Volume 32 • No. 3 • April•May 2017

Vision statement: The bold, innovative voice for business success.

Table of Contents:

Advocacy in Action ............... p 1

Excellence in Business Award Winners..... p 1

Workforce News .................. p 2

Careers in the Classroom .... p 2

Upcoming Events ................ p 3

Ribbon Cuttings ............p 4 & 5

New Members & Renewals . p 6

April/May Calendar .............. p 7

Referral Winners .................. p 8

Professional Directory ......... p 8

2017 Sponsors .................... p 8

Chamber@metronorthchamber.orgwww.metronorthchamber.org

MNC Team:Lori Higgins

PresidentHolly Krebsbach

Membership Resource Director

Valerie Jensen Office Manager763.783.3553

As you know, we recently celebrated your 2016 Excellence in Business Awards winners: Micro:

Anytime Fitness Ham Lake; Small: Box Financial Advisors; Large: Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley;

Non-Profit: Blaine Festival Volunteer Committee. We thank all who were a part of the awards process and celebration, including keynote speaker Chuck Runyon, founder & CEO of Anytime Fitness.

In March,  your Chamber President Lori Higgins testified at two MN House committees and one

Senate committee on an issue important to many businesses: utility franchise fees. This is a fee that some cities require utility companies to collect and is based on your electric and gas usage. For some large manufacturers, this extra fee can be in the tens of thousands of dollars a year. The proposed legislation would provide for more transparency and allow the possibility of a citizen-led vote on this fee prior to implementation. We are so pleased to share that it passed unanimously through the committees and will keep moving through the process. 

Speaking of 'the process,' there is much happening at the Capitol right now. We are closely following the progress of Uniform Labor Standards, ADA Reform and some local transportation projects in particular. As always, we welcome your input on these and other issues - especially if you have examples we can share with legislators on how state policy is affecting your business. 

We are proud of our efforts to be the voice of business and work towards our mission of strengthening business and stimulating economic prosperity.

Advocacy in Action

Our Mission: To strengthen business and

stimulate economic prosperity.

See Insert

for Details

Lori Higgins testifies with Rep. Bob Vogel

Stacey Jensen, John Marinan, Bob Schlichte, Chuck Runyon, Brenda Jewell, Chris Hasling, and Lori Higgins

2016 Excellence in Business Awards

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Another sub-goal of the Board is to help promote and deliver the “Careers in the Classroom: Are You (Work) Ready?” initiative. This 45-minute presentation is geared to middle and high school students to help them think about how much money they will need to live on after graduation, the difference between a job and a career, and how school can help prepare them to be a

productive member of the workforce. The presentation has been given to a handful of schools so far and has been very well-received.

Sound interesting? Any business professional could present this material; or, you have a connection to a local school who might wish to have a guest speaker, please contact us.

Speaking of students, recently your chamber president was a guest speaker at an Intro to Business course at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She discussed some of the challenges business owners face in pursuing their dream and how chambers of commerce can assist. Students had fantastic questions and we can’t wait to see them start their own business right here in the north metro.

And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to congratulate Anoka-Ramsey Community College on being named a Top Ten community college in the nation by the Aspen Institute. This is an extremely high honor! We are so proud to have such an outstanding educational institution right here in Coon Rapids.

2017 Board of Directors: Stacey Jensen, ChairRunning Aces 651.925.4571Daniel Thomsen, Vice ChairNortheast Bank – Coon Rapids763.784.3533Jess Robertson, Past ChairPTL Tire & Auto, 763.434.7766Clayton Kearns, TreasurerMINNESOTAJOBS.COM 763.784.9393Brad Boldt Ameriguard Agency, Inc. 763.767.0522Don HallerConnexus Energy 763.323.2839Dan JacottMajestic Oaks Golf Club 763.755.2140Michael LawrenceKey Air Twin Cities 763.780.2802Jason PetersonKraus-Anderson Construction Co. 763.792.3686Tiffany SchmidtAbrams and Schmidt 651.332.7907Duane VandenbergheMate Precision Tooling 763.576.3435Kelly Rietow Roo Solutions 763.228.8496 Scott Vonderharr Midwest Imaging Solutions 612.216.4501

Committee Co-chairs: Ambassador: Kat Smithe, Blaine Festival Amy Weber-DeRaad, Mary KayGala: Jess Robertson, PTL Tire & AutoGolf: Brad Boldt, Ameriguard Insurance Agency & David Long, CenterPoint EnergyGovernment & Public Affairs: Katie Misukanis, Rasmussen CollegeSunrise: Alex Carlson, Achieve Services & Angie Glotzbach, AngCoWine: Jim Kugler, Kugler Financial ServicesWorkforce Development: OpenWorking With Women: Donna Wheeler, Keller Williams Classic Realty Sue Melchoir, Instrumental Research

If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more, contact the Chamber.

We’d love to hear from you!

Careers in the Classroom:

Are You (Work) Ready?

At the end of 2016, your Board of Directors set a strategic goal for 2017 regarding workforce. Specifically, to: Grow and support workforce development in Anoka County to create a higher quality workforce for our businesses.

While this is a large goal, they set some smaller goals within such as creating a voluntary donation line on membership invoices that would directly support the

Workforce Foundation, whose focus is to support work ready, upper level high school students. This will help support the Foundation in the interim as they apply for larger grants and opportunities. So far this year your contributions have raised $525 and we thank you for that.

Interested in learning more about the Foundation? Their website is now live; visit metronorthworkforce.org!

Workforce News

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

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Upcoming Events

This after-hours with the White Bear Area Chamber features keynote speaker Joe Nayquonabe, CEO for Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV). Joe analyzes new business opportunities and oversees the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s existing businesses. Joe knows the importance of learning from influential people – not just about their successes in life, but lessons learned along the way and how you can apply those to your personal and professional life. Joe will highlight some of these

lessons, how they have affected him personally, and how he’s utilized them in the ever-growing business lines of MLCV. Rest assured, a plethora of wine and Hors d’oeuvres are included! RSVP required; $28. Thank you sponsor Grand Casino Mille Lacs/Hinckley.

Learning from Influential PeopleTuesday, April 18, 4:45-6:45 pm • Tria North Oaks

Business Council attendees take note! We are moving off-site for our 2nd quarter meeting to showcase Infinite Campus’ new tower. Also, the city will discuss the economic development of the 109th/Lexington area as well as updates regarding their city-wide communication mediums.

Blaine Business CouncilThursday, April 27th, 7:30 am • Infinite Campus Blaine

Joe Nayquonabe

29th Annual Golf Tournament Thursday, May 18, 11:30 am • The Refuge Oak GroveDon’t delay in signing up for this much-anticipated tradition. There’s a variety of unique sponsorships like your logo on the carts, the scorecard, the lunch bags, and others.

There’s also room for golfers, who tell us time and time again that we hold one of the most fun tournaments around. You will enjoy a ‘carnival on the course’ like atmosphere – no experience necessary, and you can sign up as an individual and we’ll strategically place you with others. Of course, we do have many foursomes who compete for the coveted 1st place trophy!

See the insert for full options or call 763-783-3553 ASAP. We are also in need of raffle donations – great visibility for your business while supporting our organization!

Thank you title sponsor Financial One Credit Union.

Session Wrap UpWednesday, May 31st, 7:30 am • Rasmussen College BlaineHear from a panel of north metro legislators regarding the outcomes of the 2017 MN legislative season, including time for questions. More details to be shared soon.

Summer Food Fest Tuesday, June 13th, 4:30 pm • Westwood Schools Blaine

The 7th Annual Summer Food Fest is at the Westwood Intermediate/Middle School Complex, only a mile away from Aquatore Park, allowing restaurants to be INSIDE – rain or shine! There’s also plenty of space inside and outside for activities and entertainment. Limited time remains to become a sponsor and have your logo on 10,000 brochures sent to local families and businesses. See the below ad for more details.

This event is in partnership with Toys for Joy, an Anoka County non-profit providing toys to children at Christmas. Help support both our organizations by being part of this event!

FESTSUMMER

7thAnnual

SPONSORShiP OPPORTUNiTiESEnthusiast: $2,500

20 tickets + Premier table at eventLogo on flyers & banner

Social media, print & website recognition

Supporter: $1,00010 tickets + Table at eventLogo on flyers & banner

Social media & website recognition

Foodie: $5005 tickets, Logo on banner

Social media & website recognition

SPONSORShiP OPPORTUNiTiESYes! Sign me up for:

__$500 __$1000 __$2500 __Call for Custom Sponsorship Opportunities

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Lakes Apparel: New Member!

Lakes Apparel has, or can order, just about any apparel and then we can make it look better with your logo, community

logo or message. 608 Lake Street S Suite 2 Forest Lake, MN 55025, 651.464.1515, LakesApparel.com.

Panera Bread-Blaine: New Drive-Thru!

Panera Bread cares about the simple things: freshly baked breads, attention to detail, a warm place to gather and our

local neighborhoods. 8601 Springbrook Drive NW, Blaine, MN 55434, 763.259.0046, PaneraBread.com.

The McDowell Agency: New Member!

The McDowell Agency is a licensed private investigation firm specializing in background investigations and pre-

employment screening services. 1101 Snelling Avenue N St. Paul, MN 55108, 651.644.3880, McDowellAgency.com.

January: Neal ElderBOB 106 FM

The Ambassadors of the Month Are…February:

Michael Erkes Imprint Gallery, Inc.

Ribbon Cuttings

Atlas Staffing-Mounds View: New Member!

Atlas Staffing is a full-service staffing agency whose focus is on consulting and offering quality employee solutions for

employers. 2575 County Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112, 763.333.0300, AtlasStaffingInc.com.

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Ribbon Cuttings

Farmers Insurance-Lynn Moe: Grand Opening!

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is a leading U.S. insurer group of automobiles, homes and small businesses

and provides a wide range of other insurance and financial services. 7960 Lake Drive Lino Lakes, MN 55014,

651.777.2822, Agents.Farmers.com/mn/lino-lakes.

Streamworks: New Member & New Facility!

Streamworks is an integrated marketing communications company helping clients identify relevant communication

channels, execute meaningful messaging and deliver measurable results. 3640 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE Blaine,

MN 55449, 651.766.1257. Streamworksmn.com.

Green Mill Blaine: Re-Model Completion!

From the menu to their genuine service, everything Green Mill is focused on is to provide their guests with the best

restaurant experience possible. 4355 Pheasant Ridge Drive Blaine, MN 55449, 763.792.9400, GreenMill.com.

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage: Announced Their 2017-2018 Season!

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, located in the heart of historic downtown Anoka, offers a full season of live theater including musicals, dramas, comedies and children’s productions. 420 E Main Street Anoka, MN 55303,

763.422.1838, LyricArts.org.

Amy Jones – Mary KayAmy Weber-DeRaad – Mary Kay

Angie Glotzbach - AngCoAnita Spading - KleinBank

Beth Whelan – Oxygen ConsultingBob Hylland – Financial One Credit Union

Brenda Jewell – Anytime Fitness Ham LakeBruce Erickson - LegalShield

Catherine Plantenberg – Best Light ImageDaryl Kirt – Scenic Sign Corporation

Dick Fisher – e-Merge Online MarketingEmily Boettcher – Unique Dining Experiences

Jake Holmquist – Eagle Home MortgageJon Nalty – Trust Vets

Kari Vaughn – HealthSource of BlaineKat Smithe – Blayne Festival

Lori Dorn – Harmon Auto GlassMary Sutherland – Riffland SolutionsMichael Erkes – Imprint Gallery, Inc.

Mike Rathbun – Freedom Cleaning Services

Neal Elder – BOB 106FMRebecca Jochum – INI Bodywork & WellnessShawn Quarberg – The Lakes Life/N2 Publishing

Sheila Marquis – Damsel in DefenseStacey Buchanan - KleinBank

Steve Griffiths – Impact ServicesSteve Rajtar – ECM Sun Publishers, Inc.Teresa Elmstrand – Wells Fargo Advisors

Michael Altendorfer – Andersen Cabinet, Inc.

Ambassadors Present:

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Anytime FitnessDave Kraai, Owner10731 University AvenueBlaine, MN 55434763.401.6500blainemn@anytimefitness.comAnytimeFitness.com/BlaineFitness Centers

Atlas Staffing, inc.Sandra Olafson, Manager2575 County Highway 10 Mounds View, MN 55112763.333.0300moundsview@atlasstaffinginc.comAtlasStaffingInc.comEmployment Services/Staffing

CastlehomesMNGlen Grossman, RealtorBlaine, MN763.670.8679glenagrossman@gmail.comCastleHomesMN.comResidential Real Estate

Cedar Association RealtyMichele Ramler7260 University Avenue NE, Suite 100Fridley, MN 55432612.767.9000michele@cedarassociation.comCedarAssocation.comResidential Real Estate

CustomgraphixCindy Richards, Branded Growth Partner250 Commerce Circle SFridley, MN 55432763.785.0665crichards@cgxprinting.comCGXPrinting.comPrinting/Publishing

Express Employment ProfessionalsGreg Poirier, Owner8500 Edinbrook Parkway, Suite EBrooklyn Park, MN 55443763.571.1107greg.poirier@expresspros.comExpressPros.comEmployment/Staffing

First Community MortgageKeith Lis, Senior Loan Officer11670 Fountains DriveMaple Grove, MN 55369612.850.8963keith.lis@fcmhomeloans.comHuman.FirstCommunityMortgages.comMortgage Lending

Glow in One Mini GolfJenna Miller, CEO12579 Central Avenue NEBlaine, MN 55434763.777.9577jenna@glowinoneminigolf.comGlowInOneMiniGolf.comEntertainment

The home DepotJeff Boehmer, Store Manager4550 Pheasant Ridge DriveBlaine, MN 55449763.717.0316jeff_boehmer@homedepot.comHomeDepot.comConstruction Materials/Tools

The home DepotJeffrey Nyberg, Store Manager99 Northtown DriveBlaine, MN 55434763.795.2060jeffrey_t_nyberg@homedepot.comHome Depot.comConstruction Materials/Tools

The home DepotJason Bergeland, Store Manager3550 124th Avenue NWCoon Rapids, MN 55433763.422.1200jason_l_bergeland@homedepot.comHome Depot.comConstruction Materials/Tools

iCompRobert Scalia, CPP, Owner380 East Lafayette Frontage Road, Ste 110St. Paul, MN 55107651.259.4266robs@icomppayroll.comICompPayroll.comPayroll

Juice PlusKarla Laackmann2935 Edison Street NE, Unit BBlaine, MN 55449763.360.8770karlalaackmann@yahoo.comKarlas.JuicePlus.comHeath & Nutrition Products

Mathnasium of BlaineGarth Andersen, Center Director1518 125th Avenue NEBlaine, MN 55449763.269.6969blaine@mathnasium.comMathnasium.com/BlaineTutoring

McKay CollisionDoug Grev, Owner2660 Coon Rapids BoulevardCoon Rapids, MN 55433763.506.9996dgrev@yahoo.comCoonRapidsAutoBodyShop.comAuto Body Repair

Millennium Management Services, LLC George von Brugger, OwnerShoreview, MN651.558.7336millenniumcommercialcleaning@hotmail.comMillenniumManagementServices.comCommercial Cleaning

Nord Properties LLCSamuel Scott, Owner509 School StreetAnoka, MN 55303612.695.5896samuel.c.scott1@gmail.comReal Estate Investments

Own Your health/Young Living Essential OilsSarah Kessler, DistributorMinneapolis, MN 612.889.8159sarah@own-your-health.comflourisheo.com/network/sarah-kesslerHealth & Nutrition Products

PrimericaDonna J. Hartley, Representative3025 Harbor Lane NMinneapolis, MN 55447763.208.1425donnajhartley@primerica.comPrimerica.comInvestment Management/Insurance

Sarah Grace Photography, LLC Sarah Filipi, Owner & ArtistBlaine, MN747.900.1497sarah@sarahgracephotos.comSarahGracePhotos.comPhotography

Teachers On CallMaranda Brown, Recruiter3001 Metro Drive, Suite 200Bloomington, MN 55425952.346.3577aburnett@teachersoncall.comTeachersOnCall.comEmployment/Staffing

Villas at Sunset Bay AssociationEric Davison, Senior Community Manager7100 Northland Circle N, Suite 300Brooklyn Park, MN 55428763.225.6400eric.davison@associa.usAssociaMinnesota.comHomeowners Association

YMCA–Emma B. howe FamilyMargie Rask, Executive Director8950 Springbrook DriveCoon Rapids, MN 55433763.785.7882margie.rask@ymcatwincities.orgEmmaBHoweYMCA.orgFitness Centers

January and February Renewals: Thanks for Your Continued Support!

January and February New Members: Welcome!

3M ChampionshipActionCOACH MetroNorth

Addie Lane FloralAggate Construction Group, Inc.

American Family Insurance Kari Hefnider

American Independent RemodelersAndersen Cabinet, Inc.

Anoka County TMO Commute SolutionsAspen Agency LLC

Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Blaine Health & Wellness

Blaine OrthodonticsBridge to Knowledge

Cael’s Angels

Cedar ManagementCherrywood Advanced Living

Choice CremationChurch Offset Printing, Inc.

Comcast CableComcast SpotlightCounselor Realty

Culligan Soft Water CompanyCustom Business Forms

Damsel in DefenseDan Erhart

Device Pitstop of Maple GroveDiesel Cast Welding, Inc.Edgewood Senior Living

FastSigns

Financial LifeLab, Inc.Garage Doors Plus LLCGreater Midwest Realty

Hakanson AndersonHoliday Companies

HOPE 4 YouthInstrumental Research, Inc.

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest

JW Home Theater SolutionsKathy Tingelstad

Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health & Well-Being

Miller Funeral HomeMills Fleet Farm-Blaine

Minnesota Waterjet

MyTalk 107.1National Sports CenterNew Brighton FibrenewNol-Tec Systems, Inc.

North Metro Mayors AssociationNorthland Furniture

Nothing Bundt CakesNow Get Going Fitness

Oakwood InsuranceOffice Depot-Northcourt Commons

Office Max-RiverdaleOne18 Design

Paladin Career & Technical High School

ProTect Painters of Twin Cities and North Metro

Sandy’s Auto Service

Sannerud, Savarese & Associates P.A.

Shamrock DevelopmentSharp & Associates

SPAARSPIRE-Blaine

SPIRE-Coon RapidsSynergy HomecareTKO ConstructionTPC Twin Cities

Trott Brook FinancialVillage Ranch Inc.

Walgreens-Coon RapidsWhite Pine Senior Living

Membership

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CommittEEs/GRoups:Ambassadors: Apr 11, Chamber, 4 pm May 9, Chamber, 4 pm Board: Apr 12, Chamber, 7:30 am May 10, Chamber, 7:30 amExecutive: Apr 4, Chamber, 9:30 am May 2, Chamber, 9:30 amGala: Apr 28, Chamber, 9:30 am May 26, Chamber, 9:30 amGolf: Apr 10, Chamber, 4 pm May 8, Chamber, 4 pm1st Friday Sunrise - Blaine: Apr 7, Tavern Grill - Blaine, 7:30 am May 5 Tavern Grill - Blaine, 7:30 am3rd Friday Sunrise - Blaine: Apr 21, Sticks & Stones, 7:30 am May 19 Sticks & Stones, 7:30 amWine: Apr 5, Moe’s-Mounds View, 4:44 pm May 3,TBD, 4:44 pmWorkforce Development: Apr 24, Chamber, 12 pm May 22, Chamber, 12 pmWorking with Women: Apr 26, Rasmussen College, Blaine; 9:15 am May 24, Rasmussen College Blaine; 9:15 am

spECiAl EvENts:New Member Reception April 4, Moe’s Mounds View, 4:30 pmLearning from Influential People April 18, Tria-North Oaks, 4:45Marketing 201 April 20, Rasmussen College-Blaine, 8:15 amBlaine Business Council April 27, Infinite Campus-Blaine, 7:30 amConnecting 101 May 11, Chamber, 8:15 am29th Annual Golf Tournament May 18, The Refuge-Oak Grove, 11:30 amCoon Rapids Business Council May 23, Bunker Hills-Coon Rapids, 7:30 amSession Wrap Up May 31, Rasmussen College-Blaine, 7:30 am

sun mon tue wed thu fri sat

New Member Referral Program WinnersJanuary Referral Winner:

Amy Weber-DeRaad, Mary Kay $50 gift certificate Kintaro, Blaine

February Referral Winner: Dave Galleberg, Gaughan Companies

$50 gift certificate Kintaro, Blaine

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sun mon tue wed thu fri sat

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21st Century Bank Building, 9380 Central Ave. NE, Suite 320Blaine, MN 55434

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDAnoka, MN 55303

Permit No. 287

Thank you 2017 Signature Sponsors!Gold:

Gala:

Silver: Bronze:

Grow MN:Golf:

METRONORTH PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

COON RAPIDS763-784-3533

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YOU CAN ADD YOUR BUSINESSIF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LISTING YOUR BUSINESS

IN THIS DIRECTORY PLEASE EMAIL US AT: CHAMBER@METRONORTHCHAMBER.ORG.

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