October Richfield Newsletter 2013

NEWS
Connecting Business for a Prosperous Community
6601 Lyndale Avenue South ∙ Suite 106 ∙ Richfield, MN 55423 ∙ www.richfieldmnchamber.org ∙ 612‐866‐5100 Chair’s Column
Gordy Ecklund, RB Honda - 2013 Chamber Chairperson
Wow – it’s October already! I hope everyone had
a safe and fun 4th of July. We kicked August off
with an outing to the Saints Game on Monday,
August 12th which was followed by the August
B.E.E.R. (Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie and Richfield) multichamber event, Thursday, August 15th. We met at the Radisson Blu
and Stevie Ray, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Corporate Trainer
and Executive Director of Stevie Rays Improv Company presented
“How to Network at Programs and Events”. The program was sold out
with 150 attendees! Thank you Richfield BEER sponsors: RB Honda
and Metro Dentalcare!
In September, Superintendent of Richfield Schools, Dr. Robert
Slotterback presented his annual “State of the Schools” address –
priority number 1 is support for the capital projects levy for
technology. There are two questions on the ballot: a “yes” vote on
Question #1 will renew the existing capital projects levy for another
10 years, and will allow the district to maintain existing technology
and infrastructure at current levels. A “yes” vote on Question #2 will
provide an additional $915,000 per year for ten years, increasing
student access to 21st century learning and work place technology
tools; question #1 must pass in order for question #2 to pass.
Also at the September program, Richfield High School’s award
winning DECA program presented. DECA is a national student
marketing association which prepares emerging leaders and
entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and
management. Richfield High School’s DECA chapter earned the
prestigious Gold Level Certification for the operation of its SchoolBased Enterprise (SBE), the “Spartan Avenue” store in 2013. The
program’s advisor, Dean Breuer, President - Jamie Vo and VicePresident - Nic Rodriguez presented an overview of the program and
highlights from the 2013 national conference - the Richfield Chamber
presented two students with scholarships at the annual Salute to
Small Business event in April; the scholarships were used to offset
expenses related to the competition. Lunch was sponsored by
Noodles & Company - Cedar Point.
This month in my “get to know your fellow chamber members”
article, I will be highlighting some of our insurance, hotel/lodging, and
real estate businesses:
*AmericInn Motel & Suites, 1200 East 78th St, Richfield, MN 55423 –
www.americinn.com/bloomingtoneast - offers great American Perks
Breakfast
*Candlewood Suites, 351 West 77th St, Richfield, MN 55423 –
www.candlewoodsuites.com/minneapolis/ric - where value stays!
Extended stay hotel
*City Bella, 6600 Lyndale Ave, South Richfield, MN “Homes of
Distinction of all ages” City Bella on Lyndale is a premier property
conveniently located in the Heart of Richfield, offering stunning view
of downtown Minneapolis, tree lined neighborhoods, nearby parks
and lakes, and our graciously landscaped plaza and gardens
www.citybella.com
*Cornerstone Group, our mission “to transform the spaces that
surround us into places that inspire us” The cornerstone group is
celebrating 20 years of creating great places to live, work, and play.
*Edina Realty-Steve Schneeberger, Edina Reality is one of the
nation’s largest full service real estate companies.
www.edinarealty.com/steve-schneeberger-realtor office 952-9157997 cell 612-581-7313
*Farmers Insurance – David Noess, 6467 Lyndale Ave, South
Richfield, MN 55423 612-259-8557 www.farmersagent.comdnoess
*Four Points by Sheraton –With our newly renovated guest rooms,
pool, and fitness center, Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis Airport
is the place to be. Enjoy the free extras you deserve, including free
shuttle service to MSP International Airport and the Mall of America,
free wireless high speed internet access, and free parking. Join us in
Bistro 77 for a delicious breakfast or Lyndale Lounge for great local
beers with Best Brews. We have everything you need to travel the way
you like. www.fourpointsminneapolisairport.com
*Gramercy Park Cooperative is a 12-story residential tower designed
to accommodate residents of 55 years of age and older. Offering one,
two or three bedroom units and located across from Wood lake
nature center Gramercy offers a wide variety of amenities. 6711 Lake
Shore Dr., Richfield, MN 612-861-1378
*Jay Petersen Agency, Inc., 6941 Nicollet Ave, South Richfield, MN
“WE WORK FOR YOU” - Insurance brokers specializes in providing
customized insurance solutions for clients. It is associated with over 50
different insurance companies, and able to match each client with the
best insurance for them. www.insurancebrokersmn.com
Continued on page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 12: Wheel Fun Pumpkin Patch
October 16: Bikeable Community Workshop
October 16: Richfield Chamber Board of Directors Meeting
October 23: Monthly Meeting
Visit richfieldmnchamber.org for a complete listing of all events.
Connecting Business for a Prosperous Community www.richfieldmnchamber.org JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013 Board of Directors
Gordy Ecklund, Board Chair 2013
Angie Schaefbauer, President
Lin Shurtleff, Treasurer
Laura Barrett
612.866.7522
Barrett Lawn Care
Jennifer Bornholdt
Hub Jewelers
612.866.7700
Mike Elliott
LaMettry’s Collision
612.866.0016
Bill Fillmore
612.861.9192
Richfield Municipal Liquor Stores
Nicole Krolikowski
BMO Harris Bank
612.798.3844
Kim Lindeen
612.230.5944
Bremer Bank
Natalie Marfleet
Metro Dentalcare
612.638.1231
Pablo Murillo
Global Mercantile
612.840.3497
Debi Neitzel-Waitkus
Maser Amundson, P.A.
952.925.4147
Anne Schultz
Linden Hills Florist
952.451.8088
Gordon Vizecky
Best Buy
612.291.7414
Task Force & Committees
Ambassadors—Laura Barrett
66th Street Visioning Process—
Undo all B2B taxes in the Unsession
David Olson, MN Chamber of Commerce president Gov. Mark Dayton has coined the 2014 Legislature as the Unsession, saying
he’ll concentrate on ideas to make state government better, faster and
simpler. He’s asking Minnesotans to submit ideas to eliminate unnecessary or
redundant laws, rules and regulations, and getting rid of anything else that
makes state government nearly impossible for people to understand.
We respectfully ask that repeal of the sales tax on business-to-business (B2B) services leads the agenda.
Businesses should contact the governor and their lawmakers, and ask them to commit now to
eliminating all three B2B taxes in the first week of the Legislature, which will convene Feb. 25.
In May, the Legislature extended the sales tax to three B2B services: repairs of business
equipment and machines, including farm machinery; purchases of telecommunications equipment
by telecommunications providers; warehouse and storage services. The first two taxes went into
effect July 1; the warehouse tax is scheduled to take effect April 1, 2014.
At minimum, B2B taxes create an administrative nightmare and expense for many businesses. At
worst, the additional tax burden places Minnesota businesses at a competitive disadvantage with
their peers across the nation and world. That’s especially true in the warehouse and storage
industry, which already operates at slim margins and is very mobile by its nature. The additional
cost is prompting many warehouse managers to talk about moving elsewhere. Together, these
taxes take a toll on jobs and the state’s economy.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our statewide network of local chamber partners
pressed hard for all three B2B taxes to be repealed during the special session in September. Though
the governor expressed support for repealing the sales tax on farm equipment repairs, in the end
the decision was made to only consider disaster relief. The decision is especially disappointing
because DFL leaders acknowledged the taxes were a bad idea.
Dayton says repeal of the new B2B taxes should be considered when the Legislature convenes
next year. Businesses cannot make decisions based on a promise of what might be done. We’re
asking that legislators pledge now to repeal all three B2B taxes. Eliminating the tax on farm repairs
is a good start, but it doesn’t go far enough. The repeal should also occur for the thousands of other
businesses negatively impacted by these new fixed costs.
Dayton demands that the business community show how the state treasury will make up for the
lost revenue, if these taxes are scrapped. We put the challenge back in his lap. Policy-makers have
options.
There is a current budget surplus plus there’s plenty of opportunity to find $310 million of
spending efficiencies in a $38 billion budget. Early in the 2013 Legislature, we identified more than
$1 billion in spending reductions and forwarded those to the Dayton Administration and legislative
leadership. Let’s revisit those suggestions. The new budget increased spending by $1.6 billion, a
sizable portion that has not yet taken effect. There’s similar opportunity to scrutinize and pare these
expenses.
We’re confident that Minnesotans can step to the plate and help state agencies find ways to
streamline operations and still deliver necessary services. We’re ready to answer the governor’s call;
it’s an excellent starting point to lay out an agenda for the Unsession.
Laura Barrett, Jennifer Bornhold and Tim Carter
Economic Development Committee Co-Chairs
Pat Brekken and Tim Carter
New Section on the Chamber website: “Hot Deals”
Finance Co-Chairs—Jim Melssen/Allen Helvick
Golf Event Chair—Nick Mellum
Government Affairs Committee—Vacant
Marketing Committee Chair—Jennifer Bornholdt
Salute to Small Business—Bill Fillmore
Chamber Fast Fact: Consumers are 44% more likely
to think favorably of a small
business who has invested in
their local Chamber.
This is a great way for members to promote
business!
Login and post a Hot Dealtoday!
Contact the Chamber for login info.
Third Quarter Recap Letter from the President Connecting Business for a Prosperous Community
Ah…it’s fall. The kiddos are back in school and on schedule, the air is crisp and we’re all relishing a wonderful
summer of sun, fresh air and relaxation! I hope you’re ready to get back to business! Although summer is a
time to take it easy, we’ve been hard at work at the Chamber – here’s an update of what we’ve been up to in
the second and third quarters of this year:
Membership: we continue to build momentum and gain the business of new investors every day. Through
September 30 there are 30 new members – that’s a 100% increase over this time last year!
Please join me in welcoming: Aida Mediterranean Cuisine, Anytime Fitness - Richfield, Assistance League Thrift
Shop, AXA Advisors, Burt's Disposal Inc., Edina Realty - Steve Schneeberger, Egan Chiropractic & Acupuncture Ltd., Global Mercantile,
Homestead Pickin' Parlor, Integrated eMarketing Solutions, Isiah Moore Realty, Johnston's Sales and Service, Kona-Ice, Lakewinds Natural
Foods, Menards Richfield, Minnesota Magicians, National Cremation Society, Noodles and Company - Cedar Point, Noodles and
Company - Lyndale, Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake, Patrick's Bakery & Café, Peterson, Peterson & Associates PLC, Pizza Luce, Posters on
Board, Richard Allen Productions, Richfield Bloomington Mitsubishi, Weis Builders Inc., Wellington Management, Inc., Woodlake Center c/
o Winthrop Management and Zerorez. Investing in the Chamber is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers
believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community.
Thank you for supporting the work of the Chamber and helping us continue our mission of Connecting Business for a Prosperous
Community. Continued on page 4
Chair’s Column
Continued from page 1 *Radisson Blu- MOA, 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington The Radisson Blu Mall of America is ideal for
business and leisure travelers alike with world class shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps from
the hotels location at the south entrance of the Mall of America. www.radissonblumoa.com
*Richfield State insurance, has been serving the twin cities since 1947 at the same location in Richfield.
We are proud to provide you with quality insurance product and driven by the satisfaction of our policy
holders to strive for the highest quality of customer service that can be provided to you.
www.richfieldinsurance.com
*Sacco Family Insurance Services – 6607 18th Ave, South Richfield, MN 55423 612-243-4003
www.farmersagent.comnsacco
*State Farm Insurance – “Like a good neighbor State Farm is there” 6640 Lyndale Ave S, Suite 110,
Richfield, MN Joseph Hanson 612-721-5555
*Village Shore/Market Plaza –Is a senior community offering those 55+ a wonderful residence in the
heart of Richfield. Our apartments stand eight stories above Richfield’s Market Place shopping center.
Along with our sweeping views of Richfield our residents are only an elevator ride away from a restraint
and a variety of retail shopping. www.villageshoresseniorcommunity.com
New Members July/August/September Homestead Pickin' Parlor, Lakewinds
Natural Foods and National Cremation
Society, Johnston's Sales and Service,
Assistance League Thrift Shop,
Menards Richfield, and Richfield
Bloomington Mitsubishi
*Wellington Management, Inc. Wellington management has acquired the former Kmart site at 66th
Street and Lyndale Avenue. Todd Kaufman property manager 651-999-5505 or
tkaufman@wellingtonmgt.com
Renewals *Woodlake Center c/o Winthrop Management –has three buildings with all brick exterior with over
190,000 square feet on the corner of Lyndale and 66th Street.
A World of Fish, Barrett Lawn Care,
Inc., Barrett Lawn Care, Inc., Bernie's
Montessori & Child Care, LaFayette,
Melssen & Plath, Ltd., Metro
Dentalcare, National Cremation
Society, Office Depot, Richfield
Optimist's Club
July/August/September *Woodlawn Terrace – 7421 Lyndale Ave, Richfield, MN 612-869-4100
-Also remember to look at the chamber website to find the Richfield Business Directory - if you or your
business is in need of another business’ services – check the Chamber’s directory first! Just remember:
TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More. If you want to be in next month’s article give me a call at 612866-8197 or e-mail me: gordy@rbhonda.com.
Third Quarter Recap Letter from the President
Continued from page 3
Professional Development and Important Events: MCCC, I attended the Globe College/MN Schoolof Biz Community Partner
Recognition Lunch on September 11; attendees were recognized for their efforts in support of the school. I also attended a sponsor
recognition event hosted by the Richfield 4th of July committee as a representative for the Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board. In
September I attended the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives Fall Conference in Fergus Falls. Held each September in a greater
Minnesota community, Fall Conference provides MCCE members the opportunity to share ideas and network in a relaxed atmosphere;
most of the programs at this two and a half day conference are developed and lead by fellow members. I was fortunate enough to receive
a scholarship to attend.
Programming:
 Ribbon cuttings: 8/19 Papa Murphy’s – Cedar Point; 8/28 National Cremation Society; 9/5 Anytime Fitness – Cedar Point
 “Welcome to Richfield”: 8/20 event hosted by the Chamber during which new-to-the-district school teachers are introduced to
Richfield businesses and the Chamber – emceed by former President, Steve Lindgren.
 Golf Outing: Sept 10 at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville; close to 60 participated in this annual event with the team of Jennifer
Bornholdt (HUB Jewelers), Nick Mellum (Complete Chiropractic and Wellness), Matt Mattis (The Hearing Shoppe) and Steve Lindgren
coming in 1st place. Team US Bank: Andrew Rennerfeldt, Ross Johnson, Brent Johnson and Mike Briggs took 2nd place!
Economic Development:
 August and September were busy months for members who were breaking ground on new projects! Lakewinds Natural Foods broke
ground on August 14; Richfield Bloomington Mitsubishi broke ground (actually tore down a building) on September 16 and Fairview
Southdale Hospital broke ground for their new emergency center that afternoon!
 The Richfield Business Council has been on hiatus for the summer, but meetings will resume in October.
 You may have noticed buzz being generated about the 77th street tunnel (visit the Chamber website news section for updates) and
we hope to continue with efforts in making this dream a reality.
Board of Directors:
The board enjoyed July off from the Chamber, but hit the ground running in August and September. The decision was made to
completely re-write the organization’s bylaws; we plan to present them to the membership in December.
The board continued to work on strategic planning as well. Each identified the top three Chamber priorities in 2014 and from their input
the following priorities have been agreed upon:
 (1) Grow the influence and reputation of the RCOC by marketing the Chamber as the leader on business issues in the area
 (2) Ensure growth of Chamber membership through innovative programs and services by developing a compelling portfolio of
programs and services to fill gaps in member needs and take the organization to the next level
 (3) Demonstrate bold leadership to the Richfield business community by maximizing relationships with community leaders.
Technology Upgrades: we have been working very hard to implement new technology at the Chamber with our technology partner,
Minnesota Interactive. Dan, Greg, James and Rachael have been responsive and helpful throughout the process and we’re about 75%
complete. The Richfield Tourism and Promotion Board website (www.VisitRichfield.com) has been integrated with the Chamber’s website
and we have created one business directory which includes every business in Richfield making the Chamber website a one-stop shop!
Inclusion in the business directory creates excellent opportunities for Richfield businesses to attract new customers and share
information with the community and the world; the directory can be searched by category, keyword or alphabetically!
Additional website features available only to Chamber members include:
 Clickable Business Directory Listing - your business information is available to consumers through the chamber’s website – visitors
can search by category, keyword or alphabetically – completing your profile is critical to gaining increased visibility and exposure;
contact the Chamber for your username and password!
Continued on page 5
6601 Lyndale Avenue South
Suite 106 Richfield, MN 55423
www.richfieldmnchamber.org | 612-866-5100
Inside
Chairs’ Message 1 MN Chamber of Commerce President 2 Third Quarter Recap 3 October Monthly Meeting and BEER 6 Photos 8 We have expanded our social media presence. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter! Please "Link”, "Like”, and "Follow” us ‐‐ join in our conversations and tell others about us, as well. Third Quarter Recap Letter from the President
Continued from page 4
 Online Informational Brochure: your own page on the chamber’s website which can include your business description, hours of
operation, location information, and up to eight keywords (those help identify your business when a website visitor does a keyword
search on the Business Directory)
 Job postings—add your own job openings to the Chamber website
 Hot Deals – include store coupons and special offers on the Chamber’s website
 Event Posting - add your business’ events to the Chamber’s Online Events Calendar – chamber website visitors can add your event to
Outlook, e-mail the details to a friend and request an automatically generated email reminder for your event
 News Posting – post your news and announcements to the Chamber’s website
 "Email to a friend" link - visitors to your Online Informational Brochure may select a link to email your business information to a friend
Sponsorships: Without the support of our sponsors, the Chamber wouldn’t be able to deliver programming and events to our members.
 August: Richfield Bloomington Honda, Metro Dentalcare
 September: Fairview Southdale Hospital, CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, Richfield Tourism & Promotion Board, Pinstripes, Richfield
Bloomington Honda, Bremer Bank, Edward Jones - Joseph Petrick and Noodles and Co. – Cedar Point
Community Profile Magazine: the magazine publisher, Village Profile has assured me that the Richfield Community Profile, in which
many of you have purchased advertising, went to print the week of September 24. Four thousand copies of the magazine will be
delivered to Richfield residents via the SUN newspaper. The remaining one thousand copies will be retained and distributed to hotels,
banks and city hall.
October Member Meeting
Affordable Healthcare Act Panel Discussion / Q&A
The landscape for healthcare has changed for all employers in Minnesota. This panel
discussion is designed to demystify the information and give you the tools needed to
assist in navigating the new system.
What you will take away:






What is ACA?
What are your purchasing options?
What are your legal obligations?
What impact will this have on your business taxes?
Deadlines & Responsibilities
Q&A
The Panelists:





Rick Karulf, Vice-President of Medical Affairs — Fairview Southdale Hospital
Mike Siebenaler, Office of Congressman Keith Ellison
Rep. Linda Slocum
MN Chamber of Commerce representative
Fairview Southdale Hospital representative
Sponsored by:
Hosted by:
Wednesday October 23, 2013
11:30a - 1:00p
Members $10 / Nonmembers $25
Register:
www.richfieldmnchamber.org
Wednesday November 13, 2013 11:00a ‐ 1:00p Member: $30 | Nonmember $55 Sofitel Minneapolis 5601 W 78th Street ‐ Bloomington Register: www.RichfieldChamberCVB.org Ribbon cuttings
Saints game
Golf outing
August beer
September member meeting