Aug./Sept. 2009 by TwinWest Chamber of Commerce

August/September 2009

www.twinwest.com

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way. â&#x201E;˘

Bridge Builder Takes the Helm of the TwinWest Chamber Board October 1 Page 12

Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, incoming board chair

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tee Time! Join us at the 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic page 13 Blended health care plans and trusts can reduce health benefit costs Page 18

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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 Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Chair of the Board Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Chair-elect of the Board Sarah Toepke, Treasurer Tess Hohman, General Mills, Past Chair of the Board Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President

DIRECTORS Gary Aiken, Investors Capital Corporation Jennifer Albrecht, HTG Architects Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Jeff Arnold, TCF Financial Corporation Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Dannette Coleman, Medica Daniel Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects, Inc. Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Karen Jothen, Qwest Communications 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 Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners

MEMBER PROFILE

Sandy Benson Photography - A member in the news

ROM THE 7 FPRESIDENT’S DESK

Economic Development Community Recognizes TwinWest Workforce Ready! Collaborative

8 PROFILES

Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFLCrystal)

Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising Director Jeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic Design Mariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales

of the TwinWest Chamber Board Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, describes himself as a “bridge builder,” and as he takes his seat as Chair of the TwinWest Board of Directors, he intends to be the architect of policy through service leadership.

It’s Tee Time! Join us at the 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic

VENT & 16 EPROGRAM DETAILS Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in August and September, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic; Business Overtime; Business Showcase; and the Legislative Breakfast

$UCCESS TWINWEST 18 COLUMN

Blended health care plans and trusts can reduce health benefit costs

20 C HAMBER NEWS

The Ambassador Committee would like to thank the generous companies that contributed to its annual celebration! Kathleen Schneibel is our June Superstar! St. Louis Park Business Council painting depicts “positive peer influence”

– 22 MEMBERS NEW & RENEWING

19 I NSIDE POLITICS

Inside Politics: Experience the political process

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builder 12 Bridge takes the helm

13 FEATURE EVENT

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 Jenna Reno, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Stacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications

feature story

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

24 LAST GLANCE

winWest event and program T photos Put your company in the spotlight

BEARENCE

速

MANAGEMENT GROUP

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member profile

Sandy Benson Photography – A member in the news What is your main service/product? I’m a photographer for weddings, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, businesses, families, and events.

Member name: Sandy Benson Business name: Sandy Benson Photography In business since: 2002 TwinWest member since: 2007 as Sandy Benson Photography. Prior to that, as part of Morries Automotive Group. Number of employees: 1 Location: Plymouth

What makes you stand out from your competition? I customize my work for each client. I don’t simply offer up photo packages for purchase because people have different needs and it’s important that I meet them in the best possible way. I’m good at helping people relax and have fun and as a result, we may shoot more photos than planned. That’s okay! I’m flexible and I like to give people a superior product. Following portrait photo sessions, I go beyond contact sheets and create a custom proof book with 40 print-ready proofs that serves as a keepsake book on its own. I also enjoy creating custom slide shows of weddings and other events, set to music on DVD. What is your company’s most significant recent accomplishment? Being recognized within Directions. I appreciate my relationship with TwinWest and the opportunity to have my photos published. Directions is my favorite magazine.

Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? I see value in the networking and the exposure that comes with my membership. People like to do business with people they know, especially small businesses. The one-on-one interaction and getting to know people is a valuable asset for growing my business.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Sandy Benson sandysphotos@comcast.net 5310 Norwood Lane N., Plymouth 55442 612-382-7183 www.sandybensonphotography.com

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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TwinWest Directions

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Economic Development Community Recognizes TwinWest Workforce Ready! Collaborative On June 17, the TwinWest led Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine initative was recognized by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) with its 2009 Partnership Award. This award goes to a project that is the result of collaborative efforts on the part of many leaders, including business, industry organizations, educators and government. The EDIE Awards honor individuals or organizations that deserve recognition for outstanding economic development achievement. Nominations are submitted throughout the spring and an awards committee comprised of EDAM members selects the winners. The Economic Development Awards were presented at EDAM’s Summer Conference at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge in Deerwood, Minnesota. The Workforce Ready! collaborative was established by TwinWest in 2008 to develop gap skills training programs for the precision manufacturing industry in the west metro region. Using a collaborative approach, it convenes stakeholders – including employers, post-secondary educational institutions, area school districts, local officials, workforce specialists, trade associations, and other business leaders – to strengthen workforce preparedness on behalf of precision manufacturers. Workforce Ready! is funded in part by a $50,000 Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies (FIRST) 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. At the EDAM awards event, Amy Baldwin with the City of Brooklyn Park and Judy Johnson, TwinWest’s director of community relations, accepted the award on behalf of the Workforce Ready! collaborative. Johnson is the staff lead on the project, which is chaired by Bret Weiss, WSB & Associates, Inc. In addition, our first phase of the project was facilitated by Ellen Watters, Civic Source LLC, and industry partners such as the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association. TwinWest and the Workforce Ready! collaborative thank each stakeholder for their work on the project, now entering its second phase. Two other notable area awards were also presented at the conference. EDAM honored the City of Saint Louis Park with a redevelopment award for its Highway 7 Corporate Center project. This complicated endeavor demonstrates the many challenges of brownfield sites and the barriers to redeveloping industrial properties. Also, MetroMSP.org, led by the Greater Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, received an EDIE Award for the Best Economic Development Marketing Campaign. Workforce and economic development remain important priorities for your chamber, and its great to be recognized for those efforts. Thank you for your on-going support!

Sincerely,

Bruce Nustad President

August/September 2009

profiles

Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal) Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal) is a veteran of three dozen legislative sessions, having served in the Minnesota House since 1973. A retired teacher, Rep. Carlson is a strong advocate for education and in his role as chair of the House Finance Committee, is deeply involved in fiscal issues. We caught up with Rep. Carlson in June after the 2009 session ended.

TW: How did this year’s budget battle differ from budget battles you’ve endured in the past? This has been one of the most challenging legislative sessions in Minnesota’s history. The

House made Minnesota’s short- and long-term economy recovery our focus. We talked with 25,000 Minnesotans at town hall meetings throughout the state to understand their priorities. It was clear that Minnesotans prioritized jobs and economic recovery while maintaining strong education, health care, and infrastructure. The House took advantage of every opportunity to save and even create new jobs within our budget. Budget cuts were targeted to avoid devastating layoffs in both the public and private sector. Finally, we provided training programs to help Minnesotans learn new skills in a changing economy. Governor Pawlenty, on the other hand, tried to spend money he did not have. He finally abandoned his expensive plan to borrow money to pay off the deficit that would have cost $1.8 billion over twenty years. It’s like using one credit card to pay off another. But unfortunately Governor Pawlenty was unwilling to work with the Legislature to compromise on an alternative source of revenue.

TW: What’s the most rewarding thing about serving in the Legislature? The most rewarding aspect of serving in the Legislature is the opportunity to shape public policy that impacts the lives of my constituents and citizens across the state. I am honored that the residents of my district have re-elected me to bring their ideas, issues, and concerns to the Capitol. Being able to advocate for their needs is the most important work I do each session. I also find constituent work deeply gratifying. An integral role of my job is to assist constituents in obtaining the information they seek from state government. At times I am able to intercede at a critical juncture to ensure individuals and families receive good information or are connected with the correct person within government to address their needs. See Carlson, page 10

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profiles

B u s i n e s s B allot In an effort to gauge the views of business leaders, TwinWest produces a monthly business ballot on various issues. Results below are from our May and June Legislative Breakfasts. May’s Legislative Breakfast was held in connection with TwinWest’s Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine initiative —a collaborative of private and public sector workforce partners supported by the State of Minnesota. The June Legislative Breakfast featured TwinWest’s classic TPT “Almanac” style session wrap-up, recapping the 2009 legislative session.

May 8, 2009 Business Ballot Results Do you feel like your workforce training needs are adequately met by the state and higher education institutions? Carlson, from page 8

TW: What is the most significant change you have seen during your years in the Legislature? The most significant change I have seen during my years in the Legislature is the improved access to information and legislative proceedings. The improved technological capabilities enable constituents from across the state to be more engaged in the legislative process. All committee hearings have audio recordings that are posted online and many hearings also have video recordings available. All floor sessions are recorded live and constituents can watch either online or on television. Viewers at home are able to track amendments in real time on the House’s website. In addition, with laptops on the floor, we are able to communicate with our constituents in real time about issues being debated. All of this technology has increased the amount of citizen input legislators receive. The input is critical to helping legislators better represent our constituents and make more informed decisions.

TW: What ideas do you suppose would be most helpful to the business community? As a retired social studies teacher, I have been a strong supporter of education at all levels throughout my career. I believe that quality education is not only a right in our society, but

TwinWest Directions

also the most important responsibility we have to the next generation. I have worked over the years to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to high quality, comprehensive educational opportunities, and that educators and parents have the tools they need to impact learning more effectively. In addition, job creation and economic growth that will ensure the economic security of our people is essential to the well being of our state. I have supported legislation to strengthen our economy and to provide good jobs and better job security for our citizens. The key to economic security is to maintain our commitment to education that provides a highly trained workforce and to invest in research in those areas that foster an environment attractive to new industries and employment growth.

TW: If money were no object, what is the one bill you’d most like to pass? The bill I view as most important to the future of our state is an education bill that invests in early childhood, K-12, and higher education to ensure all of Minnesota’s children and students have access to a quality education. With the projected worker shortage in the coming years, it is essential that we are doing all we can to guarantee that all children and students have the opportunity to high-quality education and access to affordable higher education. Not only will it increase their earning potential, but it will ensure that Minnesota retains its position as a national leader.

Yes: 68% No: 32% How important is workforce development to your organization? A major concern: 70% A minor concern: 25% Not a concern: 5%

June 12, 2009 Business Ballot Results What is your initial take on the 2009 Legislative Session? Train Wreck Blame Pawlenty and Republicans: 9% Train Wreck Blame DFL Legislature: 37% Success Credit Pawlenty and Republicans: 14% Success Credit DFL Legislature: 1% Mixed Bag: 39% Overall, how would you grade the results of the session? A: 1% B: 12% C: 43% D: 31% F: 13%

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feature story

Bridge builder takes the helm of the TwinWest Chamber Board Steve Wise describes himself as a “bridge builder,” and as he takes his seat as chair of the TwinWest Board of Directors October 1, he intends to be the architect of policy through service leadership. He is committed to helping the Chamber do what it does best: “build and nurture relationships that lead to professional and personal success.”

A top priority for Wise and the TwinWest Board is assuring that members receive a high return on their investment. “We need to show the relevancy of all Chamber functions,” says Wise. “We assess the value of our events and services and make adjustments if members don’t feel they’re getting the benefit of their membership investment. People want to build relationships, network and be involved in programs that have positive outcomes.” Wise has great pride in the strength and energy of the TwinWest staff. He marvels at the way they anticipate the needs of members and take immediate action to meet customer expectations. Additionally, he has been honored to serve on the Board. He says, “I sit at the boardroom table with 20+ highly skilled business leaders and even though all of us have strong opinions, at the end of the day, we’ve brought the best of all of us together to make good decisions and policies on behalf of the Chamber and its members.” Together, Wise and the Board will continue to strive to make good decisions on behalf of the Chamber. During his term, he hopes to recruit more manufacturing members to become involved with TwinWest. “Manufacturing is vital to our country and its future,” Wise says.

Wise and his business, Cass Screw Machine Products (Brooklyn Center) have been TwinWest members for seven years. Steve has served on the Board for the past three. He is gregarious and eager to help highlight the impact of big picture thinking and government legislation on business. “Sometimes we get so absorbed in the details of running our businesses, that we fail to see the big picture,” he says. “I hope to encourage members to pay close attention to how legislation impacts their businesses, and what TwinWest presents as policies to help them grow and thrive.” Wise is also passionate about TwinWest’s philanthropic commitments and applauds both members and staff for successful programs like Workforce Ready!. Wise says, “These are the Chamber’s core values. We need to focus on these now, more than ever.”

TwinWest Directions

These are especially difficult and unprecedented times in our current business climate. Trained as a CPA and now a business owner, Wise has learned that business leaders have to be able to make cuts and other difficult operating decisions, looking at not only living with less,

but also thriving within that new culture. He says, “When pricing becomes the only apparent criteria, it’s time to put our personality behind our pricing, touching our customers more often to show them they truly matter to us.” Wise definitely knows a thing or two about business, and running a successful manufacturing operation, having worked at 60-year-old Cass Screw Machine Products for a good part of his career. He and his partners are following in the footsteps of Lester Cass, who believed that his employees were his number one asset. Wise and his colleagues manage Cass with a focus on caring for the families they employ. He says, “We want to make sure that every decision we make will positively impact our employees and their families, and if we keep that goal top of mind, the revenue will follow.” Steve Wise looks forward to serving as Chair of the TwinWest Chamber Board of Directors and to working with TwinWest members, building bridges and developing relationships that lead TW to great success.

feature event

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tee Time! Join us at the 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic Join us for the 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic on August 17 at the Golden Valley Golf & Country Club. This fundraising event is a great way to spend the day out of the office networking and enjoying the summer weather! Attend alone and be placed in a foursome to meet new business contacts, or arrange your own group of coworkers, clients, or friends for a fun-filled afternoon on the greens. Members and nonmembers are welcome to participate!

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Event Details: 24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic Monday, August 17, 2009 Golden Valley Golf & Country Club

Tournament: $185 per golfer or $720 per foursome, plus tax 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start Includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner, contests, and giveaways

Participating in the 24th Annual Golf Classic is a good way to support the next generation of business and community leaders. Proceeds from the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raffle go to the TwinWest Foundation, which provides scholarships to local high school students and adult learners.

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763.548.0105 August/September 2009

24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic Lunch: 11:30 a.m., Shotgun: 1:00 p.m., Reception to follow Golden Valley Country Club - Golden Valley

Monday

August Tuesday

Prospective Member Forum 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth

TwinWest calendar

Series Sponsor

26 Fuzzy Duck Design & QuarterTon Productions Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fuzzy Duck Design - Minnetonka

Town & Country Caterers Overtime with the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Town & Country Caterers: The Reserve Event Center - Plymouth

Crystal/New Hope Business Council 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Liberty Diversified Industries - New Hope

Member Orientation 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn - Minnetonka

Wednesday

Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office - Plymouth

Thursday

Friday

Golden Valley City Connection 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs - Golden Valley

Prospecitve Member Forum 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth

September 1

SERVPRO Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. SERVPRO - Golden Valley

Crystal/New Hope Business Council 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Liberty Diversified Industries - New Hope ip’s Irish Pub Overtime K 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kip’s Irish Pub - St. Louis Park

2 Series Sponsor

Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. TwinWest Chamber office - Plymouth

Member Orientation 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn - Minnetonka

Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth

St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center – St. Louis Park

18 Legislative Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place -St. Louis Park

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

AUGUST mon.

wed.

24th Annual TwinWest Golf Classic 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Fuzzy Duck Design & QuarterTon Productions Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Golden Valley Golf & Country Club 7001 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 (763) 732-4100

Fuzzy Duck Design 13815 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 449-6800

fri.

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

ROI: Learn about the marketing, design and video production services provided by these two TwinWest members and grow your network.

ROI: Forge new business connections while you enjoy an afternoon on the greens. To register: Call (763) 450-2220. See page 13 for prices, sponsors, and other details. To get there: From I-394, exit on Highway 169 north. Drive north to Highway 55/ Olson Memorial Highway east. Turn left on Winnetka Avenue North and turn right on Golden Valley Road.

wed.

Town & Country Caterers Overtime with the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Town & Country Ca3155 Empire Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-4461

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 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.

SEPTEMBER wed.

ROI: Hear the latest on a timely topic; connect with public officials and regional business leaders. To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. Members: $30. Nonmembers: $40. To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/ Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.

wed.

SERVPRO Business Showcase 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 2305 Louisiana Avenue North Golden Valley, MN 55427 (952) 473-4837

Kip’s Irish Pub Overtime 4:30 - 6:30p.m. 9960 Wayzata Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 544-4400

ROI: Learn how Servpro can help you prepare for and recover from disasters that threaten your home while expanding your professional network. ROI: Sample a delectable assortment of the fine foods Town & Country Caterers has to offer and network with TwinWest and Wayzata Chamber of Commerce members. To register: This is a free event with no need to register; just bring your business cards. To get there: From Highway 494, take the Highway 55 west exit and go to the 1st corner which is Fernbrook Lane North. Turn right at Fernbrook Lane North and go to Harbor Lane North. Turn right on Harbor Lane North. Take a left at Empire Lane.

ROI: Enjoy the jovial atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and grow your network. To register: This is a free event with no need to register; just bring your business cards. To get there: From I-394 exit at the Hopkins Crossroad exit and go north. Turn right on to the Wayzata Boulevard frontage road. The Marriot will be on the left side right after the 4-way stop intersection.

To register: This is a free event with no need to register; just bring your business cards. To get there: From I-394, exit on Highway 169 north. Drive north to the Medicine Lake Rd/ CR-70 exit. Turn right onto Medicine Lake Road. Turn right on Nevada Avenue North. Turn left on Madison Avenue West, which turns into Louisiana Avenue North.

SAVE THE

DATE

TwinWest Directions

••••••

Annual Celebration October 8, 2009 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

•••••••

Sheraton Hotel Minneapolis West 122201 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305

Thank You Board Leaders! October 1 marks the new fiscal and volunteer year for the Chamber, the TwinWest Foundation and the TwinWest Political Action Committee. Each of these entities is governed by a dedicated collection of Board members. Below is an overview of volunteers who are transitioning in and out or stepping down from their roles after years of dedicated service. TwinWest Chamber Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, current chair of the TwinWest Board of Directors turns over his leadership position to Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, on October 1. Wise can be seen on the cover of this month’s Directions magazine. TwinWest thanks Carlson for his leadership and the impact he has had on the Chamber. Joining the TwinWest Board on October 1 are Stacy Bogart, Liberty Diversified Industries (LDI), Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park, and Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Bogart is general counsel for LDI; Harmening

is city manager at St. Louis Park; Snoxell is a shareholder at Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Leaving the TwinWest Board of Directors are Karen Jothen, Qwest Communications, and Tess Hohman, General Mills. The TwinWest Chamber is grateful for the expertise and passion they have brought to the Board. TwinWest Foundation Jennifer Albrecht, HTG Architects, wraps up chairing the Foundation Board on September 30 and turns that role over to Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Albrecht has brought marketing strength to the Foundation Board. Snoxell recently facilitated the Foundation Board’s Annual Retreat and he has a strong vision for the future. Retiring from the Foundation Board is Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank. Bakken, a past chair of the Foundation Board, contributed to the Foundation through not only in her chair role, but also as a participant on several committees.

TwinWest Political Action Committee Phil Kronlage continues as chair of the TwinWest Political Action Committee (PAC) next year. Kronlage, a CPA and shareholder at Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs, has chaired the group for over fifteen years and enjoys the political process. Joining the PAC Board this year and continuing on next year are Joe Boston, Jan Kruchoski, and Chris Tiedeman. Boston is the community foundation executive director for North Memorial Health Care; Kruchoski is principal in charge of Larson Allen Search; Tiedeman is with Weber Johnson Public Affairs, LLC. Sadly, Mike Hickey, of Hickey and Associates and a PAC Board member, passed away in July. Hickey was a strong advocate for the business community and a great supporter of TwinWest. Many will miss Mike’s strength and friendship.

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

St. Louis Park Offers: • Excellent teachers and staff. • 98% of district parents feel their children are taught by highly trained teachers who care about them. • A commitment to ensure that all students have access to equal, high-quality educational opportunities. • A wide array of educational programs and services under an international umbrella aimed at providing students with learning experiences that will enable them to succeed in a global marketplace. • Small, neighborhood schools with individual attention. • The International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from pre-school through high school. IB is an internationally recognized method for teaching that uses inquiry, local and international focus and collaboration throughout the school day and includes weekly world language instruction for all students. • The Park Spanish Immersion (PSI) School, a K-6 elementary program provides students a high-quality, full Spanish immersion education with an international focus and global perspective. There is an application and lottery process to attend PSI.

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

www.slpschools.org

August/September 2009

$uccess TwinWest column

Blended health care plans and trusts can reduce health benefit costs

The money in this plan does not roll over into the following plan year, so employees must plan their contributions carefully. Any leftover funds become the property of you, the employer. Like an HSA or HRA, this account is made up of pretax contributions, another way for employees to reduce their tax burden for known expenses.

Qualified Trusts Add Further Flexibility

Employers and employees are becoming more familiar with the benefits of High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts in an effort to control health care costs and other life expenses. Now insurance agencies can offer even more flexibility to employers — particularly those with high employer contributions — through a blended HSA/HRA plan. They can even help employers extend benefits to employees due to the reduction in costs to the employer. Here is a rundown of how each plan works. Depending on your business and types of employees, these plans can further reduce health benefit costs and still support employee health and retention.

HSA/HRA Blend Plans When you choose an HDHP with an HSA/HRA blend, you provide a vehicle for pre-tax and/or tax deductible savings that can grow over time and be allocated for certain employee health expenses or even retirement benefits. You and your employees pay a portion of the monthly premium for the plan based on the negotiated terms. Then your employees would contribute to a Health Savings Account using a pre-tax payroll deduction. These funds are the sole property of the employee to pay for eligible medical expenses. You may also contribute to the HSA for your employees, but the total contribution in the account per year cannot

TwinWest Directions

exceed the current IRS maximum contributions of $3,000 for single and $5,950 for family. In addition, the employer will fund the HRA as eligible claims from employees are assessed. This money can be accessed by employees for eligible expenses only after they have used all available funds in the HSA for the plan year. Due to the shared responsibility of risk, in this sense you and your employees are working together to build a savings account for future health care expenses while reducing your combined annual tax burden. The HRA is an additional benefit for employees who have higher than average medical expenses in a given year. Even if employees use all of the available funds each year, they can potentially save hundreds due to the pre-tax benefit of having most of their medical expenses covered through the HSA, HRA or HDHP plan. A blend plan also allows employers to choose a higher deductible policy than would otherwise be practical under the HSA plan alone. The ultimate goal of the HDHP is to act as a “true” insurance vehicle, in the sense that the employer is insuring for high dollar claims. Funds in an HSA remain employee property even if the employee changes jobs. To supplement other employee expenses and reduce your tax burden, you may choose to add a Flexible Spending Account to the blended plan. This plan could be designated for certain repeat expenses such as dental, vision, dependent childcare or parking, for example.

By placing HRA funds in a Trust, you can offer further flexibility in how those funds are allocated to employees. For example, some employers through an association are now settting up HRAs for seasonal employees who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for health benefits. A trust plan arrangement can allow employees to draw funds from the HRA during the offseason, providing health insurance coverage year round and reducing the cost to insure the employees and their families. We have found employers in the construction industry or other trades particularly interested in this trust plan arrangement. There are many variations on these so-called hybrid defined contribution plans that can fit a variety of employers. Their main ingredient is that they put employers back in control to define the total cost of health benefits each year, allowing employees to choose how that money will be spent — on premiums or contributions. Although hybrids are not the solution for everyone, their flexibility may be the answer to satisfying the interests of single employees, families or retirees on your benefit roll. Talk to your health benefits representative about these options.

About the Author Gary Helm, MHP, is the benefits practice leader in Minnesota for Bearence Management Group, an insurance firm that is redefining risk for small and mid-sized businesses. Gary Helm, Bearence Management Group Phone: (612) 436-5611 Email: ghelm@bearence.com Web site: www.bearence.com Share your expertise and receive free business exposure! TwinWest members are invited to submit articles for thisi column to stacy@celpr. com. Articles should provide concrete business advice; target lenthi is 650-750 words. Call Stacy Slygh at (763) 559-6058 with questions.

inside politics

Inside Politics:

Experience the political process The old saying is true – government will either do something for you or do something to you, but it will do something. To be effective in today’s business climate, you need to understand how government works and how you can influence it. To help you gain this knowledge, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce provides a dynamic, four-session course that will teach you about the complex relationship between business and government. You will get the inside scoop about our political process from elected officials, longtime political insiders, highly regarded lobbyists, award-winning reporters, and Pawlenty Administration officials, in language you’ll understand.

November 10: Inside Local Government Gain insight about the inner workings of local government, and find out how cities, counties, and school districts operate.

The class meets in October, November, January, and February, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m on the second Tuesday of each month. Classroom sites will vary each month. October 13: Inside Elections Learn how elections are won (and lost) from party leaders, campaign managers, public relations specialists, and campaign finance regulators.

Early registration special - before September 15, 2009 TwinWest member: $350 Nonmember: $400

Heidi

Barb

Space is limited to 30 participants. Don’t miss out – register today! Register online at www.twinwest.com or call Bryan Lake at (763) 450-2225.

January 12: Inside State Government Learn the ins and outs of Minnesota’s legislative process from legislators, Pawlenty Administration officials, reporters, and lobbyists. February 9: Inside Federal Government Washington D.C. insiders will teach you how the federal government affects you and how you can make sure your voice is heard at this level.

Sponsored by Peg’s Countryside Café

Registration after September 15, 2009 TwinWest member: $395 Nonmember: $495

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Minneapolis

Casey Holland

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That’s VIP Service. August/September 2009

Chamber news

The Ambassador Committee would like to thank the generous companies that contributed to its annual celebration! S ponsors

include :

C ontributors ActionCOACH Christy Shore Anchor Bank, National Association Animal Humane Society Art Holdings BayView Event Center/BaySide Grill dba Queen of Excelsior Black Cat Promotional Products, Inc. Brite Media Indoor Brunswick Zone Burl Oaks Golf Club, Inc. Business & Estate Advisers, Inc. Center National Bank City of Plymouth Classic Ballroom Coffee Mill, Inc. The Foursome Clothing & Shoes General Mills Girvan Grille Great River Energy Green Mill Hampton Inn - Minnetonka HealthSource of Plymouth Herzing College Home Valu Interiors The HoneyBaked Ham Company J & F Reddy Rents, Inc. J.S. Fitness Jim Lupient Infiniti of Golden Valley

TwinWest Directions

include :

Joe Senser’s Sports Theater Journeyworks KMAS Consulting LLC LarsonAllen LLP The Lock Up Self Storage Marriott Minneapolis West Melberg Marketing Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Minnesota Twins Money Mailer Twin Cities The Northland Inn Orfield Design and Construction, Inc. Paeonia Floral Paradise Charter Cruises Lake Minnetonka & Mississippi River Peg’s Countryside Café & Catering Posers Photography LLC The Salon Professional Academy Seiler and Associates Sign-A-Rama Snap Fitness - Plymouth TCF National Bank - Plymouth Travel Leaders Wells Fargo Reverse Mortgage The Williston Group YMCA Ridgedale ThermoDynamo Productions

Kathleen Schneibel is TwinWest’s June Superstar! TwinWest is proud to announce that Kathleen Schneibel, owner of KMAS Consulting LLC, is June’s Volunteer Superstar! At the June 17 Business Overtime hosted by Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota at Grandchamp, Guyette & Cronin, PLLC in Wayzata, Kathleen was recognized for her involvement and dedication to TwinWest and the local community. In her first year of membership, Kathleen has been an active Ambassador, attending the majority of ribbon cuttings hosted by the Chamber. She also volunteered to be a table leader for Ethics in the Workplace Day, part of the Business Education Partnership program. Kathleen currently serves on the funding subcommittee of the Kindergarten Ready! initiative. KMAS Consulting LLC, specializes in providing businesses with outsourced financial services. We thank Kathleen for her commitment to the business community!

St. Louis Park Business Council painting depicts “positive peer influence” The St. Louis Park Business Council recently submitted a painting depicting “positive peer influence” to Children First’s 40 assets poster project. The business council’s painting was designed and painted by Darrin Gordon, Dancing Flame Artwork and Design. Also, thank you to Mark Hendricks, Q - Consulting Group, for coordinating the project for the business council.

About Children First Children First has five founding partners that worked to ensure this philosophy caught on in St. Louis Park. Through their efforts, the word has grown far and wide in the community and many organizations and individuals are a part of this work. By enlisting the support of the community to create a network that champions Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets through individuals, families, and all types of organizations in St. Louis Park. To learn about Children First’s initiative that encourages everyone in the community to find ways to help

Flame Artwork and Design. Gordon has been an artist most of his life and has heard the market complain about the high cost of having art and design work created and reproduced. Dancing Flame Artwork and Design was developed to provide artwork of all kinds and services to get information out to the public at a reasonable price. For more information on Dancing Flame Artwork and Design contact Darrin Gordon at (763) 533-3269, or online at www.dancingflame-art.com.

in the healthy development of infants, children and teens, contact Karen Atkinson at (952) 9286075, or online at www.children-first.org.

About Dancing Flame Artwork and Design Darrin Gordon, the resident artist, owns Dancing

About the St. Louis Park Business Council TwinWest’s St. Louis Park Business Council provides an opportunity for members to connect with and provide influence on local government initiatives. The St. Louis Park Business Council, chaired by Stanley Jurgensen, Stanley F. Jurgensen CPA, meets the first Thursday of each month, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. There is no cost to attend. For more information on the St. Louis Park Business Council contact Bryan Lake, (763) 450-2225.

Advertise in the TwinWest Membership Directory

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Custom catering, event planning and memorable spaces for every occasion! Apples Catering . Perfect Host Catering Professional Foodservice . Picnics Plus! Nicollet Island Pavilion . Château at Medicine Lake Minneapolis Central Library . Minnesota Boat Club Padelford Riverboats . Twin City Casinos Mintáhoe Beverage Services

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Chamber Members Supporting Chamber Members

Call Mariah Hendrickson to reserve your ad today! 952-846-2042 August/September 2009

new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS

Jake’s City Grille

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.

Kromer Co. LLC

Welcome New Members!

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.

ADT Security Services, Inc.

SECURITY SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT 5910 Rice Creek Parkway Suite 700 Shoreview, MN 55126 Mr. Nathan Galin

Allan and Associates

HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING 13211 Ridgemont Avenue West Minnetonka, MN 55305 Mr. Scott Allan

Construction Alternatives

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES 5496 Lost Lake Lane Mound, MN 55364 Mr. Mark R. Klesk

Diamond Quality Services, LLC CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 9003 Loch Lomond Boulevard Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Ms. Jan Hintze

EAD Constructors, Inc.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES 4190 Vinewood Lane North Suite 111-573 Plymouth, MN 55442 Mr. Rod Peterson

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 3850 South Shoreline Drive Wayzata, MN 55391 Ms. Sue Drakulic

In House Productions

VIDEO & FILM PRODUCTION 3444 Colfax Avenue South Suite 1 Minneapolis, MN 55408 Mr. Arend Geurink

Instant Site Minnesota: A Binary Web Design, LLC Partner WEB PAGE DESIGN 7809 Southtown Center Suite 285 Bloomington, MN 55431 Mr. Mike Demopoulos

TwinWest Directions

RESTAURANTS 3005 Harbor Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Rick Guntzel MANUFACTURERS 15020 27th Avenue North Suite 200 Plymouth, MN 55447-4892 Mr. Ronn Ponath

LDA Minnesota

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 6100 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55422 Ms. Kitty Christiansen

Mouse Ear Vacations Minnesota

TRAVEL SERVICES & CLUBS 7809 Southtown Center Suite 285 Bloomington, MN 55431 Mr. Mike Demopoulos

Nexpro Personnel Services EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES & COUNSELING 5353 Gamble Drive Suite 112 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Leslie Knutson

Pairings Food & Wine Market

FOOD PRODUCTS - SPECIALTY & GOURMET 6001 Shady Oak Road Minnetonka, MN 55343 Ms. Holly Damiani

Seiler and Associates

ATTORNEYS 7900 Highway 7 Suite 350 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Mr. Scott Seiler

Send Out Cards

MARKETING 235 Lakeview Avenue Long Lake, MN 55356 Ms. Lisa Cochran

Servpro of Minnetonka/Coon Rapids/Anoka and Ramsey Counties INSURANCE RESTORATION 2305 Louisiana Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55427 Mr. John M. Kittelson

Success Computer Consulting COMPUTERS-CONSULTING SERVICES 7575 Golden Valley Road Suite 135 Golden Valley, MN 55427 Mr. Taylor Shaver

Syngenta

AGRI-BUSINESS 7500 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN 55440-0959 Ms. Pam Molitor

Wellington Management, Inc. REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL & INVESTMENT 1625 Energy Park Drive Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55108 Mr. Todd Kaufman

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+ Years Berg Law Offices, P.A. Park Nicollet Clinic Sheraton Hotel Minneapolis West St. Louis Park, City of

21-24 Years Linsk Flowers

16-20 Years Continental Diamond Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich, & Co., P.A.

11-15 Years A.C. Carlson BayView Event Center/BaySide Grill dba Queen of Excelsior Beltrand, Mark J. Ltd. Calhoun Beach Club Children’s - Minnetonka Crossroads Delicatessen Dunwoody College of Technology Grant Thornton LLP Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park Huntington Learning Center Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners L & R Suburban Landscaping, Inc. Park Midwest Commercial Real Estate Partnership Resources, Inc. Quest Development, Inc. Sales By Phone, Inc.

6-10 Years Aagesen Chiropractic Clinic ABRA Auto Body & Glass - Hopkins ABRA Auto Body & Glass - St. Louis Park AFLAC Bertelson Total Office Solutions Coldwell Banker Burnet - Dan & Karen Ryan Famous Dave’s - Plymouth MN Insurance Group, Inc. North Hennepin Community College

Olympus Financial Advisors Pressworks Strategic Financial Inc.

1-5 Years Binary Web Design, LLC BOMA of Greater Minneapolis DeVry University - St. Louis Park Drake Mallard Consulting - Profiles International Duke Realty Corp. Edina Realty EGC - Economic Growth Centers Financial Concepts, Inc. GolfTEC Graham Jewelers Hamline University Minneapolis Center Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Hruby, Annette - Costco Humana MarketPOINT Investors Capital Corporation La Quinta Inn and Suites LEXMODUS™ The Lock Up Self Storage Metro Dentalcare Minnesota Twins Munkeby Financial, Inc. Optimum Financial Group Pictura Graphics Regency Woods Rhodes, Jim RSW Construction Saint Therese, Inc. Shred-N-Go, Inc. Sjoquist Architects, Inc. Staples - Minnetonka Streamside Printing, Inc. Tidy Clean Total Entertainment Productions

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. Michael Carlton – A utomobile Service Company Craig Goodrich – C ontract Resource Services, Inc. Jim Damiani – NAI Welsh Thomas Voegel – N ew Business Minnesota Pat Bedell – Sign-A-Rama Derick White – SMS Inc. 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.

Now Open AUG_SEP SBA Spoken.qxp

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3:18 PM

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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 May 6, 2009. From left to right: Todd Boe, Quintessential Business Solutions; Derick White, SMS Inc.

Member Orientation on May 6, 2009. From left to right: Joel Slachowitz, Brite Media Indoor; Mike Belker, Select Fitness; DeAnn Grimmius, Bearence Management Group; Tom Spengler, Jessen Press; Elizabeth Kaplan, Posers Photography LLC.

Member Orientation on May 6, 2009. From left to right: Nathan Galin, ADT Security Services, Inc.; Jon Letness, Graphics 440; Doug Johnson, ShredN-Go, Inc.; Lindsey Masica, Franklin Press, Inc.; Kelly Guncheon, Bearence Management Group; JonMichael Vincent, Principal Financial Group

Member Orientation on June 3, 2009. From left to right: Mark Klesk, Construction Alternatives; Nora Blum, Travel Leaders; David Myren, Aero Systems Engineering, Inc.; Nichelle Chandler, High Tech Institute; John Kittelson, Servpro of Minnetonka/Coon Rapids/Anoka and Ramsey Counties; Lisa Cochran, Send Out Cards; Tom Jagger, Sydax Corporation; Debe Marofsky, Affiliated Insurance Services LLC; Leslie Knutson, Nexpro Personnel Services; Kathy Wakurak, J. Perzel and Associates; Bruce Dearing, Construction Alternatives.

TwinWest June Legislative Breakfast recapping the 2009 Legislative session on June 12, 2009.

TwinWest Overtime - Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota held at Grrandchamp, Guyette & Cronin, PLLC on June 17, 2009.

TwinWest Ribbon Cutting at Pairings Food & Wine Market on June 18, 2009.

TwinWest Directions

JOIN THE CHAMBER!

Business Showcase at Burl Oaks Golf Club on June 24, 2009.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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@twinwest.com. We will be happy to help you explore how you can use the chamber to accomplish your professional goals!

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This can lead to a delay in learning, poor school performance and permanent loss of sight.

Call Kennedy Vision Health Center at 763.545.8850 to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam today! 10600 Old County Road 15 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441

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“Requesting funds for a start-up business can be a daunting experience at some banks, but not at Center National Bank in Plymouth. Both Dave Berg and Jeff Wosje were highly professional and knowledgeable when I recently approached them for a SBA loan and a line of credit for EYESthere, a digital video surveillance company located in Plymouth. We had an open and honest discussion of my business plan, and they answered all my questions openly and concisely. It became immediately clear they were experienced decision-makers not merely gatherers of information. They approved my application and handled the paperwork quickly. I was impressed.” – Jeremy Andrews President, EYESthere

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