October Newsletter - MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce

Volume 19 • No. 10 • October 2007
www.metronorthchamber.org
A foundation for business to build on!
PARTY LIKE THE MOBSTERS AND MOLLS AT METRONORTH’S “GANGSTER GALA”
Back in the Roaring Twenties, gangsters
reportedly knew how to party better
than anybody. Next month, members of
the Chamber can prove they know how
to have even more fun than the mobsters
and molls of those bygone days.
MetroNorth and ECM Publishers will
present the "Gangster Gala" on Friday,
October 26, at the Schwan Center in
Blaineís National Sport Center. It will
run from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for
MetroNorth members and their guests
to come together to celebrate. Not only
will attendees have a great time, but they
will also help raise money for the general
operating fund that keeps the Chamber
running.
prefer, you can just give us a call and weíll
have some of our henchmen pick them up
at your place and take them for a ride.
We'd like to have all silent auction items
by October 16. The deadline to be listed
in the program is October 20.
We're expecting a mob to attend, so make
your reservations early. Tickets are $75
each. Classic gangster attire is optional,
but fun.
You can't have a great party without
music. Our sponsors are the ones who
make it all possible. ECM Publishers is
sponsoring at the "Band Leader" level
of $5,000. You can take your place on
Festivities will include a gourmet A key to the success of our "Gangster our stage by sponsoring at these levels:
Italian dinner buffet including a glass Gala" is the silent auction. Please Crooner ($2,500), Sax ($1,500), Bass
of wine. The dinner will be provided by consider donating an item or two or ($1,000), Trumpet ($500), and Trombone
Spectacular Catering, and will definitely three. No item is too small or too large. ($250). Help us make beautiful music in
live up to their name.
In appreciation of your generosity, you the coming year by joining our band!
will be recognized in our program as well
The Chamber appreciates your support.
There will be music and dancing with the as on our Web site.
Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics Vocal
Have a great time at the gala!
Quartet. You'll also be able to acquire some You can deliver or mail your silent auction
exciting items simply by making an offer items to the MetroNorth Chamber of
our Silent Auction people can't refuse.
Commerce at 9380 Central Ave. NE,
Suite #320, Blaine, MN 55434. If you
SENATOR NORM COLEMAN
Senator Norm Coleman will address the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday,
October 9.
Senator Coleman will discus federal funding initiatives for vital transportation projects such as Northstar
Corridor. In addition, he will update us on other key
legislation that will directly impact the business community in Anoka County.
The membership meeting is scheduled from 12:00 – 1:40
p.m. It will take place at Majestic oaks Country Club in
Ham Lake. The address is 701 Bunker Lake Blvd. To
make reservations please call the Chamber office at (763)
783-3553 or e-mail Rita at rita@metronorthchamber.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
Gangster Gala
Senator Norm Coleman
Extreme Makeover
Nominations
Northstar Communter
Members in the News
New Members
Renewed Members
Mark Your Calendar
Sunset after Hours
Page 1
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 8
Page 8
Chamber Leadership DIRECTORS
Dick Haluptzok, CHAIR
Continental Development Corporation
(763) 757-7568
JoAnn Evans, VICE-CHAIR
Solbrekk, Inc.
(763) 404-4720
Mary Schutta, TREASURER
Mary Rue Schutta, CPA
(763) 784-2908
Duane Arens
Connexus Energy
(763) 323-2600
Walter Bell
Oakwood Insurance Agency, Inc.
(763) 862-4801
John Connelly
National Sports Center
(763) 785-5601
Mark Ethen
KleinBank
(763) 427-5005
Leonard Gandel
Gaughan Companies
651-255-5557
Jim Kugler
Kugler Financial
(763) 784-0256
Gary Levine
Dunwoody College of Technology
(612) 374-5800
Rick Nelson
ACE Solid Waste, Inc.
(763) 427-3110
TJB HOMES TAKES ON "EXTREME" PROJECT
ABC ís Emmy-winning TV show, "Extreme Makeover Home Edition,"
wanted to help a Twin Cities family. Erik and Vicki Swenson, both
teachers, went from having one child to seven in one year. First they had
a pair of twins. Then Vicki's sister was murdered by an ex-boyfriend.
Her four children had already lost their father a few years before in a
car accident. Erik and Vicki adopted the four, and now are expecting
again. Their house in Minnetonka was way too small for ten people. The
"Extreme Makeover" team decided to help them.
It was only appropriate that in their effort to help this suddenly-extended
family, the TV producers chose a builder that is very family-oriented.
TJB Homes is owned by Tom Budzynski and his wife, Jan. Their son
Jason is vice president of operations, son Justin is vice president of new
construction, and daughter Tiffany is project coordinator. Tom's brother
Rick is vice president of TJB Remodeling.
When the call came in from the TV show, the Budzynskis were excited by
the idea but felt it would be impossible. The problem wasn't contributing
continued on page 6
A D V E R T I S E
I N T H E . . .
MetroNorth Chamber NEWSLETTER
The newsletter is distributed by mail
to over 1,200 MetroNorth Chamber of
Commerce members every month.
The front and back cover feature full
color. There are single-issue rates
Ad Size
1x
as well as discounted frequency
• Full Page $441
rates. The rates are as listed
7-3/4 x 10-3/8
on the right . DEADLINE
• 1/2 Page $225
for ads is the 18th of
3-3/4 x 10-3/8
each month.
• 1/4 Page $120.50
3-3/4 x 5-1/4
Tom Newland
Allegra Print and Imaging
(763) 780-0792
• 1/8 Page $63
3x
6x
12x
$419
$397
$352
$214.50 $203
$181
$115
$108.50 $97
$60
$56.50
$50.50
3-3/4 x 2-1/2
Newsewsletter
Eric Olson
ECM Publishers, Inc.
(763) 421-4444
Insert Charges
• 8 1/2 x 11 Insert
(Pre-Printed)...............$210
Jolene Trauba
Houle Insulation, Inc.
(763) 767-8412
• 8 1/2 x 11 Insert
(ECM Print,
Plus Distribution).........$250
Jerry Teeson
Shamrock Development
(763) 421-3500
M O N T H L Y
CHAMBER STAFF
Phone (763) 783-3553
Fax (763) 783-3557
Chamber@metronorthchamber.org
www.metronorthchamber.org
Tom Snell, Executive Director
Jill Johnson, Director of Sales and Marketing
Deborah Pallansch, Director of Administration
Rita Moser, Administrative Assistant
Reserve your space today:
(763)712-3527
Danielle Kokora
Danielle.Kokora@ecm-inc.com
2
METRONORTH CHAMBER BOARD
NOMINATIONS 2008
NORTHSTAR COMMUTER
Yesterday was a great day for Northstar Commuter
Rail-ground was officially broken for the vehicle
maintenance facility in Big Lake.
New Board Members Nominated:
The following three individuals have been nominated
to serve on the MetroNorth Chamber Board of
Directors beginning in January 2008. Board terms
run for a period of three years. Candidates can
choose to run for an additional three year term.
These three individuals will be voted on for approval
at the Annual Meeting.
The $21.6 million Big Lake facility will have an
important role when Northstar trains start rolling in
2009. It will be a center for fueling, cleaning, inspecting,
maintaining, and storing the commuter trains, and will
allow Northstar to provide a safe, efficient and reliable
transportation alternative to commuters. Get a sneak
peek of the facility here.
Mary M Tjosvold PhD.
Mary Tjosvold is the founder and CEO of Mary T.
Inc. Her company is located in Coon Rapids and is a
unique blend of rental communities, supportive living
for people with specialized needs with home health to
meet the current and changing needs of people.
It may not be long before we start seeing other Northstar
work taking place in Big Lake and along the corridor,
once the Federal Transit Administration awards final
federal funding for Northstar construction this fall.
Mary T is a medium size business and one of the largest women own companies in Minnesota. Her company has been an active member of the MetroNorth
Chamber for over two decades. In addition to Mary
Tjosvold’s participation in local community affairs,
she was Chair of the American Refugee Committee.
Currently, she serves on the Minnesota Department
of Human Development Board, Northeast Bank
Board, Anoka Technical Foundation Board, and
Volunteers of America Board.
Thursday’s groundbreaking event also marked the
10-year anniversary of the Northstar Corridor
Development Authority (NCDA). Can you believe
that it’s been 10 years since 30 local government
entities and rail authorities joined together with the
goal of improving transportation in the Northstar
Corridor between St. Cloud and Minneapolis? The
leadership and cooperation within the NCDA and
with our partners at the Met Council and Minnesota
Department of Transportation as well as the work
of so many supporters like you have been crucial to
advancing Northstar through
difficult state and federal
funding requirements. Here
we are a decade later and
we’re almost there.
Dean Richards
Dean Richards is a Certified Public Accountant with
the firm of Smith &Schafer & Associates ltd. Dean
was Co Chair of the Golf Committee for four years.
He also participated on several membership drives.
Besides the Chamber, Dean is active in the Blaine
Ham Lake Rotary Club. He is a resident of Blaine.
Lisa Tollakson
Lisa is the VP Regional Sales Manager for Twin City
Federal. She has been an active Chamber member
for a number of years. Lisa is past Chair of the
Ambassadors Committee and is currently Chair of the
Gala Committee. She resides in Andover Minnesota.
We are making great progress in putting Minnesota’s
first commuter rail line in motion by the end of 2009.
Thank you for doing your part!
Sincerely,
Dan Erhart, NCDA Chair
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Schedule your company’s meeting or party.
Call 877-447-2631.
3
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Evolve Systems was named as a finalist for the Upsize Business Builder
Awards from a large and impressive field of nominations. Evolve
Systems was nominated in the category of Best Practices in Community
Impact Upsize Minnesota is a large
successful regional magazine devoted to inspiring successful practices
for small business. Evolve Systems
has been a long time proud member of the MetroNorth Chamber
of Commerce. In addition to the
nomination, Evolve Systems recently celebrated their first five years in
business.
In other news about the college,
three
former
Anoka-Ramsey
Community College students were
recognized in this years highly competitive Fine Arts Exhibition at the
2007 Minnesota State fair. Maria
Arrazola, who is originally from
Columbia earned first place for her
acrylic painting, “Rooster in the
Bottle”. Lucinda Silvis, a former
glass blowing student, was recognized with a third place finish for
her glass bottle, “Blue Sky Breeze”.
Finally, Fredi Vilina, a former glassblowing student received honorable
mention for his beaded necklace.
CEAP SAYS THANKS to everyone
who helped make the 2007 Caring
Tree Back to School Program a
great success. Through the generosity of the community 1,563
children received school supplies
through the Northtown mall and
942 through Brookdale Center and
the Shops at Arbor Lake CEAP’S
Caring Tree Program is the largest in
Minnesota.
BEST BUY is planning a Grand
Opening for its new store in Blaine
on November 16, 2007. The store is
located off highway 65 & 109 Ave.
In leading up to this event, the company will be hiring individuals from
the community. The company will
hold a job fair in the club west parkway between Major’s and Bella...
For more information check www.
bestbuy.com, store number is 1443.
Anoka Ramsey Community College
+ Bachelor of Science Degree.
Anoka Ramsey Community College
has once again proven to be an
innovative leader in higher education. Students can now receive a
Bachelor of Science Degree from
Saint Cloud State without leaving
the Anoka Ramsey Community
College Campus. Saint Cloud State
and Anoka Ramsey collaborated to
offer this degree with an emphasis
on special education.
Bromley Printing recently passed the
first decade in business. To celebrate
their success Bromley Printing is
giving away a select number of I Pod
Nano’s. To participate in the drawing, simply register your e-mail on
the Bromley Printing Website www.
bromleyprinting.com
Champlin Park High School will be
holding their Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math Fair. This
event is the largest fair of its kind
CONTACT ONE OF THE
AREA BUSINESS BANKERS
Mike Ringdahl • 763-792-4434
in the state of Minnesota. They
typically attract over 1000 students
to this event. The STEM Fair is
a unique opportunity to nurture a
student’s interest in science, math
and engineering. Chaplin Park will
be looking for approximately 300
judges. You do not need to be a scientist, mathematician of engineer to
be a judge. The Science Fair is also
looking for financial contributions.
For more information contact Kevin
Molohon at (763) 506-7084 or email Kevin@anokak12.mn.us
Congressman Ramstad speaking
at Lexington Manufacturing
in recognition of their 2007
Manufacturing Alliance Award.
MEETING SPONSORS
The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce would like
to thank the following companies for sponsoring our
membership meetings:
331 Highway 10 NE, Blaine, MN 55434
Tim Mortenson • 612-460-4689
1550 - 109th Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55449
Silver Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors
Connexus Energy CenterPoint Energy Avalon Fortress
21st Century Bank Central Bank
Security Corporation
Donna Miller • 763-433-9187
3345 124th Ave. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
TCF PREMIER BUSINESS CHECKING
Grand Casinos Mille KleinBank
Lacs & Hinckley
Solbrekk, Inc.
• 1000 FREE Monthly Transactions
• FREE TCF Miles Plus Business Check Card
• FREE Check Recovery
• FREE Preferred Online Banking
• FREE Online Bill Pay
4
NEW MEMBERS AUGUST 2007
All American Title Co.
8338 Highway 65 NE
Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
763-235-1800
sue@allamericantitleco.com
Sue Hilton
Angels Amore Ltd.
10946 Isanti Court NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-717-7475
afrattalone@comcast.net
763-792-1095
Angela Frattalone
Best Buy
10985 Ulysses Street NE
Blaine, MN 55434
justincossette@bestbuy.com
Justin Cossette
Bridge Link
16150 Crosstown Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
763-434-5995
jim@constancefree.org
Jim Barber
Edina Realty - Sutton
13603 80th Circle N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-486-9460
seansutton@edinarealty.com
Sean Sutton
Because the news
never stops.
HighTec Truck & Automotive
Repair
329 Bunker Lake Boulevard
Ham Lake, MN 55443
763-235-9994
hightectruck@comcast.net
763-235-9996
Amy Gibson
Insurance For Longevity
3424 Zinran Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
952-938-7627
cathy@insuranceforlongevity.com
952-935-1764
Catherine Manning
Law Enforcement
Target Inc.
8802 W. 35W Service Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449
763-746-5390
manning@letargets.com
651-645-5246
Cherie Manning
Massage Envy - Coon Rapids
12580 Riverdale Boulevard, Ste103
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
763-235-9000
elizcodd@integra.net
Elizabeth Coddington
Minnesota School of Business
3680 Pheasant Ridge Drive
Blaine, MN 55449
Check us out online!
You can renew or purchase
your subscription on our
website, browse the
classified ads and connect to
our local sponsor's sites...
www.abcnewspapers.com
5
763-225-8000
smago@msbcollege.edu
763-225-8001
Susan Mago
Moe’s Restaurant
2400 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-786-1800
jeff@moesonthego.com
Jeff Moritko
Signs Now
1451 91st Avenue NE, Suite 100
Blaine, MN 55449
763-717-0140
chad@signsnowblaine.com
763-717-0141
Chad Salewski
Taco Del Mar
13131 Riverdale Drive, Suite 200
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
763-221-1024
foodiegirl.patt@gmail.com
763-576-3106
Patt Gustafson
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Blaine
11806 Aberdeen Street, Suite 250
Blaine, MN 55449
866-361-1101 (toll free)
mark.a.spindler@wellsfargo.com
866-656-0895
Mark Spindler
THANK YOU
21st Century Bank
For your generous support
of the Chamber.
RENEWALS
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Andy’s Service
Animal Humane Society
Anoka Hennepin Credit Union
Atlas Staffing, Inc.
Baskets2Give
Bertolas & Pekula, LLC
Blake Drilling Co., Inc.
Bromley Printing, Inc.
Chili’s
Dairy Queen
Direct Benefits, Inc.
E.G. Rud & Sons, Inc.
Express Health Care
FM 107/Hubbard Broadcasting
Forever Young Temporary Services, Inc.
Global Card Network, Inc.
Ham Lake, City of
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Hi-Ten Service Center
Independent School District #16
Industrial Door Co.
Integrity Lending Inc.
Law Office of Steven C. Miller, PA, The
Lino Lakes, City of
Mate Precision Tooling
Metro Dentalcare - Corporate
Molly Professional Center
MultiCenter Physical Therapy
North Country Ford Lincoln Mercury
North Suburban Eye Specialists
NorthStar Property Inspections
Northland Woodworks
Northwest Passage High School
Park Dental - Blaine
Peoples Bank of Commerce
35.
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Pinnacle Planning Group
Ramsey, City of
Rebel Electric, Inc.
Rise, Inc.
River Rock Lodge
rms
SevenHills Benefit Partners
Solbrekk, Inc.
Thrivent Financial
TPAC Underwriters, Inc.
Twin City Trolleys
UltraTech Automotive, Inc.
U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad
Wells Fargo Bank – Anoka
YMCA – Emma B. Howe Family
Extreme Makeover continued from page 2
their time, talent, and supplies. It
was the schedule. And it wasn't the
part about having to build a house in
the required 106 hours. The problem
was that there were only 30 weeks
for advance planning. "My brother
and son were leaving that afternoon
for a week-long fishing trip, and
they would be key to putting this
together," says Tom. The TV people
relented and gave them an extra week
and a half for the planning phase.
landscape materials were all brought
in without charge. In addition to the
professional builders, hundreds of
volunteers turned out to help with
cleanup, food preparation, and the
like.
Construction went on without break,
24 hours a day. There were so many
workers that all the drywall for the
5,600 square foot home was installed
in 75 minutes!
"What was cool was that, although
all these people started out doing
this for us, soon they found they
were doing it for themselves and for
a good cause,"
says Tom. One
pipefitter told
me, "I don't have
a lot of money
to
contribute
Two hundred companies and 1,500 to charity, but I
workers pitched in to contribute know how to do
their time, expertise, and material. something they
Food, bottled water, RVs, tents, needed, install
lights, generators, furniture, and a fire sprinkler
TJB Homes approached all their
suppliers and subcontractors and
asked for help. This was made more
difficult because at that point they
couldnít disclose the location of
the home or anything about the
people who would receive it. Yet
the outpouring of support was
tremendous.
6
system. I could use my talent to
make a difference in someoneís life."
"And he made a difference in his
own life," adds Tom. "That's what
happened to all of us who worked
on this project."
The schedule was met, and the house
was completed in just 99 hours. The
show will air as a two hour special on
Sunday, November 25. For photos
of the project as well as a list of all
the companies that contributed, visit
www.tjbhomes.com.
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Is your bank
too big for
your business?
Okay. We admit. We’re not the biggest bank in the
Twin Cities. We don’t have layer upon layer of loan
officers involved in approving your business loan.
And the way we see it, that’s a benefit to you.
Because when you work with us, you work with the
decision makers who have the resources and the
authority to make things happen for you. Call us.
BANKING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES
www.anchorlink.com
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
Our congratulations and thanks go to
Ambassador of the Month, Tom Hewhouse.
THANK YOU
Payroll Control Systems
(763) 513-5951
For handling the Chamber’s payroll
10710 Town Square Dr. NE • Blaine • 763-795-8400
7
3
3 Mark Your Calendar
October 3, Wednesday
Government Affairs Committee 7:30 a.m.
@ place to be determined
Membership Committee 3:30 p.m.
@ chamber office
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Anoka, MN 55303
Permit No. 287
9380 Central Ave. NE, Suite 320
Blaine, MN 55434
October 4, Thursday
Fall Fundraiser 8:00 a.m. @ chamber office
October 5, Friday
Board Retreat All day @ Grand Casino Hinckley
Sunrise Network 7:30 a.m.
@ New Brunswick Zone
October 8, Monday
Executive Committee Meeting 11:00 a.m.
@ Bella in Blaine
October 9, Tuesday
Membership Meeting with Senator Norm
Coleman Registration 11:00 a.m.
@ Majestic Oaks
Ambassadors 4:00 p.m.
@ location varies
October 10, Wednesday
Board Meeting 7:30 a.m. @ Chamber office
SUNSET AFTER HOURS
October 12, Friday
Coon Rapids Sunrise 7:30 a.m.
@ Old Country Buffet
Mark down Tuesday, November 13th for the MetroNorth
Chamber Sunset After Hours. It will be held at Village
Bank in Blaine which is located at 9298 Central Ave. NE.
October 17, Wednesday
New Member Orientation Lunch 12:00
@ Place to be determined
October 18, Thursday
Fall Fundraiser 8:00 a.m. @ Chamber office
Golf Committee 3:30 a.m. @ Chamber office
This informal networking event will run from 5:00 –7:00
p.m. There will be a splendid array of appetizers available
along with beverages.
October 19, Friday
Blaine Sunrise 7:30 a.m. @ Old Country Buffet
October 23, Tuesday
Business Education Partnership 3:30 p.m.
@ Chamber office
Sunset is an informal networking venue that brings
together Chamber members interested in building business
relationships.
October 25, Thursday
Fall Fundraiser 9:00 a.m. @ Chamber office
There is no charge to attend Sunset After Hours. Please
RSVP email to:rita@metronorthchamber.org
October 26, Friday
Sunrise Network 7:30 a.m.
@ Old Country Buffet
Fall Fundraiser 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
@ Schwan Center Blaine
You Call...
We Answer
You need to spend more time talking with
your bankers than trying to reach them.
Call us - we’re only seven numbers away.
“Real People, Real Answers”
ANOKA-RAMSEY
BLAINE
763-398-8000
763-780-2100
7125 Riverdale Drive (Hwy 10) 9298 Central Ave. NE
Ramsey, MN 55303
Blaine, MN 55434
www.villagebankonline.com
EAST BETHEL
18802 Ulysses St. NE
East Belthel, MN 55011
763-398-8050
OAK GROVE
3122 Viking Blvd.
Oak Grove, MN 55011
763-753-3777
ST. FRANCIS
3350 Bridge Street NW
St. Francis, MN 55070
763-753-3007