October 2009
www.twinwest.com
Setting the Standard. Leading the Way. ™
Photo: Melberg Marketing
Photo: Sandy Benson Photography
Photo: Posers Photography LLC
TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 2008-2009 Annual Report TwinWest Celebrates Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week October 26-30 page 11 Kindergarten Ready! the latest business education partnership initiative Page 19
Page 12
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table of contents Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.™ 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone: (763) 450-2220 • Fax: (763) 450-2221 www.twinwest.com TwinWest Directions (USPS 060870) is published 10 times per year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Phone: (763) 450-2220. Periodicals Postage Paid, Hopkins, MN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TwinWest Directions, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441. Annual subscription rate of $40 is included in membership investment. The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of: Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding region.
TwinWest Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Chair of the Board Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Past Chair of the Board Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair-elect of the Board Sarah Toepke, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President
7
MEMBER PROFILE
FASTSIGNS of Minnetonka - A member in the news ®
ECM Publishers, Inc. 12180 County Road 11 Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone: (952) 846-2040 Fax: (952) 846-2044
A NNUAL REPORT winWest Chamber of T Commerce 2008-2009 Annual Report
Straightforward talk about your chamber
9 INITIATIVES
Grow Minnesota!: TwinWest Businesses receive $140,000 for growth
Learn what we as a business community through TwinWest did this past year to impact members.
OVERNMENT 10 GAFFAIRS
Companies need an educated workforce to be competitive
MANUFACTURER’S 11 WEEK
18 C HAMBER NEWS
twinwest.com gets a fresh look Volunteer Profile: Dan O’Mara is July’s volunteer superstar hank you New Business T Minnesota for introducing TwinWest
TwinWest Celebrates Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week October 26-30
VENT & 15 EPROGRAM DETAILS
Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in October, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; 2009 Annual Celebration; overtime; business showcase; Kindergarten Ready!;Emerging Leaders Luncheon; Inside Politics; and the Legislative Breakfast.
TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Community Relations Bryan Lake, Director of Government Affairs Victoria Marley, Director of Events and Programs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Sara Hopkins, Office Manager Sue Merritt, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Stacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications
12
ROM THE 8 FPRESIDENT’S DESK
DIRECTORS Gary Aiken, Investors Capital Corporation Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Jeff Arnold, TCF Financial Corporation Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Stacy Bogart, Liberty Diversified Industries Daniel Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects, Inc. Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Cox Insurance Associates Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank – Minnetonka Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners
feature story
16 E VENT POSTSCRIPT
Thank you to the generous companies that contributed to the TwinWest Golf Classic on August 17!
17
$ UCCESS TWINWEST COLUMN
S teven Schussler to keynote Annual Celebration October 8
19 BUSINESS EDUCATION
PARTNERSHIP
Kindergarten Ready! The latest business education partnership initiative
– 20 MEMBERS NEW & RENEWING
TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another
22 LAST GLANCE
TwinWest member photos
Secure document destruction critical to small business success
Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising Director Jeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic Design Mariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales
October 2009
5
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member profile
FASTSIGNS® of Minnetonka – A member in the news recommending charitable causes to our Board and most often, we’re able to act on them. I’m a lucky man who has been given a lot and I want to give back to the community.
Member name: Tom Weber Business name: FASTSIGNS® of Minnetonka In business since: 1990 TwinWest member since: 1990 Number of employees: 9 Location: Minnetonka
Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? We value the relationship with the Chamber and the members. We’ve met great people who have become customers and friends and we continue to bring in business through my networking group and their referrals.
What is your main service/product? Provide signs and large format digital graphics, vehicle wraps and graphics and banners. We also offer design services. We serve individuals and businesses of all sizes from Fortune 500 clients to small start-ups. 95% of our work is business to business. What makes you stand out from your competition? Our mission is to partner with our clients in their marketing efforts, so we look at our company as a marketing organization, rather than a sign company. We collaborate with our customers and help them market for success. We ask questions to get to know their business goals and objectives so we can offer the right solutions. Sometimes, we spend a whole day with them at their company to experience their business first hand. We value our customers and they keep coming back.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
What is your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? We’ve done business with key Fortune 500 companies. We’re growing in a stagnant economy and we’re in the top 10% among 550 FastSigns stores worldwide. We’re able to give back to the community in positive ways, providing graphics for organizations like Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Our employees have the option of
Tom Weber tom.weber@fastsigns.com 14200 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55305 Phone: (952)541-1944 Web: www.fastsigns.com/100
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.
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Independent, employee owned, and conservatively managed, Baird is stable and growing today by staying focused on our clients’ goals and best interests. Contact Financial Advisor Mike Chorley in our Minnetonka office to learn more about Baird’s 90-year history, and the support and wealth management expertise we can provide to you. 952-249-7611 Minnetonka
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©2009 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-26449 October 2009
7
from the president’s desk
Straightforward talk about your chamber Typically, the October issue of Directions is devoted to profiling the new chair of the TwinWest Board of Directors, and honoring those who have served the business community through TwinWest involvement over the past year. As you may remember, last month’s issue of Directions got a jump start with a photo of 2009-2010 Board Chair Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, on the roof of his Brooklyn Center building. Inside was an article on Wise’s “bridge building” mentality and his philosophy that TwinWest needs to be laser sharp in its relevance. Wise promised that he will be the architect of policy through service leadership. We introduced Steve a month early to make way for this month’s celebration of the past year and TwinWest initiatives that we know impacted your business in big ways. The feature story for this issue of Directions is devoted to what we as a business community did this past year to impact members. I hope you enjoy this straightforward talk about your chamber of commerce on page 12. Thank you for your support of these accomplishments. Your membership investment directly impacts what we do. There is no magic funding source for TwinWest. We are 100 percent funded by those we serve. October 1 begins our new volunteer leadership year, and I welcome Wise to his role as chair of your Chamber’s Board of Directors. I also want to also recognize Jim Snoxell, Henningson and Snoxell, Ltd., as he begins chairing one of Minnesota’s most generous business community non-profits, the TwinWest Foundation. The Foundation is an amazing institution that continues its tradition of helping high school and adult students get the type of education that fuels our economy. Snoxell replaces Jennifer Albrecht, HTG Architects, who has had a great year leading the Foundation. The TwinWest Political Action Committee (PAC) has selected Phil Kronlage, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, to continue to serve as chair. Kronlage has generously served in this role for more than ten years. Leaving the TwinWest Board are Karen Jothen, Qwest Communications, and Tess Hohman, General Mills. Both have brought great talent to TwinWest. I will especially miss Hohman’s presence on the Board, as she dedicated a lot of time to mentoring me during my first year at TwinWest. Jothen will thankfully continue leading TwinWest’s Business Education Partnership initiative. Leaving the Foundation Board is Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank. Bakken chaired the Foundation Board in 2007-2008 and has been a valuable member. Lastly, my thanks to Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions. Carlson chaired the TwinWest Board this year. TwinWest could not have asked for stronger leadership during a soft economy. Carlson infused his sales and marketing experience into TwinWest’s business model, lead the development of our marketing plan, has been politically courageous, and perhaps most importantly, listened to member suggestions without hesitation. I joked several times this year about extending Mark’s chair term for another year, and honestly, I would have enjoyed the opportunity to work under Mark’s leadership for another year. Thank you Mark! Finally, in my first full year at TwinWest, I have asked the TwinWest staff and our communications firm C.E.L. to do more with less, and embrace our efforts to become tomorrow’s chamber of commerce today. I am proud that each has worked exceptionally hard to do just that, and we will continue our efforts to increase our member value this year. Thank you to each staff member and C.E.L. for approaching every day with energy and enthusiasm. Sincerely,
Bruce Nustad president
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TwinWest Directions
initiatives
Grow Minnesota!: TwinWest businesses receive $140,000 for growth Thanks to the Pohlad Family Foundation and a program administered through Grow Minnesota!—the Minnesota Chamber’s privatesector initiative focusing on job retention and creation—TwinWest has helped two local businesses receive $140,000 in small business loans and grants. In June, TwinWest’s Grow Minnesota! Get Ready to Grow Taskforce, under the leadership of Kelly Guncheon, Bearence Management Group, Kerry Ness, The Business Bank, and Janet Dupre, Associated Bank, reviewed 37 local business applications for $3.9 million in funding.
TwinWest submitted four applications to the Minnesota Chamber Foundation for review. After reviewing a statewide total of 765 applicants seeking $75.3 million, the Foundation approved a working capital loan for Art Holdings and an employee retention grant for Pictura Graphics. In all, nearly 70 small businesses in Minnesota received a shot in the arm to weather the current economy, thanks to more than $4.3 million in grants and loans distributed by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. These businesses are located in 50 communities and employ more than a thousand Minnesotans across the state.
“We saw applications from small businesses seeking to remain strong during this tough economy, businesses that are looking to retain key employees or invest in infrastructure so when the economy improves they are ready to grow,” said Guncheon.
TwinWest submitted a second round of applications for $75,000 working capital and equipment loans in late September. “TwinWest appreciates the generosity of the Pohlad Family Foundation, the Minnesota Chamber and its foundation, and the Grow Minnesota! program,” said TwinWest president, Bruce Nustad. “Our members found the opportunity to compete for Get Ready to Grow funds, timely given today’s economic challenges. Funding for Art Holdings and Pictura Graphics strengthens two companies that are already leaders in their industry and in this marketplace.” For more information on TwinWest’s participation in the Grow Minnesota! program, contact Judy Johnson at (763) 450-2226.
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October 2009
9
government affairs
Education starts in early childhood Companies need an educated workforce in order to be competitive in today’s global business climate. It is understandable, then, that many business leaders are nervous about U.S. students’ sliding standings in international rankings. The results are especially poor for kids from disadvantaged homes. Many of these problems can be traced to inadequate family and learning foundations – issues that arise before students enter the K-12 system. But there is convincing evidence that investments in early childhood development (ECD) can reduce that inequality in an economically efficient manner. Research has shown that high quality ECD programs can lead to: • Improved education performance. • Higher high school graduation and college enrollment rates. • Reduced criminal activity. • Higher earnings and tax payments. • Reduced welfare use. • A more qualified workforce.
Recent years have seen increasing support for ECD, based on solid research from, among others, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis economists Art Rolnick and Rob Grunewald. In 2005 the Legislature responded by creating the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF). MELF plans to gather information through 2011 and then deliver recommendations on creating a cost-effective early childhood system for at-risk children. In addition, more than half the Legislature has joined the Minnesota Legislative Early Childhood Caucus. The Caucus, which is co-chaired by Rep. Sandra Peterson (DFLNew Hope), aims to influence public policy, educate legislators, create dialogue, and provide direction for legislative action.
spending for 0-5 early learning still represents just 1% of the state budget; going forward, ECD supporters hope to allocate more resources to these important programs. TwinWest has been a strong supporter of ECD, provided that it is funded the right way. Our position is that the highest priority must be at-risk children – those most likely to enter kindergarten prepared not to learn but to fail. In addition, we advocate for market-based solutions; there should be incentives to encourage high-quality programs and reward successful outcomes. If these philosophies are followed and support for ECD remains strong, the result should be more school-ready children and an improved future workforce for Minnesota businesses.
During the 2009 legislative session, ECD fared very well. Legislators held an Early Childhood Summit at the beginning of the session and did not recommend any cuts to early care and education programs despite facing the largest budget deficit in the state’s history. But state
On October 21, 2009, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce will host the first event in a new initiative entitled “Kindergarten Ready!”, which is designed to help address the statistic that approximately 50% of children who enter kindergarten are not fully prepared to learn. The Chamber is uniquely positioned to explore a previously unconsidered path to reaching this population - through their parents’ place of employment. Keynote speakers Becky Roloff, YWCA Minneapolis, and Fred Senn, Fallon Worldwide, will educate business leaders about the stake they have in this issue and inform them of strategies they can implement in their businesses to support the pre-K development of their employees’ children. Table Sponsors: Caring for Kids Initiative and New Horizon Academy October 21, 2009 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Edinburgh USA 8700 Edinbrook Crossing – Brooklyn Park Tickets: $20 Table Sponsor (includes 8 tickets and preferential seating): $350 See page 19 of this issue of Directions for more information on the October 21 Kindergarten Ready! program.
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TwinWest Directions
manufacturer’s week
TwinWest Celebrates Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week October 26-30 officials. These visits thank manufacturers for the jobs they provide, recognize their contribution to the tax base and showcase their economic activity that supports the region’s economy. For information on Manufacturer’s Week activities, visit www.twinwest.com.
Minnesota Manufacturer’s Week is an excellent opportunity to recognize manufacturers for their contributions to the local and statewide economy.
Powerful facts about manufacturing in Minnesota: • Manufacturing companies employ almost one out of every seven workers in Minnesota--over 342,000 people. • Manufacturing employees in Minnesota earn about 17 percent more than other Minnesota private sector employees. • It has the largest total payroll of any business sector in Minnesota; 17.3 percent of the overall wages paid are in the manufacturing industry. • Minnesota produces $33.9 billion worth of manufactured goods for Minnesota’s economy, the largest share (13.3 percent) of gross domestic product.
In October, TwinWest arranges tours of area manufacturing leaders for members and elected
Manufactured exports brought over $16.2 billion into the Minnesota economy in 2007.
Workforce Ready! Program Looks to Next Phase TwinWest’s Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine, enters its second phase, after completing initial work on building a collaboration to improve workforce training initiatives, promote existing workforce resources and programs, and increase the pipeline of workers, ensuring the continued prosperity of the precision manufacturing sector in the western metro. As TwinWest and its collaboration partners enter phase two of the program, it has identified six strategies to pursue. Workforce Ready! was funded in part by a $50,000 Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The FIRST grant program was created to promote sustainable collaborations that will increase a region’s economic competitiveness. For a listing of Workforce Ready! Collaboration partners and information on the identified six strategies, contact TwinWest’s Judy Johnson at tel. (763) 450-2226, or visit “initiatives” at twinwest.com.
Opportunity Partners and Dunwoody College of Technology announce training collaboration A collaboration between disability service provider Opportunity Partners and Dunwoody College of Technology will pave the way for new learning opportunities and expanded career options for people with developmental and other disabilities. Dunwoody curriculum designers and Opportunity Partners staff have joined forces in developing Certified Learning Platforms for people with disabilities, which is expected to bring an advanced level of training and job opportunities to a frequently under-employed labor group. The first track being developed is Professional Cleaning, which will allow more than 75 current Opportunity Partners clients, as well as new students, to advance their skills in this area. The Professional Cleaning platform is expected to launch in late 2009.
OpportunityPartners
The training will be designed to meet employer specifications, customized to current industry standards and future needs. “Every person with a disability deserves to experience the highest quality of training,” said Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners President & CEO. “That is why we have partnered with the best in Dunwoody.”
the way for greater employment opportunities in high interest careers. In addition, staff at Opportunity Partners who will be conducting the training will also be certified by Dunwoody.
Opportunity Partners will be the first disability provider in the area to partner with Dunwoody to offer this type of training. People completing the training will earn a joint certification from both organizations, paving
“Dunwoody Custom Training is excited and ready to get to work on this project,” said Mike Anderson, Director of Custom Training at Dunwoody. “It’s always great when we can work with a fellow not-for-profit, and even better when it’s one like Opportunity Partners, which shares our mission of helping Twin Cities residents get the training they need to get a good job.” October 2009
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annual report
2008 - 2009 TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Annual Report Dear TwinWest Members: Twelve months ago when I began my leadership role as chair of the TwinWest Board of Directors I asked you to be my Wingman, and in return I promised to be yours. I pledged to lead TwinWest in a way that recognized how important we are to each other, and to our collective success. I am honored that TwinWest has stood next to you as your Wingman in this time of challenge and opportunity. And I am proud of the efforts and accomplishments we have made together as a business community this year. Here are a few of my favorite initiatives that I think made a difference to you and brought value to your membership: • We took businesses growth to a new level by helping businesses compete for Get Ready to Grow funds available through the Pohlad Family Foundation and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation. We reviewed 37 applications for funding, including an interview with each applicant to understand what fuels and impedes their growth. The result was $140,000 in direct loans and grants for two member businesses. This funding strengthens companies that are already leaders in their industry and prepares them for growth when the economy improves. • TwinWest completed phase one of the Workforce Ready! collaborative. This project built a collaboration to improve workforce training initiatives, promote existing workforce resources and programs, and increase the pipeline of workers, ensuring the continued prosperity of the precision manufacturing sector in western metropolitan communities. I am pleased to report this initiative resulted in the development of six strategies to continue to strengthen our important manufacturing base in Hennepin County and brought together 100 manufactures, over 40 education providers and the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association. • The TwinWest Foundation remained strong at $81,000 in scholarship giving. Thanks in large part to the generosity of our TwinWest business community, scholarship awards in the Career Path program—aimed at adults training and retraining in technical careers—equaled last year’s level despite a soft economy. TwinWest assisted the Foundation by leveraging $5,000 in scholarship funding from the Workforce Ready! program and $10,000 in proceeds from this year’s Annual Gala, in addition to administratively supporting the great work of the Foundation. • TwinWest hosted over 100 no-cost networking events this past year, all designed to give members the efficient marketing and business exposure opportunities they crave. Member Talk: For Members, By Members was introduced as an informal business roundtable and has experienced great success. Our Overtimes and Business Showcases continued to provide excellent and predictable networking for the host organization and attendees, as did our Ambassador Committee-led ribbon cutting events. The Annual Gala, Small Business Awards Luncheon, Annual Celebration, and the Golf Classic once again proved to be popular events that are valued by the business community. • In the area of political leadership, I am appreciative of TwinWest’s efforts to take a look at our relationships with elected officials, and through our State of the City events, City Connection activities, Business Day at the Capitol, Government Affairs Committee, and Legislative Breakfast series, we showed our marketplace that we care deeply about the environment in which we all do business and are committed to the growth of jobs and its benefit to our communities. And finally, as we look at this past year, TwinWest had one other accomplishment that is not new, but it is important to our success. Just as in the past 30 years, TwinWest’s member volunteer leaders powered this organization. In a time when it would be easy to focus solely on their own organization, over 200 leaders dedicated themselves to TwinWest and its many initiatives, including the TwinWest Foundation, the TwinWest Political Action Committee, our Emerging Leaders program, Leadership TwinWest, our local business councils, TwinWest Ambassadors, and our dozens of other committees and task forces. This leadership sets TwinWest apart, and for that I am grateful. Once again, we are Setting the Standard, Leading the WayTM. Thank you for making the business community strong and your business better through participation in TwinWest. Thank you for being my Wingman. And thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Your Wingman, Mark Carlson Minnesota Mailing Solutions 2008-2009 Chair of the Board
12
TwinWest Directions
Other Significant 2008-2009 Accomplishments
Economic and Workforce Development • Reshaped the Business Education Partnership program, including the introduction of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Summit in St. Louis Park. • Conducted year six of the Grow Minnesota! business retention program, including interviewing 46 local businesses and providing assistance as needed.
Networking and Professional Development • Hosted a dozen of professional development seminars focused on tactical areas of business such as sales and marketing, social media, and human resources. In addition, our Emerging Leaders program hosted a multichamber young professionals event for 140 attendees. • Continued our tradition of providing leaders the context of the community around them through Leadership TwinWest.
Business Advocacy • Lobbied successfully to steer federal stimulus dollars to Highway 610. • Joined and led coalitions to oppose federal Card Check legislation, support alternative licensure for teachers, and allow a state discussion about nuclear energy • Fought numerous tax increases that would have disproportionately impacted business. • Played an instrumental role in securing funding for the Southwest Transitway.
Member Experience • Convened a taskforce for the development of a TwinWest marketing plan, aimed at building our membership and better articulation of the value of membership. • Doubled member opportunities to tell their story in the local print, television and online media markets.
Value Statements
Mission Statement
MEMBERS: We care about our stakeholders. How we develop and implement programs, policies and services results in an engaged membership, a sense of inclusivity and a fun social environment.
TwinWest is an advocate for business. We are the voice of business in government and provide our members opportunities to grow their businesses and improve their communities.
ADVOCACY: We impact the business climate. We involve and inform members and influence public policy. We provide opportunities for members to advocate for one another.
TW
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: We operate with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are proactive, innovative, creative and forward thinking. GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT: We foster personal and professional growth and business and economic development. COMMUNITY: We enrich our communities through our philanthropic activities and partnerships with schools and local governments. October 2009
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TwinWest calendar
October Tuesday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center
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Member Orientation 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn - Minnetonka
2009 Annual Celebration 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m. Sheraton Hotel Minneapolis West – Minnetonka Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office Plymouth
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Emerging Leaders 2009-2010 Series Kick-off Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Comfort Inn - Plymouth Inside Politics – Session One: Inside Elections 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. State Capitol Room 107
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20 Prospective Members Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office Plymouth
15 Crystal/New Hope Business Council 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified Industries – New Hope
16 Legislative Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place – St. Louis Park
St. Louis Park Business Council Fireside BBQ 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. The Woods at Belt Line Boulevard St. Louis Park
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Kindergarten Ready! 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Edinburgh USA - Brooklyn Park
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Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth Overtime 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Citizens Independent Bank in Partnership with Deli Double - Plymouth
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26 Strategies for Smart Giving: When to Say “Yes” and How to Say “No” 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber board room - Plymouth
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TwinWest Directions
28 Sylvan Learing Center Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sylvan Learning Center Minnetonka
event & program details Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.
OCTOBER thu.
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TwinWest 2009 Annual Celebration 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sheraton Hotel Minneapolis West 12201 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka MN 55305 (952) 593-0000
tue.
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Emerging Leaders 2009-2010 Series Kick-Off Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Comfort Inn 3000 Harbor Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-1222
ROI: Network and hear about programming for the upcoming series, and purchase a lunch pass. You’ll also get a preview of our November “On The Fast Track Luncheon” featuring Pamela Muldoon. To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Members $25. Nonmembers $35.
ROI: Join us as we review the past year and look forward to what’s ahead. Our keynote speaker this year is Steve Schussler, CEO, founder, and chair of the board of Schussler Creative, Inc. Come hear his innovative and creative approach to success and see if his unique way of looking at opportunities apply to your business. Also at this event meet TwinWest Foundation Carreer Path scholarship recipients and their donors. To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Members $45. Nonmember $55. To get there: From East I-394, go west on I-394 and exit at Ridgedale Drive. Turn left on Ridgedale Drive and travel two blocks. The hotel will be on the left. From West I-394, go east on I-394 and take the Plymouth Road/Ridgedale Drive exit. Proceed to Ridgedale Drive and turn right. Go two blocks and the hotel is on the left.
tue.
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Inside Politics Session One: Inside Elections 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. State Capitol Room 107 Saint Paul, MN
Peg’s Countryside Café & Catering ROI: During the first session of Inside Politics, you will learn how elections are won (and lost) from party leaders, campaign managers, public relations specialists, and campaign finance regulators. And, in the end, candidates themselves will describe what it’s like in the eye of the campaign hurricane. To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 4502220. Members $395. Nonmember $495. Investment is for all four sessions.
To get there: From I-494, take Highway 55 West exit. Turn right on Fernbrook Lane and right on Harbor Lane.
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Legislative Breakfast 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 542-8600
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Citizens Independent Bank - Plymouth 15650 36th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446
ROI: Join other members to enjoy food, fun and networking at a premier place of business. To register: This is a free event with no need to register; just bring your business cards. To get there: Take Highway 55 going west towards Plymouth. Turn right onto Vicksburg Lane, then turn right on 36th Avenue North. Citizens Independent Bank will be on your left.
tue.
fri.
Citizens Independent Bank in partnership with Deli Double Overtime
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Strategies for Smart Giving: When to Say “Yes” and “No” 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber boardroom 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220
ROI: Join us in this two hour workshop that gives businesses the tools to develop a business plan for their giving.
ROI: Hear the latest on health care reform; connect with public officials and regional business leaders.
To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Members $10. Nonmember $15.
To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 4502220. Members $30. Nonmember $40.
To get there: From I-394, take the Plymouth Road exit. If coming from the east, turn left onto Plymouth Road and a right onto Ridgehaven Lane. If coming from the west, go straight through the intersection onto Ridgehaven Lane, then take a right onto Ridgedale Drive.
To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.
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Kindergarten Ready!
The Latest
Business Education Partnership Initiative
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Edinburgh USA 8700 Edinbrook Crossing Brooklyn Park, MN (763) 315-8550
ROI: Join us at a breakfast symposium to inform business leaders of strategies they can implement in their businesses, as well as organizations they can partner with, to support the pre-K development of their employees’ children. To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Tickets are $20, and table sponsorships are available for $350 (and include 8 seats for the event). To get there: From the west, head east on I-94; take the US-169 North exit (exit 29B); turn right at 85th Ave. North; go approximately 3 miles to Edinbrook Crossing and turn left.
wed. Sylvan Learning Center Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Sylvan Learning Center 10590 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 150 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 544-6253
ROI: Connect with other members and exchange ideas, sales leads and build relationships. To register: This is a free event with no need to register; just bring your business cards. To get there: From I-394, take the Hopkins Crossroad exit going toward the North Frontage Road. Turn right onto the North Frontage Road/Wayzata Boulevard. Sylvan Learning Center will be on your left. October 2009
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event postscript
Thank you to the generous companies that contributed to the 2009 TwinWest Golf Classic! Thank You To Our 2009 Sponsors! C orporate S ponsors
T itle S ponsor
A wards
B ottled W ater
B everage C arts
D esign & P rinting
F oursome P hotos
G olf C arts
G reens
L unch
P utting G reens
S ignage Sign & Graphic Solutions Made Simple.
Quest Development, Inc.
H ole S ponsors
Prizes and golfer gift item donors: :coderow Arby’s Catering Best Western Black Cat Promotional Products, Inc. Burl Oaks Golf Club Center National Bank CenterPoint Energy Coffee Mill, Inc. Comfort Inn - Plymouth Crystal Kitchen Center Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs Famous Dave’s Fuzzy Duck General Mills Girvan Grille at Edinburgh USA Go Mini’s Golden Care USA Golden Valley Golf & Country Club GolfTEC Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Hinckley Granite City Food & Brewery Harry Hurley Golf High Five J.S. Fitness Jason’s Deli Joe Sensers Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics M & I Bank FSB Marriott Minneapolis West Medica Minnesota School of Business MN Twins Mohawk Moving & Storage Next Stage Business Northwest Eye Clinic NSI/Horwitz Payroll Control Systems Peg’s Countryside Café Rush Creek Golf Course Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Steele Fitness The Lock Up Self Storage The Northland Inn Turtle’s Bar & Grill Wild Marsh Golf Club Xcel Energy
Golf Committee Members:
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TwinWest Directions 2/16/09 4:36:23 PM
Shannon Meslow, Committee Chair, Northwest Eye Clinic Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Randy Asmus, Strategic Financial Inc. Angela Crow, Northland Inn, The Amy Edgren, Woodhill Financial, Inc. Sue Frick, Center National Bank Arend Geurink, In House Productions Linda Heath, Nationwide Insurance - Linda Heath Kelly Heikkila, :coderow Jerry Isensee, Drake Mallard Consulting - Profiles International LaToshia Jackson, Bremer Bank Minnetonka Jan Kruchoski, LarsonAllen LLP Lisa McDaniel, Voyager Bank - Minnetonka Nicholas Pelle, GolfTEC Colin Serle, Black Cat Promotional Products, Inc. Tony Trout, Edina Realty
$uccess TwinWest
Secure document destruction critical to small business success Information security breaches, often leading to privacy violations, identity theft and fraud, are on the rise. A truly global problem for large and small business, this issue knows no borders and affects individuals and companies alike. But what is the true cost of a business security breach, who’s watching and how can a business protect itself?
The Cost According to numbers provided by the US Federal Trade Commission, the total combined financial loss to business and individuals topped $50 billion in 2008. Personal identity theft is ranked as the fastest growing crime in the US, effecting more than 9 million Americans and 2 million companies. Who’s Watching? The US Government has taken a very active role in protecting individuals and companies. A long list of key laws has
hit the books in the past 15 years. “FACTA,” better known as The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (2003) is administered by the FTC and controls how financial documents are stored and destroyed to eliminate improper use of personal information. Fines for violations can run into the thousands per each incident. In health care, “HIPAA,” better known as The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996 and 2005) is administered by the US Federal Government and can carry criminal penalties along with fines reaching into the millions.
What Can Small Business Owners Do? Thankfully, protection for business owners is a simple matter of education and action. Information stored on paper or electronic media must be handled, stored and destroyed in compliance with the laws applicable to each business. Document destruction companies such as Shred-it can help the small business
Advertise in the TwinWest Membership Directory
owner with site audits, document handling plans and secure destruction that result in full compliance. Business owners can also talk with their commercial insurance carrier to buy breach of security coverage. Like everything else in business, risk needs to be managed or the consequences can be devastating.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tom Vettel is the President of Shred-it, Minnesota. Shred-it, Minnesota helps businesses and individuals prevent identity theft. As a world leading on-site and offsite document destruction company, they deliver unparalleled security. Tom Vettel, Shred-it, Minnesota Phone: (952) 516-7143 Email: tvettel@mn-shredit.com Web site: www.shreditmn.com
JOIN THE CHAMBER!
If you’re not a TwinWest Chamber member, you can learn more about our organization at www.twinwest.com, or contact our regional sales director: Jacqui Sauter, (763) 450-2228/jacqui@
Chamber Members Supporting Chamber Members
Call Mariah Hendrickson to reserve your ad today! 952-846-2042
twinwest.com. We will be happy to help you explore how you can use the chamber to accomplish your professional goals!
October 2009
17
chamber news
Steven Schussler to Keynote Annual Celebration October 8
twinwest.com Gets A Fresh Look
TwinWest is pleased to announce that local innovator and national award-winning entrepreneur Steve Schussler will keynote this year’s Annual Celebration event at Sheraton Hotel Minneapolis West-Minnetonka . Schussler is chairman of the board of St. Louis Park-based Schussler Creative Inc.
created and opened the first Betty & Joe’s, Baker and Coffee Maker, and Hot Dog Hall of Fame in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Schussler oversees all creative development for each concept, as well as the design and construction at each location.
You’ve changed your look since the mid-1990s, and now we have too! twinwest.com, our electronic member service portal, launched a new look and improved functionality on October 1.
At this event, TwinWest will thank its strongest supporters, pass the TwinWest Chamber and TwinWest Foundation leadership gavels for the new year, and celebrate the amazing business community in the western suburbs.
The new twinwest.com is easier to navigate. We have reduced the average number of clicks to find information from six to two and thanks to our web developer, Binary Web Design, LLC, the site’s backend makes updates significantly easier, giving you fresh content every week.
Schussler—a great storyteller—is responsible for the creative vision and overall strategic direction of Creative Attractions. He was the founder and creator of Rainforest Café, the first restaurant concept to be featured at every Disney theme park in the world. Schussler also created Yak & Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and T-Rex Café at Downtown Disney, making these the first trio of properties at Disney World. He has also
Also meet TwinWest Foundation Carreer Path Scholarship recipients and their donors. Register for Annual Celebration online at twinwest.com.
Thank You New Business Minnesota for introducing TwinWest In August, New Business Minnesota in conjunction with Jake’s City Grille organized a “Meet TwinWest” event. Sixteen prospective members turned out to learn from New Business Minnesota how they use the Chamber to enhance their business relationships.
New Business Minnesota’s leaders, Scott Plum and Patrick Boulay, continue to give back,” according to TwinWest president Bruce Nustad.
“TwinWest is honored that New Business Minnesota thinks highly enough of us to host a prospective member event. When New Business Minnesota launched over 2 years ago, they needed to join an active chamber to build their business and fill their pipeline with leads, contacts and sales. TwinWest did just that and
The top strength of TwinWest is its members and their passion for the success of their organization, the success of TwinWest, and the success of the communities where they live and work. To help TwinWest grow or find out how TwinWest helps businesses grow, contact Jacqui Sauter at (763) 450-2228.
Other improvements include: •n ew TwinWest blog • search box to make finding content easier • prominent links to our affiliates, including the TwinWest Foundation • visual representation of our top stories • e xpanded local elected official listings • option to print, e-mail or download pdf site articles with ease We will work on additional enhancements to the site over the next month, including new event registration and calendar modules, a coupon and job posting section, integration to social media sites, and a new member directory designed to increase your visibility. After looking at the new site, hit “contact us” and let us know about other features you would like to see on twinwest.com.
Dan O’Mara is TwinWest’s July Superstar! At the July 15 Overtime hosted by Village Park Apartments in St. Louis Park, Dan O’Mara, Dan O’Mara Architects, was recognized as TwinWest’s July Volunteer Superstar. In his first year of membership, Dan O’Mara has been an enthusiastic participant in a wide variety
Dan O’Mara (left) pictured with Dan Goldman at a June Brooklyn Park City Connection at Cass Screw Machine Products
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TwinWest Directions
of TwinWest programs and is a member of the TwinWest Ambassadors Committee. His interest in the health of the business community and legislative affairs is obvious from his participation in the Government Affairs Committee and the Crystal/New Hope Business Council. O’Mara also served as a table leader at our business education partnership program Ethics in the Workplace Day, generously donated 80 hours of his time to the TwinWest Foundation, and is currently serving on the marketing subcommittee of Kindergarten Ready!. Dan O’Mara is principal architect of Dan O’Mara Architects, a full service architecture firm that specializes in helping schools, businesses, and organizations strengthen the use of their facilities with efficient design, energy consciousness, and lively spaces to enhance the productivity, energy, and positive emotions in their buildings’ users.
Thank you to our web development partner, Binary Web Design, LLC (on-line at www. binarywebdesign.com).
business education partnership
Kindergarten Ready! The latest business education partnership initiative Kindergarten Ready! is designed to help address the statistic that approximately 50% of children who enter kindergarten are not fully prepared to learn. Research has shown that students who enter kindergarten ready to learn reduces the need for remedial education, typically translates to better K-12 educational performance, and is highly cost effective. The business community is a stakeholder in reducing this troubling statistic not only for the immediate benefit to their current employees, but also as conscientious employers committed to helping develop the highly skilled workers their businesses will require in the future. The kick off event for this initiative is a breakfast symposium on October 21, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. at Edinburgh USA (8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park). Keynote speakers will be Becky Roloff, YWCA Minneapolis, and Fred Senn, Fallon Worldwide. Confirmed panelists are Larry Brauch, Liberty Diversified Industries, Jerald
Heidi
Barb
Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body and Sandy Haddad, General Mills. The purpose of this gathering is to inform business leaders of strategies they can implement in their businesses, as well as organizations they can partner with, to support the pre-K development of their employees’ children. Tickets are $20, and table sponsorships are available for $350 (and include 8 seats for the event). Kindergarten Ready! is co-chaired by Karen Jothen, Qwest Communications and Simon Wiltshire, Dancercise Kids.
Table Sponsors: Caring for Kids Initiative New Horizon Academy To register, contact Sara Hopkins at (763) 450-2224 or email sara@twinwest.com
Vicki
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new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS
Welcome New Members! New members are printed in each issue of Directions. The 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-to-date information, you can use our searchable online member directory at www.twinwest.com. If you are a current member, you may update your records online. Want to become a member? Call (763) 450-2220. Business Efficacy, Inc. CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 6130 Blue Circle Drive Suite 100A Minnetonka, MN 55343 Mr. Kurt R. Theriault Corporate 1st Impression ADVERTISING 1960 Cliff Lake Road Suite 129-222 Eagan, MN 55122 Mr. Mark Moroney Corporate Escapes VACATIONS 15659 68th Place North Maple Grove, MN 55311 Ms. Julia Fischer Edina Couriers COURIER SERVICE 10100 Crosstown Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Mr. Tom Bartsh Epic Potential Inc. Event & Video Production EVENT PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS 17185 72nd Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55311 Mr. Charles Eide Fiscal Foundations, LLC ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING P.O. Box #385938 Bloomington, MN 55437 Ms. Linda Logan HealthSource Solutions, LLC HEALTH & FITNESS CENTERS 6465 Wayzata Boulevard Suite #6600 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Mr. Edward Boyle Hennepin County Board of Commissioners GOVERNMENT A-2400 Government Center 300 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55487 Ms. Jan Callison High-Tech Institute SCHOOLS & COLLEGES 5100 Gamble Drive Suite 200 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Nichelle Chandler Hockenberg Search EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES & COUNSELING 2252 Wildwood Circle Minnetonka, MN 55305 Ms. Marni Hockenberg Jakubik, Meg & Schernthaner, Lisa Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. FINANCIAL ADVISORS 7601 France Avenue South Suite 600 Edina, MN 55435 Ms. Meg Jakubik
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TwinWest Directions
Luther Collision & Glass - Plymouth AUTOMOBILE BODY SHOPS 9825 56th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55442 Mr. Martin Wojciechowski Mary Kay Cosmetics GIFTS & CARDS 1552 Rhode Island Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 Ms. Patricia Trumbull Medical Marketing Group, LLC DISTRIBUTORS 5042 Yuma Lane North Plymouth, MN 55446 Mr. Samuel M. Dorfman OnGo Communications, LLC MARKETING 7515 Wayzata Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Mr. Kevin Pollari
Spintop Designs, Inc. WEB PAGE DESIGN 7100 Medicine Lake Road Suite #117 Minneapolis, MN 55427 Ms. Ieva Berke Johnson T-Mobile - Plymouth CELLULAR PHONES-SALES, SERVICE & SOFTWARE 3235 Vicksburg Lane North Suite C Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. John Masloski T-Mobile - Ridgedale CELLULAR PHONES-SALES, SERVICE & SOFTWARE 12401 Wayzata Boulevard Suite 230 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Mr. Barry Campbell
Pawn America - Hopkins RETAIL STORE 168 North Blake Road Hopkins, MN 55343 Mr. Paul Hess
Verizon Wireless - Minnetonka CELLULAR PHONES-SALES, SERVICE & SOFTWARE 13000 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305 Mr. Jeff Schultz
Pawn America - Robbinsdale RETAIL STORE 4134 West Broadway Avenue Robbinsdale, MN 55422 Mr. Paul Hess
RENEWING MEMBERS
Pawn America - St. Louis Park REATIL STORE 5600 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Mr. Michael Wagner Payday America - Robbinsdale FINANCIAL SERVICES 4121 Lakeland Avenue Robbinsdale, MN 55422 Mr. Adam Kolb Payday America - St. Louis Park FINANCIAL SERVICES 5600 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Lydna Vanpoll Payday America - St. Louis Park FINANCIAL SERVICES 5600 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Lynda Manager Quantum Common Wealth TRAINING PROGRAMS 12800 Industrial Park Boulevard Suite 100 Plymouth, MN 55441 Coach Christy Shore RenovoData Service RECYCLING SERVICES 6214 Bury Drive Eden Prarie, MN 55346 Mr. Frank R. Gustafson SimplexGrinnell SECURITY SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT 5400 Nathan Lane North Suite 100 Plymouth, MN 55442 Mr. Dan Rasmussen Skjold - Barthel, P.A. ATTORNEYS 222 South 9th Street Suite 3220 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Mr. Nathan M. Brandenburg Smooth Sail International LLC GIFTS AND CARDS Carlson Center 601 Carlson Parkway, Suite #1050 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Mr. K. F. Li
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+ Years Culligan Water Conditioning Edco Products, Incorporated Employment Action Center Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel Great Photos Hance Our Own Hardware, Inc. LarsonAllen LLP Minnetonka, City of North Memorial Health Care Ray Smith Insurance Agency Rudy Luther Toyota Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs St. Louis Park School District 283 Youngstedt’s Goodyear
21-24 Years
6-10 Years Administaff BPK&Z Financial Services LLP Coordinated Business Systems Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North Fuzzy Duck Design Giertsen Company GoldenCare USA, Inc. Hopkins Business & Civic Association Investment Management Inc. Minnesota School of Business Paul Meyer Architects, Inc. Principal Financial Group Prudential Insurance Stadum, Arlys T.G.I. Friday’s The Williston Group
1-5 Years ABRA Auto Body & Glass - Brooklyn Park aCoupleofGurus.com LLC Alert Fire and Safety Company - Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Associated Bank - Plymouth Bassett Creek Dental Brothers Office Furniture Classic Ballroom Color Direct Custom Jewelry Replacement EXIT Lakes Realty High Five The HR Department LLC Hugh J. Murdoch, D.D.S., M.S., P.L.C. Kennedy Vision Health Center Mahoney Builders New Horizon Academy - Plymouth New Reflections Spa-Salon Oberman Thompson & Segal, LLC Olsen Thielen CPA’s and Consultants Padilla Speer Beardsley Pittsburgh Blue Schmidt Financial, Inc. Seaton, Beck & Peters, P.A. SharePoint Credit Union SilverCrest Properties, L.L.C. StarchTech, Inc. Twin Cities Orthopedics U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Midwest Region Vaaler Insurance, Inc./HCIS Vinland National Center Voice Solutions Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota (WEMN) Working Family Resource Center
Bunin, Richard D. Law Offices Caliber Development Corporation
16-20 Years Aarcee Party Rental Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers/Arc Greater Twin Cities Carver Moquist & O’Connor, LLC Haworth & Company, Ltd. Hopkins Hair House Keller Communications Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition
11-15 Years Bodywise Therapeutic Massage Document Resources, Inc. The HoneyBaked Ham Company Premise Commercial Real Estate Presbyterian Homes, Beacon Hill Randy’s Environmental Services RBC Wealth Management - Wayzata
TwinWest Champions 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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last glance
Member Event Photos
TwinWest members are actively involved in our events and programs. Whether our members are networking, developing plans for TwinWest events, taking charge of their professional development, or new to the Chamber, we are proud to post photos of our members getting a return on their member investment.
Member Orientation on August 5, 2009. From left to right: John Masloski, T-Mobile Plymouth; Barry Campbell, T-Mobile Ridgedale; Lisa Miller, T-Mobile; Angela Miller, SilverCrest Properties, LLC; John Cushen, SilverCrest Properties, LLC.
Member Orientation on August 5, 2009. From left to right: Chad Kelsch, Hellmoth & Johnson, PLLC; Rachel Otten, Brunberg Blatt & Company CPA’s; Molly Kippley, Brunberg Blatt & Company CPA’s; Jan Brown, Corporate Escapes; Julia Fischer, Corporate Escapes; Nate Brandenberg, Skjold - Barthel, PA.
Member Orientation on August 5, 2009. From left to right: Meg Jakubik, Jakubik, Meg & Schernthaner; Lisa X, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Shanza Alam - La Quinta Inn & Suites; Chelsey Stein, La Quinta Inn & Suites; Stacie Ott, OnGo Communications, LLC; Phil Roche, OnGo Communications, LLC; Kevin Pollari, OnGo Communications, LLC.
24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic on August 17, 2009. From left to right: Michael Blazei, Carver Moquist & O’Conner, LLC; Lynn Anderson, U.S. Bank; Carrie Vanwert, Pressworks; Shane Dols, Brothers Office Furniture.
Member Orientation on September 3, 2009. From left to right: Martin Wojciechowski, Luther Collision & Glass; Debbie Mercier, Luther Collision & Glass; Linda Logan, Fiscal Foundations, LLC; Dave Nuckols, Hennepin County Board of Commissioners; K.F. Li, Smooth Sail International LLC.
Member Orientation on September 3, 2009. From left to right: Michael Chorley, Robert W. Baird & Company; Tara Johnson, SharePoint Credit Union; Lisa Schernthaner, Jakubik, Meg & Schernthaner; Lisa, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy; Rick Westerberg, RenovoData Service.
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