Volume 34 • No. 2 • March/April 2019

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

Table of Contents:

Find us on:

Business Awards ...................... p 1Economic Development News .. p 1Workforce Updates .................. p 2Introducing Tim ........................ p 3Front Door Friday ..................... p 3Expo ......................................... p 4Golf Tournament ....................... p 4Ribbon Cuttings ....................... p 5New Members .......................... p 6Renewals .................................. p 7March and April Calendars ....... p 7Referral Winners ....................... p 8Professional Directory ............... p 82019 Sponsors ......................... p 8

Chamber@metronorthchamber.orgmetronorthchamber.org763.783.3553

MNC Team:Lori Higgins

PresidentHolly Krebsbach

Membership Resource Director

Valerie Jensen Office Manager

DJ HartleyMember Manager

Home & Outdoor Adventure Expo

Saturday, March 23, 2019See page 4 for information

We’re pleased to announce your 2018 Excellence in

Business Awards Winners: Not for Pro� t: HOPE 4 YouthMicro: Instrumental ResearchSmall: QC Dance Large: Infi nite Campus

Each of these recipients had stellar accomplishments in 2018 and we are proud to recognize them as your award winners. We also wish to acknowledge the other nominees – who, once again, made the selection process a dif� cult one.

Your keynote speaker is Erik Therwanger, a nationally known speaker on leadership and excellence. Erik is the founder of Think GREAT and draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, team building, sales training, and goal-setting into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations.

Please join us for this very special luncheon. $25/$185 table.

Excellence in Business AwardsMon, March 18, 11:30 amBunker Hills, Coon Rapids

Continued Recognition for Our Economic Development Initiative

Speaking of award winners: a 2019 Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) award was given to our Anoka County Regional Economic Development Partnership for its economic development roadmap and innovative partnership. The Partnership Award recognizes exceptional efforts and accomplishments of

organizations working together to achieve positive results in economic development in the state of Minnesota. Read

the full press release on our website.And, speaking of press: the Star Tribune featured our economic development initiative in a February 16 news article. It highlighted the progress we’ve made, including our recently revealed website – anokacountysuccess.org - and logo. The progress that this initiative has made in just two years is quite exciting. We plan to continue the momentum in ensuring and promoting that Anoka County is a great place to do business. We are, “Positioned for Success.”

2019 Board of Directors: Tiffany Schmidt, ChairAbrams & Schmidt 651.332.7907Tracy David, Vice ChairLittle Acorn Shave Co. 612.743.3232Scott Vonderharr, TreasurerMidwest Imaging Solutions 612.216.4501Dan Thomsen, Past ChairNortheast Bank 763.784.3533Ross BloomquistFinancial One Credit Union 763.404.7680Brad BoldtAmeriguard Agency, Inc. 763.767.0522Heather FarrThe Vision Companies 763.428.2926Don HallerConnexus Energy 763.323.2839Scott HansonMille Lacs Corp. Ventures 320.532.8210Mike KaedingNorhart 651.353.0914Nate KlauserEdward Jones 651.631.0900Kim NyboNybo insurance Agency 763.571.6111Duane VandenbergheMate Precision Tooling 763.576.3435Amy Weber-DeRaadMary Kay 763.245.0164

Committee Co-chairs: Ambassadors:Stacey Buchanan, Northeast BankRod Schimmel, Weichert RealtorsGala:Tiffany Schmidt, Abrams & SchmidtGolf:Dan Babbitt, Edward JonesDavid Long, CenterPoint EnergyGov’t & Public Affairs:Katie Misukanis, Rasmussen CollegeHops & Vines:Paul Eckstrom, Realty ONE Group ChoiceRJ Larson, Clean Air RestorationSunrise:Robin Schnaidt, Numbers LLCAmanda Winterer, Keller WilliamsWorkforce Development:Rod Medel, Medel & AssociatesSheri Erickson, LegalShieldWorking with Women:Meg Chido, Edina Realty TitleStacey Buchanan, Northeast Bank

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

We’d love to hear from you!

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Workforce UpdatesWe’re on the News!

Fox 9 News recently aired a story on our Student Recruiter Program. (A link is on our website if you missed it.) The story features our new partnership with Blaine High School, whereby two students have started “Bengal Link.” Just like at Coon Rapids High School and our “Cardinal Connections” program, these students will promote current job openings to other students. They will also help with resume writing and interview preparation to ensure that these teens are set up for success.

AND, we are proud to announce that this program is now established at Spring Lake Park High School. “Panther Pathways” is underway. After spending a trimester conducting applicable research, including surveying their fellow students, they are now ready to start actively promoting job openings at SLP. These student recruiters have even established drop-in times for teens and created a video to promote their program. We could not be prouder of ALL of these student recruiters at all three high schools.

If YOU hire teens, let us know! This program is a fantastic way to let teens know about your business and possibly even find a new hire for you.

Anoka County Workforce Board

MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce President Lori Higgins was recently appointed by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners to serve on their Workforce Development Board. The Anoka County Workforce Development Board sets priorities and policies that focus on local workforce needs and insures that programs and agencies work together to meet those needs. This is a goal that fits with the Chamber, according to Dan Thomsen of Northeast Bank, past chair of the MetroNorth Chamber board and current president of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Foundation. “We’re excited for the MetroNorth Chamber to partner on efforts to assist employers and job seekers,” Thomsen said. Shirley Barnes, chair of the Workforce Development Board and CEO of Crest View Senior Communities, welcomed Higgins to the Board. “Lori brings a wealth of knowledge about the business community in Anoka County,” Barnes said. “She and the Chamber are great additions.” To read the full press release, visit metronorthchamber.org.

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Workforce Updates

We are excited to welcome Tim Mafe to our team, a stellar Blaine High School student who is starting an internship with us. Here’s his introduction:

“As a senior at Blaine High School, I was able to become more familiar and involved with the Chamber through Business Professionals of America, eventually allowing me the opportunity for an Intern position. I’ve been involved with the Chamber as the 2018 Tom Snell Scholarship Recipient and Student Recruiter for the Chamber through “Bengal Link”, a program linking Blaine High School students to businesses. I’m currently part of Business Professionals of America, where I’m an executive officer for the state, the metro area, and for Blaine high

school. I own my own business named VilanTech Repair, which is an online-based repair service for apple watches and iPhones. Hobbies of mine include playing football, playing the drums, socializing with friends, trying new foods and just having a good time overall. This is an awesome opportunity and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

~Tim

Workforce Scholarship The Anoka-Ramsey Coon Rapids Campus Foundation is excited to partner with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce to honor the amazing high school students who are Student Recruiters for the MetroNorth Chamber. To honor these students, Anoka-Ramsey is offering a one-time $1,000 scholarship if they attend their Coon Rapids Campus. This scholarship will go directly to the students’ tuition. Along with this, these students will be able to apply for any other scholarship through the Foundation. Thank you, Anoka-Ramsey Coon Rapids Campus Foundation, for supporting this program!

We’ve started a fun social media campaign to recognize YOU and your membership. We are encouraging everyone to take a photo of their 2019 Proud Member Decal. Make it fun, have your staff involved, showcase your business in some way – just like All Test & Inspection did! We are posting one photo each Friday on social media. Thanks for being a proud member of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce!

New Workforce E-NewsletterWorkforce is the #1 issue for many. So we’ve created a quick, informative, monthly e-newsletter dedicated to the topic. Learn what the MetroNorth Chamber is doing, local and state programs and opportunities (like funding for internships), and more. Let us know if you’d like to receive.

Many thanks to our Workforce Development Committee who are working so hard on behalf of YOU, our members, who are facing workforce issues. A few of our committee members are pictured here!

Front Door Friday

TIM

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Upcoming Events

30th Annual Golf Tournament

Thursday, May 16, 2019

11:30 am Shotgun, Majestic Oaks

Secure your sponsorship or foursome for our 2019 tournament, which will once again be on BOTH 18-hole courses at Majestic Oaks to ensure LOTS of people can participate at a GREAT speed of play. This is one of the Chamber’s signature events with a multitude of fun activities as well as countless opportunities to network and grow your business. If you have never participated in the MetroNorth golf tournament before, this is one you don’t want to miss.

This year’s theme is “50th Anniversary Legacy Bash.” Everyone who signs up to play will receive a special present! Interested in a hole sponsorship? The fi rst 18 confi rmed hole sponsors are guaranteed a table, chair, and golf cart. Many thanks to Financial One Credit Union for renewing as the title sponsor. For a complete list of options, see the insert.

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Ribbon Cuttings

Freedom Cleaning:

14 Years in Business!

A local, family owned residential cleaning service dedicated to giving busy Anoka County families more time in their lives. Ham Lake, MN (763) 218-0271

Kwik Trip:

New Location!

Every day, we fi re up our ovens to bake fresh bread, produce milk in our dairies, and prepare your favorite meals to deliver right to your neighborhood. 12260 Fraizer Street NE, Blaine (763) 784-6098

Legends of Spring Lake Park:

Grand Opening!

The Legends of Spring Lake Park brings brand new independent senior living to your neighborhood! Our community offers spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes. 1066 County Highway 10 NE, Spring Lake Park (763) 392-9803

Timeless Elements MedSpa:

Grand Opening!

Timeless Elements Med Spa & Laser Center offers noninvasive, nonsurgical skin and body treatments and anti-aging therapies. 10950 Club West Parkway NE, Suite 150, Blaine (763) 308-5444

Walmart Andover:

New Pick-Up Tower!

Andover Walmart’s Pick-Up Tower is for online orders. Conveniently located at the front of the store.1851 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW (763) 354-1559

The Healthy Boulevard:

New Member!

The Healthy Boulevard Smoothie Bar is the heart of how we help people change their lives and our communities. Come see for yourself! 12475 Riverdale Boulevard, Suite F, Coon Rapids (612) 232-5858

The Ambassadorof the Month

December & January

Nancy JorgensonColdwell Banker

Burnet

The Fun Lab: Grand Opening!

The Fun Lab is 22,500 square feet of awesomeness. Don’t believe us? Come by and discover why The Fun Lab is the perfect formula for fun. 10650 Baltimore Street, Blaine (763) 392-4522

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Advance Companies, Inc.Kimberly Trapp, Office Manager350 73rd Avenue NE, Suite 15Fridley, MN 55432763.572.2000kimberlyt@advancecompanies.comAdvanceCompanies.comConstruction Company/Contractors

AflacEmily Aldridge, Business OwnerBraham, MN218.590.9208ealdridge51294@gmail.comAflac.comEmployee Benefits

Arko CompaniesKristi Jorgenson, Office Manager1840 183rd Avenue NEEast Bethel, MN 55011763.434.2756kristi@arkocompanies.comArkoCompanies.comConstruction Company/Contractors

Biergarten Tables To GoBecca Percy, Office Manager9998 Goodhue Street NEBlaine, MN 55434763.780.2312biergartentables@gmail.comBiergartenTablesToGo.comEvent/Party Planning

Brand LeverageMaureen Chinwe Obialo6120 Earl Brown Drive, Suite 503Brooklyn Center, MN 55430763.347.0122maureen@brandleverageusa.comBrandLeverageUSA.comEmployment Services

Clean Wine Clean Life, Scout & CellarDanielle Gjovik, OwnerBlaine, MN 612.910.2556cleanwinecleanlife@gmail.comCleanWineCleanLife.comWine Sales

Club Pilates BlaineKatie Sundgren, Assistant General Manager10945 Club West Parkway, Suite 150Blaine, MN 55449763.888.0003blaine@clubpilates.comClubPilates.com/blaineFitness Centers

Connect Wireless-AT&T Authorized RetailerDrew Keller, Market Director4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 502Blaine, MN 55449612.222.8232dkeller@connectwireless.comConnectWireless.comCell Phones Sales/Service

Crest View Senior Community at BlaineJulia Biehn, Campus Administrator12016 Ulysses Street NEBlaine, MN 55434763.762.8420jbiehn@crestviewcares.orgCrestViewCares.orgSenior Living

Dairy QueenKarmen Graff, Owner12721 Central AvenueBlaine, MN 55434763.755.8600blainedq@gmail.comDairyQueen.comRestaurants

Fourty 7th Parallel Print & Design, Inc.Lisa Carpentier, Graphic Designer/OwnerMounds View, MN763.270.5153lisa@47thparallel.com4thParallel.comAdvertising & Marketing

Innovative Building & Design, LLCJustin Kahman, Manager/Owner1543 92nd Lane NEBlaine, MN 55449612.808.6025sales@innovativebuilding.comInnovativeBuilding.comConstruction Company/Contractor

MadKat Design, Inc. Karen Dahlquist, PresidentNowthen, MN612.616.7035info@madkatdesign.comMadKatDesign.comAdvertising & Marketing

Meineke Ham LakeMark & Barb Koloff, Owners13835 Johnson Street NEHam Lake, MN 55304763.575.7170bkoloff@comcast.netMeineke.comAuto Service/Repair

PrimericaAndrew Dadisman, District Leader7260 University Avenue NE, Suite 340Fridley, MN 55432612.567.4201andrew.dadisman@gmail.comPrimerica.comInvestment Management

RE/MAX ResultsElizabeth Rumble, Realtor2677 Bunker Lake BoulevardAndover, MN 55303651.491.2215esrumble@gmail.cmElizabethRumble.Results.netReal Estate-Residential

Schooley MitchellBlaine Stephens, Cost Optimization SpecialistNew Brighton, MN612.209.2237blaine.stephens@schooleymitchell.comSchooleyMitchell.comConsulting Firm

SeneGenceKatie Krause, OwnerAndover, MN 630.723.1948thisisseriousbusinessinc@gmail.comSeneGence.com/SeriousBusinessCosmetics/Skin Care

Sierra Pacific MortgageLisa Korus, Loan Officer1915 Highway 36 W, Suite 108Roseville, MN 55113612.268.2724lisa.korus@spmc.comSPMC.com/Lisa.KorusMortgage Lending

TriNetAbigail Johnson, HR Sales Consultant225 South 6th Street, Suite 3900Minneapolis, MN 55402763.486.9835abigail.johnson@trinet.comTriNet.comHuman Resources

Village Floor & Wall, Inc.Patricia Pobuda, Vice President2221 108th Avenue NEBlaine, MN 55449763.210.3019pattyp@villagefloor.comVillageFloor.comFlooring

Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls RecreationClaudia Alm, Group Sales37200 Wild Mountain RoadTaylors Falls, MN 55084651.465.6365claudia@wildmountain.comWildMountain.comArea Attraction/Recreation

MembershipJanuary and February New Members: Welcome!

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Addie Lane Floral & GiftsAmerican Family Insurance-

Kari HefniderAmerican Independent

RemodelersAngCo Virtual AssistantAnoka County TMO Commute

SolutionsAspen Agency LLCBAE SystemsBarna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Better Business Bureau of

Minnesota & North DakotaBlaine OrthodonticsCael’s Angels AssociationChurch Offset Printing, Inc.CMDCComcast CableComcast SpotlightCustomgraphixDan ErhartDiesel Cast Welding, Inc.Doyea Insurance AgencyEdgewood Senior LivingEdina Realty-Kathy TadychEdward Jones-Abby MobergEssentially MassageFairy Tails GroomingFIRE Fitness Ham LakeFive Star Painting of Twin

Cities

Garage Doors Plus LLCGraphics GuysHoltz Garden Center and

FloralHubbard Radio/Hubbard

InteractiveHuntington Learning Center-

BlaineInstrumental Research, Inc.InteGrand SolutionsJunior Achievement of the

Upper MidwestKevin Vote Insurance &

Financial ServicesKraus-Anderson Construction

CompanyLuke Beaverson Agency, Inc.Lynx FBO NetworkMathnasium of BlaineMedifast Weight Control

CentersMetro Gun ClubMidwest Secure RetirementMills Fleet Farm-BlaineMinnco Credit UnionMinnesota Twins Baseball ClubMinnesota WaterjetNorth Metro TVNortheast Bank-Coon RapidsNortheast Bank-MinneapolisNovaCare Rehabilitation-Blaine

NovaCare Rehabilitation-Coon Rapids

NovaCare Rehabilitation-Fridley

NovaCare Rehabilitation-North Oaks

NovaCare Rehabilitation-Spring Lake Park

Primerica-Becky GudmundsonProSource Technologies, LLCRaising Cane’s-BlaineRaising Cane’s-Coon RapidsRon’s Auto GlassShamrock DevelopmentSharp & AssociatesSherwin-Williams-BlaineSt. Paul Area Association of

RealtorsSterling TrophySYNERGY HomeCare

Northeast MetroThe Paul Ekstrom Realty TeamTKO Construction ServicesTotal Health and Healing

CenterToys for JoyTPC Twin CitiesTrio LandscapingUrban Air Adventure Park

Janaury & February Renewals: Thanks for Your Continued Support!

DecemberAmy Weber-DeRaad

Mary Kay

JanuaryJim Huff

Cars for Neighbors

New Member ReferralProgramWinners

COMMITTEES/GROUPS: MARCH/APRILAmbassadors March 12 & April 9, Chamber, 4 pm

Blaine Business Council April 25, TPC, 7:30 am

Board March 13 & April 10, Chamber, 7:30 am

Connecting 101 March 21, Chamber, 8:15 am

Executive March 5 & April 2, Chamber, 3 pm

Golf March 11 & April 8, Chamber, 4 pm

Home & Outdoor Adv. Expo March 23, NSC, 9-3 pm

Marketing 201 April 18, Chamber, 8:15 am

Sunrise – 1st Friday March 1 & April 5, Tavern Grill-Blaine, 7:30 am

Sunrise – 3rd Friday March 15 & April 19, Sticks & Stones-Blaine, 7:30 am

Sunrise – 5th Friday March 29, McMillian Apts Shoreview, 7:30 am

Wine March 6 & April 3, TBD, 4:44 pm

Workforce Development March 25 & April 22, Chamber, 12 pm

Working with Women March 27 & April 24; SBM Fire Station #3, Blaine 9:15 am

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

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDAnoka, MN 55303

Permit No. 287

Gold:

Gala:

Silver: Bronze:

Grow MN:Golf:

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LISTING YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS DIRECTORY PLEASE EMAIL US AT: CHAMBER@METRONORTHCHAMBER.ORG.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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Hinckley:800-472-6321

“Doing business with us just add’s up”FOR ALL YOUR BOOKKEEPING NEEDS

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House 2 Home Flooring & Design StudioRobbie’s Carpet

Futuristic Floors, Inc.13838 Aberdeen Street NE

Ham Lake, MN 55304p. 763. 754. 1700f. 763. 754. 1557

www.house2homedesignstudio.comFind House 2 Home on Facebook

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Thank you 2019 Signature Sponsors!