October 2010
Headline Page
Photo: Sandy Benson Photography
Photo: Sandy Benson Photography
Photo: Posers Photography
TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 2009 - 2010 Year in Review Thank you to our gubernatorial debate sponsors page 8 Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in October page 10 Tom Sanvick is our volunteer superstar page 12
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table of text contents
from the president’s desk
6 MEMBER PROFILE 7 $ UCCESS TWINWEST 8 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
A New Leadership Year
I nterfaith Outreach & Community Partners - A member in the news
You might recall in the last issue of Directions (September 2010) being introduced to 2010-2011 TwinWest Board Chair Dannette Coleman, Medica. Dannette officially began her leadership term October 1. With this annual change comes many other volunteer leadership changes, including a new chair for the TwinWest Foundation, and departures from the TwinWest Chamber and TwinWest Foundation boards of directors.
Courageous conversations
hank you to our gubernatorial debate T sponsors Member Orientaton photos
9 FEATURE STORY VENT & 10 EPROGRAM DETAILS
TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 20092010 Year in Review
Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in October, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk; Network Connections Networking Group; Power Partners Networking; Perspective Member Forum; Legislative Breakfast; Business Showcase; Overtime; TwinWest Annual Celebration; Emerging Leaders ‘On the Fast Track’ Luncheon, etc.
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USINESS B INCENTIVES
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CHAMBER NEWS
Angle Tax Credit and your business
Tom Sanvick is our volunteer superstar! Join TwinWest for the 2010 Annual Celebration! featuring Joe Reilly, president and founder of Payroll Control Systems
13 TWINWEST PAC MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING
TwinWest Political Action Committee endorses candidates in the 2010 election
TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another
15 C HAMBER NEWS
Thank you to our sponsors and members who generously donated prizes to our annual TwinWest mbassadors celebration!
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) 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.
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TwinWest Directions
In this issue of Directions you’ll find a letter from 2009-2010 Board Chair Steve Wise summarizing some of TwinWest’s accomplishments. Considering the nation’s economic slump, Steve has done a great job keeping TwinWest as an organization healthy through pushing us to continue to be proactive and relevant. I personally have enjoyed Steve and his leadership-style and appreciated the countless media interviews he did on behalf of TwinWest and its members. Steve was an active and involved Board chair, personally returning each call or e-mail he received from a member. Thank you Steve! As we welcome Dannette Coleman as the next chair of TwinWest, I also want to recognize Matt Schadow, AmeriStar Agency, Inc., as he begins chairing one of Minnesota’s most generous chamber of commerce foundations, the TwinWest Foundation. The Foundation is rich in its scholarship giving history and Matt intends to continue that tradition thanks to the generosity of our business community. Matt replaces Jim Snoxell, Henningson and Snoxell, Ltd., who wrapped up a great year of solid leadership with the Foundation on September 30. Phil Kronlage, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs continues to serve as chair of the TwinWest Political Action Committee. We appreciate Phil’s nearly countless years of service to the Political Action Committee and its mission. Leaving the TwinWest Board on September 30 are Gary Aiken, Investors Capital Corporation, 20082009 Chair Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Dan Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects Inc., and Treasurer Sarah Toepke. Each of these departing Board members have brought a unique perspective to the Board and will be missed. Retiring from the Foundation Board is Jennifer Albrecht, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services. Jennifer chaired the Foundation Board in 2008-2009 and has been a valuable member of the Board. We have appreciated Jennifer’s straightforward approach to marketing and relationship development. Finally, I want to thank the TwinWest staff and our operational partners at C.E.L. and Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services for embracing where we are going as a business community. I am proud to work with each of them and all of our volunteer leaders as we continue to provide value to members in 2010-2011! Sincerely,
Bruce Nustad president 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
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member profile
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners - A member in the news provide a coordination and integration of county and suburban provider resources for families and children at a whole new level.
Member name: LaDonna Hoy Business name: Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners In business since: 1979 TwinWest member since: 1996 Number of employees: 25 Location: Wayzata
Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? IOCP relies on the power of partnerships, and wants to stay connected to the area business community, linking it to volunteer/ service opportunities that help strengthen our community.
What is your main service/product? Since 1979, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP), a nonprofit organization, has provided services and built partnerships to remove the key barriers around affordable housing, employment, transportation, child care, food, and access to resources that keep families out of the community mainstream. What makes you stand out from your competition? IOCP takes a holistic, customized approach when working with families to meet their immediate needs, connect them to resources, and help them develop a plan for long-term stability. Through our partnerships, we engage the whole community in supporting the success of the families we serve.
What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? The community has come together to help us fund the purchase and renovation of the former Erickson New Market, located at Highway 101 and County Road 6 in Plymouth. The onestop service center, to open in 2011, will share space with our community service partners with whom our vision and mission aligns and will
CONTACT INFORMATION: LaDonna Hoy lhoy@iocp.org 110 Grand Avenue, Wayzata, MN 55391 (952) 473-2436 www.iocp.org
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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Circadian_DIR8_MH TwinWest Directions1
9/7/10 10:48 PM
$uccess TwinWest
Courageous Conversations Recently, I was meeting with an owner of a small business, as my firm was seeking a new vendor to work with, and the conversation turned toward his concerns about one of his employees. This employee had a family member with an alcohol problem that resulted in the employee missing frequent work. This business owner was challenged in how to best address the problem. No surprise that drug and alcohol problems affect individuals, entire families and business teams. Remember, drug and alcohol problems are insidious and generally get worse over time. As leaders we are all faced with moments where we need to have courageous conversations to address performance concerns. Yet, the issue of drugs and alcohol can bring heightened anxiety and avoidance. In my firms’ work with business teams and family owned businesses, we have found success in addressing this issue by helping business leaders to stay focused on noting the behavior as it relates to work performance and providing ongoing feedback, such as “I’ve noticed that you have been late to work, is everything all right?” With this type of question, leaders set a tone of care, concern and problem solving. The conversation can lead to
helping the employee access help via the business employee assistance program or resources in the community. Businesses with clear visions, missions, job descriptions and policies that include conflict resolution processes imbedded in their corporate culture will find themselves steps ahead when dealing with alcohol, drugs or other problems that occur. These core business elements can make addressing staff concerns much easier. Leaders need to continually assess their business culture. Some good questions include: Are members of our business clear on their role and what is expected of them? Do leadership and business teams know our vision and mission? Do staff teams regularly give constructive feedback to each other and address problems/conflict directly and timely? A business culture with these questions answered, make the “courageous conversations” a little easier. If the answers to these questions are not answered well, then the “courageous conversation” needs to start at the leadership level.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael has been in private practice since 1997. He specializes in complex family systems, working in very creative ways. He also specializes in working with children and adult victims of trauma. Michael has a MSW (Masters of Social Work) and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). He is trained in family systems therapy, chemical dependency and child and adolescent therapy, with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Michael has been working with couples, families and children his entire career. Michael Borowiak, owner, Phoenix Process Consultants Phone: (952) 922-8822 Email: mrb@phoenixprocessconsultants.com Website: www.phoenixprocessconsultants.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.
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government text affairs
Thank you to our gubernatorial debate sponsors!
The TwinWest Chamber of Commerce hosted a gubernatorial debate in the race to succeed Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. The August
26th event was held at the General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley and drew 500 business and community leaders interested in issues surrounding jobs and the economy. “Minnesota faces a projected $6 billion deficit for the 2011 – 2012 biennium, and as a result the business community has a strong vested interest in who will govern Minnesota,” according to TwinWest Board Chair Steve Wise of Cass Screw Machine Products. “With so much at stake for the future of Minnesota, we know that the results of the 2010 governor’s race will dramatically impact businesses and the jobs that they maintain and create. The business community wants to understand firsthand where the candidates stand on important economic issues relating to jobs and the economy, taxes, healthcare, transportation, and education.”
Mark Dayton, DFL party candidate, Tom Emmer, Republican party candidate and Tom Horner, Independence party candidate participated in the debate with TwinWest Chamber President Bruce Nustad serving as moderator. Thank you to all three candidates for their participation!
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Member Orientation Photos 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. August Member Orientation. Left to Right: Tyler Emmert - Evolve Systems, Jane Denny - Evolve Systems, Amanda Winter - Melaleuca: The Wellness Co., Natalie LaBarbera - Integra Telecom - Sales Department, Chad Krueger Integra Telecom - Sales Department
From left to right:: Chris McLeod - Waddell & Reed, Dawn Braegelman – Rasmussen, Peggy Farah – Wipfli, Julie Stewart - Alerus
August Member Orientation. Left to Right: Darrin Gerr - Good Look Ink, Tonia Fesenko - Good Look Ink, Leah Matsch - Good Look Ink, Julie Hadges - Good Look Ink
September Member Orientation. Left to Right: Jeff Moores - Rasmussen College, Penny Springer - ShredN-Go, Inc., Thomas Walthour - Marco, Kevin Kobienia - Marco, Paul Sorensen - Marco
From left to right: Debra Valentini - Juut Salonspa, Anne Sumangil – Rasmussen, Gretchen Ditto - Ditto & Co, Andre Soissons - Laser Technologies
August Member Orientation. Left to Right: Don Daraskevich - Insurance Advantage, Brad Gotto - Fiat Wealth Management, Meg Pendleton - Fiat Wealth Management, Phil Berbig - Breathe Laser Therapy, Kelly Guncheon - Guncheon Financial, LLC.
September Member Orientation. Left to Right: Jim Lund - KW Commercial, Minneapolis, Teresa Schutz - The Growth Coach, Virginia Antony - Edina Realty, Xuan Mai Thi Ta - Modern Eyewear, Nick Jankovich - Premier Alliance Group
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TwinWest Directions
feature textstory
2009-2010 TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Year in Review Dear TwinWest Members, When I began my tenure as your Board chair, I introduced the Hawaiian concept of lokahi. Generally, lokahi means “balance through relationships.” During turbulent economic times, business leaders often tend to retrench and focus on their commodities sometimes at the expense of their relationships in the process. The Hawaiian message is “Disregard your interdependencies, and you will cease to exist. For you are not your commodities, you are your relationships.” TwinWest shines by helping your business keep a necessary balance. While you are focusing on your business’s core strengths and juggling your daily duties, we are working hard to nurture and foster your business relationships with government, communities, and other businesses. While TwinWest Board and staff meetings were unfortunately devoid of hula dancing and luaus, the vision of lokahi was apparent! We vowed that during this economic downturn TwinWest would remain a strong partner and advocate for our members, and we have accomplished this. Allow me to highlight some of the following work TwinWest has done over the past year: - Grow Minnesota!: TwinWest made 35 visits to local businesses and facilitated the securing of a $70,000 loan for a Hopkins member business to grow through a Minnesota Chamber/Pohlad Family Foundation loan program.
- TwinWest Foundation: Thanks to donations from people like you, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation awarded $70,000 in scholarships; $45,000 in the high school program and $25,000 in the career path program. - Networking: TwinWest hosted over 80 no-cost events - Business/Education Partnership: This program is stronger than ever as TwinWest hosted our S.T.E.M. (science, technology,
- Membership: Despite a soft economy, new member sales remained solid this year as businesses looked for more ways to connect locally.
engineering and math) event and Ethics in the Workplace workshop. - Legislative Breakfast: This series remained relevant and popular as attendance was up 20 percent.
None of the foregoing would have been possible without the incredibly dedicated leaders we have serving on our TwinWest Board, the TwinWest Foundation, the TwinWest Political Action Committee, Emerging Leaders, Ambassadors, Leadership TwinWest, and the host of other committees, taskforces and groups that make TwinWest the vital voice in business that it is today. I’d be remiss if I did not mention staff members Bruce, Chris, Dan, Jacqui, Judy and Sara, along with our operations partners, who tirelessly work to put the TwinWest vision into action. Thanks to all of you! I trust that you are proud of your TwinWest affiliation, and I thank you for your support, leadership and participation. Lastly, thanks for allowing me to serve as your chair for the last year. It has truly been an honor and a privilege! Aloha!
- Gala, Golf, Annual Celebration, and Small Business Awards: These annual events continued to be strong indicators of TwinWest pride and fellowship. - Transportation: We worked with area elected officials and the Minnesota Department of Transportation relating to scoping projects for Highway 100 and 494, and TwinWest remains involved in Southwest Light Rail Transit planning. - The Business Panel: This was introduced by TwinWest as a reality based business education series. - The TwinWest Emerging Leaders: This group continued to build upon their momentum as they expanded their membership base and hosted nine events over the course of the year. - Gubernatorial Debate: This TwinWest sponsored event was attended by more than 500 business leaders
Steve Wise Cass Screw Machine Products 2009 – 2010 Chair of the Board
MISSION STATEMENT
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.
VALUE STATEMENTS
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. 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. 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 2010
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event &text program details
October 2010 1
Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 - 9:00 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.
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Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn 10420 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka (952) 541-1094 No cost to attend.
ROI: Learn how to make the most of your investment and get a jump start on networking. To get there: From 394, exit on Hopkins Crossroad and go north. a right on Wayzata Boulevard.
TwinWest 2010 Annual Celebration Featuring Joe Reilly, President and Founder of Payroll Control Systems 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sheraton Minneapolis West 12201 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka Investment: $45 members, $55 nonmembers, $400 table of 10
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ROI: Join us as we review the past year and look forward to what’s ahead. Our keynote speaker this year is Joe Reilly, who will share his remarkable story “From Pawns to Profitability, Joe Reilly ‘Makes Good’ with Success” and tips for business success. Also at this event meet TwinWest Foundation Carreer Path scholarship recipients and their donors. To get there: From I-394, take the Plymouth Road/ Ridgedale Drive exit. Proceed to Ridgedale Drive and turn right. Go two blocks and the hotel is on the left.
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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.
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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.
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TwinWest Directions
Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.
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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
ROI: This event will focus on the 2010 elections in Minnesota. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from Professor Larry Jacobs, back by popular demand, his thoughts and prognostications on these top races. To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place and turn right on 16th Street.
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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: Get involved in the local business community and hear updates from cities and schools. To get there: Take 169 to the 49th Avenue N exit and turn right. Turn left onto Independence Avenue N.
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Network Connections Networking Group 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year
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: Connect with other business professionals using innovative cutting-edge programs, tools and technologies to produce a positive networking outcome.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Overtime at Brunswick Zone 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Brunswick Zone 7545 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park (763) 503-2695 No cost to attend.
ROI: Connect with success with the TwinWest Chamber. Meet other members, exchange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships. To get there: Go north on U.S. 169. Take the Brooklyn Blvd./77th Ave exit. Turn right at Brooklyn Blvd.
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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.
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Emerging Leaders 2010 -2011 Series Kick-off 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Crave – West End 1603 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park (952) 933-6500 No cost to attend.
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. You will also get a preview of our November “On the Fast Track” Luncheon. To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place and turn left on West End Boulevard.
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Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. First National Bank 13605 27th Avenue North, Plymouth No cost to attend.
ROI: Connect with other members and exchange ideas, sales leads and build relationships. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Turn left at County Road 61/Xenium Lane N. Turn right at 26th Avenue North.
text business incentives
Angel Tax Credit and your business September’s TwinWest Legislative Breakfast series kick-off featured Representative Ann Lenczewski, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Director Mark Lofthus, and a discussion of the 2010 Jobs Bill, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty. One of the key components of the law is an Angel Tax Credit—designed to stimulate private investment in technology-centric startup businesses in Minnesota. Here are some facts on the Angel Tax Credit and its implementation from the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development: Minnesota’s new Angel Tax Credit will stimulate private investment in emerging businesses and will encourage job creation. It provides tax incentives to investors or funds that put money into startup businesses that are focused on high technology or new proprietary technology. Key features of the Angel Tax Credit include: - A 25 percent tax credit for investments in small, emerging businesses. - A maximum credit of $125,000 per person per year ($250,00 if married filing jointly). - Program funding of $11 million in credits in 2010 and $12 million in credits annually from 2011 through 2014. - A state refund if credits exceed tax liability.
Investors, funds and businesses must be certified by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in order to participate in the program. The minimum qualifying investments are $10,000 (investors) and $30,000 (funds), and the maximum credit per business is $1 million.
Who Benefits from the Angel Tax Credit? Businesses, investors, workers and the state’s economy all benefit from the Angel Tax Credit. Here’s how: - Businesses get the capital they need to grow. - Investors can manage the risk associated with investing a in new businesses or technology. - Minnesota workers and the state’s economy benefit because the tax credit kick-starts emerging businesses and creates jobs.
- Using proprietary technology to add value to a product, process or service in a qualified hightechnology field. - Researching or developing a proprietary product, process, or service in a qualified hightechnology field. - Researching, developing, or producing a new proprietary technology for use in the fields of agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, manufacturing, or transportation.
To qualify for the Angel Tax Credit, businesses must meet these general criteria. At minimum they must: - Be headquartered in Minnesota. - Have a minimum of 51 percent of employees and 51 percent of payroll in Minnesota. - Have fewer than 25 employees. - Pay employees annual wages of at least 175 percent of poverty level, currently $18.55 per hour. Does not apply to business’ executives, officers, board members, or 20 percent-plus owners. - Must not have been in operation for more than 10 years. - Must not have previously received private equity investments of more than $2 million. - Must not have been disqualified from investment under Minn. Stat. 80 A.50 (b) (3) Small corporation offering registration disqualifications. - Must not have generated more than $4 million in investments that have received an Angel Tax Credit (The Angel Tax Credit is capped at $1 million per business). - Must be certified by DEED before investment is made. The certification filing fee is $150.
Excluded Businesses and Professional Services There are several types of businesses that may not participate in the Angel Tax Credit program. They include: - Real estate development - Insurance - Banking and lending - Lobbying and political consulting - Information technology consulting - Wholesale and retail trade - Leisure and hospitality - Transportation - Construction - Ethanol from corn
In addition, qualifying businesses must also be engaged in - or committed to engage in technological innovation in Minnesota. Their primary business activities must include one or more of the following:
Certain professional services are also excluded from participating, including professional services from: - Attorneys - Accountants - Business consultants - Physicians - Health care consultants For more information on the program and its application process, visit www. positivelyminnesota.com/angelcredit. Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Legislative Breakfast Series kickoff on September 10, 2010 October 2010
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chamber news
Join TwinWest for the 2010 Annual Celebration! Featuring Joe Reilly, President and Founder of Payroll Control Systems From Pawns to Profitability, Joe Reilly “Makes Good” with Success
Payroll Control Systems is a Minnesota based payroll processing and human resource management services company with offices in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Des Moines, Seattle and Spokane. Joe has over forty years of Information Systems and Accounting experience. Prior to founding Payroll Control Systems, Joe held positions with such notables as IBM, Control Data, and Cap Gemini America (Ernst & Young). Joe has been named the TwinWest 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year and the 1999 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. He was also awarded the 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, as well as the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bravo Award.
Event Sponsors
Join TwinWest to hear Joe’s remarkable story and tips for business success.
P latinum
This event will also: - acknowledge top TwinWest supporters through the Circle Awards program. - pass the gavel to new Board chair, Dannette Coleman, Medica, and pass the TwinWest Foundation gavel to Matt Shadow, Ameristar Agency. - recognize TwinWest committee and task force members - commend TwinWest Foundation Career Path scholarship recipients and their donors.
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Event Details: 2010 Annual Celebration Wednesday, October 6, 2010 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sheraton Minneapolis West 12201 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305 Investment: $45 members, $55 nonmembers, $400 table of 10 To register, go to www.twinwest.com/events
B ronze
Responsible By Nature.com
Tom Sanvick is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar! Tom Sanvick, vice president/commerical banker at Voyager Bank, is a dedicated TwinWest volunteer. He has chaired the TwinWest Small Business Awards Luncheon for four years. Even in these economically-challenging times, the annual event has flourished under his leadership. His valuable talents have helped every aspect of the event from sponsorships, to theme development, to committee recruitment. Tom also participated on the Emerging Leaders Council. He helped guide and grow the Emerging Leaders to be a hugely successful TwinWest program. TwinWest is fortunate to have Tom as such an active member!
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TwinWest Directions
Thank you to the generous members who contributed to our 25th Annual Golf Classic T itle S ponsor
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Anchor Bank Center National Bank CenturyLink - Golden Valley Citizens Independent Bank Costco - St. Louis Park Golden Care USA Golden Valley Heating & Air
H omewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis/St. Louis Park Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Minnesota School of Business Nextera Communications Pearl Vision Rasmussen College
Shred-N-Go TDS Venture Bank Wellington Management, Inc. Xcel Energy
TwinWest PAC
TwinWest Political Action Committee endorses business heroes in the 2010 election The TwinWest Political Action Committee provides TwinWest members the vehicle to shape the future of Minnesota’s political landscape. The TwinWest Political Action Committee endorses candidates for state constitutional, state legislative, and county offices whose platforms support private enterprise and work to improve economic conditions in the Twin Cities metro area and statewide.
“The TwinWest Political Action Committee helps the Chamber send a strong message to legislators that our members are serious about the issues facing their businesses, and demand legislators’ attention and action. The TwinWest Political Action Committee’s work helps to improve our state’s business climate and to foster economic development, which directly impacts business’ bottom line.” said Phil Kronlage, chair of the TwinWest PAC Board.
Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria: electability; response to TwinWest and business community questionnaires; leadership on business issues; voting record; relationship with and support of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce; and personal and professional experience. The TwinWest Political Action Committee endorsed the following candidates in the upcoming November 2, 2010 elections:
House of Representatives:
Rep. Kurt Zellers (R) District 32B
Rep. Steve Smith (R), District 33A
Rep. Connie Doepke (R) District 33B
Kirk Stensrud (R) District 42A
Rep. Sarah Anderson (R) District 43A
State Senate:
Sen. Warren Limmer (R) District 32
Sen. Gen Olson (R) District 33
Sen. David Hann (R) District 42
Sen. Terri Bonoff (D) District 43
Sen. Ann Rest (D) District 45
Sen. Linda Scheid (D) District 46
The TwinWest Political Action Committee serves as the political arm of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. It is organized to promote the election of pro-business / pro-jobs candidates to the Minnesota Legislature. The TwinWest Political Action Committee represents contributors from across the TwinWest footprint and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. For more information about the TwinWest Political Action Committee visit www.twinwestpac.com.
October 2010
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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.
Breathe Laser Therapy 13911 Ridgedale Drive Suite 180 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Mr. Phil Berbig TOBACCO CESSATION
Cbeyond
7900 West 78th Street Suite 330 Edina, MN 55439 Ms. Katie Walls TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Evolve Systems
1935 County Road B2 West Suite 101 Roseville, MN 55113 Ms. Marnie Raleigh WEB PAGE DESIGN CREDIT CARDS-SALES & SERVICES
Fiat Wealth Management 1850 West Wayzata Boulevard Long Lake, MN 55356 Mr. Bradly J. Gotto FINANCIAL ADVISORS BROKERAGE FINANCIAL SERVICES INSURANCE
Good Look Ink
5108 Industrial Boulevard Edina, MN 55439 Mr. Darrin Gerr COSMETICS
Integra Telecom Sales Department
6160 Golden Hills Drive Golden Valley, MN 55416 Ms. Natalie LaBarbera TELECOMMUNICATIONS
KW Commercial, Minneapolis 1300 Lagoon Avenue Suite 250 Minneapolis, MN 55408 Mr. Jim Lund REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL
McKinstry
8451 Xerxes Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55444 Mr. Michael Piper CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ENERGY PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT
Melaleuca: The Wellness Company
8521 25th Street West St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Ms. Amanda Winte r HEALTH & FITNESS CENTERS
Modern Eyewear
4713 County Road 101 Minnetonka, MN 55345 Xuan – Mai Thi Ta, OD OPTICAL
Parker Rosen LLC
300 1st Avenue North Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Mr. David A. Simon ATTORNEYS
Premier Alliance Group, LLC 6780 Lakeview Circle North East Albertville, MN 55301 Mr. Nick Jankovich EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES & COUNSELING HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING
Rasmussen College
8301 93rd Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55445-1512 Ms. Anne Sumangil SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Saturn of Golden Valley and Brooklyn Park Kia
1417 LaSalle Street Wayzata, MN 55391 Ms. Lynn R. Gruber GIFT BASKETS GIFTS & CARDS
801 Louisiana Avenue South Golden Valley, MN 55426 Ms. Pam Guilford AUTOMOBILE DEALERS AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS, SERVICE & PARTS
Insurance Advantage Agency
Senator Terri Bonoff
IamaBasketCase.com
7600 Parklawn Avenue Suite 350 Edina, MN 55435 Mr. Don Daraskevich INSURANCE
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TwinWest Directions
325 Capitol Building 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Senator Terri Bonoff GOVERNMENT
Soissons, Andre’ - Laser Technologies
2500 Lexington Avenue South Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Mr. Andre Soissons COPIERS-SALES, SERVICE & SUPPLIES DOCUMENT IMAGING
The Growth Coach
5317 11th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417 Ms. Teresa Schutz CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
RENEWING MEMBERS
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+ Coffee Mill, Inc. Comcast Cable Gearty-Delmore Funeral Hance Ace Hardware, Inc. Ray Smith Insurance Agency
16-20 Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers Children’s - Minnetonka Haworth & Company, Ltd. Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association
11-15 Premise Commercial Real Estate Presbyterian Homes, Beacon Hill Quest Development Williston Group, The
5-10 AFLAC - Shapiro Benilde-St. Margaret’s Bremer Bank Minnetonka Fuzzy Duck Design GoldenCare USA, Inc. GolfTEC High Five Hopkins Business & Civic Association Investment Management Inc. Minnesota School of Business Oberman Thompson & Segal, LLC Principal Financial Group Sam’s Club Syngenta Seeds, Inc. T.G.I. Friday’s Thrivent Financial Vaaler Insurance, Inc./HCIS Village Park Apartments
1-5 Alert Fire & Safety Best Wishes Floral Binary Web Design Buffalo Wild Wings - Plymouth C.E.L. Circadian Corporate Technologies Crown Marking, Inc. Harlan Rossmann Agency Nationwide Insurance Hennepin County Board of Commissioners - Jan Callison Horwitz/NSI HR Department LLC iVision Human Resources Kennedy Transmission Brake & Auto Service KMAS Consulting LLC Mary Kay Max’s Metro Dentalcare Minnesota Twins Money Mailer Minneapolis West New Horizon Academy - Plymouth New Reflections Spa-Salon Nexpro Personnel Services Padilla Speer Beardsley Panera Bread Panera Catering Parkshore Senior Campus Pawn America MN, L.L.C./Payday America, Inc. - Burnsville, Hopkins, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park Pictura Graphics RenovoData Service SharePoint Credit Union Slachowitz, Joel Smooth Sail International LLC Snap Fitness - Plymouth Success Computer Consulting Swank Audio Visual Toepke, Sarah E. Vinland National Center WEALTH Financial Consultants, Inc. WillowHill Inc.
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. Jennifer Albrecht – O wl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Beth Ulrich – Fuzzy Duck Design 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.
chamber news
Thank you to our sponsors and members who generously donated prizes to our annual TwinWest Ambassadors celebration! A wonderful array of prizes was generously donated by the following companies: BayView Events Center; The Business Journal; Costco - St. Louis Park; Document Resources; Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place; Erbert and Gerbert’s - Hopkins; Erbert and Gerbert’s Plymouth; Fuzzy Duck Design; General Mills; Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley; Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC; Hennes Art Company; Herzing College; J&F Reddy Rents; Jake’s City Grill; Joel Slachowitz; LarsonAllen; Marriott Minneapolis West; Mary Kay - Patricia Trumbull; Medica; Minnesota Twins; Next Stage Business; THE Original Basket Company; Paradise Charter Cruises; Park Dental Ridgepark; Park Shore Senior Campus; Peg’s Countryside Café; Sheraton Minneapolis West; Sign-A-Rama; and ThermoDynamo Productions.
Celebration Sponsors
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