Dec. 2009

December 2009

Introducing mymn.org page 8

Save the date for TwinWest’s 25th Annual Gala 6

Call for 2010 Entrepreneur Award Nominations Page 18

Kindergarten Ready!:Tools for Business Page 12

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.™www.twinwest.com

Betsy Hearn, Liberty Diversified International, and her kids celebrate the first day of school thanks to good parenting and workplace programs focused on early childhood education.

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December 2009 5

6 MEMBER PROFILE Pearle Vison - A member in the news

7 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Introducing mymn.org

9 PROFILES Senator Terri Bonoff

11 GROW TWINWEST Thank you Seiler and Associates

and New Business Minnesota for introducing TwinWest

15 EVENT & PROGRAM DETAILS

Make plans to attend TwinWest’s events in December, including: Member Orientation; Meet & Greet Breakfast; Xtreme Technology Makover Reception; Business Showcase; Member Talk: For Members, By Members; and the Legislative Breakfast.

16 FEATURED EVENT Save the date for TwinWest’s 25th Annual Gala!

17 $UCCESS TWINWEST COLUMN

The mandate to restate your company retirement plan

18 CHAMBER NEWS Call for 2010 Entrepreneur Award Nominations

Take part in the January 26, 2010 STEM Summit!

19 COMMUNITY Meet & Greet with Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek TwinWest Foundation high school scholarships available

20 MEMBERS – NEW & RENEWING TwinWest encourages all of our members to conduct business with one another

22 LAST GLANCE TwinWest event and program photos

FEATURE STORY

12 KINDERGARTEN READY!: TOOLS FOR BUSINESS

Cover photo: Betsy Hearn celebrates the first day of school with her 5 and 7 year olds. Betsy works at Liberty Diversified International, an early childhood education advocate.

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.™

10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170Plymouth, MN 55441Phone: (763) 450-2220 • Fax: (763) 450-2221www.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 DirectorsEXECUTIVE COMMITTEESteve Wise, Cass Screw Machine Products, Chair of the BoardMark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions, Past Chair of the BoardDannette Coleman, Medica, Chair-elect of the BoardSarah Toepke, TreasurerBruce Nustad, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, President

DIRECTORSGary Aiken, Investors Capital CorporationJerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & HinckleyJeff Arnold, TCF Financial CorporationBecky Bakken, Citizens Independent BankDaniel Duffy, Daniel K. Duffy Architects, Inc.Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis ParkAnnette Hruby, Costco - St. Louis ParkRick Kaufman, Cox Insurance AssociatesGreg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage BusinessTim Raymond, Voyager Bank – MinnetonkaJim Snoxell, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd.Mike Sowada, VISI IncorporatedJon Thompson, Opportunity Partners

TwinWest StaffBruce Nustad, PresidentJudy Johnson, Director of Community RelationsJacqui Sauter, Regional Sales DirectorSara Hopkins, Office ManagerTabatha Rol, Manpower, Administrative AssistantLoretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, AccountingVictoria Marley, Signature Events RepresentativeStacy Slygh, C.E.L., Communications

ECM Publishers, Inc.12180 County Road 11Burnsville, MN 55337Phone: (952) 846-2040Fax: (952) 846-2044

Ginny Lee, Project Manager & Advertising DirectorJeff Remme, Director of Production & Graphic DesignMariah Hendrickson, Advertising Sales

table of contents

6 TwinWest Directions

Pearle Vision – A member in the news

member profile

Member name: Mike ArendsBusiness name: Pearle VisionIn business since: 1991TwinWest member since: 1991Number of employees: 75 across Minnesota and South DakotaLocation: Headquartered in Minnetonka

What is your main service/product?We are a retail outlet providing full service eye care and eyewear. From exams to selecting glasses to manufacturing the glasses, we do it all. We have the ability to process

the glasses in one hour, right on sight…pun intended! I own seven Pearle Vision stores across Minnesota and South Dakota, with our headquarters in Minnetonka.

What makes you stand out from your competition?I combine the proven Pearle Vision business systems from around the country with independent ownership and business practices and that is a win-win situation for our customers. I’m very involved in the community and the TwinWest Chamber. Over the past 18 years, I’ve participated in every TwinWest program and built incredible relationships.

What’s your company’s most significant recent accomplishment?A nurse from the Orono school district called me to see if I could help a young student who needed glasses, but couldn’t afford them. My staff worked together to provide the eye exam and glasses at no cost and it really touched our hearts. Doing a good job everyday, so everyday can be a significant accomplishment is what motivates me.

I was also very honored to be selected as Entrepreneur of the Year by TwinWest in 2001.

Why does your business belong to the TwinWest Chamber?When I first joined the Chamber, I was starting my business and thought it would help me attract customers. It did, but I also met so many talented business owners who shared ideas and advice with me and I benefited greatly from it. Now these Chamber friends are my partners for insurance, banking and more.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mike [email protected] Wayzata BoulevardMinnetonka, MN 55305(952) 546-4414www.pearlevision.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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December 2009 7

Introducing mymn.org

from the president’s desk

Frequently in this section of Directions, I take the opportunity to tell you about things uniquely TwinWest that highlight the strengths and opportunities we have in the western Twin Cities. This month, I reach a little further across Minnesota to invite you to explore a statewide conversation to build a united, positive, forward-looking vision for Minnesota.

In late October, several leading business groups including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership launched mymn.org as a nonpartisan effort to unite Minnesotans around the shared goal of strengthening our economy and maintaining our quality of life. mymn is an active, always developing conversation among Minnesotans about what is important to us. The conversation that occurs online will be digested into a “People’s Report.” The People’s Report is periodically delivered directly to community leaders and policy makers.

The mymn collective voice will begin to shape discussions across the state about how to build a stronger, more secure future for Minnesota. There is no script for the conversation. The dialogue generated by mymn is based on stories and observations that you and your employees log at mymn.org.

Behind mymn is a fundamental belief that Minnesotans and business leaders agree on the issues - they just don’t know it. Sometimes we use different language to describe Minnesota concepts around growth, jobs, culture, and quality of life. I believe mymn will help break down the differences in communication.

The success of mymn will depend largely on you, me and employers across the state. There are no big-dollar advertising plans today for a media push to generate attention and drive traffic to www.mymn.org. The marketing strategy is simply to create a dynamic, engaging online conversation that generates its own following. I think this has a chance at succeeding because good people care about the issues being discussed today and will find the conversation valuable and maybe even entertaining.

mymn was developed with a fairly straightforward approach to: - Facilitate robust and candid conversations; - Celebrate what works in Minnesota and what we love; - Shape the agenda through a development of the collective voice; and - Improve Minnesota’s economy through the development of fresh ideas.

I encourage you to take a look at www.mymn.org and if you see value in it, share it with your colleagues and employees. If you want to share your thoughts or know how you can further support the effort, feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bruce NustadPresident, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce


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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.

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December 2009 9

profiles

Last month TwinWest caught up with Senator Terri Bonoff, a Democrat who represents parts of Minnetonka, Medicine Lake, and Plymouth. We would like to share that conversation with you.

TW: Why is the business community important to you?

The economic strength of Minnesota is correlated to the strength of our business community. We depend on the leadership of our business community to provide a strategic direction for our state. The district I represent, as well as surrounding districts, are home to many of our state’s leading companies, both small business and Fortune 500s. As a legislator, I must make certain we have a business climate that supports this community and lays the foundation for growth. TW: You’ve been active in early childhood education, an issue that TwinWest has championed. Why is it important to you and to the state?

Although we lead the nation in academic achievement based on our test scores, we fall to the very bottom when it comes to the achievement gap, students of color having the greatest differential between white students. This

is unacceptable from a moral perspective and from an economic perspective. Our economic strength is correlated to the quality of our future workforce.

Demographer Tom Gillespie has indicated that minority students will be the fastest growing segment of our population. He has also indicated we will have a workforce shortage in the next ten years. If we cannot educate our diverse students to attain academic excellence, we will lose our competitive advantage with our future workforce. As we hope to attract and retain businesses, eliminating the achievement gap is and should be a top priority. It is proven that the surest way to do that is to invest in early childhood education.

Children who come to school ready to learn have a much greater degree of success throughout their educational career. We know this intellectually, and yet we have not yet made the corresponding policy decisions. This failure of leadership puts our economic viability at risk.

Senator Terri Bonoff

See Bonoff, page 10

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profiles

TW: You have been a supporter of another signature TwinWest issue: the Southwest Transitway. You’ve also been a prominent advocate for the proposed Little Crow Transitway, a train line that would run from Minneapolis to Willmar. What is your vision for this line?

I envision a commuter train that runs during peak times between the new transit hub at the Twins stadium and the Wayzata depot with a few stops in between. I also envision that on a less frequent basis this train would also continue to and from Willmar. If we are to meet the objectives of eliminating our dependence on oil, restoring our environment, and reducing congestion, having a multi-modal transportation system is a key element. In addition, congestion mitigation is also a business imperative as it relates to all facets of productivity.

TW: What do you think the state needs to do to address its structural budget deficit?

We must be creative as we attempt to solve this problem. We must think long term and not use band-aid solutions that exacerbate our problems in the future. I think this requires a combination approach:

• We must use zero-based budgeting to ensure we spend only what’s essential.

• We must tackle our organizations in a systematic way, so that we re-engineer our structures to maximize efficiency and leverage what new technology can provide. It is time to revisit our decades-old processes and structures for delivering government services

at every municipal level. Businesses all over the world are facing these challenges and are using researched based best practices, to make that happen. All assumptions must be challenged so that we emerge from this financial downturn strong, healthy and poised for the future.

• Lastly, we must enact true tax reform. We must take the advice given by the Governor-appointed commission and enact much of it to provide sustainable revenue for our future. This includes placing less emphasis on the corporate and individual income tax and expanding the base for the sales tax. This should be done now.

TW: What do you hope to accomplish during the 2010 legislative session?

Well TwinWest, once again you are setting the standard and leading the way. The questions you’ve asked and the answers I’ve given are the blueprint for what I hope to accomplish this session.

• We must enact policies that jump start the economic engine for Minnesota and put people back to work.

• It is imperative that we stop merely talking

about the importance of early childhood education and instead provide a structural framework to ensure that every Minnesota child comes to kindergarten ready to learn.

• Through a combination of cost cutting, vision-based priority setting, and transforming our business practices we set forward a strategic plan that restores the financial health and well-being of Minnesota.

There is one initiative that I am hard at work on that falls outside of these questions. Currently we are in the process of applying for the “Race To The Top” grant funds. U. S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has set forward an ambitious agenda to transform public education in America. The focus is on providing a world class education for all students so that academic excellence is attained by each and every child regardless of ethnic and economic circumstance. 4.3 billion dollars will be awarded to 10-15 states.

The application calls for bold and innovative reform. Being able to cite our business community as strong proponents of this effort will enhance the probability of our success. Contact me at (651) 296-4314 or [email protected] for more information or to be part of this effort.

Bonoff, from page 9

Business Bal lot

Panelists from left to right: Dr. Charles Fazio, Beth McMullen, and Professor Stephen Parente.

Members listen to the discussion on health care policy at the October 16 Legislative Breakfast.

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 October 16, 2009, featuring feature Professor Stephen Parente of the University of Minnesota, Beth McMullen, Health Policy Director at the Minnesota Business Partnership, and Dr. Charles Fazio, Chief Medical Officer at Medica. The panel discussed why health care policy is a top priority for the business community, what types of reform Congress should support, and how we can try to control the skyrocketing health care costs that are hurting businesses’ bottom lines.

Would you support expanding the sales tax to clothing purchases if the revenue is used to reduce business taxes?

Yes: 41%

No: 59%

December 2009 11

grow TwinWest

Thank you Seiler and Associates and New Business Minnesota for introducing TwinWest

JOIN

THE CHAMBER!

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

In late October, Seiler and Associates, New Business Minnesota, and Jake’s City Grille in Plymouth organized a “Meet TwinWest” event. Over 20 members and prospective members attended to learn about how to enhance their business relationships via TwinWest.

TwinWest appreciates Seiler and Associates, New Business Minnesota, Jake’s City Grille,

and all members efforts to build the organization and increase the value of membership. We know our top strength is our members as they drive the success of the business community.

If you know someone interested in learning about TwinWest and his or her participation options, contact Jacqui Sauter at (763) 450-2228.

Contact Marie Tomala763-398-5971 or [email protected]

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For years, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce has realized the economic and societal benefits of Minnesota’s children getting on the bus the first day of kindergarten prepared to learn. In fact, within our Business Agenda, TwinWest has laid out the business community public policy supporting our future workforce through engagement and investment in early childhood education.

Through research conducted by the State of Minnesota’s School Readiness Program, we know that approximately 50 percent of Minnesota’s kids are not adequately prepared to learn on their first day of school. This startling statistic has a dramatic impact on the workplace.

In today’s workplace, we see less productive employees because their lives are complicated with childcare and school readiness issues surrounding their children. Yet, if they don’t spend adequate time focusing on those issues, the long-term quality of the workforce is compromised. For general society, studies show that a lack of preparedness for kindergarten leads to heightened school drop out rates, a higher demand for costly remedial education, and increased prison needs.

TwinWest recently launched an initiative designed to respond to the statistic that

approximately one out of two children who enter kindergarten are not fully prepared to learn. It’s called Kindergarten Ready! and as a result, TwinWest is uniquely positioned to explore a previously unconsidered path to reaching children - through their parents’ place of employment.

On October 21, TwinWest hosted a Kindergarten Ready! symposium featuring keynote speakers

Becky Roloff, YWCA of Minneapolis, and Fred Senn, Fallon Worldwide. Over 150 business leaders and early childhood advocates gathered to get insight from Larry Brauch, formerly of Liberty Diversified International, Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, and Sandy Haddad, General Mills. These innovative leaders shared strategies for implementing programs within organizations to support the pre-kindergarten development of employees’ children. The panel also featured Misty Gozola, a Best Buy employee, to round out the discussion with a parent’s perspective. A business leader toolkit was distributed at the event, containing resources for businesses including: how to create a family friendly workplace; parenting information and resources for employees and caregivers; and ways to support early childhood education in our community.

Kindergarten Ready!: Tools for Businesses

feature story

Program ideas recommended within the Kindergarten Ready! toolkit include:

• Offering a series of parenting seminars relating to the importance of early learning and kindergarten preparedness.

• Making meeting rooms available during or after working hours for parent, grandparent, or caregiver education classes.

• Allowing employees time to use their work computer for non-work activities related to supporting their child’s kindergarten readiness.

• Instituting a pre-tax flex spending account for dependent care as a benefit for employees, allowing them to get up to 5,000 a year of what they spend on childcare, taken out in pre-tax dollars.

• Offering scholarships for employees with children preparing for kindergarten, so they can afford a quality education program.

• Allowing employees flexible schedules so they can enroll their children in preschool programs based on quality instead of location.

• Organizing a parenting mentorship program among your employees (like a Circle of Parents); if you are a small company, coordinate with another small company.

• Designating a space for a parenting resource library, which would include books and DVDs about parenting and early childhood education.

• Collecting and donating supplies to your local preschool or child care organizations.

Fred Senn, Fallon Worldwide, discusses the benefits of early childhood education.

Lisa Riskedahl, Liberty Diversified International, pictured with her children.

December 2009 13

All Saints PreschoolCaring for Kids InitiativeDancercise KidsDan O’Mara ArchitectsFallon WorldwideHopkins Public SchoolsJewish Family and Children’s Services of Minneapolis

KMAS Consulting LLCLiberty Diversified IndustriesMnBELNew Horizon AcademyOxygen Plus, Inc.Qwest CommunicationsRobbinsdale Area Public SchoolsReady4KResources for Child Caring, Inc.St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development

United Way Twin CitiesVanman Architects and Builders, Inc.Wayzata Public SchoolsWorking Family Resource Center

Lisa Riskedahl and her children are already benefiting from programs offered at Liberty Diversified International. Riskedahl attended a series of on-site classes where she gathered tips to further enhance her parenting skills. She said her two sons, ages three and four are the prime age for preparing for kindergarten and it was wonderful to have time during her workday to focus on how to help them do that. “As a parent, I learn as I go and it was not only great to learn from the experts in the sessions, but also to learn and network with other parents.” Riskedahl said she also walked away from the seven sessions she attended with some valuable safety tips for protecting her children.

Betsy Hearn has five and seven year old children and she took time over her lunch breaks at

Liberty Diversified International to gather some tangible parenting strategies. She believes on-site classes not only help her connect better with her kids, but also provides her with the tools to give them more confidence for going out into the world. She said, “Now, when they want my attention and I can’t give it to them at that moment, I tell them that I would rather play with them, but I have to finish what I’m doing. I reinforce that they come first, while teaching them that sometimes other things have to be done.”

For a complete look at the Kindergarten Ready! toolkit, or to offer additional ideas for the toolkit, visit www.twinwest.com/kready or contact TwinWest at (763) 450-2220.

TW

About TwinWest’s Business-Education Partnership InitiativeTwinWest’s Business-Education Partnership (BEP) initiative is a long-standing effort to align today’s education programs with tomorrow’s workforce needs. We provide our business members with effective, rewarding ways to provide their time and resources to our school partners.

TwinWest’s BEP programs include:• Annual School Leader for a Day program• Annual Ethics in the Workplace workshop• Student membership program• Workplace tours and classroom speakers• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

(STEM) Summit• Kindergarten Ready! early childhood

education initiative To learn more about TwinWest BEP opportunities, contact Sara Hopkins at (763) 450-2224, or via e-mail at [email protected].

TwinWest would like to thank the October 21 Kindergarten Ready! event sponsor, the Qwest Foundation, and these table sponsors: Caring for Kids Initiative; Hopkins Public Schools; the Jewish Family and Childrens Service of Minneapolis; New Horizon Academy; Reources for Childcaring; Liberty Diversified International; St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development; and Wayzata Public Schools.

This event was the result of a collaboration of the following organizations:


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4St. Louis Park Business Council7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Wolfe Lake Professional Center -St. Louis Park

Member Orientation8:00 – 9:00 a.m.Hampton Inn - Minnetonka

Xtreme Technology Makeover Reception5:00 – 8:00 p.m.Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North - Brooklyn Center

Prospective Member Forum3:30 - 4:30 p.m.TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth

Government Affairs Committee Meeting7:30 – 9:00 a.m.TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth

Crystal/New Hope Business Council8:00 -9:00 a.m.Liberty Diversified International – New Hope

Meet & Greet with Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Sunsets Restaurant - Wayzata

Business Showcase11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.First National Bank - Plymouth

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

Legislative Breakfast7:30 – 9:00 a.m.Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place – St. Louis Park

TwinWest calendar

December 2009 15

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

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Orientation8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Hampton Inn - Minnetonka10420 Wayzata Boulevard

Minnetonka, MN 55305(952) 541-1094

ROI: Learn how to make the most of your investment and get a jump start on networking.

To register: No cost to attend. Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220 to register.

To get there: From 394, exit on Hopkins Crossroad and go north. Take an immediate right (east) on Wayzata Boulevard (north frontage road) and drive about half a mile. Turn left into the Hampton Inn parking lot.

Xtreme Technology Makeover Reception

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North2200 Freeway Boulevard

Brooklyn Center, MN 55430(763) 566-8000

ROI: Network with TwinWest and attend the no-cost announcement reception for the $100,000 Xtreme Techology Makeover award winner.

To register: Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220. This is a no-cost event.

To get there: From the south, take Highway 100 north. Take the Humboldt Avenue exit toward I-94 / I-694 West. Turn left on to Freeway Boulevard.

Meet and Greet with Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.Sunsets Restaurant

700 Lake St EWayzata, MN 55391

(952) 473-5253

ROI: Come hear from Sheriff Rich Stanek about updates on county public safety initiatives.

To register: No cost to attend; no RSVP needed.

To get there: Take I-394 west. Take first 101 South exit (cloverleaf exit) and take a right at first stoplight (on to Wayzata Blvd). Stay in righthand lane to the 3rd set of stop lights.Take a left on Broadway. Go down the hill to the stop sign. Sunsets is across the street on the left (clock tower).

Sponsored by:TwinWest Chamber of Commerce; Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce; Wuollet’s Bakery; Allegra Print & Imaging - Pymouth.

First National Bank - Plymouth Business Showcase

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

First National Bank - Plymouth13605 27th Avenue North

Plymouth, MN 55441(763) 550-0500

ROI: Connect with other members and exchange idea, sales leads and build relationships.

To register: This is a free event with no need to reg-ister; just bring our business cards.

To get there: Take Highway 55 west from Highway 169. Just before I-494, turn left (south) on Xenium Lane. Turn right on 26th Avenue North, then right on Yucca Lane. Yucca Lane becomes 27th Avenue North.

Legislative Breakfast

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place1500 Park Place BoulevardSt. Louis Park, MN 55416

(952) 542-8600

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. Nonmember $40.

To get there: From I-394, take Park Place/Xenia exit. Travel south on Park Place Boulevard and turn right on 16th Street.

Member Talk: For Members, By Members

3:30 – 4:30 p.m..TwinWest Chamber office – Plymouth10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170

Plymouth, MN 55441(763) 450 – 2220

ROI: Brainstorm with other Chamber members about any issue affecting your business while you expand your professional network.

To register: Members only; there is no cost to attend; due to limited space, you must RSVP.

To get there: From Highway 169, exit west on Highway 55. Travel less than a mile and take a left at Revere Lane. Turn right onto the frontage road. Turn right into parking lot.

December

event & program details


Save the date for TwinWest’s 25th Annual Gala!

featured event

Come enjoy a night commemorating the business community and the 25th anniversary of the TwinWest Gala!

25th Annual TwinWest Gala: Ritz & The RevelrySave the date: Friday, March 5, 2010Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place - St. Louis Park

Planning for the 25th Annual TwinWest Gala is underway! This year’s event is chaired by Lisa McDaniel of Voyager Bank. The theme will celebrate the Gala’s 25th anniversary as its “25 Years of Service.”

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.

Mark your calendar now and plan to join us! Be sure to purchase your tickets by January 15 to save $10 per ticket.

Gala sponsorship investments range from $500 to $7,500. For more information, contact Victoria Marley at (763) 450-2227 or [email protected].

24th Annual Gala in March 2009. Photos by Sandy Benson Photography.

! Early Bird SpEcial!

Purchase your tickets by January 15, 2010 to save $10 each. Tickets are $65 through January 15; $75 beginning January 16. Purchase 10 tickets and receive two free! Visit www.twinwest.com or call (763) 450-2220.

Apples Catering . Perfect Host Catering . Picnics Plus! . Professional FoodserviceMintahoe Beverage Services . Northwinds Aviation Foodservice . Twin City Casinos & Entertainment

Château at Medicine Lake . Plymouth Creek Center . Nicollet Island Pavilion . Minneapolis Central LibraryUniversity of Minnesota Showboat . Padelford Riverboats . Minnesota Boat Club

Call now to book your event and SAVE on your winter meeting or celebration!

612.253.0255 . www.mintahoe.com

Custom catering, event planning and memorable spaces for every occasion!

December 2009 17

$uccess TwinWest

The mandatory deadline for restating your company 401(k) plan is April 30, 2010 and it is fast approaching. If you are a business with a company qualified retirement plan, are you meeting the compliance guidelines required by law? Are you and your employees getting the most out of your company’s retirement plan? If not, now is the time to review, renew or start anew!

About every 5-6 years, the federal government requires businesses to restate their 401(k)/profit sharing plans. During this restatement period, the required updates are based on significant legislative and regulatory changes resulting mostly from The Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001. There are some additional amendments also required as a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008.

Be sure to review the rules and deadlines with your plan provider so that you can make necessary changes and not face any compliance violations. Technically, if you don’t properly restate your plan, it is not in compliance and therefore fines can be assessed on your business and it can potentially lead to more serious plan and participant tax issues. It’s important to have a plan provider who understands the rules, brings them to your attention and advises you on the best provisions for your objectives. If your provider does not appear knowledgeable on the rules and deadlines for restating, this is a red flag.

Beyond making the changes required by law, you can benefit from reviewing and restating your entire plan and it may be more cost effective to do both at the same time. Designate this time to also look at your investment process and the design of your plan. What would you do differently? For example, are you satisfied with your current timeline for admitting employees and allowing them to make adjustments? Some businesses open it up for change annually; others prefer more frequently. It’s up to you, but whatever you decide, you want to make sure you follow it! There are plans our there where the document says one thing and the business does another. Be careful, as often doing so can be a serious violation.

The design of your plan is important for employee benefit and your bottom line. It is well worth your while to spend time reviewing all aspects of it, including:

•Who is allowed to participate in the plan?• How often can employees enter into the plan

(annually, quarterly, monthly)?

• What percent does your company match - does it need to change based on economic times? How often is that match deposited?

• What is the length of employment time required to be vested?

• What provisions are there for taking distributions?

• Do participants have the ability to borrow against the plan?

There are many options and your plan provider can help you choose what works best for you and your business. It is an investment of time and money, so you want to be cost effective. One can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 - $5,000 for the document restatement. Future amendments and changes will costs more, often $200 - $500 each. If there are changes you want to make, doing it within the restatement process can save you from higher costs later.

Don’t assume that what you have in your plan now is what you have to have going forward. Look at all of the pieces within your objectives and how the document can create a plan that enhances rather than detracts from those. And any time you are dealing with something so technical, seek assistance from an expert. You may even want a second opinion. A competitive review is a good thing, and, since the law is requiring you go through it anyway, it may well be the perfect time.

Sarah Kaelberer is a partner at Business & Estate Advisers with offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She is a seasoned and trusted

adviser and author, and has achieved the industry’s highest recognition known as “Top of the Table” for the Million Dollar Round Table – a recognition achieved by less than 2,000 professionals in the world.

Sarah Kaelberer, MBA, CFP®, CLU, ChFC, Business & Estate Advisers, Inc.282 E. Wayzata Blvd., P.O. Box 679Wayzata, MN 55391Phone: (952) 473-0440Email: [email protected]: www.business-estate.com

The mandate to restate your company retirement plan

Share your expertise and receive free business exposure! TwinWest members are invited to submit articles for thisi column to [email protected]. Articles should provide concrete business advice; target length is 650-750 words. Call Stacy Slygh at (763) 559-6058 with questions.


Do you know any innovative, hard-working, TwinWest-member small business entrepreneurs? Now’s the time to turn the spotlight on them! We are currently soliciting nominations for our 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year awards. These awards give much-deserved attention to those who take the risk of starting and running business enterprises. Candidates for these awards are judged on business strategies, financial success and community involvement. The Small Business Awards Task Force, under the leadership of Scott Plum, New Business Minnesota, and Sarah Kaelberer, Business & Estate Advisers, Inc., and made up of TwinWest members, will select the finalists in March 2010. These finalists will be featured on the cover of Directions magazine, and we’ll announce our winners at our annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 20, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place in St. Louis Park.

The two categories are:

TwinWest Entrepreneur of the YearA TwinWest member entrepreneur who has established and maintained a successful business with $100 million or less in annual revenue, which is five or more years old. TwinWest Emerging Entrepreneur of the YearA TwinWest member entrepreneur who has established a company with $100 million or less in annual revenue, which is less than five years

old and more than one year old and displays excellent growth potential.

All candidates must be TwinWest members for at least one year by the end of May 2010 and the owner or visible leader of a successful small business with $100 million or less in annual revenue.

Submit nominations to Judy Johnson at [email protected]. For additional details about these awards and who is eligible, please visit www.twinwest.com/awards. Nomination deadline: January 29, 2010.

Take part in the January 26, 2010 STEM Summit!

chamber news

On January 26, 2010, TwinWest will host a large Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Summit. This will be an all-day trade show aimed at showing middle school students how the STEM classes they are taking now will translate to engaging and satisfying careers in the future.

Students visit each exhibit, learning how science, technology, engineering, and math are used in different industries. They have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from business leaders.

The STEM Summit on January 26, 2010 will be held at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. If you are interested in spending a day with young students allowing them to experience how science, technology, engineering and math are used in your industry, please call Sara Hopkins at (763) 450-2224 for more details. This event is sponsored by Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics.

The STEM Summit is one of TwinWest’s Business-Education Partnership (BEP) initiatives, a long-standing effort to align today’s education programs with tomorrow’s workforce needs. We provide our business members with effective, rewarding ways to provide their time and resources to our school partners.

Call for Entrepreneurs Award Nominations

December 2009 19

community

Meet & Greet Breakfast with Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek

On Friday, December 4, the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet & Greet event with Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek. Come hear from Sheriff Stanek about updates on county public safety initiatives.

Friday, December 47:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Sunsets Restaurant700 East Lake Wayzata, MN 55391No cost to attend; no rsvp needed.

Sponsors: TwinWest Chamber of Commerce; Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce; Wuollet’s Bakery; Allegra Print & Imaging - Plymouth.

TwinWest Foundation 2010 High School Scholarship applications available

Each year TwinWest Foundation scholarships are granted to graduating high school students from TwinWest member school districts and private schools. Students are evaluated based on their academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, community service, work history, and financial need. Typical college scholarships range from $500 to $1,500. The Foundation’s Legacy Scholarship, ranging from $5,000 to $7,500, is awarded each year to one outstanding high school senior who exemplifies positive leadership attributes and is awell-rounded student role model.

Applications are avalable to download now. Scholarship awards are announced in April each year. Go online to www.twinwest.com/foundation to download an application. The deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010. All scholarship applications must be received at TwinWest by this deadline.

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Providing VIP Service Since 1947www.vaaler.com763-599-1683

Not All Businesses Are The Same

We know exactly how your business is different, and we tailor your insurance to fit perfectly.

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NEW MEMBERSWelcome 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.

Al’s CoffeeCOFFEE-SALES & SERVICES820 Decatur AvenueGolden Valley, MN 55427Mr. Craig Nelson

Antenna Inc.EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES100 South Fifth StreetMinneapolis, MN 55402Mr. Derick White

Astute Transformations, LLCREAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL4230 Raleigh Avenue SouthSt. Louis Park, MN 55416Ms. Emilie C. George

Beta Partners, LLCMANAGEMENT CONSULTANTSP.O. Box 1-cMinnetonka, MN 55345Mr. David Cousins

Blossom Behavioral Health, PLLCMENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELING11900 Wayzata BoulevardMinnetonka, MN 55305Ms. Gretchen Lewis-Snyder

Check Engine ExpressAUTOMOBILE REPAIRS, SERVICE & PARTS15031 Minnetonka Industrial RoadMinnetonka, MN 55345Ms. Ann Sangpan

City Marketing Solutions, Inc.MARKETING601 Carlson Parkway Suite 1050Minnetonka, MN 55305Mr. Haitham Bassiouny

Designs by Lisa of Elk River, Inc.WEDDING SUPPLIES & SERVICES19431 Lowell Street NorthwestElk River, MN 55330Ms. Lisa Ratke

Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS200 South Sixth StreetSuite 4000Minneapolis, MN 55402Ms. Leia Christoffer

FRSecure LLCINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY3992 Spruce RoadMinnetrista, MN 55375Mr. Evan Francen

The Goddard SchoolSCHOOLS & COLLEGES16755 County Road 24Plymouth, MN 55447Ms. Lisa Amic

Minnesota Cause Connection Inc.MARKETING7128 Valley View RoadEdina, MN 55439Ms. LuAnne Speeter

Nemer FiegerADVERTISING6250 Excelsior BoulevardSuite 203Minneapolis, MN 55416Mr. David Fieger

Panera Bread, Panera CateringCATERERS5219 99th Circle NorthBrooklyn Park, MN 55443Ms. Tamara Morin

Practical ManagementMANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS5910 Magnolia Lane NorthPlymouth, MN 55442Mr. Kent Dunham

Renters WarehousePROPERTY MANAGEMENT715 Florida Avenue SouthGolden Valley, MN 55345Mr. Brenton Hayden

RiteMade Paper ConvertersOFFICE SUPPLIES9030 Jewel LaneMaple Grove, MN 55311Mr. Robert Hay

Sheraton Bloomington Minneapolis South HotelHOTELS & MOTELS7800 Normandale BoulevardBloomington, MN 55439Mr. Michael Murphy

SilverCrest PropertiesMANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS3601 Park Center BoulevardSuite 120St. Louis Park, MN 55416Mr. John P. Cushen

Smashburger - Golden ValleyRESTAURANTS509 Winnetka AvenueGolden Valley, MN 55427Mr. Brian Beers

Smashburger - PlymouthRESTAURANTS3225 Vicksburg Lane NorthPlymouth, MN 55447Mr. Brian Beers

The Shops at West EndRETAIL STORE1621 West End BoulevardMinneapolis, MN 55416Mr. Michael Landstad

RENEWING MEMBERSCongratulations 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+

Anchor Bank, National AssociationBerg Law Offices, P.A.Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A.

CPAsBonestrooCB Richard EllisDoubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park

PlaceFirst Minnetonka City BankHopkins Pet HospitalKaisershot, Medard B.Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd.Larkin Hoffman AttorneysMinnesota Masonic Home North

RidgePlus Relocation Services, Inc.Plymouth, City ofSwanson & Youngdale, Inc.Sylvan Learning CenterWashburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

& Cremation Services

21-24

Toshiba Business Solutions

16-20Central BankColdwell Banker Burnet-PlymouthJ & F Reddy Rents, Inc.Nannies From The HeartlandNorthwest Community TelevisionOliver FinancialParadise Charter Cruises Lake

Minnetonka & Mississippi RiverPublic Affairs Consulting LLC

11-15

ARAMARK Refreshment ServicesBodywise Therapeutic MassageMarriott Minneapolis WestSales By Phone, Inc.

6-10ABRA Auto Body & Glass - New

HopeComfort InnCoordinated Business SystemsGleason PrintingHerzing UniversityMN Insurance Group, Inc.New Horizon Academy -

MinnetonkaOwl Bookkeeping and CFO ServicesPRISMShred-it/MN Shredding LLCSolbrekk, Inc.TDS MetrocomWizardly Teleproduction, Inc.

1-5

494 Commuter ServicesActuarial Advisors, Inc.Best Wishes FloralCarlson Real Estate CompanyChildren FirstCorporate Technologies LLCDancing Flame Artwork and DesignEdina RealtyGive My Regards ToGlass DoctorGolden Living Center - HopkinsGolden Valley Supply Co.Hispanic Chamber of CommerceiVision Human ResourcesJaps-Olson CompanyJim Lupient Infiniti of Golden ValleyThe Kuhn Law Firm, PLLCLake Minnetonka Orthodontics:

Specialists in Orthodontics. Drs. Jolstad, Nelson, Tiziani & Bohlig

Majesty CompaniesManpowerMinnwest BankMoney Mailer Minneapolis WestNextera CommunicationsNovaCare RehabilitationQ - Consulting GroupSnap Fitness - PlymouthStarlites Electrical Co. Inc. - Energy

Efficient Lighting RetrofittingStone Creek ApartmentsSydax CorporationTaiyoToepke, Sarah E.Toll Brothers

new & renewing members

December 2009 21

GURUS_DIR0_MH 1 10/27/09 8:57:52 PM

We provide a complete line of electrical services.

Including:

• Electrical Design Build Construction

• Plan & Spec Construction

• Trenching, Boring, & Bucket Truck Work

• Grounding System Testing & Remediation

• Power Quality Analysis

• Hazardous Location Wiring

• Emergency Service 24/7

5465 Highway 169 NPlymouth, MN 55442

Telephone: 763-694-8800Toll Free: 1-866-770-1298

Fax: 763-694-8888www.aceelectrical.net

ACE_DIRO_MH.indd 1 11/4/09 4:39:24 PM

www.vanmanab.com local 763.541.9552 toll free 888.327.2817

architecture

interior design

master planning

general contracting

design-build

construction management

real estate development

real estate acquisition

51 years of service

VANMAN ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS INC.

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Member Event PhotosTwinWest 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 October 7, 2009. Left to Right: David Cousins, Beta Partners, LLC; Beth Rodich, Minnesota Chiropractic & Rehabilitation; Brian Olenius, Coborns Delivers; Patricia Trumbull, Mary Kay Cosmetics; and Joe Rasmusson, Coborns Delivers.

Business Showcse at Sylvan Learning Center on October 28, 2009.

Member Orientation on October 7, 2009. Left to Right: Shane Burgeson, Check Engine Express; Ann Sangpan, Check Engine Express; Latisha Gray, North Hennepin Community College; Lisa Ratke, Designs by Lisa of Elk River, Inc.; and Brock Ray, Brock Ray Creative.

Member Orientation on October 7, 2009. Left to Right: Eric Hawkinson, BPK&Z Financial Services LLP; Chuck Kugler, Village Hair Center; Caroline Emswiler, WEALTH Financial Consultants, Inc.; LuAnne Speeter, Minnesota Cause Connection, Inc.; Jerry Ferris, Dignity In-Home Care; and Robert Boettcher, North Hennepin Community College.

last glance

TwinWest members take a tour of McQuay International on October 1, 2009.

Manufacturing Week Tour at Accellent in Brooklyn Park on October 26, 2009.

Blaine 763-795-8400 • Eden Prairie 952-942-7522 • Plymouth 763-559-9336 • Wayzata 952-473-4606 www.anchorlink.com

At Anchor Bank, we go beyond your request and work with you to develop creative solutions to meet your businesses needs. And as a SBA Preferred Lender we reduce the SBA application time to weeks rather than months. Because we are locally owned and independent, we have the agility to be flexible and move quickly. Looking into an SBA loan? Look into Anchor Bank today.

DEC Nicer SBA.qxp 1/5/2009 3:55 PM Page 1

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Business banking. Now in a convenient, easy to use package.The Associated Bank Business Banking Package is the single

source for all your business banking needs. From Business

Choice Checking Account options to Secured Lines of Credit,

we make business banking easy.

Visit the Associated Bank nearest you or call the

Business Customer Care Center at 1-800-728-3501.

Equal Opportunity Lender. Member FDIC and Associated Banc-Corp. (2/09) 4863

associatedbank.com

Plymouth 2655 Campus Dr. (763) 694-2812 Plymouth 4305 Peony Lane N. (763) 694-2852 New Hope 7001 Bass Lake Rd. (651) 554-8730 St. Louis Park 5353 Wayzata Blvd. (952) 591-2865

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Last chance to advertise in the2010 Membership Directory

Help support this annual Chamber publication and network with other Chamber members

without ever leaving your office.

It’s not too late to be included in the 2010 Membership Directory. Make the most of

your advertising dollars by investing in an ad that reaches Chamber businesses.

They’re waiting to hear from you.

Reaching the Summit

of Business Together

Phone: (763) 450-2220 | www.twinwest.com

2010 MeMbership Directory

and business resource guide

b r o o k ly n c e n t e r | b r o o k ly n pa r k | c r y s ta l | g o l d e n v a l l e y | h o p k i n s

m e d i c i n e l a k e | m i n n e t o n k a | n e w h o p e | p ly m o u t h | s t. l o u i s pa r k

Ad deadline: Tuesday, December 1stCall Mariah Hendrickson at 952-846-2042 or email [email protected]

Member Event PhotosTwinWest 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.

JOIN THE TWINWEST CHAMBER!We hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of Directions magazine. If you’re not a member, consider joining TwinWest to begin your experience with the most involved, influential, and innovative regional chamber in the state. As a member, you will have access to:

• Over 100 events and meetings each year to help you cultivate meaningful business relationships.

• Numerous legislative and community involvement opportunities to give your business a voice.

• Highly regarded professional development and training programs for you and your employees.

• Countless ways to increase your visibility and brand recognition in 10 communities and the surrounding region.

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/[email protected]. We will be happy to help you explore how you can use the chamber to accomplish your professional goals!

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Dec. 2009

Documents

Transcript of Dec. 2009