsberg Co.

6-10 Years____________________ Buffalo Wild Wings - Plymouth Coordinated Business Systems Endura Financial Federal Credit Union Graham Jewelers Hasling, Chris - Northwestern Mutual North Hennepin Community College Foundation T.G.I. Friday’s 1-5 Years_____________________ Accord Benefit Resources, Inc. Cambridge Properties Midwest Doyle Hance, LLC Golden Valley Heating and Air Immo Systems Jos. A. Bank Mans Clothier Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Messerli &Kramer, P.A. Patch.com State Farm - Tracy Taylor Agency U.S. Energy

11-15 Years___________________ Business Bank MN Insurance Group, Inc.

Amy Larson: May’s Volunteer Superstar! TwinWest is very proud to honor Amy Larson as our May 2012 Volunteer Superstar. Over the course of the past several years Amy has been very active on the TwinWest Foundation's Board of Directors. In March, Amy played an integral role on the Foundation's High School Scholarship Committee. Amy and other volunteers spent countless hours reading scholarship applications and vetting over two-hundred candidates. Year in and year out, Amy has also gone out of her way to secure fabulous silent auction items for the TwinWest Gala. It's dynamic volunteers like Amy that make TwinWest such a vibrant organization. Thank you Amy!

Chamber Champions 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—May 2012

Snapshots

Link | www.twinwest.com/photos

Cinema Grill Networking Event

April Legislative Breakfast—Education Reform

Breakfast with Senator Amy Klobuchar

TwinWest Academy TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

May Calendar... Wednesday, May 2 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, May 3 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.

Friday, May 4 TwinWest Legislative Breakfast Session Review with Tom Hauser | link 7:30—9:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park Investment: $30 for members. By popular demand, Tom Hauser of KSTP’s ―At Issue‖ has been invited back to moderate a stellar panel of political pundits. Panelists include: Darin Broton of Tunheim Dane Smith of Growth and Justice Ben Golnik of Golnik Strategies Andy Brehm of Dorsey & Whitney Click here for map.

The Saint Louis Park Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice in local government and grassroots issues. Speaker Toby Dayton of JobDig will be speaking.

Monday, May 7 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.

Click here for map.

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

Tuesday, May 8 Plymouth Business Council | link 7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 10700 Old County Road 15, 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. Click here for map.

Thursday, May 10 Morning Networking at Citizens Independent Bank with HBCA | link 7:20a.m.-9:00a.m. Citizens Independent Bank– Hopkins 10901 Excelsior Boulevard Hopkins, MN Investment: No cost to attend. Meet you business neighbors and network with community leaders at Citizens Independent Bank in Hopkins. This informal no-cost networking event is held in partnership with the Hopkins Business and Civic Association.

Tuesday, May 15 Prospective Member Forum | link 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. TwinWest invites you to a one-hour forum to learn how to grow your network and improve the business climate through TwinWest. Click here for map.

Wednesday, May 16 Government Affairs Meeting | link 7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.mTwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. Discuss public policy issues impacting the business community. Click here for map.

Click here for map.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

...May Calendar Thursday, May 17 Cancelled: Crystal/New Hope Business Council Meeting|link 7:30a.m.-9:00a.m. The Crystal/New Hope Business Council meeting has been cancelled due to the May 17 State of the County event. Click here for map.

Thursday, May 17 Hennepin County State of the County Address | link 8:30—10:00 a.m. Plymouth Creek Center 14800 34th Avenue, Plymouth Investment: Included in your membership. Mike Opat, Hennepin County Board Chair, will give a State of the County address. Click here for a map.

Thursday, May 17 Emerging Leaders Golf Event | link 2:30—5:30 p.m. Brookview Golf Course 200 Brookview Parkway, Golden Valley Please join the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders for a summer golf outing at Brookview Golf Course. This is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other area professionals. Click here for map.

Monday, May 21 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, May 24 Small Business Awards Luncheon 2012 | link 11:30a.m.– 1:00p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place Investment: $45/member; $400 table of 10 Honor the entrepreneurial spirit, see the Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year finalists, meet TwinWest Foundation High School scholarship award recipients and donors, and hear entrepreneur Ron Olson, president of CMF Holdings. Olson’s company was the franchisor of Play It Again Sports, Once Upon a Child, Plato’s Closet, Computer Renaissance, Music Go Around, It’s About Games, and Disc Go Round. WCCO’s Frank Vascellaro return’s as the event’s emcee. Click here for map.

Wednesday, May 30 TwinWest Networking at T.G.I. Friday’s | link 4:30—6:30 p.m. T.G.I. Friday’s - St. Louis Park 5875 Wayzata Boulevard, St. Louis Park Investment: Included in membership. Join TwinWest and T.G.I. Friday's in St. Louis Park for a late afternoon of networking, complimentary appetizers, beverage specials, and games. Experience T.G.I. Friday's newest restaurant concept while enjoying the beginning of summer on the T.G.I. Friday's outdoor patio. Click here for map.

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

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

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directions—May 2012

Board & Leadership TwinWest Board of Directors 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 Directors Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank 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

TwinWest Staff

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

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

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

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

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

Directionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;May 2012