Jan. 2010

January 2010

Meet TwinWest’s State Delegation Feature story page 11

32 Sen. Warren Limmer

33 Sen. Gen Olson

42 Sen. David Hann

43 Sen. Terri Bonoff

44 Sen. Ron Latz

45 Sen. Ann Rest

46 Sen. Linda Scheid

47 Sen. Leo Foley

32B Rep. Kurt Zellers

33A Rep. Steve Smith

33B Rep. Connie Doepke

42A Rep. Maria Ruud

43A Rep. Sarah Anderson

43B Rep. John Benson

44A Rep. Steve Simon

44B Rep. Ryan Winkler

45A Rep. Sandra Peterson

45B Rep. Lyndon Carlson

46A Rep. Mike Nelson

46B Rep. Debra Hilstrom

47B Rep. Melissa Hortman

Northwest Community Television Channel 12 and TwinWest partner for success page 7 Representative Steve Simon District: 44A Page 8 Member Event Photos

Page 12

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Friday - Sunday February 12th - 14th Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Kip’s Pub. Begin with a three course dinner for two and a bottle of wine for only $60 per couple. Or dine with us, stay the night at the adjacent Marriott Minneapolis West and enjoy breakfast for only $149 per couple. Call to reserve: 952.367.5070 or email kip@kipspub.com today!

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table of contents

6 MEMBER PROFILE

Sylvan Learning Center - A member in the news

7 $ UCCESS TWINWEST

Northwest Community Television Channel 12 and TwinWest partner for success

from the president’s desk

Economy Down, Entrepreneurs Up

Representative Steve Simon District: 44A

It’s a common perception that when the nation’s economy is down, entrepreneurialism rises. Displaced employees start businesses, and the struggles of the economy drive us to innovate. The notion that a down economy propels entrepreneurs is supported by a press release from the Secretary of State’s office stating that Minnesota saw a boom in new start-ups in 2009. The 63,000 new business filings for the calendar year represent a 15 percent increase over 2008, an all time record for Minnesota, and the largest one-year gain since 2002.

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At TwinWest, we know that entrepreneurs power our economy. As a result, we welcome them as members, provide great networking support centered around their needs, and work tirelessly to improve the business infrastructure around them.

8 PROFILES

FEATURE STORY

Meet TwinWest’s state and local delegations

VENT & 10 EPROGRAM DETAILS Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in January, including: Member Orientation; Ribbon Cutting; Business Showcase; Overtime; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; and the Legislative Breakfast.

12 CHAMBER NEWS

Mark your Calendar for the 25th Annual TwinWest Gala!

Member Event Photos

MEMBERS - NEW & 14 RENEWING

TwinWest encourages all members to conduct business with one another

Volunteer Profile: Kerry Ness is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar

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, 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.

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TwinWest Directions

One of the most important ways we support entrepreneurs is by recognizing them. Each year since 1984, TwinWest has applauded the entrepreneurial spirit at our May Small Business Awards Luncheon and through our Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year awards program.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes one TwinWest member who has established and maintained a successful business with $100 million or less in annual revenue for five or more years. The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year distinction goes to an individual with a company of $100 million or less in annual revenue that has been in business less than five years but more than one year.

If you know an innovative, hard working, TwinWest-member small business entrepreneur now is the time to nominate them for this year’s awards. Nominations are due January 29 and the process to nominate is easy. Simply visit www.twinwest.com/awards to review categories and qualifications, and then e-mail the name of a deserving entrepreneur to awards@twinwest.com.

My thanks to members Sarah Kaelberer, Business & Estate Advisers, Inc. and Scott Plum, New Business Minnesota, for leading the small business luncheon and awards process.

I wish you the best with your entrepreneurial endeavors in 2010!

Bruce Nustad President TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 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 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

TwinWest Staff Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Director of Government Affairs Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Sara Hopkins, Office Manager Tabatha Rol, Manpower, 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

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January 2010

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member profile

Sylvan Learning Center offer a free seminar in the schools to highlight testtaking strategies. Our center has a large enrollment of students in our ACT and SAT prep classes; many of whom were referred to us by other students who improved their scores by attending.

Member name: Gail Bregi, Director Business name: Sylvan Learning Center In business since: 1984 TwinWest member since: 1986 Number of employees: 12 Location: Minnetonka What is your main service/product?

Sylvan offers supplemental education to students from prekindergarten through college. We have programs in reading, math, writing, study skills, state test prep and ACT/SAT prep, including college prep writing. We also offer a 12-hour Advanced Reading Skills program that is guaranteed to increase reading rate and comprehension. If for some reason the goal is not met, students can take the program again at no charge! Sylvan also offers homework support in many areas such as higher math, physics and chemistry!

What makes you stand out from your competition?

All of our teachers are state certified. Sylvan students are given an initial skills assessment to determine their strengths and weaknesses. An individualized program is then written for the

Photo: Sylvan Learning Center

student based on the results of the assessment.

Our directors frequently share student progress with parents and keep in touch with the student’s teachers at the parent’s request. Sylvan is accredited by the North Central Association, the same organization that accredits our local schools.

Credits earned at Sylvan may be accepted at high schools and universities. Sylvan offers a risk free guarantee on all our programs and will refund student tuition if not completely satisfied.

What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment?

Sylvan offers free ACT practice tests to the junior classes at area high schools. After the results are corrected, we return to the schools and go over the results with the students and parents. We also

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Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber?

Sylvan serves the community by offering free presentations to schools and businesses and as a member of TwinWest, we keep in touch with businesses in the area. We enjoy the Chamber and the relationships we have built over the years.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Gail Brei info@sylvanmtka.com 10590 Wayzata Blvd., Suite #150 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 544-6253 www.educate.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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$uccess TwinWest

Northwest Community Television Channel 12 and TwinWest partner for success Northwest Community Television Channel 12 (NWCT) and the TwinWest Chamber have brought each other success over many years. As a member of the Chamber, NWCT has counted on TwinWest to lead them to news and business resources in Channel 12’s nine-city northwest metro coverage area. And, in addition to serving NWCT as a member, the Chamber has also benefited from the opportunity to share business news and information with NWCT viewers.

Dave Kiser, NWCT’s programming and sales manager is the key TwinWest contact at the station.

He attends as many Chamber events as possible in an effort to keep an eye on what’s going on in the business community and he’s proud of the fact that NWCT and TwinWest share a common mission – serving the community. “We make the community better for everyone by working cooperatively,” said Kiser. According to Kiser, Channel 12 is committed to covering positive business stories throughout the year, rather than just occasionally when things go wrong.

“one of my best TwinWest stories of 2009.” She also appreciated Steve’s willingness to give her news crew unrestricted access to his business to shoot video for the story.

Channel 12 News reporter Shannon Slatton is one of the people who turns to TwinWest so viewers can tune into the pulse of business. In 2009, she interviewed Chamber President Bruce Nustad multiple times on behalf of NWCT Channel 12 News on topics ranging from the status of the job market to the success of Kindergarten Ready! Shannon says, “Bruce knows the needs and concerns of the members and we trust that he’s always on top of what’s happening.”

Slatton has also featured many TwinWest members within her stories over the past year, including Board Chair Steve Wise. Slatton describes Wise’s interview and the overall story on the importance of funding and supporting technical colleges as,

It’s the expertise of TwinWest members and their spirit of generosity that keeps attracting the attention of Channel 12. Reporter Lisa Firguson recently attended the Annual Celebration and packaged a story on the Career Path Scholarship winners. Her story showcased the commitment of the TwinWest Foundation to supporting education for the future of business.

TwinWest and Northwest Community Television Channel 12 look forward to continuing to work together in 2010 to keep viewers on the pulse of business and serve the community together. You can find TwinWest member stories and others at www.twelve.tv.

Click on the news feature segments link.

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profiles

Representative Steve Simon District: 44A Last month TwinWest caught up with Representative Steve Simon (DFL) District 44A. We would like to share that conversation with you.

TW: Why is the business community important to you?

The business community is a critical source of dynamism, creativity, and productivity in our state. It is the primary engine generating the jobs and ideas that make our economy the envy of the world.

TW: What are the top concerns that you hear from your constituents?

The troubled state of the economy touches upon nearly all issues. People are anxious about their own economic future and about the economic health of the community at large. But they’re also cautiously optimistic that we’re slowly emerging from the downturn. As to more specific issues, constituents are concerned as always about education, health care, transportation, consumer protection, and government accountability.

TW: How do you see the 2010 Legislative Session shaping up? What do you think will be the major issues?

Budget balancing will predominate, but there will also be a renewed focus on job creation and preservation. In addition, there will be calls to provide temporary help for families who, through no fault of their own, face serious economic troubles.

TW: What do you think the state needs to do to address its continuing budget problems?

To me, the answer lies in long-range thinking and a willingness to compromise. Both major political parties have to be honest and flexible.

They have to cede ground on long-held biases and they have to be willing to arrive at solutions that may not be perfect in their eyes. That means a willingness by Democrats to trim cherished programs and a willingness by Republicans to raise additional revenue.

TW: We really appreciate your support of the Southwest LRT and the efforts you’ve made to help secure funding for the project.

Why do you think it is important for the southwestern metro area?

The balance is often difficult from a timemanagement perspective. Fortunately, my law firm employer has been exceptionally supportive and understanding. As a lawyer representing business clients, I’ve learned that what happens at the Minnesota Legislature impacts real people and institutions. More broadly, I’ve learned that our “citizen legislature” is a good thing.

It enables legislators to spend most of their time in the “real world,” and to bring varied perspectives from their other jobs to the Capitol.

TwinWest Directions

In an effort to gage the views of business leaders, TwinWest produces a monthly business ballot on various issues. Results below are from our Legislative Breakfast on November 13, 2009 which focused on tax reform and featured Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL-Bloomington), Chair of the House Tax Committee, and Mark Haveman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association.

Do you think Congress will pass a health care reform bill by the end of the year?

Yes: 38% No: 62% Has your organization seen any increased opportunities from the federal stimulus package?

Yes: 33% No: 67%

I’m confident that the Southwest LRT line will ease our traffic congestion, increase our property values, and enhance our quality of life in the Southwest metro area. We already know from the Hiawatha LRT Line that light rail transit is wildly popular and effective. The addition of the Southwest LRT Line from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie will expand our transportation options, while expanding the success of the broader LRT system.

TW: Minnesota does not have a full-time legislature. Many legislators, including you, have other careers. How do you balance your work as a lawyer and a legislator, and do you learn things from one that you can apply to the other?

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B u s i n e s s B allot

Mark Haveman and Rep. Ann Lenczewski share their views on tax reform at the November 13 Legislative Breakfast.

Members listen to the discussion on the timely topic of tax reform at the Legislative Breakfast on November 13, 2009.

feature story

Meet TwinWest’s state and local delegations TwinWest prides itself on establishing and maintaining good relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials. TwinWest is a strong advocate for businesses, and we look to not only represent your interests, but to build a bridge between the business community and elected officials, providing opportunities for direct dialogue. Read more for a recap of local election contests in the TwinWest area, as well as an updated listing of your elected representatives.

Minnesota House The TwinWest area has 13 representatives in the Minnesota House. TwinWest area members of the House for the 2010 session are: District 32B: Kurt Zellers (R) District 33A: Steve Smith (R) District 33B: Connie Doepke (R) District 42A: Maria Rudd (D) District 43A: Sara Anderson (R) District 43B: John Benson (D) District 44A: Steve Simon (D) District 44B: Ryan Winkler (D) District 45A: Sandra Peterson (D) District 45B: Lyndon Carlson (D) District 46A: Michael Nelson (D) District 46B: Debra Hilstrom (D) District 47B: Melissa Hortman (D)

Minnesota State The TwinWest area is represented by these eight state senators:

Brooklyn Center Mayor: Tim Willson City Council: Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, Dan Ryan, and Mark Yelich

Minnetonka Mayor: Terry Schneider City Council: Dick Allendorf, Bob Ellingson, Amber Greves, Tony Wagner, Brad Wiersum, and James Hiller

Brooklyn Park Mayor: Steve Lampi City Council: Peter Crema, Rich Gates, Dean Heng, Jeff Lunde, Jeanette Meyer, and Mike Trepanier

New Hope: Mayor: Kathi Hemken City Council: John Elder, Andy Hoffe, Eric Lammle, and Daniel Stauner

Crystal Mayor: ReNae Bowman City Council: David Anderson, Garry Grimes, Mark Hoffmann, Janet Moore, Laurie Ann Moore, and Joseph Selton

Plymouth Mayor: Kelli Slavik City Council: Tim Bildsoe, Ginny Black, Judy Johnson, Kathleen Murdock, Bob Stein, and Jim Willis

Local Elections Several TwinWest communities held local elections on November 3, 2009. Following is a list of all county and city leaders for 2010.

Golden Valley Mayor: Linda Loomis City Council: Mike Freiberg, Paula Pentel, DeDe Scanlon, and Bob Shaffer

St. Louis Park Mayor: Jeff Jacobs City Council: Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa.

Hennepin County District I: Commissioner Mike Opat, County Board Chair District II: Commissioner Mark Stenglein, County Board Vice Chair District III: Commissioner Gail Dorfman District IV: Commissioners Peter McLaughlin District V: Commissioner Randy Johnson District VI: Commissioner Jan Callison District VII: Commissioner Jeff Johnson

Hopkins Mayor: Gene Maxwell City Council: Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Rick Brausen, and Cheryl Youakim

The TwinWest Chamber looks forward to working with all of these elected officials to meet the challenges the business community faces. Although state and local governments will have to deal with some daunting issues, we are confident we can work together with these experienced and skilled officials to protect and TW enhance business interests in 2010.

District 32: Warren Limmer (R) District 33: Gen Olson (R) District 42: David Hann (R) District 43: Terri Bonoff (D) District 44: Ron Latz (R) District 45: Ann Rest (D) District 46: Linda Scheid (D) District 47: Leo Foley (D)

Medicine Lake Mayor: Mary Anne Young City Council: Gary Holter, Mike Helman, Bruce Larson, and Tiffany Seamons

January 2010

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event & program details

January 2010

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

Register for events at www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220

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Member Orientation 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Hampton Inn - Minnetonka 10420 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1094 No cost to attend

12

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. Take a right on Wayzata Boulevard.

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Ribbon Cutting Minnesota Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

1025 Evergreen Lane, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 390-1323 No cost to attend ROI: Join TwinWest to celebrate the new clinic opening and network with other members.

Members and nonmembers alike are welcome to attend.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a right on Evergreen Lane North.

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St. Louis Park Business Council 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park MN 55416 No cost to attend

Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Chamber is on the right.

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Legislative Breakfast: Session Preview 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 542-8600 Investment: $30 member before January 7 ROI: Hear the latest on a timely topic; connect with public officials and regional business leaders.

To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit.

Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.

To get there: Take I-494 to Highway 55 west. Turn right on Fernbrook Lane and right on Harbor Lane.

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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, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend

ROI: Brainstorm with other Chamber members about issues affectiong 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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Prospective Member Forum 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

TwinWest Chamber office - Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend

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.

20

Government Affairs Committee Meeting 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 No cost to attend

ROI: Discuss issues impacting the business community To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Chamber is on the right.

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Overtime Costco - St. Louis Park 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

5801 West 16th Street St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (763) 582-9603 No cost to attend

To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit.

Travel south on Park Place Boulevard. Costco is on the right.

TwinWest Directions

Crystal/New Hope Business Council 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Liberty Diversified International – New Hope 5600 North Highway 169 New Hope, MN 55428 (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: 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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Power Partners Networking 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 450-2220 Investment: $75/year

ROI: Exchange leads with a group of businesses that meets twice monthly.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Chamber is on the right.

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Summit 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 979-1100 No cost to exhibit ROI: Allow young students to experience science, technology, engineering and math used in your industry.

ROI: Join other prospective members for this event featuring a 25-minute overview of the opportunities within TwinWest followed by a half hour open discussion.

Current members are welcome when accompanied by a prospective member.

ROI: Join other members to enjoy food, fun and networking at a premier place of business.

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ROI: Network with fellow emerging leaders and share ideas and resources for professional development.

ROI: Get involved in the St. Louis Park business community and hear updates from the city and schools.

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Emerging Leaders Speed Networking “On the Fast Track” Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Comfort Inn-Plymouth 3000 Harbor Lane, Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 559-1222 Investment: $25 member/$35 non-member

This event is an initiative of TwinWest’s Business Education Partnership, serving middle school students.

For information about exhibiting or assisting with the event, contact Sara Hopkins at (763) 450-2224 or sara@ twinwest.com.

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Business Showcase University of Phoenix 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

435 Ford Road Suite 1000 St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 487-7226 No cost to attend ROI: Connect with success with the TwinWest Chamber. Meet other members, exhange ideas and sales leads, and build relationships.

To register: This is a free event with no need to register.

To get there: Go west on I-394 to US-169 North. Take the Betty Crocker Drive exit and turn left. Turn left onto Ford Road.

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chamber news

Member Event Photos

Coming in March!

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 25th Annual TwinWest Gala Friday, March 5, 2010 7:00 p.m. - midnight Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place - St. Louis Park

Member Orientation on November 4, 2009. From left to right: Craig Nelson, Al’s Coffee; Gretchen LewisSnyder, Blossom Behavioral Health; Marti Briest, Silvercrest Properties; David Fieger, Nemer Fieger; Haitham Bassiouny, City Marketing Solutions.

Member Orientation on November 4, 2009. From left to right: Kevin Cattoor, B2B CFO; Brent Buchman, Thomas D. Jenson Ltd,.; Kim Osterhout, Sheraton Minneapolis South; Brent Boroditsky, Minnesota Chiropractic and Rehabilitation; Kent Dunham, Practical Management.

Purchase your tickets by January 15, 2010 to save $10 each. Tickets are $65 plus tax through January 15; $75 plus tax beginning January 16.

Purchase 10 tickets and receive two free! Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220.

Celebrate the Gala’s 25th Anniversary with a night of Ritz and the Revelry!

TwinWest’s Annual Gala is our largest social and fund-raising event of the year, including irresistible food from local restaurants and caterers, an extensive silent auction and an exciting live auction. All members, guests, friends and families are invited and encouraged to attend – everyone will find something to enjoy during the evening.

A portion of the Gala’s proceeds benefits the TwinWest Foundation, which provides scholarships to local students of all ages.

TwinWest Annual Overtime Expo on November 18, 2009.

Emerging Leaders On the Fast Track Luncheon on November 10, 2009.

Sponsorship Opportunities!

Gala sponsorship investments range from $500 to $7,500. For more information, contact Victoria Marley at (763) 450-2227 or victoria@twinwest.com.

JOIN THE CHAMBER!

The Foursome Clothing & Shoes Ribbon Cutting on November 19, 2009.

12

TwinWest Directions

Panera Bread Ribbon Cutting on November 6, 2009.

If you’re not a TwinWest Chamber member, you can learn more about our organization at www.twinwest.com, or contact our regional sales director: Jacqui Sauter, (763) 450-2228/jacqui@twinwest. com. We will be happy to help you explore how you can use the chamber to accomplish your professional goals!

Familiar Familiar “When you know the landscape, it’s “When know easieryou to succeed. ” the landscape, it’s easier to succeed.”

Knowing your business and understanding the issues you face is just one way we help you stay ahead of the competition. We also provide you with customized service and unique business solutions backed by more than 160 of strength, stability the andissues expertise.

Knowing youryears business and understanding you face is just one way we help you stay ahead of the competition. We also provide you with customized service and unique business solutions backed by more than 160 years of strength, stability and expertise.

Dan Weninger, Vice President M&I Business Banking Dan Weninger, Vice President M&I Business Banking

Call or visit Dan today.

Call or visit Dan today.

612-904-8726 612-904-8726

160+ years of of integrity, andstrength strength 160+ years integrity,stability stability and

Member FDIC ©2008 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation 08-600-352

Member FDIC ©2008 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation 08-600-352

Also serving: Plymouth 763-383-9830 Also serving: Brooklyn Park 763-488-5960 Plymouth 763-383-9830 St. Louis Park 952-544-3100 Brooklyn Park 763-488-5960 St. Louis Park 952-544-3100

mibank.com

mibank.com

new & renewing members NEW MEMBERS Welcome New Members!

New members are printed in each issue of Directions.

Following is a list of businesses or individuals who have invested in the greater community by joining the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Please support these businesses when making purchases and business decisions.

Our Membership Directory, listing all Chamber members in alphabetical order, by category, and by individual representatives, is published each year.

For the most up-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.

B2B CFO

FINANCIAL ADVISORS 5585 Rosewood Lane North Plymouth, MN 55442 Mr. Kevin Cattoor

Community Involvement Programs NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 2905 Northwest Boulevard Suite 200 Plymouth, MN 55441 Mr. Robert Taylor

M & I Bank - Plymouth BANKS 3245 Vicksburg Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Mr. Andrew Rislov

M&I Bank - Eden Prairie BANKS 11455 Viking Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Ms. Tara Krenner

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+ Liberty Diversified International

16-20 years Fastsigns - Minnetonka Quality Resource Group

11-15 Years Comcast Spotlight Cable Advertising Finance and Commerce

6-10 Years Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Hammer QuarterTon Productions, Inc. Voyager Bank - Eden Prairie

1-5 Years C.E.L. Cartridge World Crown Marking, Inc. Dan O’Mara Architects Doepke, Constance EMPO Corporation Gerand Engineering Company Hennepin County, DOCCR ACF IND Kennedy Transmission Brake & Auto Service Robert Half International - Accountemps Sicora, Inc. The Whole Learning School Topline Federal Credit Union Wooddale Dental Group

Perfection Plus Cleaning JANITORIAL SERVICES 1516 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Mr. Denys Cerny

Salem Communications AM 1280 The Patriot ADVERTISING 2110 Cliff Road Eagan, MN 55122 Mr. Ron Stone

Taylor Brock Corporation

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES 6253 Bury Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55346 Ms. Pattie Garger

14

TwinWest Directions

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.

Annette Hruby – Costco 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.

!

Kerry Ness is TwinWest’s Volunteer Superstar!

TwinWest is proud to announce Kerry Ness is our December Volunteer Superstar.

Kerry Ness, The Business Bank, is beginning his seventh year of service on the TwinWest Grow Minnesota! Task Force, as part of a statewide effort to grow jobs and the economy. This past year he served in a leadership position as the co-chair of the task force. TwinWest has participated in the Grow Minnesota! program in conjunction with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, chambers across the state, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development since 2004. Kerry’s leadership started with the inception of the program as one of its founding task force members.

He has spent many hours over the years visiting a variety of local businesses. In those visits he and task force members learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the businesses community.

Kerry also spent many hours in 2009 serving on the TwinWest Get Ready to Grow Task Force reviewing dozens of applications for grant funding made available through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Pohlad Family Foundation. Three TwinWest businesses were fortunate in receiving a portion of these generous and highly sought-after funds.

TwinWest also thanks The Business Bank for its corporate sponsorship of the Grow Minnesota! program. We offer our sincere congratulations to Kerry Ness.

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

2010_TwinWest_Directions.e$S:Layout 1 12/14/09 11:58 AM Page 2 SLPschools_DIR1_MH.indd 1

12/11/09 2:11 PM

Château at Medicine Lake

There’s MORE to Mintáhoe than ever before!

Picnics Plus! . Drop-Off Corporate Catering . Venues Galore

Apples Catering . Perfect Host Catering . Picnics Plus! . Professional Foodservice Mintahoe Beverage Services . Northwinds Aviation Foodservice . Twin City Casinos & Entertainment Château at Medicine Lake . Plymouth Creek Center . Nicollet Island Pavilion . Minneapolis Central Library University of Minnesota Showboat . Padelford Riverboats . Minnesota Boat Club Custom catering, event planning and memorable spaces for every occasion!

612.253.0255 . www.mintahoe.com

January 2010

15

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