Directions March 2012

Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.TM

Reintroducing the TwinWest Staff—page 2 New STEAM School Opening in Robbinsdale Area Schools—page 8

Profile: Representative Sandra Peterson—page 6 Upcoming Events and Activities—page 13

www.twinwest.com/directions

Minnesota Supports Southwest Light Rail Minnesota Supports Southwest Light Rail page 4page 4

Photo Credit: Metropolitan Council

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 2

In the last six months, TwinWest welcomed two new employees to the staff. That prompted me to think that now might be a good time to reintroduce you to TwinWest staff. The one common quality that is woven throughout each of our staff members is the desire to see the business community grow and prosper. Each of us knows that a successful business community equates to a successful community. Take a moment to get to know each of TwinWest’s staff members:

Reintroducing the TwinWest Staff

President’s Message...

Continued on page 3...

Kristen George Administrative Assistant Joined the staff: September, 2011 Primary responsibilities: member service; event registration; customer data management; certificates of origin Factoid: Kristen’s first introduction to chambers of commerce was as an intern at the River Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Anne Haberman Communications and Operations Director Joined the staff: January, 2012 Primary responsibilities: member service; communications; TwinWest Ambassadors; accounts payables & receivables; advertising and promotions; Business Education Partnership Factoid: Anne joined TwinWest after five years as a member services manager at the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce.

Judy Johnson Government Affairs Director Joined the staff: February, 2007 Primary responsibilities: member service; state and local government affairs; Legislative Breakfast; grassroots organization; policy statements; TwinWest Academy Factoid: Judy is a former mayor of Plymouth and current city council member. Congratulations to Judy on celebrating her five year anniversary with TwinWest in February.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 3

Reintroducing the TwinWest Staff

...President’s Message

Chris Kirwan Member/Community Engagement Director Joined the staff: March, 2010 Primary responsibilities: member service; customer retention; Foundation; young professionals program; TwinWest Academy Factoid: Before coming to TwinWest, Chris worked on several political campaigns, including a Minnesota Congressman’s campaign.

Bruce Nustad President Joined the staff: March, 2008 Primary responsibilities: member service; administration; strategic direction; planning; Chamber spokesperson; suggestions or concerns Factoid: Bruce was with the Twin Cities North Chamber and worked in membership at the St. Paul Chamber before coming to TwinWest.

Jacqui Sauter Regional Sales Director Joined the staff: January, 2008 Primary responsibilities: member service; membership sales; membership involvement and opportunities Factoid: Jacqui worked in the financial services industry with TwinWest members and served on the TwinWest Board of Directors before joining the staff.

In addition to these staff members, TwinWest is proud to work on a day-to-day basis with Victoria Marley, who is under contract to produce our four signature events at the Chamber, and Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, who serves as our outsourced bookkeeper through Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services.

Bruce Nustad, president

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 4

Access to the labor force. Support for job growth. Congestion mitigation. Regional and state competitiveness. Economic development. These are foundational reasons the business community supports extending the metro transit system through the development of the Southwest Light Rail line from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. What’s more, the project enjoys solid support across all of Minnesota, not just in the western suburbs and the Twin Cities. In a statewide poll released the last week of February by TwinWest, the Minneapolis Chamber, and the Saint Paul Chamber, six out of ten Minnesotans support funding for Southwest Light Rail this year, including dedicating $25 million in state bonding dollars to the project. The poll of 700 likely Minnesota voters showed even higher support in the seven-county metro area with 64 percent supporting state funding for the project. The poll also shows that across the state, 76 percent of Minnesotans agree that we would

benefit from having an improved and expanded public transportation system. TwinWest and other area chambers know first-hand from conversations with businesses that the ability to access the area’s workforce as we emerge from a down economic cycle is important. That feedback doesn’t just come from the 45 employers along the line with more than 100 employees

today. It comes from small businesses, non-profits and other organizations in the area as well. Today there are 210,000 jobs located along the Southwest Light Rail corridor. By 2030, the Metropolitan

Council estimates that transportation in the corridor will need to support 270,000 jobs, a net growth of 60,000. Simply put, we don’t have enough room to expand roads and bridges enough to accommodate that growth. A rigorous, locally driven research process found that light rail is the most cost effective

means of serving that growth. That local study was submitted to the federal government, which found that out of over 100 similar applications, Southwest Light Rail was among the ten best in the country. Notable in the poll results is that statewide Minnesotans recognize we need to invest in transportation options now. In fact, poll results show that 77 percent agree that if we don’t invest now, our region’s quality of life will suffer. TwinWest and our chamber partners at Minneapolis and Saint Paul continue to actively support a state investment in Southwest, which allows the project to leverage $9 for every $1 in state bonding investment. Continued on next page….

Poll Shows Solid Statewide Support for Southwest LRT

Southwest Light Rail

61% 61 percent of Minnesotans

statewide support a state

investment in Southwest

Light Rail today.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 5

Last year, Minnesota committed $5 million in bonding to the project. This year Governor Mark Dayton has included $25 million for the project in his bonding bill. Next year, a final state commitment of $95 million in bonding would enable us to leverage $625 million in federal transit investment funds, along with the balance of $500 million from local sources (Hennepin County Rail Authority, $125 million, and Counties Transit Improvement Board, $375 million).

While the business community knows the capital costs of constructing Southwest Light Rail are significant, we are convinced the benefits for the area and state are far greater. And Minnesotans statewide agree. Link | Poll results published by Public Opinion Strategies and FM3

Link | Press release on poll results

About the poll: The group of chambers of

commerce sanctioned a bipartisan team of

nationally renowned pollsters to ask Minnesotans

about their attitudes toward transit and the

Southwest Light Rail project. The poll was

conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and

Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates,

and included 700 likely Minnesota voters.

Snapshot of the Poll Results

Southwest Light Rail

61% 61 percent of Minnesotans

statewide support a state

investment in Southwest Light

Rail today.

64% 64 percent of Minnesotans in the seven-county metro area support a state investment in Southwest Light Rail today. 76%

76 percent of Minnesotans agree that Minnesota would benefit from an expanded and improved transportation system such as rail and buses.

69% 69 percent of Minnesotans say they would use public transportation options more often if it was more convenient.

77% 77 percent of Minnesotans agree with the idea that if we don’t invest in transportation options now, our region’s quality of live will suffer.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 6

Profile... Minnesota Representative Sandra Peterson District: 45A

Year Elected: 2004 Term: Fourth

District: 45A Contact Information: (651) 296-4176 rep.sandra.peterson@house.mn

Legislative Assistant: Charlotte Antin Home: New Hope, MN

Education: Graduate of Macalaster College; Completed post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota. Organizational and leadership seminars at Harvard University. Family: Widow; 2 sons and 7 grandchildren Committees/organizations: Civil Law; Education Reform; Health and Human Services Reform What initially sparked your interest in running for public office? I began my community involvement at a very young age. I belonged to 4H, Luther League, and many other clubs and extra-curricular activities all during my school years. All these activities involved working with community members, civic groups and political issues. Early in my teaching career, I was enlisted to become the representative for our school. In addition to teaching, I began working with political groups, negotiating contracts, and working with the school board to solve problems. All of these experiences culminated in my election to the

statewide position as president of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers, president of Education Minnesota, and finally the legislature in 2004. What specific bills or initiatives will you be working on during the 2012 legislative session? My primary focus will be on E-12 funding. Not only should the legislature find funding for our schools to deal with inflation and other needs, but we should also begin to pay back the $2 billion we borrowed from our schools to solve the shutdown. Our budget priorities reflect our values as a state. If we are to be successful as a state in the future, we must put learning and education at the top of our list for funding. I will continue to help shape education reform ideas that make sense and are workable. I serve on the Governor's Workforce Development Council and along with several other bills, I am working to get a bill passed that would provide Opportunity Grants for specific business needs. Finally, I have a bill for changing the election process for the Metropolitan Council as well as several bills that deal with data privacy in the Public Safety Area.

What should the Governor and legislature do to help stimulate the economy, support job growth, and increase Minnesota’s economic competitiveness? Governor Dayton has introduced a comprehensive jobs plan to put Minnesota back to work. This Jobs Plan is comprised of common sense ways to spark new hiring, get tens of thousands of Minnesotans back to work and ensure that Minnesota companies and workers can compete in today’s economy. Continued on the next page...

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 7

...Profile Minnesota Representative Sandra Peterson (DFL) District: 45A

A targeted, smart bonding bill that repairs and revitalizes our state infrastructure will strengthen Minnesota’s economy in the long term. We most certainly need job training and retraining to develop the highly skilled workforce Minnesota needs to attract and retain new businesses. In addition, the Minnesota House has a bi-partisan Small Business Caucus that develops bills aimed at addressing the needs of our small business community. Finally, we need to listen to groups representing the corporate world and develop policies that encourage their growth in Minnesota. Our state needs a long term strategic plan which should include redesigning our tax system. What should the legislature do to support early learning initiatives as it relates to school readiness and a strong future workforce? Minnesota’s children are our future and absolutely essential to our future success. I support a quality rating system and expanded early learning opportunities for all of Minnesota children. High-quality early learning can close the achievement gap and prepare children for a lifetime of learning in our schools as well as funding for quality early learning opportunities such as those provided by the MELF Foundation.

What are the biggest challenges that face your district and why? My district is facing many of the same challenges as others: job growth is slow and we have unemployed constituents that need jobs that pay a living wage, schools and students are struggling with increased expectations and fewer resources, property taxes have gone up and foreclosures continue. The state has had fewer resources to solve these problems because of the faltering economy. However, there is also a sharp disagreement on how to address these issues. I believe that there we must find middle ground with the two political parties if we are to solve these issues long term. What advice do you have for the business community as it relates to making an impact at the legislature? Encourage and work with all legislators so there is a collaborative atmosphere for solving the needs of business. Continue the informational process and emphasize the importance of a strong business economy to our economic viability as a state.

What is your favorite Minnesota landmark or vacation spot? My family farm in Benson, Minnesota. This land was purchased from the railroad by my ancestors from Norway in the mid-1800’s. It has been in our family ever since. Part of the land is productive for crops, but part is beautiful grassland. I enjoy the serenity and beauty of this land and I cherish the history. What is something from your past or present that people would be surprised to know about you? I think folks would be surprised to know that each year, until recently, I hunted geese and diver ducks in the very northern part of Canada and pheasants in Chamberlain, South Dakota. It was an annual Fall event which I enjoyed with a very special group of hunters. People would probably not be surprised that I was the only one in the group who used boot warmers and hand warmers in that cold Canadian air close to the Tundra. Link | Rep. Peterson’s Legislative Profile

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 8

Notables Robbinsdale Area Schools set to open STEAM school

Robbinsdale Area Schools is preparing to open a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) school in the fall of 2012. The School of Engineering and Arts (SEA), a K-5 magnet school, will focus on engineering and arts and is designed for students who enjoy investigating the world around them, using creativity to solve problems and find solutions to challenges. Teachers will use inquiry-based instruction to deliver excellent standards-based curriculum for a well-rounded education, grounded in discovery and hands-on learning. A focus on engineering and the arts allows students to understand the design process as it presents itself in all core subject areas, and to learn new ways to communicate their findings.

The combination of an excellent STEAM education combined with a rich arts education (STEAM) will help students develop into innovative leaders essential to a global society. The School of Engineering and Arts will be located at Olson Elementary School in Golden Valley, which originally opened in 1971, closed in 1980 and has been repurposed throughout the years for various programs. Link | More information on the STEAM School

Honor the entrepreneurial spirit , witness the awarding of the Entrepreneur and Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, meet TwinWest Foundation High School scholarship recipients and donors, and hear keynote speaker and franchisor entrepreneur, Ron Olson, CMF Holdings, Inc. CMF Holdings is the franchisor of Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child, Plato’s Closet, Computer Renaissance, Music Go Around, It’s About Games, and Disc Go Round. WCCO’s Frank Vascallero returns as the event’s emcee. Thursday, May 24, 2012 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Tickets: $45 or $400 for a table of 10 *TwinWest Foundation scholarship reception to be held prior to the luncheon. Gold Sponsors:

Mark your calendar for TwinWest’s Small Business Awards

Featuring hundreds of auction items, including: - Unique jewelry - Delta Airline tickets - Sun Country Airline tickets - A Wall of Wine - TwinWest Board- hosted shrimp boil dinner for ten - Three-hour boat cruise champagne cruise for six on Lake Minnetonka aboard a 40’ cabin cruiser followed by a cookout on Big Island Link | Preview Gala Auction Items

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 9

Mark your calendar: 27th Annual TwinWest Gala Friday, March 9, 2012 7:00 p.m.—12:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis—Park Place, St. Louis Park

Enjoy fine dining, dancing, live and silent auctions, raffles, and more at the 27th Annual TwinWest Gala.

$85/ticket; buy 10 tickets, get 2 free Call to register 763.450.2220 Link | 27th Annual TwinWest Gala Link | Donate an Auction Item Proceeds from this event benefit TwinWest Chamber of Commerce initiatives and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation scholarship fund. Support your business community through participation in the Gala!

27th Annual Gala Register Now for the 27th Annual TwinWest Gala!

Thank you to these sponsors: Allina Health, Platinum Sponsor CenterPoint Energy, Gold Sponsor CliftonLarsonAllen, Gold Sponsor Center National Bank, Silver Sponsor Circadian, Silver Sponsor Medica, Silver Sponsor Rasmussen College, Silver Sponsor TDS, Silver Sponsor Xcel Energy, Silver Sponsor Cass Screw Machine Products, Bronze Sponsor Duke Realty Corp., Bronze Sponsor Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley, Bronze Sponsor Twin Cities Orthopedics, Bronze Sponsor Best Wishes Floral, Floral Sponsor Crescent Moon Productions, Lighting Sponsor DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis – Park Place, Host Sponsor Encore Events, Décor Sponsor Fuzzy Duck Design, Design Sponsor Graham Jewelers, Raffle Sponsor High Five, Raffle Favor Sponsor J & F Reddy Rents, Inc., Transportation Sponsor Liberty Carton Company, Décor Sponsor Morrie’s Cadillac & Saab, Valet Sponsor Star Tribune, Media Sponsor Swank Audio Visuals, Audio/Visual Sponsor Speedpro NW Minneapolis, Signage Sponsor The Magic of Suzanne, Entertainment Sponsor Wallace Carlson Printing, Print Sponsor

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 10

Members American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter 1201 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55454 Lucy Brick NONPROFIT

ORGANIZATIONS

Araya Clean of Minneapolis P.O. Box 270504 Golden Valley, MN 55427 CLEANING

SERVICES &

SUPPLIES

Cinema Grill 2749 Winnetka Avenue North New Hope, MN 55427 Jerry Eaton RESTAURANTS

THEATERS

European Wax Center-Minnetonka 12925 Ridgedale Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305 Laura Kottke BEAUTY SALONS

& SPA SERVICES

Muzak 6901 East Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55369 Nick Schmitz

Sopranos Kitchen 5331 West 16th Street St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Andrew Herman RESTAURANTS

VMSC Corporation 8305 Franklin Avenue St. Louis Park, MN 55426 John Zelazny BUSINESS FORMS

AND SYSTEMS

West End Chiropractic and Wellness 1660 Highway 100 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Andrew Schwert CHIROPRACTORS MASSAGE-

THERAPEUTIC

Welcome New Members/Member Orientation Photos

Left to right: Heather Grazzini - Carciofini Company; Beth Linton - Anytime Fitness; Amanda Birnstengel - City of Hopkins; Holly Pounds - CHOICE, Inc.

Left to right: John Zelazny- VMSC Corporation; LaLa Latgnotha-Weiser and Melissa Naidyhorski, DDS - Tranquility Dental

TwinWest hosts Member Orientation every month on the first Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., at the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce office in Plymouth. Link | Member Orientation March 7

Member Orientation sponsor:

GREG RYE OWNER AND CEO

603 EAST LAKE STREET SUITE 213 WAYZATA, MN 55391 952-476-8392 OFFICE 612-581-7608 CELL GREGRYE@AOL.COM

“It’s All About Relationships”

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 11

Members Renewing Members

25+ Years_____________________ Berg Law Offices, P.A. Custom Pools Woodhill Financial, Inc.

21-25 Years___________________ Cardinal Glass Industries 11-15 Years___________________ PRISM Wessels Sherman 6-10 Years____________________ Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Hammer Hiawatha Rubber Company ORBIT Systems, Inc. Rep. Connie Doepke ThermoDynamo Productions Voyager Bank Xcel Energy

1-5 Years_____________________ Burl Oaks CREST, LLC DJD Exteriors, Inc. Equitable Acceptance Corporation Estate Development Corporation Express Employment Professionals First National Bank Fox and Fox, LLC Gislason & Hunter, LLP The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Marketing Midwest, Inc.-Media Planning Master Communications Group New Horizon Academy - Shorewood Panera Bread Catering Posers Photography LLC Providence Academy Rouen Group Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Spiritwear USA St. Therese Southwest Topline Federal Credit Union Wenmark, William WSI Internet Marketing

Chamber Champions / Thank you to these champion for referring a new member to TwinWest: Mike Miller, Integra Shield Financial Group - Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park - Greg Rye, R&R Business Development If you know someone whose business would benefit from membership, contact Jacqui Sauter at (763) 450-2228, or jacqui@twinwest.com. When your new member joins we’ll issue you $35 in TwinWest credit.

Bryan Frandrup: March Volunteer Superstar!

TwinWest is very happy to announce that Bryan Frandrup of Venture Bank is our March 2012 Volunteer Superstar. For the past year, Bryan has been very active with the Emerging Leaders Council, helping the group to secure key guest speakers and organize events. Bryan has also been a great representative for TwinWest in the local business community through his service on the Ambassador’s Committee. Thank you Bryan for all you do and all you continue to do!

Link | www.twinwest.com/photos

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 12

Snapshots

Legislative Breakfast with Met Council Chair Susan Haigh

Emerging Leaders Event with U of M President Dr. Eric Kaler New Hope State of the City Address with Mayor Kathi Hemken

Overtime at Buffalo Wild Wings—Plymouth

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 13

March Calendar... Thursday, March 1 St. Louis Park Business Council Cancelled | link 7:30– 9:00 a.m. Wolfe Lake Professional Center 5000 36th Street, St. Louis Park Investment: No cost to attend. This month’s Business Council meeting is cancelled due to the St. Louis Park State of the City event. Members are encouraged to attend the State of the City event on March 7. Monday, March 5 Power Partners Networking|link 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required.

Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Wednesday, March 7 Plymouth State of the City|link 7:30a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Investment: No Cost to Attend You are invited to the 2012 Plymouth State of the City presented by Mayor Kelli Slavik at Plymouth City Hall. Hear about plans for the city and upcoming initiatives. To get there: Take Highway 55 West to Plymouth Boulevard. Right on Plymouth Boulevard. Wednesday, March 7 Member Orientation| link 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend.

Each month TwinWest offers an opportunity for new members and new employees of existing members to learn about their opportunities with the chamber and how to maximize your membership.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane, just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road. TwinWest is on the right.

Friday, March 9 27th Annual TwinWest Gala: Dancing Under the Stars|link 7:00p.m.-12:00p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place 500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park Enjoy sweet and savory selections by some of the finest restaurants and caterers in the Twin Cities, find that special treasure during our live and silent auctions or dance the night away to the sights and sounds of the R-Factor.

Proceeds from this event benefit TwinWest Chamber of Commerce initiatives and the TwinWest Cahmber of Commerce Foundation scholarship fund. Support your business community through the participation in the Gala! Join the Emerging Leaders at Dover for a pre-Gala happy hour at 5:00 p.m.

Single ticket - $85 per ticket. Buy 10 get two free - $850. To purchase tickets, call (763) 450-2222, or visit www.twinwest.com/galatickets.

Tuesday, March 13 St. Louis Park State of the City Address |link 7:30a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Showplace Icon Theater - West End West 16th Street and Park Place Boulevard. Investment: No Cost to Attend

You are invited to the 2012 St. Louis Park State of the City Address presented by Mayor Jeff Jacobs and City Manager Tom Harmening at the Showcase Icon Theater—West End in St. Louis Park. Hear about plans for the City and upcoming initiatives. Coffee and Rolls will be served. RSVP to Debbie Fischer at the City of St. Louis Park at 952.924.2525.

To get there: Take 394 East to Xenia/ Park Place exit. Take a right onto Park Place and then a left onto West 16th street. Take first right onto West End Boulevard.

Tuesday, March 13 Plymouth Business Council Cancelled | link 7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m. WestHealth, Inc. 2805 & 2855 Campus Drive, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend. This month’s Business Council meeting is cancelled due to the Plymouth State of the City event. Members are encouraged to attend the State of the City event on March 7.

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 14

...March Calendar

Wednesday, March 14 Business Day at the Capitol|link 9:30a.m.-3:30p.m. Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul Investment: $75. Fee includes all materials, transportation, and meals. Members and Non Members welcome.

Minnesota’s largest business lobbying day returns for its 19th year of making a difference on your priorities. Join your peers as we lobby with one voice at the capitol on the issues that will help strengthen the business environment to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.

Thursday, March 15 Crystal/New Hope Business Council Meeting|link 7:30a.m.-9:00a.m. Liberty Diversified International, 5600 North Highway 169, New Hope Investment: No cost to attend.

The Crystal/New Hope Business Council is for business and civic leaders who want to have a voice in local government and grassroots issues. To get there: Take Highway 169 North to the 49th Avenue North exit and turn right. Turn left on to Independence Avenue North.

Friday, March 16 TwinWest Legislative Breakfast I Congressman Erik Paulsen|link 7:30—9:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard, St. Louis Park Investment: $30 for members. This month’s breakfast features Congressman Erik

Paulsen. Event attendees will hear his perspectives on national issues such as health care reform, the national deficit, jobs and the economy, and other pressing federal matters.

To get there: From I-394 take the Park Place/Xenia exit. Go south on Park Place Boulevard, and then turn right on 16th. Monday, March 19 Power Partners Networking|link 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: $75/year. Pre-registration required.

Power Partners is a networking program that helps members exchange business leads.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Tuesday, March 20 Prospective Member Forum | link 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend.

TwinWest invites you to a one-hour forum to learn how to grow your network and improve the business climate through TwinWest.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road.

Wednesday, March 21 Government Affairs Meeting| link 7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m. TwinWest office, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth Investment: No cost to attend.

Discuss public policy issues impacting the business community.

To get there: Go west on Highway 55. Take a left a Revere Lane, just after Highway 169. Turn right onto the frontage road. Thursday, March 22 Ribbon Cutting at Parkshore Senior Campus Park Club | link 2:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Park Club, 3663 Park Center Blvd. St. Louis Park Investment: No cost to attend.

Join the Ambassadors as they help celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony.

To get there: From Highway 55, go south on Highway 100. Exit onto Excelsior Boulevard and turn left onto Park Center Boulevard.

Friday, March 23 Golden Valley State of the City Address| link 7:30a.m. – 9:00a.m. Golden Valley City Hall 7800 Golden Valley Road Investment: No Cost to Attend You are invited to the 2012 Golden Valley State of the City Address presented by Mayor Shep Harris and City Manager Tom Burt at the Golden Valley City Hall. Coffee and rolls will be served. To get there: Take Highway 55 East . Take a left on Rhode Island Avenue North. Turn left onto Golden Valley Road. Friday, March 23 Ribbon Cutting at West End Chiropractic and Wellness | link 4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting 1660 Highway 100 South, Suite 146 St. Louis Park Investment: No cost to attend.

Join the Ambassadors as they help celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony.

To get there: From Highway 100 South, take the I-394 West exit. Turn left onto Park Place Boulevard, then turn left onto Wayzata Boulevard. Turn right onto Lilac Drive South.

Register for Events

To register for any TwinWest event: Online | www.twinwest.com/events E-mail | info@twinwest.com Call | (763) 450-2220

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Directions—March 2012 15

Board & Leadership TwinWest Board of Directors Executive Committee

Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys, Chair Mike Sowada, Chair-elect Dannette Coleman, Medica, Past Chair Nathan Agre, Blanski Peter Kronlage &

Zoch, P.A. CPAs, Treasurer Bruce Nustad, TwinWest, President Directors

Becky Bakken, Citizens Independent Bank Gordy Engel, The Foursome Fine

Apparel and Shoes Tom Harmening, City of St. Louis Park Rick Kaufman, Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services Michael Lehmann, Ferguson Enterprises Ron Leino, Liberty Carton, Co.,

an LDI Company Luke Litteken, CenterPoint Energy Pat Mascia, Duke Realty Corp.

Samantha Metcalf, LarsonAllen LLP Pamela Muldoon, Next Stage Media Group

Bob Schlichte, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley Matt Thompson, US Bank

Beth Ulrich, Fuzzy Duck Design

TwinWest Staff

Bruce Nustad, President Judy Johnson, Government Affairs Director Jacqui Sauter, Regional Sales Director Chris Kirwan, Member & Community Engagement Director Kristen George, Administrative Assistant Anne Haberman, Communications & Operations Director

TwinWest Partners

Loretta Kenney-Lillejord, Owl Bookkeeping & CFO Services, Accounting Victoria Marley, Signature Events Representative

Contact Us

TwinWest Chamber of Commerce 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170 Plymouth, MN 55441 Phone | (763) 450-2220 Fax | (763) 450-2221 Link | www.twinwest.com

Follow Us

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TwinWest Directions magazine is published electronically ten times a year by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, 10700 Old County Road 15, Suite 170, Plymouth, MN 55441, phone (763) 450-2220. Annual subscription rate of $40 is included in a TwinWest membership investment. TwinWest serves the communities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding areas.