Nov. 2010 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

November 2010

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2009-2010 Year in Review Page 9

Thirteen of the twenty-five 2010 TwinWest Career Path Scholarship recipients attended the 2010 TwinWest Annual Celebration. Photo provided by Sandy Benson Photography

Does this article matter to you?

page 7

HIRE Act tax incentives expire at the end of 2010; A new law will further impact planning Page 8 Save the date: December 8 is the TwinWest Holiday Overtime Expo

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Mariucci Classic Exclusive offer!

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from the president’s desk

Businesses Voted For... Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. FEC in early 2010 and the Minnesota Legislature’s reaction to it, corporations in TwinWest’s area, across Minnesota, and coast to coast had an unprecedented opportunity to participate in this year’s elections. Our new option to endorse and make independent expenditures in support of candidates deserves a brief analysis of “who businesses voted for” through their actions, or more appropriately how businesses choose to support candidates. TwinWest’s leadership team, including our Board of Directors and staff, spent a fair amount of time discussing options for TwinWest as a corporation and options for businesses when it came to endorsing and indirectly supporting candidates. In the end, the Chamber endorsed Congressman Erik Paulsen in the 3rd Congressional District race (under an authority that was not new this year), but left state legislative races to the TwinWest Political Action Committee. (The TwinWest Political Action Committee has a strong history of involvement in state legislative races and a few selected local races). Although we discussed endorsing a candidate in the governor’s race, we elected to focus our resources on educating members about the candidate’s positions on business issues and perspectives on growing jobs. We were proud to host an August gubernatorial debate that brought 500 business and community leaders to General Mills. With the exception of a few businesses making what turned out to be high-profile contributions to new independent expenditure organizations, like the Minnesota Chamber and Minnesota Business Partnershipcreated Minnesota Forward, my analysis is that most businesses chose to participate in elections in the same way they have in the past. I did not run across many corporations placing an advertisement in the local newspaper endorsing a candidate or sending an e-mail to all its vendors urging them to support a specific candidate. I saw an occasional lawn sign in front of a business, but aside from that, few businesses rallied around specific candidates in new ways. I did notice a heightened desire on the part of business leaders to understand and debate candidates based on their plans for stimulating the economy and growing jobs. While some of that interest may have been driven by the economy or the high-profile governor’s race, I definitely felt that because Minnesota corporations have the legal right, ability, and even responsibility to support candidates interested in private sector job retention and growth, the business community was engaged at a higher level. I am proud of that interest and engagement. In the end, the business community walks away from the election of 2010 prepared to be a better business constituent. I hope our new ability to exercise our voice as Minnesota corporations becomes more comfortable as we look ahead to November, 2012. Like your business, the TwinWest Chamber will invest some time between now and then to discuss the best way to have a strong, effective voice when it comes to candidates and elections. If your business approached employee communication or candidate support in a new way this past election cycle, I’d like to hear about it. Call me at (763) 450-2222 or send me an e-mail at bruce@twinwest.com. Sincerely,

10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone: (763) 450-2220 • Fax: (763) 450-2221 www.twinwest.com

TwinWest Directions (USPS 060870) is published 10 times per year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Phone: (763) 4502220. Periodicals Postage Paid, at Hopkins, MN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TwinWest Directions, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Annual subscription rate of $40 is included in membership investment. The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of: Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding region.

4 TWINWEST FOUNDATION TwinWest Foundation awards $25,000 in Career Path Scholarships. Credible Leadership

6 MEMBER PROFILE 7 $ UCCESS TWINWEST 8 G OVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Home Instead Senior Care - A member in the news Does this article matter to you?

Hire Act tax incentives expire at the end of 2010; A new law will further impact tax planning. Member Orientation photos

9 FEATURE STORY

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2009-2010 Year in Review

VENT & 10 EPROGRAM DETAILS

Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in November, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk; Network Connections Networking Group; Power Partners Networking; Perspective Member Forum; Legislative Breakfast; Business Showcase; Overtime; TwinWest Holiday Overtime Expo; Emerging Leaders ‘On the Fast Track’ Luncheon, etc.

12 CHAMBER NEWS

Ellie Bathe and Carol Smith are TwinWest’s November volunteer superstars! Save the date: December 8 is the TwinWest Holiday Overtime Expo. TwinWest Emerging Leaders focus on the culture of the Twin Cities. Thank you to the generous companies who helped make this year’s Annual Celebration a success!

MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING

TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another

Bruce Nustad, president

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.™

table of contents

TWINWEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair of the Board Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Past Chair of the Board Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair-elect of the Board Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President DIRECTORS Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Mike Corbin, General Mills Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Ron Leino, Liberty Carton Co., an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank – Minnetonka Matt Schadow, Ameristar Agency, Inc. Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design

TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Government Affairs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Chris Kirwan, Director of Member & Community Engagement Dan Thorp, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative Stacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications

ECM Publishers, Inc. 12180 County Road 11 Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone: (952) 846-2040 Fax: (952) 846-2044 Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising Director Jeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic Design Mariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales

November 2010

TwinWest Foundation

TwinWest Foundation awards $25,000 in Career Path Scholarships This year, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation presented twenty-five adult students with a total of $25,000 in Career Path Scholarships. This program is designed to help working adults advance their careers, continue their education, and further strengthen their workforce and leadership skills.

Career Path Scholarship recipient Linda Crawford shared her story at the TwinWest Annual Celebration. She expressed how her education is helping her change her own life for the better. “As a single grandparent raising two young, school-age children, I found the courage and resolve to make a career change,” said Crawford. “Being their legal guardian, I feel a responsibility to not give up on life due to unfortunate circumstances…” Crawford moved to Minnesota from Des Moines, Iowa, after she was laid off in June of 2008. She attends Dunwoody College of Technology and is pursuing a degree in computer networking. Linda also volunteers as an Eden Prairie City Council appointed Human Rights Commissioner and worked this past summer as a volunteer for the Eden Prairie Arts and Cultural Department planning and executing their annual International Festival event. She hopes to own her own business one day. The TwinWest Foundation Career Path Scholarship program is targeted to adult students who are enrolled in TwinWest member postsecondary schools. The typical scholarship award is $1,000 per recipient. Applications are available to download in June each year and scholarship awards are announced in late September. The TwinWest Foundation also awarded $45,000 to 51 graduating high school seniors this past spring. The TwinWest Foundation is the oldest and one of the most active chamber of commerce philanthropic institutions in Minnesota. Since 1982, the TwinWest Foundation has distributed over $900,000 in scholarships, grants, and

TwinWest Directions

funding donations. The TwinWest Foundation serves the western and northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities by providing highly sought after scholarships. Congratulations to the 2010 TwinWest Foundation Career Path Scholarship Recipients: Lisa Bair, Herzing University Ashley Bauhof, Herzing University Jamie Bibbs, Herzing University Gayle Blizil, Dunwoody College of Technology Jodie Brueske, Herzing University Brian Busby, Dunwoody College of Technology Megan Coleman, Minnesota School of BusinessPlymouth Linda Crawford, Dunwoody College of Technology Andrew Disher, Dunwoody College of Technology Nichole Fish, Herzing University Janet Fuller, Herzing University Tanicka Hammer, Herzing University Nancy Hendrickson, Herzing University Mahaulo Hobbs, Hennepin Technical CollegeBrooklyn Park Maggie Johnson, Dunwoody College of Technology Nicholas Krenz, Dunwoody College of Technology Tamiko Mitchell, Dunwoody College of Technology Aja Mitchell, Herzing University Chantel Olson, Minnesota School of BusinessPlymouth Ashley Rowe, Herzing University Deanna Van Poll, Minnesota School of BusinessPlymouth Nathan Walkington, Dunwoody College of Technology Beth Waters, North Hennepin Community College Shevonne Williams, Hennepin Technical College-Brooklyn Park Toshie Yokoyama, North Hennepin Community College

Thank you to those who contributed to support the TwinWest Foundation and awarded to these recipients! DESIGNATED SCHOLARSHIP CONTRIBUTORS ($2,500 and above) Citizens Independent Bank Data Recognition Corporation Dannette Coleman LarsonAllen, LLP Liberty Diversified International M&I Bank Voyager Bank Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. U.S. Energy PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTORS ($1,000 to $2,499) Anchor Bank Best & Flanagan LLP Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs BNC National Bank Caliber Development Corporation Cass Screw Machine Products Grant Thornton LLP LarsonAllen, LLP Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP Michael Foods Egg Products Company Payroll Control Systems Shred-it CORNERSTONE CONTRIBUTORS ($500 to $999) AmeriStar Agency, Inc. – DS&B, Ltd. – GeartyDelmore Funeral Chapel – Giertsen Company – Hays Companies – Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. – Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. – David Lenzen – Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services – PreferredOne Ray Smith Insurance Agency, Inc. FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTORS (up to $499) Jennifer Albrecht – Becky Bakken – Ellie Bathe – William Beard – Joe Boston – Business & Estate Advisors – Mark Carlson – CEL – Clark Engineering Corporation – Daniel Freeman – Dale Greenwald – Lynn Gruber – H!gh F!ve – J & F Reddy Rents – Charlie Jacobson – Judy Johnson – Karen Jothen – Bob Kaitz – Rita Kearns – Chris Kirwan – Greg Korstad – Jan Kruchoski – Amy Larson – Mike Lehmann – Marketing Consultants LLC – Tammy Moon – Bruce Nustad – Rachel O’Brien – Park Dental Ridgepark – Tim Plant – Pressworks – Ann Rooney – Greg Rye – Matt Schadow – Kathleen Schneibel – Sears Auto Imports – Jim Snoxell – Susan Snyder – John Swaney – Lynn Talen – The Beard Group – The Business Bank – The Foursome Clothing & Shoes – Jon Thompson – Twin Realty Investment Company – TwinWest Emerging Leaders – Western Bank – Steve Wise

leadership

Credible Leadership Never before has there been a time when leaders are under so much scrutiny to behave credibly and ethically. The volume and type of change occurring today, impacting both organizations and their workforces, has created a seemingly unstable and stressful work environment. It’s up to leaders to guide employees through these chaotic times in ways that inspire optimum levels of worker productivity, performance and commitment. And to do this, it takes credible leadership.

Attributes of Credible Leaders At Right Management, we define credible leaders as those who are trustworthy, competent, dynamic, inspiring and accountable. It’s not enough to have one or a couple of these attributes – which is how most of us have historically defined a great leader. Today, a credible leader needs to hold all of these attributes, while being proficient and competent to execute strategically. Bottom line business results depend on bringing leaders to the peak of their potential with maximum efficiency. Effective leaders positively impact employee retention and engagement. Capable leaders positively impact productivity and performance. Credible leaders do both.

The Behaviors of Credible Leaders We’ve identified the following eight behaviors that foster credible leadership and, subsequently, higher levels of employee engagement and contribution. Create a culture reflecting values with which employees can identify. Leaders can influence a culture in ways that will drive engagement. The most effective leadership behavior: show that they value employees. Credible leaders must do more than simply say they value employee contribution. They need to make it real and demonstrate it. To maximize employee contribution, top management must be aligned and show employees that they really count. This includes their ideas, contributions, values and commitment. It has to be ongoing, not an annual event. Build trust and show you value employees. Credible leaders are professionally and personally interested in employees. They know what is going on in their lives both at work and outside of work. They ask questions around where their interests are and link these to the direction of the company. Credible leaders build trust through effective communications. This is particularly essential during times of change. They emulate appropriate behaviors and role model, and they utilize technology and new communication and

social networking vehicles, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, to stay connected with the employeebase and other key stakeholders in the organization. Employees need to trust that their leaders have the capability to make the organization successful. To win that trust, credible leaders must show that they have a plan, must articulate that plan clearly to employees, and demonstrate that the plan is being implemented effectively.

Implement the organization’s strategy effectively. Credible leaders execute strategic change by first, understanding the complexities of the change and facing the realities of the external forces putting pressure on their business. Then, credible leaders optimize the organization’s structure, capacities and capabilities, its people, systems, processes and its leadership performance. They prioritize critical issues, analyze root causes of performance inhibitors and identify capability gaps. Once strategy has been clearly articulated and agreed upon, they clarify fit-for-purpose structures and roles; deploy people, systems and process; and assign capable leadership at all levels. And finally, credible leaders measure for impact on actual business performance. Communicate strategy to employees clearly. Fluid strategies reflecting today’s dynamic business conditions can make communicating business objectives as difficult as writing on water. Yet a workforce that better understands the organization’s strategy is better able to execute it. Credible leaders convey clear, consistent messaging that links every employee to strategy and drives engagement, productivity and success. They develop a comprehensive communication plan to carry employees at all levels from awareness and understanding to commitment and enhanced performance. Put strategy to work. A winning strategy is no guarantee of successful results. Unless an organization can align its workforce behind its strategy, its strategy is likely to remain on the shelf gathering dust. The workforce needs to be aligned with strategic objectives. Credible Leaders identify employee and workforce issues impeding strategy implementation. They prioritize workforce management strategies and align them with broader strategic goals. They typically use diagnostic tools to build executive team alignment around the organization’s greatest strengths and needs, analyze gaps between the organization’s current state and the state of benchmark organizations; then build collaborative approaches with the workforce to get the job done!

Step up and be accountable. Credible leaders act with character and integrity. They earn and maintain credibility when they hold themselves accountable and behave in ways consist with the values of the organization. To view leaders as credible, all stakeholders need to know that the people expected to lead will accept responsibility and account for their actions, claiming ownership for results produced as a result of their efforts, irrespective of success or failure. Manage change effectively. Credible leaders need to take a greater role to ensure change is communicated and implemented effectively. They communicate openly and honestly, keep employees informed, solicit feedback from those impacted by change, and commit to meeting expectations set by leadership. From the senior leader on down, the messaging must be consistent. Develop leaders of all levels. Credible leaders invest in their own ongoing learning while also developing other leaders. Preparing a strong leadership pipeline of both “ready-now” and “ready-in-the-future” candidates ensures those leaders are most capable of performing at the highest levels and leading effectively through change. By having a strong succession management process in place, identifying high potential and high performance leaders, organizations will be in a much better position to identify talent to take on new roles brought about by the organization’s changes. With new challenges confronting leaders at a quickening pace, no organization can afford to overlook the need to develop credible leaders and instill a culture that fosters such growth. Credible leadership is the foundation to demonstrate trust in employees and, in turn, inspire employees to place their trust in them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lynn Clement is a Market Vice President for Right Management. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the world leader in innovative workforce solutions. She can be reached at lynn.clement@right.com.

Susan Palombo, Right Management Phone: (952) 837-0955 Web site: www.right.com 3600 Minnesota Drive, Suite 850 Edina, MN 55435 November 2010

member profile

Home Instead Senior Care - A member in the news Member name: John Stuck Business name: Home Instead Senior Care of Minneapolis In business since: 1999 TwinWest member since: 2010 Number of employees: 125 Location: Serving Minneapolis and Western Suburbs What is your main service/product? Home Instead Senior Care provides non-medical services to seniors such as companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, errands, and personal care. What makes you stand out from your competition? As our tagline reads “to us, it’s personal,” it is right on. We work very hard at matching our clients with the right CAREGivers. Home Instead Senior Care also provides resources to the communities and families to which we serve. One of our community outreach

programs is our Be a Santa to a Senior, with which we work with non-profit organizations to identify seniors who are without family, financially challenged, or isolated. Our corporate sponsorships and retail partners have made this a great success.

build long lasting relationships. Also, I love attending the legislative breakfast series to feed the political junkie in me!

CONTACT INFORMATION: John Stuck john.stuck@ homeinstead.com 7213 Forestview Lane N Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 544-5988 www.homeinstead.com/230

What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? We have grown our business by 95% since 2008. Home Instead Senior Care demonstrates commitment to quality care through our proprietary PEAQ program, “Pursuing Excellence by Advancing Quality.” Through an exclusive partnership with JD Power and Associates, CAREGivers and clients are routinely surveyed to ensure consistent delivery of high quality service. Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? Being a member of TwinWest connects us to the business community, helps me find resources that can help grow my business and look to

Each month TwinWest profiles a long standing member and recognizes their sustained commitment to our region’s business climate. We greatly value their ongoing presence in our membership.

Experience St. Louis Park Public Schools! St. Louis Park Public Schools offers a world of opportunity to all students.

St. Louis Park Offers: • Excellent teachers and staff. • 98% of district parents feel their children are taught by highly trained teachers who care about them. • A commitment to ensure that all students have access to equal, high-quality educational opportunities. • A wide array of educational programs and services under an international umbrella aimed at providing students with learning experiences that will enable them to succeed in a global marketplace. • Small, neighborhood schools with individual attention. • The International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from pre-school through high school. IB is an internationally recognized method for teaching that uses inquiry, local and international focus and collaboration throughout the school day and includes weekly world language instruction for all students. • The Park Spanish Immersion (PSI) School, a K-5 elementary program provides students a high-quality, full Spanish immersion education with an international focus and global perspective. There is an application and lottery process to attend PSI.

Experience what sets the St. Louis Park Schools apart from the rest! For more information about what our schools have to offer, visit us at

www.slpschools.org

StLouisPark_DIR9_MH TwinWest Directions 1

10/6/10 6:28 PM

$uccess TwinWest

Does this article matter to you? So, you just got the new issue of Directions, and you come across this $uccess TwinWest article written by a fellow member. You just know it’s going to be puffery, right? Oh sure, it’s supposed to be informative, but we all suspect it might be a 500word advertisement for the author’s business. But what if it isn’t?

concentrated—the core that represents something very significant to them. People today are incredibly jaded, and if you want any hope of connecting with them, remember to focus not on what you want to communicate, but on what they need to hear to find you relevant.

What if this article held some insight for you and your business; a nugget you could take and use in your day-to-day world? Wouldn’t that be great? Imagine your reaction if I, as the author, would write something helpful to you, without it coming across as a sales pitch. In business communications, this is what we call relevance, and it’s one of the key elements in creating messages that connect with an audience, grab attention and motivate action.

Give Them Warm Fuzzies According to all of the scientific research out there, how we think cannot be separated from how we feel. Too many companies seem to forget this when they communicate with their prospects and customers. Instead of crafting messages that will engage their audience’s emotional needs, these brands focus all of their time on either talking up their features or being irreverent, which, while entertaining, does not deliver effective results.

Why Be Relevant? Relevance is the difference between talking at your audience and communicating with them. It is the extent to which your marketing messages relate to your prospect’s interests and desires. Being relevant is more than entertaining your audience with a clever headline, amusing picture or humorous video. Also, it’s a lot more than just describing your product bullet points or service offering’s features and benefits. It’s about reaching deep down and speaking to that part of the readers’ hearts where their excitement is

How To Be Relevant Being relevant to your audience requires research and thoughtfulness. You can’t address their interests and emotional needs if you don’t understand where they’re coming from. Once you’ve got a good handle on their joys and headaches, you can shape messages that will resonate with them. The best marketing addresses issues that matter to the audience and explains the importance of the brand to their daily lives. And while all marketing is self-interested,

communications that inform, educate and connect with your customers about these issues are much more likely to engage their emotions. To learn more about relevance and how you can create communications that will motivate your audience to action, visit CircadianMN.com/DoesThisMatter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brock Ray is a partner at Circadian, a Twin Cities-based creative agency specializing in brand development, management and advocacy. He takes lead on strategic communications planning, business development and interactive marketing. His passion is creative solutions that deliver results.

Brock Ray, Circadian Phone: (612) 276-2280 Email:Brock@CircadianMN.com Web site: circadianMN.com

Share your expertise and receive free business exposure! TwinWest members are invited to submit articles for this column to stacy@celpr.com. Articles should provide concrete business advice; target length is 450-500 words. Call Stacy Slygh at (763) 559-6058 with questions.

1455 County Rd. 101 N., Plymouth MN 55447 • 763-476-2000 • www.msbcollege.edu

Are you looking to fill your next position with a qualified candidate? Then contact Globe University/Minnesota School of Business. Our mission is to connect the right person with the right skills to the right job. Fully accredited Master, Bachelor, Associate and Diploma programs. Founded in 1877

Contact Marie Tomala 763-398-5971 or mtomala@msbcollege.edu MNSchool_DIR9_MH 1

10/6/10 2010 6:25 PM7 November

government affairs

HIRE Act tax incentives expire at the Member end of 2010; A new law will further Orientation Photos impact tax planning. Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, enacted March 18, 2010, two new tax benefits are available to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers (“qualified employees”). These tax incentives expire at the end of 2010. The first, referred to as the payroll tax exemption, provides employers with an exemption from the employer’s 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualifying employees, effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010. In addition, for each qualified employee retained for at least 52 consecutive weeks, businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit, referred to as the new hire retention credit, of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee over the 52 week period, up to a maximum credit of $1,000. The two tax benefits are especially helpful to employers who are adding positions to their payrolls. New hires filling existing positions also qualify but only if the workers they are replacing left voluntarily or for cause. Family members and other relatives do not qualify. In addition, the new law requires that the employer get a statement from each eligible new hire certifying that he or she was unemployed during the 60 days before beginning work or, alternatively, worked no more than 40 hours for anyone during the 60-day period. The IRS requires that employees sign a W-11 form for verification. Businesses, agricultural employers, tax-exempt organizations and public colleges and universities all qualify to claim the payroll tax benefit for eligible newly-hired employees. Household employers cannot claim this new tax benefit. Employers claim the payroll tax benefit on the federal employment tax return they file, usually quarterly, with the IRS. Eligible employers will be able to claim the new tax incentive on their revised employment tax form for the second quarter of 2010. “HIRE Act benefits are open to everyone. Right now many companies are operating at a loss and think they might not qualify, but they do.” said Ryan Van De Wynkel of Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P. “In addition, even if employers hired anyone after Feb. 23 and did not apply for the credit yet, they can amend their previous payroll to do so. There is no limit on the number of employees hired, or the hours worked.”

TwinWest Directions

Here’s an overview of what you should know: 6.2 percent payroll tax exemption You may be exempt from your 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualified employees, effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010, through December 31, 2010. Most employers will claim it on Form 941, Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return, beginning with the second quarter of 2010. The exemption will also be claimed on annual payroll tax returns such as Form 944, Employer’s ANNUAL Federal Tax Return. Tax credit up to $1,000 per worker You may claim an additional new hire retention credit, up to $1,000 for each qualified employee you keep as an employee for at least a year and whose wages are not significantly reduced in the second half of the year. You claim it on your income tax return for your business, usually in tax year 2011. Qualified employers You may qualify for these tax breaks if you are a small or large business, tax-exempt organization, public college or university, Indian tribal government or farmer. But household employers and federal, state and local government employers, other than public colleges and universities, do not qualify. Qualified employees Generally, those beginning employment with you after February 3, 2010, and before January 1, 2011, who were either unemployed or worked 40 hours or less for anyone during the previous 60 days can qualify. You must get a Form W-11, or similar signed affidavit, from new hires certifying they were not employed for more than 40 hours during the 60 days before beginning employment. Additional legislation: The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, signed into law on September 27, 2010, will impact tax planning for many small businesses, individuals, and large enterprises. This bill contains numerous tax credits and deductions, as well as expanded reporting for information returns, increased penalties, and other revenue generators. These provisions primarily affect 2010 and 2011 tax returns. One provision related to additional ‘bonus’ depreciation affects 2009 tax returns already filed. Learn more about the HIRE Act and new jobs tax breaks at www.IRS.gov or contact Ryan Van De Wynkel at rvandewynkel@ckco-cpa.com or Tim Kenyon at tkenyon@ckco-cpa.com at Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P., (952) 345-2500.

TwinWest members are actively involved in our events and programs and we are proud to share our members getting a return of their investment. Below are members who have recently joined TwinWest.

October Member Orientation. From left to right: Dan Krolczyk, Patch.com; Rachel Cherry, Patch.com; Amy Loughrey, Walsh Partners, Inc.; Alicia Brown, Ringo Restaurant & Bar; Chris Colich, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Eric Gartner, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

October Member Orientation. From left to right: Sean Robb, Cooper Irish Pub & Restaurant; Mike Mohn, Sandler Training; Patty Dunn, Goff & Howard; Jodi Milbradt, Employers Solutions Group; Joe Demeneghi, Employers Solutions Group; Robert Fisher, Australia Adventures LLC.

October Member Orientation. From left to right: Nick Jenneman, ADOGO Pet Hotel; Kate Hernandez, Revier Financial Services; Scott Plum, Minnesota Sales Institute; John Sturgess, ADOGO Pet Hotel.

feature story

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation 2009 - 2010 Year In Review Dear TwinWest Members, Despite today’s challenging economic times, I am very pleased to report that thanks to the hard work of the TwinWest Foundation’s Board of Directors and the continued support of many Chambers members, the TwinWest Chamber Foundation granted $70,000 in scholarship funds to 76 deserving students throughout our area this year. With 143 high school scholarship applications and 109 Career Path scholarship applications, the TwinWest Foundation has never seen more requests from local students seeking assistance in the pursuit of their educational goals in a single year. This year the High School Scholarship Committee was particularly impressed with the high caliber and diverse interests of our high school seniors applying for college scholarships. Some of this year’s scholarship recipients plan to pursue careers in challenging and important fields such as psychology, law, engineering and medicine, to name a few. Zach Sperry, Wayzata High School, our $5,000 Legacy Scholarship receipient, is studying biomedical engineering at the School of Sciences and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. In the future, Zach hopes to help find a way to make biotech more affordable so life-improving medical devices can become more accessible to those who need them most. Please join me and the rest of the Foundation’s directors in wishing Zach and all of our other deserving high school scholarship recipients well as they embark onto the next phase of their academic careers. Of course, none of these scholarships would have been possible without the hard work of our High School Scholarship Committee who assessed the applications and determined who would receive scholarships. Charlie Jacobson of Liberty Diversified International, Dan O’Mara of Dan O’Mara Architects and Kathleen Scheibel of KMAS Consulting did an excellent job reviewing applications, meeting with our candidates and selecting our scholarship winners. Thank you for investing your time in this important part of the scholarship award process! This year also saw a fantastic group of applicants for our Career Path scholarship program. TwinWest Chamber Foundation was able to award $25,000 in scholarships to 25 adult learners, again thanks to the generosity of Twin West Chamber’s members who contributed to our scholarship program. We are thrilled to be able to offer this much-needed financial assistance to these students as they pursue their vocational training at TwinWest member post-secondary schools. We wish them all the best as they work to learn the skills and gain the experience that will help them realize their vocational goals. I would also like to offer a heartfelt thanks to our Career Path Scholarship Committee, led by Tammy Moon of M&I Bank, FSB. Tammy, along with Dale Greenwald of Cass Screw Machine Products, Lisa McDaniel of Voyager Bank, and Ann Rooney of the Whole Learning School spent many hours reviewing applications and interviewing our adult student applicants to select our Career Path scholarships recipients. On behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, I would also like to thank all of our 2009-2010 contributors. Without you, none of this would be possible. As I pass the torch to Matt Schadow of the Ameristar Agency, Inc. I urge you to continue supporting these grateful and deserving students. Your commitment to the TwinWest Foundation during these difficult economic times provides encouragement to those of us carrying on the Foundation’s mission to the students we seek to empower.

Jim Snoxell Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. 2009-2010 Chair of the TwinWest Foundation Board of Directors

2009-2010 TwinWest Foundation Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Chair of the Board Matt Schadow, AmeriStar Agency, Inc. Chair-elect of the Board Jennifer Albrecht, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Past Chair of the Board Daniel Freeman, DS&B, Ltd. Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ellie Bathe, H!gh F!ve Dannette Coleman, Medica Charlie Jacobson, Liberty Diversified International Stephanie Laitala, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Amy Larson, Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Lisa McDaniel, Voyager Bank - Minnetonka Tammy Moon, M&I Bank Greg Rye, R & R Business Development Mark Suppes, Shred-N-Go, Inc. John Swaney

November 2010

event &text program details

November 2010 3

Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn 10420 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka (952) 541-1094 No cost to attend.

Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.

TwinWest Legislative Breakfast 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park (952) 542-8600 Investment: $30/members; $40/nonmembers

Crystal/New Hope Business Council 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International 5600 North Highway 169, New Hope (763) 536-6600 No cost to attend.

ROI: Learn how to make the most of your investment and get a jump start on networking.

ROI: Get involved in the local business community and hear updates from cities and schools.

To get there: From 394, exit on Hopkins Crossroad and go north. Take a right on Wayzata Boulevard.

To get there: Take 169 to the 49th Avenue N exit and turn right. Turn left onto Independence Avenue N.

St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park No cost to attend.

ROI: Get involved in the St. Louis Park business community and hear updates from the city and schools. To get there: Take Highway 100 to Highway 7. Turn left onto Highway 7. Turn right onto Belt Line Boulevard.

Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

ROI: Connect with other business professionals using innovative cutting-edge programs, tools and technologies to produce a positive networking outcome. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.

ROI: Brainstorm with other Chamber members about issues affecting your business while expanding your professional network. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

ROI: This event will focus on the November 2 election results and what impacts will result for the business community and the state. Hear the riveting discussion as a panel of three political commentators share their analysis and insights on what’s in store for the business community, job creation, and the economy with new leadership in the Governor’s office and membership changes in the Legislature. To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place and turn right on 16th Street.

Prospective Member Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.

ROI: Join other members for this event featuring a 25 -minute overview of the opportunities with TwinWest followed by a half hour open discussion. Current members are welcome when accompanied by a prospective member. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.

ROI: Discuss issues that impact the business community and share policy recommendations to the TwinWest Board of Directors. All members are welcome to participate in this Committee. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Golden Valley Golf & Country Club  7001 Golden Valley Road - Golden Valley  (763) 732-4100 Investment: $25/members; $35/nonmembers

ROI: Learn about programming for the upcoming series and the 2010-2011 philanthropic opportunities and community support, all while making business connections. Also, you can purchase your lunch pass for the 2010-2011 series.   To get there: Take Highway 55 to Winnetka Avenue. Go north on Winnetka Avenue to Golden Valley Road. Take a right and follow for approximately one mile.

TwinWest Directions

Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.

Overtime  4:30-6:30 p.m.  Breathe Laser Therapy  13911 Ridgedale Drive, Suite 180, Minnetonka  (952) 546-5676  No cost to attend.

ROI: Connect with success with TwinWest. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships.  To get there: From 394, exit on Plymouth Road and go south. Take first right onto Ridgehaven Lane. Ridgehaven Lane turns into Ridgedale Drive. Turn left into the parking lot of the Ridgedale Office Center.

Ridgedale YMCA “Aged to Perfection” Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Celebrating 30 Years of Service to our Community

Saturday, November 6, 2010 • 6:30–9:00 PM Hosted at

BMW of Minnetonka

15802 Wayzata Blvd. • Minnetonka, MN 55391

Join us for an evening of fine wine, fabulous food, friendship, music and more! Proceeds from this event will benefit the Ridgedale YMCA and the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, & Wayzata.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Ridgedale YMCA or call 952-582-8246 $75 each or $130 per couple. Ridgedale YMCA – 12301 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 952-944-7708 ridgedaleymca.org YMCA_DIR9_MH 1

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Every business has its own set of challenges. If you’re looking for individualized support for your company, Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P., is here for you. As an established part of the business community in this area, we are familiar with the opportunities you have and the obstacles you may face in building your business here. And if you’re planning to expand into other areas, our affiliation with CPAmerica International gives you access to national and international expertise. We’re ready to join you in your quest for the business solutions you need.

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chamber news

TwinWest Emerging Leaders focus on the culture of the Twin Cities The 2010-2011 series, sponsored by Citizens Independent Bank, seeks to support and enrich professionals in the first half of their careers. In addition to providing activities in the core areas of networking, education, philanthropy, and mentorship, the Emerging Leaders will focus this series on engaging emerging leaders in the community by educating them on the culture of the Twin Cities through TwinWest. This year, the Emerging Leaders will continue to raise funds to support a TwinWest Foundation education scholarship. They have also developed a local charitable partnership with People Serving People and will work to support their mission of serving homeless children and their families and providing new opportunities for healthy, stable family lives. You can leverage this dynamic TwinWest group to grow your presence within your company, community, and chamber. TwinWest Emerging Leaders: Building Relationships Builds Business. Thank you to Citizens Independent Bank, our 2010 - 2011 Emerging Leaders Program Sponsor. Additional event sponsorship opportunities are available. If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor, or for more information on the Emerging Leaders program, contact Chris Kirwan at chris@twinwest.com or (763) 450-2223.

Ellie Bathe and Carol Smith are TwinWest’s November volunteer superstars! TwinWest is proud to announce Ellie Bathe (pictured right) and Carol Smith (pictured left), H!gh F!ve Promotions, as our November Volunteer Superstars! Earlier this fall, Ellie and Carol put together “ Touchdown TwinWest” an outstanding “Over the Top” Overtime. Over 200 TwinWest members and non-members came out to High Five at Excelsior Tech Center in Hopkins for networking, food and fun. Ellie and Carol also organized a raffle and silent auction that raised $3,000 to benefit the TwinWest Foundation. We would also like to thank Bill Beard of The Beard Group and Peg Rasmussen of Peg’s Countryside Café for their help with co-sponsoring the event! Thank you Ellie and Carol for putting together such a great TwinWest event!

Save the date: December 8 is the TwinWest Holiday Overtime Expo It’s that time of year where you have the opportunity to network with area businesses at the Holiday Overtime Expo. This event attracts approximately 250 attendees, and is free to attend. Complimentary appetizers are also provided. This is also a great opportunty to showcase your business to other TwinWest members. For only $200, which includes an 8-foot table, you can feature your company and have your business top of mind with other members!

Event Details: TwinWest Holiday Overtime Expo December 8, 2010 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Location to be determined Free to attend Exhibit investment: $200, includes an 8-foot table. Set-up begins at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact TwinWest at (763) 450-2220 or info@twinwest.com.

TwinWest Directions

Thank you to the generous companies who helped make this year’s Annual Celebration a success!

Support Your Chamber

March 2010

Your business, your priorities

Page 4

Help support Chamber publications and network with other Chamber members without ever leaving your office. TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast featuring Governor Tim Pawlenty on February 11, 2010. Photo provided by Posers Photography, LLC.

Call Mariah 952-846-2042

Adding value to your businessand solving worker shortages page 7 Your business, your priorities: Let’s get down to business Feature story page 9 See you at the Gala!

Page 10

Directions Magazine

mariah.hendrickson@ecm-inc.com

This year’s Annual Celebration on October 6 was another reminder of the great business community in the western suburbs that we at TwinWest serve. Thank you to our members who celebrated with us and to the generous sponsors who contributed to this honorable celebration. Your support and participation makes TwinWest a strong Chamber and drives the things we do!

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November 2010

new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS Welcome New Members!

New members are printed in each issue of Directions. Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Please support these businesses when making purchases and business decisions. Our Membership Directory, listing all Chamber members in alphabetical order, by category, and by individual representatives, is published each year. For the most up-todate information, you can use our searchable online member directory at www.twinwest.com. If you are a current member, you may update your records online. Want to become a member? Call (763) 450-2220.

Australia Adventures LLC

Goff & Howard, Inc.

255 East Kellogg Boulevard Suite 102 St. Paul, MN 55101 Patty Dunn PUBLIC RELATIONS

Lupient Kia of Brooklyn Park

7911 Lakeland Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 Skip Cady AUTOMOBILE DEALERS AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS, SERVICE & PARTS

Marco, Inc.

7003 Lake Street West Suite 100 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Steve Gau OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

5871 Cedar Lake Road South St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Robert Fisher EVENT PLANNING TRAVEL SERVICES & CLUBS

Minnesota Sales Institute

Cooper Irish Pub & Restaurant

Patch.com

1607 Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Hillary Lewis RESTAURANTS

Employer Solutions Group 7301 Ohms Lane Edina, MN 55439 Jodi Milbradt HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING

Executive Suites of Minnesota 1660 South Highway 100 Suite 500 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Janis Nelson OFFICE RENTALS VIRTUAL OFFICES

Executive Suites of Minnesota - Edina

652 4th Avenue South South Saint Paul, MN 55075 Scott Plum TRAINING PROGRAMS 15821 Sunset Road Minnetonka, MN 55345 Dan Krolczyk ADVERTISING MARKETING

Revier Financial Services

10405 6th Avenue North Suite 115 Plymouth, MN 55441 Ronald Revier ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING

Ringo Restaurant & Bar 5331 West 16th Street St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Jim Ringo RESTAURANTS CATERERS

8421 Wayzata Boulevard Golden Valley, MN 55426 Darrell Skramstad TRAINING PROGRAMS

Executive Suites of Minnesota - IDS Center

1623 Park Place St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Larry Cappos RESTAURANTS

Executive Suites of Minnesota - Woodbury 7616 Currell Boulevard Suite 200 Woodbury , MN 55125 Janis Nelson OFFICE RENTALS VIRTUAL OFFICES

TwinWest Directions

Congratulations to the following members who have recently celebrated their membership anniversaries. These members are part of a continued commitment to our communities through their investment in the TwinWest Chamber.

25+ American Fish & Seafood, Inc. Berg Law Offices, P.A. Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs CB Richard Ellis Culligan Water Conditioning Employment Action Center Hoigaard’s, Inc. Hopkins Pet Hospital Kaisershot, Medard B. Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. LarsonAllen LLP Minnesota Masonic Home North Ridge City of Minnetonka North Memorial Health Care Park Tavern Plus Relocation Services, Inc. City of Plymouth Robbinsdale Area Schools Swanson & Youngdale, Inc. Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Walsh Partners, Inc.

6000 Bass Lake Road Suite 200 Crystal, MN 55429 Dennis Walsh REAL ESTATE SERVICES REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL

1-4 Actuarial Advisors ADT Security Services, Inc. Al’s Coffee Check Engine Express Construction Alternatives Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs Plymouth Fiscal Foundations, LLC Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Golden Living Center - Hopkins Golden Valley Supply Co. Hugh J. Murdoch, D.D.S., M.S., P.L.C. Huntington Learning Center Jake’s City Grille Japs-Olson Company Lake Minnetonka OrthodonticsSpecialists Nemer Fieger Next Stage Business/Next Stage Business Radio Nextera Communications Renters Warehouse Ritemade Paper Converters {c} Robert W. Baird & Company The Shops at West End

20-24 Caliber Development

15-19 Chuckwagon Catering J & F Reddy Rents, Inc. Nannies From The Heartland Paradise Charter Cruises Lake Minnetonka & Mississippi River Public Affairs Consulting

Sandler Training

5200 Willson Road Suite 150 Edina, MN 55424 Janis Nelson OFFICE RENTALS VIRTUAL OFFICES

80 South 8th Street 900 IDS Center Minneapolis, MN 55402 Janis Nelson OFFICE RENTALS VIRTUAL OFFICES

RENEWING MEMBERS

10-14 Aagesen Chiropractic Clinic Action, Inc. Greater Twin Cities United Way MN Insurance Group, Inc.

5-9 Children First Comfort Inn PRISM

TwinWest Champions Thanks to the following people for referring new members to TwinWest. We appreciate their efforts to spread the word to others in their network about the benefits of chamber membership. Mark Carlson - M innesota Mailing Solutions J. Marie Fieger - Nemer Fieger Chuck Poppler - Orion Search Group Pat Bedell - Sign-A-Rama If you know of someone whose business might benefit from TwinWest membership, please ask them to contact us at (763) 450-2220 or info@twinwest. com, or let us know how we might get in touch with them.

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