April 2010
www.twinwest.com
Setting the Standard. Leading the Way. ™
TwinWest concentrates on economic recovery Feature Story page 9
Congressman Erik Paulsen visits Cass Screw Machine Products in March.
Online security - Are your actions putting you at risk? page 7 Profiles: Senator Ann Rest page 8 Save the Date: Small Business Awards Luncheon page 12
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table of contents
6 MEMBER PROFILE
l & Alma’s Supper Club and Charter A Cruises - A member in the news
7 $ UCCESS TWINWEST Online security - Are your actions putting your company at risk?
8 PROFILES
Senator Ann Rest Business Ballot
9 FEATURE STORY
TwinWest concentrates on economic recovery
VENT & 10 EPROGRAM DETAILS
Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in April, including: Member Orientation; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon; Business Showcase; Business Overtime; Power Partners; and the Legislative Breakfast.
12 CHAMBER NEWS
Dan Goldman is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar! TwinWest welcomes Beth Ulrich to the Board Save the Date: Small Business Awards Luncheon Thank you TwinWest Ambassadors for supporting the 12th annual Empty Bowls
MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING
TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another Member Event Photos
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.
4 TwinWest Directions
from the president’s desk
25 years of Gala and success On March 5, TwinWest celebrated 25 years of hosting a business community gala. Below are some of the highlights from the past 25 years that were showcased at the event. Thank you to our sponsors, caterers, donors, and volunteers for making not only this year’s gala a great success, but also for their commitment to the 24 held before this one. TwinWest is truly fortunate to represent businesses in the western suburbs.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today: TwinWest Foundation The TwinWest Foundation is the oldest and one of the most active chamber of commerce philanthropic institutions in Minnesota. Since 1982, the TwinWest Foundation has distributed in excess of $800,000 in scholarships, grants, and donations, all through the generosity of the business community. The TwinWest Foundation has touched over 400 students through its support of high school graduating seniors and career path adults pursuing their educational dreams. It’s About the Jobs: Grow Minnesota! For the past seven years and since the program’s inception, TwinWest has interviewed 250 business leaders to learn about what fuels and hinders growth in the western suburbs, all part of a statewide program called Grow Minnesota! In addition, the program has invested $210,000 in growing TwinWest businesses through loans and grants from the Pohlad Family Foundation and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Community as a Classroom: Leadership TwinWest 325 business leaders have enhanced their leadership skills and understanding of the community around them through Leadership TwinWest. The program began as an intensive leadership series engaging established and emerging leaders in the western metro. Today, the program continues to spotlight regional issues while connecting participants to all aspects of the community including the private sector, government, nonprofits, and for-profit organization by exploring the undeniable bond between them. A History of Being the Business Community: TwinWest Chamber of Commerce In 1984, TwinWest as we recognize it today was formed through the merger of the West Suburban and Northwest Metro chambers of commerce. At that time and ever since, TwinWest’s leaders have vowed to give up parochial differences and embrace the public policy advantages and networking opportunities of a regional chamber of commerce. In 2002, TwinWest and the Brooklyn Community Chamber of Commerce joined forces to form an even more resourceful and effective business association made up of ten communities. Young Leaders, Exceptional Leadership: TwinWest Emerging Leaders Initiative TwinWest started one of the first Twin Cities young professional programs designed to build strong development opportunities and social networks for emerging leaders. Conceived in 2002, the TwinWest Emerging Leaders group has grown to over 200 individuals representing 125 Twin Cities organizations. Today, many TwinWest Emerging Leaders participants hold key chamber leadership positions. see president, page 9 TWINWEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Steve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Chair of the Board Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Past Chair of the Board Dannette Coleman, Medica, Chair-elect of the Board Sarah Toepke, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President DIRECTORS Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Gary Aiken, Investors Capital Corporation Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Daniel Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects, Inc. Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Annette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Cox Insurance Associates Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Business Tim Raymond, Voyager Bank – Minnetonka Jim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. Mike Sowada, VISI Incorporated Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design
TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Government Affairs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Sara Hopkins, Office Manager Dan Thorp, Administrative Assistant Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative Stacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications
ECM Publishers, Inc. 12180 County Road 11 Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone: (952) 846-2040 Fax: (952) 846-2044 Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising Director Jeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic Design Mariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales
member profile
Al & Alma’s Supper Club and Charter Cruises Also, our custom designed and built luxury motor yacht, Bella Vista, allows our guests to enjoy an unprecedented cruise experience on beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
Business name: Al & Alma’s Supper Club and Charter Cruises In business since: 1956 TwinWest member since: 2005 Number of employees: 85 Location: Mound What is your main service/product? We have a lakeside restaurant on Lake Minnetonka’s Cooks Bay along with six charter yachts that accommodate between 10 to 149 people. We can also utilize several yachts for a single event to accommodate up to 500 people.
Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber? TwinWest fits our vision of being good stewards of our community and it helps us bring our business message to the marketplace.
CONTACT INFORMATION: accommodates up to 149 guests. Though we are very proud of our history and our fleet, our service staff and commitment to provide a memorable lake experience that exceeds our guests’ expectations will always be the difference between us and other venues.
What makes you stand out from your competition? We are the innovators of the summer time dinner cruise, introduced in 1974. Since 1974, we have operated the largest fleet of charter yachts on Lake Minnetonka. Today’s modern fleet What’s your company’s most significant includes 6 yachts serving the ports of Mound, recent accomplishment? Wayzata and Excelsior. In 2009, we designed, Consecutive Winner of Best Boats/Cruises/ built and launched the largest passenger vessel Charters by Minnesota Meeting and Events; Best on Lake Minnetonka, the 83-foot Luxury Motor Rehearsal Dinner Venue in 2009 by Minnesota Yacht Bella Vista. The Bella Vista spaciously APR SBA.qxp 12/9/2009 9:03 AM PageBride 1 Magazine.
Jay Soule jays@al-almas.com 5201 Piper Road Mound, MN 55364 (952) 472-3098 www.AlandAlmas.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.
Applying for a Small Business Administration loan may seem like an overwhelming task. Have no fear. Our friendly and experienced bankers are here to lend a helping hand through every step of the process. We can help you choose the right program, guide you through the paperwork and make sure you understand the process. Looking into an SBA loan? Look into Anchor Bank today.
www.anchorlink.com Plymouth 763-559-9336 • Wayzata 952-473-4606 6
TwinWest Directions
$uccess TwinWest
Online security – Are your actions putting your company at risk? Even though hackers and the methods they use are becoming more advanced every day, in reality, the greatest risk to the security of your system is something else entirely - it’s you. The way you manage your network, how you and your employees behave when using the Internet, and how you handle passwords or the company’s wireless system puts your company in greater danger than any outside force. Are you certain that your current security controls will block attacks that could potentially compromise your business? Hiring an outside expert to test and audit your security management system is the best way to determine if your company and its assets are at risk.
Below are just a few of the things that could be compromising your online security: Not having an inventory of all the software and hardware that has been loaded on your system. Not doing regular maintenance or performing vulnerability scans to check for weaknesses such as detecting and eradicating viruses, malware and Trojan horses that may have crept into your system.
Not using encryption for your wireless access points. Not having laptops and mobile devices encrypted so if one is lost or stolen, data won’t be compromised. Not having online security policies, e.g. password protection, sharing of information or social media guidelines. A cursory security review can usually be completed in six to eight weeks, and a comprehensive evaluation can be completed within three to six months. Security audits will not disrupt your business operation. After completion of the audit you will know what your risks are, how critical they are, and you will be provided with the methods to fix them. The security of your organization should be an on-going process taking into consideration the human factors as well as technological choices. Often, employees are unaware that their actions could be compromising company data and security.
Having an objective, external resource review your security management system is a great preventative step, which provides peace of mind and is required in many industries.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Tim Jewell is a manager at Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A., CPAs and Consultants. Tim has worked on many client projects, leading technology planning and implementation efforts. His major focus is helping organizations make the best use of their technology investments. (763) 546-6211, tjewell@bpkz.com Matthew J. Harmon is the vice president of risk and security services at Q.E.D. Systems. Matthew performs advanced technical security auditing and develops international security standards. (612) 987-0115, matthew.harmon@qed.org 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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Contact Marie Tomala 763-398-5971 or mtomala@msbcollege.edu
April 2010
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profiles
Senator Ann Rest District 45 We had a chance to catch up with Senator Ann Rest, District 45, to get her take on the legislative issues as well as a glimpse of her personal profile.
Year elected: To the House in 1984; to the Senate in 2000. Number of terms served: 8 terms in the House; 3 terms in the Senate. District: Senate District 45 (Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale and the northeast sections of Golden Valley and Plymouth.) Home: New Hope for 39 years. Education: BA, Northwestern University; graduate degrees from the University of Chicago, Harvard University (Graduate School of Education and the Kennedy School of Government); the University of Minnesota. Occupation: State Senator. Former Latin and English teacher. Retired CPA. Family: Daughter Susan; two grandsons: Jakob and Jonas. Committees : Chair, State and Local Government Operations and Oversight; Chair, Legislative Audit Commission; Taxes; State Government Budget Division; Transportation Policy and Budget Division; Transit Subdivision; Chair, Transportation Subcommittee on Airways, Waterways and Railways What do you believe is the most pressing legislative issue facing Minnesota for this session and for the next biennium, and why? Balancing the state’s budget and creating good jobs. We need fiscal restraint in challenging economic times and we need to provide a platform for job retention and creation in Minnesota.
With so many competing legislative priorities, how do you work to advance your priorities within the constraints of projected deficits in the State’s budget? Reforming the state’s election laws has been a bipartisan effort which will improve the confidence of Minnesota voters in the integrity of our election system.
Why is the business community important to you? Minnesota’s businesses create jobs for my constituents. Their contribution to Minnesota’s quality of life is immeasurable.
What specific initiatives or bills will you work on this session to help Minnesota become more competitive with business retention and job growth in this difficult economy? I will continue to support repeal of the corporate income tax. It is a distortion of good tax policy. I am an enthusiast for initiatives to promote innovation and research and development.
What has been your most notable accomplishment, or what have you been most proud of, while serving in your role as legislator? Authoring the Great Lakes Compact Ratification; reforming tax increment financing; repeal of the sales tax on capital equipment and other tax reforms. If the initiative is successful, the most important bill that I have been involved with is certainly the constitutional amendment to maintain an independent and impartial judiciary through retention elections.
What is something past or present that people would be surprised to know about you? I was a Nixon girl at the 1960 Republican Convention in Chicago. I offered a Nixon button to Senator Goldwater. He politely declined.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Senator Ann Rest District 45 Email: annr@senate.mn Phone: (651)296-2889
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 the Legislative Breakfast on February 11, 2010, with Governor Tim Pawlenty. By a 5-4 vote, the United States Supreme Court recently ruled that corporations may spend freely to support or oppose candidates for president and Congress, easing decadesold limits on their participation in federal campaigns. The high court overturned a 20-year-old ruling that said corporations can be prohibited from using money from their general treasuries to pay for their own campaign ads.
42% - I agree with the US Supreme Court ruling and believe corporations should be allowed to fund issues-based political campaign ads and this is a matter of free speech. 50% - I do not agree with the US Supreme Court ruling and believe this will lead to more special interests and undermine the integrity of elected institutions throughout the nation. 8% - I do not know if I agree or disagree at this time. The United States Supreme Court decision threatens similar limits imposed by 24 states, including Minnesota. The decision does leave in place a prohibition on direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions. Would your business consider funding issuesbased political campaign ads/mailings in this or future election years?
26% - Yes, this is something my business/ corporation may look at in upcoming elections. 51% - No, this is not something my business/ corporation would look at funding in upcoming elections. 23% - Not sure at this time. 87% - I represent a business/corporation. 13% - I represent a non-profit/government agency.
Government Affairs events
Members listen to Governor Tim Pawlenty discuss the 2010 Legislative Session at the February 11 Legislative Breakfast.
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TwinWest Directions
Minnetonka State of the City on February 10, 2010.
St. Louis Park State of the City on February 25, 2010.
From left to right: Bruce Nustad, Mike Lehmann, Danette Coleman, Governor Pawlenty, Steve Wise, and Judy Johnson at the February Legislative Breakfast.
feature story
Leadership TwinWest class starts this fall
TwinWest concentrates on economic recovery
If you are a business owner or organization manager, you know how important it is to help your employees develop their potential. By investing in their skills and knowledge, you equip them to better serve your customers, generate new ideas, and lead your organization in to the future. Leadership TwinWest returns September 2010 through spring 2011. The contextual leadership course gives participants eye-opening exposure to new people, places, and ideas. Now is the time to determine which of your employees would benefit most from Leadership TwinWest. For more information on Leadership TwinWest, visit www.twinwest.com/leadership. Application deadline: August 29.
Minnesota can expect significant new investment as businesses emerge from the recession, according to the annual findings of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Grow Minnesota! economic development initiative. This year marks the seventh year TwinWest has worked with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and 50 other local chambers across the state in this economic development network. However, investment will not be automatic as business owners across the state cite crucial items that must be addressed by policy-makers.
president, from 4
The Business of Politics: TwinWest Political Action Committee TwinWest was the first chamber of commerce in the state to organize a political action committee, formed “in the interest of increasing TwinWest’s legislative influence.” Governed by an independent board of directions, and legally and financially self sufficient since inception in 1990, the TwinWest Political Action Committee has developed a reputation for standing up for the political interests of the business community. Recognizing Economy-driving Success: Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Awards This year, TwinWest will recognize its 53rd and 54th Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. This highly respected recognition of individuals taking risks and driving our economy began in 1984 when TwinWest recognized Al Hilde, Satellite Industries, and Tom Hance, Hance Distributing, for their entrepreneurial tenacity and success. Thank you for making the gala a success and TwinWest a relevant, vibrant organization over the past 25 years! Sincerely,
Bruce Nustad president
and be prepared to grow as economic activity improves. Since this initiative started, TwinWest’s Grow Minnesota! Task Force—comprised of local business members—has met 250 business leaders learning about the challenges and opportunities facing the business community. TwinWest works to proactively address local business concerns in an effort to retain and grow jobs throughout the region. Now more than ever, this initiative is critical in helping businesses of all sizes meet the challenges of today’s economy.
Grow Minnesota! recently completed its sixth year as a private-sector job retention and creation program. Business leaders statewide conducted one-on-one conversations with owners or toplevel managers of nearly 900 companies this past year. Kelly Guncheon, Bearence Management Group, and Kerry Ness, The Business Bank, serve as the initiative co-chairs for TwinWest, and work with a team of nearly two dozen business leaders to hold these conversations.
One of the conclusions of the more than 50 interviews done with area businesses this year is that Minnesota remains a great place to do business, particularly with respect to the quality of the workforce. Also, business owners are concerned about keeping the cost of doing business in check, including making local and state taxes reasonable for businesses of all sizes and across industries. Other factors that businesses mentioned worth tracking are utility rates, access to capital, and transportation infrastructure. This past year, TwinWest worked with our partners to find worthy recipeints for a generous grant from the Pohlad Family Foundation who distributed $5.5 million in low-interest loans and grants to 90 small businesses in 62 communities. TwinWest was able to secure $90,000 for a local business seeking to retain key employees, and another $120,000 in working capital loans for two other businesses. The loans and grants were designed to help these businesses survive the recession
Grow Minnesota! started with the goal of thanking businesses for investing in Minnesota and employing Minnesotans. Every Grow Minnesota! business retention visit also includes an offer of assistance to the company to help it be more successful in Minnesota. Businesses also are asked what is needed in public policy to assure they will stay and grow in the state. As TwinWest and the business community that supports Grow Minnesota! enters the next year of the program, a few new recently launched initiatives will expand the impact of the program. As an example, TwinWest recently began participating in the Minnesota Chamber’s Business Connection program, an electronic business assistance and referral network launched in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The service is free to all companies and is intended to be a single entry point to help businesses connect with private and public resources to solve everyday business problems. It can be accessed online at www. mnbizconnect.com or by calling (888) MINN-BIZ (646-6249). If you are a local business owner interested in sharing what is going on in your business, or a community stakeholder interested in hearing more about what businesses are telling us, contact the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office at (763) 450-2220, or at www.twinwest.com.
April 2010
9
event & program details
April 2010 1
St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center-St Louis Park 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park No cost to attend.
Connect with success at TwinWest’s events and programs—your links to influential people, innovative ideas, and exclusive opportunities.
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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 – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year
ROI: Network with fellow emerging leaders and share ideas and resources for professional development. To get there: Take I-494 to Highway 55 west. Turn right on Fernbrook Lane and right on Harbor Lane.
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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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Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Hampton Inn - Minnetonka 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. Turn right on Wayzata Boulevard.
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Member Talk: For Members, By Members 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest Chamber office - Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend.
ROI: Brainstorm with other Chamber members about issues affecting your business while expanding your professional network. To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Chamber is on the right.
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Legislative Breakfast Congressman Erik Paulsen 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place – St. Louis Park 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park (952) 542-8600 Investment: $30/member, Series $40/nonmembers Sponsor
Emerging Leaders “On the Fast Track” Luncheon: Being Politically Engaged 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Comfort Inn-Plymouth 3000 Harbor Lane, Plymouth (763) 559-1222 Investment: $25/member, $35/nonmembers
Crystal/New Hope Business Council 7:30 -9:00 a.m. Liberty Diversified International – New Hope 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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Prospective Member Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office – Plymouth 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 – Plymouth 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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Business Overtime - AAA 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. AAA – St. Louis Park 5400 Auto Club Way, St. Louis Park (952) 927-2600 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: From Highway 100, take Minnetonka Boulevard east. Turn right on Raleigh Avenue.
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Business Showcase: Opportunity Partners 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Opportunity Partners - Minnetonka 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka (952) 938-5511 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: Take Highway 169 south to the Londonderry Road/Bren Road exit. Turn right onto Bren Road. Turn right onto Smetana Drive. Stay straight onto Opportunity Court.
PACnic 2010: A Championship Year, The 16th Annual Event Just as the Minnesota Twins kick off what we hope is a Championship season at their new home – Target Field, the business community is kicking off its campaign to elect more “champions” to the Minnesota Legislature. In the last few years, it’s been evident that a new direction is needed in St. Paul. We are working hard to elect a pro-business majority (regardless of party) to the Minnesota House. To succeed at our “8-10-12” initiative, we targeted 8 races in 2008 and plan to focus on 10 in 2010 and 12 in 2012. If we win a majority of those races, and we’ll be on the road to political recovery. PACnic is your chance to “play ball” with business leaders who share our vision of a pro-jobs, pro-business Minnesota Legislature.
Event Details: Monday, April 26, 2010, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. ROI: Hear Congressman Paulsen’s perspectives on national issues such as health care reform, the national deficit, and jobs and the economy.
“Champions Club” at Target Field, new home of the Minnesota Twins
To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.
For more information or to register with your $100 contribution contact: Judy Johnson, TwinWest Chamber PAC: (763) 450-2226 or judy@twinwest.com.
Members, Minnesota Chamber Leadership Fund & TwinWest Chamber PAC
This advertisement paid for by the TwinWest PAC.
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TwinWest Directions
chamber news
Thank you TwinWest Ambassadors for supporting the 12th annual Empty Bowls
Dan Goldman is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar! Dan Goldman, Twin Realty Investment Co., was named March’s TwinWest Volunteer Superstar. Goldman, a past TwinWest Board member, currently chairs the St. Louis Park Business Council and personally calls on new members to participate. The result has been a room filled to capacity on the first Thursday of each month. In addition, Goldman is a tireless Gala volunteer. As a Gala Committee member, he coordinated and picked up dozens of donations from area businesses, always with a skip in his step and a genuine thank you to the donor.
Ambassador Blaise Norton, Office Depot, works on his bowl at the Ambassadors Empty Bowls Event on February 18, 2010.
Under the guidance of a Hopkins student, Paul Fasching, Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place, creates a bowl for the fundraiser.
Save the Date for the Small Business Awards Luncheon Save the Date! 2010 Small Business Awards Luncheon: Navigating the Deadliest Patch Thursday, May 20, 2010 Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place – St. Louis Park Join TwinWest members on Thursday, May 20, at one of TwinWest’s most popular annual events! This year at the 2010 Small Business Awards Luncheon: Navagating the Deadliest Patch, we’ll play off the Discovery Channel’s The Deadliest Catch series and see who has what it takes to be the skipper of their own vessel, lead their crew, reel in tough business decisions, and ride the wave to success!
Join us as we announce the 2010 Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award winners and celebrate all of the finalists and their accomplishments. We will hear an inspiring message from our keynote speaker, Sue Dunkley, co-founder of New Horizon Enterprises, Inc. You’ll also have the chance to meet tomorrow’s leaders - local high school seniors receiving college scholarships from the TwinWest Foundation. For sponsorship details and registration information, call TwinWest at (763) 450-2220 or contact Victoria Marley at victoria@ twinwest.com.
Thank You To Our Sponsors! G old S ponsors
A wards S ponsor Quality Resource Group, Inc.
B anner S ponsor Sign-A-Rama
D esign S ponsor Fuzzy Duck Design
B ronze S ponsors Anchor Bank Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. CPAs Cass Screw Machine Products Culligan Water Conditioning DS&B, Ltd.
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TwinWest Directions
Financial Concepts, Inc. Larson Records Management Opportunity Partners Skjold-Barthel, P.A. US Bank Voyager Bank
F loral S ponsor Paeonia Floral
P rint S ponsor Gleason Printing Inc.
V ideo S ponsor QuarterTon Productions, Inc.
Goldman is active on the TwinWest Government Affairs Committee, a frequent Legislative Breakfast attendee, a regular at Overtimes, and a participant in the Crystal/New Hope Business Council. TwinWest thanks Goldman for his enthusiasm and commitment!
TwinWest welcomes Beth Ulrich to the Board The TwinWest Board of Directors welcomes Beth Ulrich, president and co-owner of Fuzzy Duck Design, to the Board. Ulrich replaces Jeff Arnold, who recently left the Board upon accepting a position at US Bank. Ulrich spent six years in real estate at the Wayzata office of Edina Realty and was active in leadership at the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce before joining her husband Eddie Ulrich at Fuzzy Duck Design in 1998. Ulrich also served her country in the US Army Reserves from 1988-1994 as a legal assistant. Ulrich lives in Plymouth with her husband and four daughters.
CHAMBER AND FOUNDATION SEEK BOARD NOMINATIONS Both the TwinWest Chamber and the TwinWest Foundation are seeking qualified Board members for terms beginning October 1, 2010. Interested members should send a statement of qualification to Bruce Nustad at bruce@ twinwest.com before April 15.
Intermediate District 287 RESPONSIVE. INNOVATIVE. SOLUTIONS. District 287 Conference Center
Conveniently located near I-494 and Highway 55 in Plymouth, the Intermediate School District 287 Conference Center offers fully equipped meeting rooms to help your organization or group meet your event needs. The Conference Center is well suited for business groups to share expertise, practices and solutions in an educational environment.
We offer: • Seven meeting rooms, including rooms that may be combined to accommodate additional participants • Room capacities range from 16-98 guests with flexible seating style options • State of the Art Computer Training Lab with Smartboard™ access • Executive Conference Room with Point-to-Point and Multi-Point-Video Conferencing • High Speed Internet access • Dedicated event planning and technical support staff committed to your event success • Catering available upon request • Free parking • Flexible hours of operation, including evenings and weekends
Intermediate School District 287 Conference Center 1820 Xenium Ln. North | Plymouth, MN 55441 For more information, contact: Kim Green, Conference Center Coordinator | 763.550.7208 | Fax: 763.550.7199 | E-mail: reservation@district287.org
We Go The Extra Mile Over 60 years of precision machined parts and service. Whether it’s an auger rod for a snow-blower or a spindle for a disk drive, Cass has the tools to manufacture the parts you need. Screw Machining • Six- and eight-spindle New Britain automatic screw machines • Single-spindle Brown & Sharpe automatics CNC Machining • 8-Axis Mazaks for simultaneous operations • Complete line of CNC pallet changers, mills and lathes Grinding • Our in-house grinding department eliminates the need to send parts out for secondary operations - saves you time, money, & assures quality. • We offer a full spectrum of grinding services - CNC cylindrical grinders, centerless grinders and O.D. grinders. The on-shore advantage. Let others buy inferior parts from abroad. When you need just-intime delivery of high-quality parts, come to Cass.
4800 North Lilac Drive • Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 • 763-535-0501 • E-mail: info@csmp.com
new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS
Welcome New Members! New members are printed in each issue of Directions. The following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Please support these businesses when making purchases and business decisions.
Our Membership Directory, listing all Chamber members in alphabetical order, by category, and by individual representatives, is published each year. For the most up-to-date information, you can use our searchable online member directory at www.twinwest.com. If you are a current member, you may update your records online. Want to become a member? Call (763) 450-2220. 1031 & TIC Investments, LLC 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 960 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Ms. Padma Chintapalli FINANCIAL SERVICES/FINANCIAL ADVISORS ABRA Auto Body & Glass - Plymouth 14005 25th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Jay Bornhorst AUTOMOBILE REPAIRS, SERVICE & PARTS AFLAC - Jim Krogh 8200 16th Street W. St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Mr. Jim Krogh INSURANCE/HEALTH CARE American Business Communication, Inc. 12942 63rd Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369 Ms.Gail Porttiin TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
Four Seasons Chiropractic Clinic 4455 North Highway 169, Suite 200 Plymouth, MN 55442 Ms. Jesse West CHIROPRACTORS/HEALTH CARE
THE Original Basket Boutique 155 Jackson Avenue North, Suite 11 Hopkins, MN 55343 Ms. Terri Wendt GIFT BASKETS/GIFTS & CARDS
Hamernick Decorating Center 1381 Rice Street North St. Paul, MN 55117 Mr. Barry Shiff FLOORING/PAINT & WALLCOVERING
Universal Data Storage US 14244 23rd Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Emmanuel Sema DOCUMENT IMAGING
Hart Law Office 6009 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 111 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Mr. Robert Hart ATTORNEYS Hendricks/BCS LLC 8650 Upland Lane North Maple Grove, MN 55311 Mr. Richard Hendricks CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHERS Homes Within Reach 5101 Thimsen Ave, Suite 202 Minnetonka, MN 55398 Ms. Janet Lindbo NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Master Communications Group 3410 Winnetka Avenue North New Hope, MN 55427 Mr. Tim Lewis WEB PAGE DESIGN/VIDEO AND FILM PRODUCTION National American University 10901 Red Circle Drive, Suite 150 Minnetonka, MN 55343 Mr. Micheal Knapp SCHOOLS & COLLEGES/SALES PROMOTION Network Instruments, LLC 10701 Red Circle Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 Mr. Roman Oliynyk COMPUTERS-NETWORKING
VSA Custom Apparel 3900 Vinewood Lane North, Suite 22 Plymouth, MN 55441 Ms. Kristin Williams CLOTHING-CUSTOM Woodland Hill Winery 731 County Road 30 Delano, MN 55328 Ms. Katie Dickerman WINERY/WINE SHOP Woody’s Grille - Eden Prairie 6399 City West Parkway Eden Prairie MN 55344 Mr. Michael Pelino RESTAURANTS/CATERERS Woody’s Grille - Plymouth 220 Carlson Parkway Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Michael Pelino RESTAURANTS/CATERERS
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 Highland Bank The Marsh, A Center for Balance and Fitness Medina Golf & Country Club Opportunity Partners Ridgedale Center
Appreciation Marketing - Send Out Cards 8590 Tiqua Lane Chanhassen, MN 55317 Mr. Leon Sprenger MARKETING/SALES PROMOTION
Phoenix Process Consultants 11812 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minnetonka, MN 55305 Ms. Carolyn Boroughs CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
CREST, LLC - Commercial Real Estate STrategies 2920 Nelson Road Delano, MN 55328 Mr. Wayne Teig REAL ESTATE-COMMERCIAL
Pulte Homes 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 300 Minnetonka, MN 55343 Mr. Ian Peterson REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc. Chuckwagon Catering
Securus Wealth Management 3340 Annapolis Lane North, Suite B Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Jim Goodland FINANCIAL ADVISORS/FINANCIAL SERVICES
Cummings, Keegan & Co., P.L.L.P. Dale Carnegie Training
Dodge and Fox, P.A. 715 Florida Avenue South, Suite 402 Golden Valley, MN 55426 Mr. Paul Fox ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING CONSULTANTS-BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL Estate Development Corporation 6102 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN 55422 Mr. Tom Gonyea REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
14
TwinWest Directions
Star Tribune Media Company 425 Portland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55488 Mr. Derek White ADVERTISING/MARKETING
1-5 Years Affiliated Insurance Services LLC Arby’s Catering - St. Louis Park Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Brown & Carlson, P.A. Center National Bank CenturyLink-Golden Valley Cox Insurance Associates Crown Marking, Inc. DS&B, Ltd. Equitable Acceptance Corporation First National Bank Gislason & Hunter LLP GSP Consulting Corporation Harlan Rossmann Agency - Nationwide Insurance Integra Shield Financial Group LLC Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems - Twin Cities KJC Financial Mansfield Tanick & Cohen P.A. Minnesota Vikings New Horizon Academy - Shorewood O.I. Partners - Organizational Innovations, Inc. Orion Search Group Payroll Post LLC Posers Photography LLC Providence Academy Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Slachowitz, Joel Spiritwear USA St. Therese Southwest Wenmark, William H. WillowHill, Inc. WorkAbilities
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.
16-20 Years 11-15 Years
Left to Right: Eric Gross, Hanratty & Associates; Dan Wehmhoff, Hanratty & Associates; Jesse West, Four Seasons Chiropractic Clinic; and Shannon Thompson, Parkers Lake Apartments.
6-10 Years BNC National Bank Concordia University Hazelden Center for Youth and Families Homeward Bound, Inc. Minnesota Mailing Solutions MN Insurance Group, Inc. ORBIT Systems, Inc. Park Dental Minnetonka Venture Bank
Left to Right: Molly DePrekel with Miss Mariah, Bob Bartlett, Michael Borowiak, and Carolyn Boroughs, all with Phoenix Process Consultants.
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15705 37th Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55446 | 763-225-8888 | 800-893-3255 15705 37th 37th Ave. Ave. N. N. Plymouth, Plymouth, MN MN 55446 55446 || 763-225-8888 763-225-8888 || 800-893-3255 800-893-3255 15705