Saturday, Oct 16, 7:45 am – 11:15 am

Volume 23 • No. 10 • October 2010
Vision statement: The bold, innovative voice for business success.
Saturday, Oct 16, 7:45 am – 11:15 am,
Table of Contents:
Anoka Ramsey Community College Training Center,
Coon Rapids
Be Your
Own Boss............... p 1
Business Expo....... p 1
Excellence in Business
Awards................... p 1
Board of
Directors................. p 2
Event Recap.......... p 2
Message from
the Chair................ p 2
New Board
Members............... p 3
Upcoming
Events.................... p 4
Ribbon
Cuttings................. p 5
New Members
and Renewals........ p 6
Members in
the News............... p 6
Appreciation
Party Photos.......... p 7
October Calendar
of Events............... p 8
Chamber@metronorthchamber.org
www.metronorthchamber.org
Lori Higgins, President
Jody Paulson, Membership Director
Andrea Ferngren, Admin. Assistant
O
ur “Be Your Own Boss” workshop, to be held on National
Boss’ Day, Sat Oct 16, is for anyone in the community interested in
starting their own business.
Dr. Richard Brynteson, a motivational speaker and professor at Concordia
University, will keynote the workshop. Three
breakout sessions will ensue:
How to Use Social Media to Market Your
New Business Legally
Jeffrey O’Brien - Attorney at Mansfield, Tanick &
Cohen, P.A. & oversees the INCubation CenterTM
This event is only $10 and is open to the
public so don’t hesitate to let others know of
this opportunity to learn the ropes of being a
successful entrepreneur.
How to Analyze a Potential New
Business Opportunity
Joe Hesch - Anoka Ramsey Community College,
Center for Entrepreneurship.
There’s also an EXPO opportunity for businesses who want to showcase their small-business
related products/services to this targeted audience. We are allowing only one table per industry/category, so you will have exclusive access!
Contact us now to see if there’s still an opening
for YOUR industry!
How to Get a Lender to Say Yes
Diane Paterson - MicroEnterprise Development
Director at WomenVenture.
Visit www.metronorthchamber.org or call
763.783.3553 for more details on the workshop
or the expo!
MetroNorth Business
Expo at Northtown Mall
Excellence in
Business Awards
Saturday, November 13, 11am-2 pm
It is time for nominations
for our 2010 Excellence
in Business awards,
which honors our most
outstanding chamber businesses. Visit www.metronorthchamber.org for an application, which are
due back to the chamber on October 15.
The MetroNorth Chamber has arranged a special
business expo opportunity at Northtown Mall
for you to display your products and services.
Thousands of shoppers peruse Northtown every
day, especially in the holiday season. Use this
event to generate new clients and business prospects and increase your business’ visibility.
The investment to enjoy lots of marketing exposure and gather leads and prospects is only $85.
Take advantage of this great way to showcase
your business at this Expo!
We heard your feedback last year, and the application form has been simplified. We have also added
a category of micro business, along with the
product and service categories. Take a look and
nominate yourself or another MetroNorth member
for one or more of these categories!
To reserve your table, download an application at
www.metronorthchamber.org.
The official awards ceremony will be in November
– stay tuned for more information!
Membership Appreciation
“Tents’ Party was a BLAST….
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Newland, CHAIR
Allegra Print and Imaging, 763-780-0792
John Connelly, VICE CHAIR
National Sports Center, 763-785-5601
Heidi Heroff, TREASURER
SPIRE, 651-641-2116
Gary Levine, PAST CHAIR
Dunwoody College of Technology
612-381-3302
Duane Arens
Connexus Energy, 763-323-2719
Dick Haluptzok
612-987-2960
Doug Hutchings
Mercy & Unity Hospitals Foundation,
763-236-3965
Chris Johnson
Apparel Design Center & Wedding
Warehouse, 763-755-6500
Sue Ann Olson
Walters Recycling & Refuse, 763-438-6359
Dean Richards
Smith Schafer & Associates Ltd., 651-770-8414
Mike Schardin
betmar languages, 763-572-9711
Bob Schlichte
Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley, 763-488-1899
Mike Thorsland
Nationwide Insurance, 763-780-1133
Mary Tjosvold
Mary T., Inc., 763-754-2505
Lisa Tollakson
ADP, 763-234-8736
Committee Chairs:
Ambassador: Bart Tooker, Cabin Tunes
Gala: Heidi Heroff, SPIRE
Golf: Dean Richards, Smith Schafer &
Associates, and Dan Grassman, Ameriprise
Financial
Government Affairs: Mary Peterson, Greater
Midwest Realty.
BEL: Roger Johnson,
Integrated Contract Services
Young Professionals Mike Schardin,
betmar launguages
Marketing: Randy Korus, Cyberex
Membership: Jim Kugler, Kugler Financial
Services
Sunrise: Karla Carver, Edward Jones &
Steve Schack, The Greenery Schack
Grapevine Wine: Christopher Sieg, Sieg
Wealth Management & Chris Johnson,
Apparel Design Center
If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more, contact the
Chamber. We’d love to hear from you!
might not be the most professional of
That
word choices, but it’s hard to otherwise
describe a party with a dunk tank, corn dogs,
and glow in the dark golf!
The evening began at PTL Tire & Auto, where
under their tent members played putt-putt,
did spin art, walked a dessert walk, and had
their face painted. Otis Concessions provided
everyone with a corn dog, French fries and
ice cream sandwich. And, who can forget the
opportunity to dunk Dean Prince of Tidbits
& Lori Higgins of the chamber! Thanks to
Dean & Lori for being such good sports!! Also
thanks to CRASH+SUES who sponsored the
dunk tank.
The evening progressed to Majestic Oaks
for a Sunset After Hours under their big tent.
Games like bocce ball were played until
dusk, when the real game of glow in the dark
golf started. Words can barely describe how
much fun the players had!
See page 7 for photos of the event!
Dean Prince about to be dunked.
Lori Higgins - AFTER a few dunks!
Special thanks to Jess Robertson, PTL Tire & Auto; Stephanie Szeremeta;
Robin Schnaidt, Fiscal Foundations; Jim Kugler, Kugler Financial Services; Jackie
Whitman, Majestic Oaks; Dean Prince, Tidbits; Alan Furst, The Growth Coach; Sue
Grossnickle, SPIRE.
Message from the Board Chair
By Tom Newland, Allegra Print & Imaging
The Annual Board Retreat traditionally
occurs the first weekend of October. The
Retreat is an opportunity for your Board
of Directors to reflect on the state of the
Chamber and create plans for the coming
year in a day-long series of meetings with
new Board members, next year’s Committee
Chairs, staff, and the Board itself.
A Chamber of Commerce, by definition, is
an organization of businesses. MetroNorth
stands apart from other Chambers through
proactive, progressive, sometimes controversial, positions on issues. The Vikings
Stadium, Northstar, opposing “English-only”
isolationism, and MetroNorth Chamber
Leadership Fund endorsements are a handful of lightning-rod topics this organization
doesn’t shy away from discussing.
Economic development in Anoka County
has long been a driving force in MetroNorth’s
history. The Chamber of Commerce frequently allies with groups sometimes at
odds with business, and each other. Longterm gain is the goal.
A seemingly far-fetched idea hatched in the
Governor’s office in St. Paul resulted in
the National Sports Center development in
Blaine. An otherwise inconspicuous suburb
2
started finding itself a destination for families
and their soccer-playing kids from all over
the area. Developers and investors took note.
The surrounding flat, undeveloped land
caught the eye of the private sector, and
soon the TPC Twin Cities was carved out
of sod farms. Government and business
worked together to further each other’s
goals. A government’s welcome-ness to
business brings jobs and a diversified tax
base. Businesses bring opportunities, ideas,
and the balance of risks for profit. Success
breeds success.
Collaboration can bring synergy. Business
and government can, and should, work
together. A pro-business government helps,
too. We all need to work together to bring
more economic opportunities to this area.
Investment and vision have a cost. So, too,
does short-sightedness and failure. Where
business and capitalism succeeds, so too,
do ‘we the people.’
This year’s Retreat will undoubtedly bring
thoughtful, insightful discussions to myriad
topics specific to Anoka County business.
Expect nothing less. The Retreat brings
passion and commitment to the table. Stay
tuned. The best is yet to come!
T
2011 Board of Directors:
3 New Faces!
Patty Sagert is the Campus Director for
Rasmussen College’s Blaine Campus.
While they just opened their doors in
2010, Patty has had much chamber
experience from being on the Board
at the Eden Prairie Chamber. Patty
has shown her interest in MetroNorth
by holding a chamber open house,
developing business relationships with
many MetroNorth members, hosting a
Patty Sagert
membership luncheon and becoming
active in committees and events. She looks to serve on
the board to “deepen her commitment to the community,
to give back, and to serve as an advocate for all local
businesses.”
he MetroNorth Chamber had a record number of
members apply for a position with our 2011 Board of
Directors. The Board’s Nominating Committee reviewed
the applications, stratified the current Board composition,
and used a matrix (such as gender, geographic location,
business size, etc) to help them select candidates.
In September, the full 2010 Board of Directors voted to
accept three candidates for the open seats: Ted Erhart of
Trott Brook Financial; Jess Robertson of PTL Tire & Auto,
and Patty Sagert of Rasmussen College – Blaine Campus.
Ted Erhart has been a chamber member for three years, representing small
business and the financial industry.
Ted currently works at Trott Brook
Financial in Ramsey and is a board
member with the Nowthen Lions. He
has been active in the Ambassador,
Marketing, Membership and Young
Professional committees, was on the
last membership drive, and attends
Ted Erhart
many events. Ted has spent his entire
life in this community and is “looking forward to giving
back the community that has given so much to me.”
These 3 nominees will be formally voted on and approved
at the December annual meeting and will officially assume
Board duties in January 2011. Many thanks to the Board’s
Nominating Committee for their hard work as well as
everyone who applied.
Text ‘metronorth’ to
91944!
Jess Robertson’s family owns and
operates PTL Tire & Auto in Ham Lake,
which has been a member for 10 years.
Jess currently chairs the Gala committee, chaired the 2010 Membership
Appreciation Party, and has been
active with the Membership, Wine,
and Young Professionals committees.
PTL Tire has sponsored Chamber 101,
Jess Robertson 5th Friday Sunrise, and a Sunset. Jess
“believes in our Chamber and the
direction that it is taking,” and will use her leadership to
“continue to bring incentive and valid input to the innerworkings of MetroNorth.”
Want to be on our VIP list? Receive
special invitations and event reminders? Then text ‘metronorth’ to 91944.
You will receive periodic messages on
your mobile phone, such as reminders
about Sunsets or exclusive opportunities such as drawings for free stuff!
(Standard text rates apply, you may
opt out at any time.)
Thank You
What’s your
Grand Casino story?
Payroll Control Systems
for handling the Chamber Payroll.
Schedule your company’s meeting or party.
Call 877-447-2631.
Payroll Control Systems:
(763) 513-5951
3
UPCOMING EVENTS
October Friday Sunrises:
October 1, 8, 15 & 29!
It must be harvest season,
because October is a ‘bumper crop’ of Sunrise opportunities!
Friday, October 1 will be at Perkins on Hwy 65 and 242,
Blaine (12545 Ulysses Street). Over 30 people attended
the September 3 breakfast at Perkins – and that was
Labor Day weekend, to boot! Be sure you make time to
attend and meet these new faces and businesses!
Friday, October 8 Elizabeth and Scott Bromley are opening up their farm – Anoka County Farms - for a Sunrise
Networking Breakfast from 7:30-9 am. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast buffet in a festive fall setting. Everyone will
receive a free pumpkin, along with a chance to win door
prizes and a HUGE pumpkin by Guessing the Correct
Weight. You may buy additional pumpkins, gourds and
other seasonal harvested items that day too. Anoka
County Farms is located at 125 Bunker Lake Blvd. in
Ham Lake. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to network!
Bring business cards and promotional materials to
exchange. RSVP by October 5th.
Friday, October 15 is at the Old Country Buffet, 3580
Main Street, Coon Rapids. Be sure to get there by 7:30
am to ensure you have plenty of time for some preevent networking!
The October 1, 8 and 15 Sunrises are just $10 for
members and $15 for not-yet members; prepayment
or payment at the door required. RSVP to chamber@
metronorthchamber.org.
Friday, October 29 is our 5th Friday Sunrise! We’ll be
at Panera Bread, 12465 Riverdale Blvd Coon Rapids.
A fantastic breakfast will be served, and we’ll still have
our commercials and business card exchange. There’s
no charge for this Sunrise, but an RSVP is requested.
THANK YOU
METRO NORTH
MEMBERS
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
“Kickoff to 2011….A Gala Like No Other!”
RU ready for some football??? Join us
on Friday, January 28th at The Venue
(BeBops) for a fabulous football-filled
night. The night will begin with some
pre-game warm up activities at 5 pm,
followed by kickoff (dinner), a fantastic
half-time show, and post-game games to
end the night. Tickets are the same as last
year: $60. However, if you purchase your tickets prior to
December 15, you may receive 2 for $100. Now that’s a
deal that even a scalper can’t give!
Holiday Online Auction
Nov 15-19 2010
The MetroNorth Chamber is holding a community-wide online auction. We will be aggressively marketing
this to the entire community and encouraging them to bid on products and services
from local businesses.
When the potential bidder goes to our auction site, they
will not only see the products and services but logos of
the company and a direct link to the company’s website.
If you would like to donate an item to this auction, let
us know. All proceeds will benefit the operating fund of
the chamber, and in return, you’ll receive a lot of
marketing exposure to the entire community! Email
chamber@metronorthchamber.org or call 763.783.3553.
An Afternoon with Mark Stutrud
CEO of Summit Brewery
December 9, 4 pm, TPC Blaine
“The year was 1986. Halley’s Comet had people predicting the apocalypse, nuclear power plants were melting down, and spiked hair, for some reason, was more
popular than ever. But somehow, a bronze bubbly ray
of hope called Summit Brewing Company managed to
open for business.”
The MetroNorth Chamber is pleased to announce that
Mark Stutrud, founder and CEO of Summit Brewery, is
our 2010 Annual Meeting keynote speaker. He’ll share
his journey from his vision in 1986 to the successful
company he leads today. $20 for members, $25 for
not-yet members, which includes hot hord’oevers and
a Summit beer!
4
#
Ribbon Cutting
The Original Basket Boutique: Whether for corporate gifts or designing
a unique basket line with a special theme, we stock a variety of premium foods and products to satisfy the most varied discriminating tastes
and preferences. The result is an innovative and personalized gift
creation to meet each client’s exclusive requirements. 1.877.622.8008 or
http://www.obbminneapolisnorth.com.
Ambassadors Present:
Kari Hefnider, American Family Insurance – Kari Hefnider Agency
Bart Tooker, Cabin Tunes
Linda LaFrenier, Stonebridge Kitchens
Christina Akinola, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union
Betty O’Leary, Rassmussen College - Blaine Campus
2011 Ambassador Chair is
Announced
Applications for the Ambassador
Committee Now Being Accepted!
The Ambassador Committee is pleased to
announce that it has elected a 2011 chair.
Kari Hefnider of American Family Insurance
will take over the reigns from Bart Tooker,
the current chair. Kari is excited to lead this
group forward into 2011. Kari has been an
integral part of this committee for years;
in fact, in August she was showcased in
the newsletter as Ambassador of the Month. Thanks to Kari
for her commitment to this group. Also thanks to Bart for his
leadership in 2010.
The Ambassador Committee has a limited number of spots
open on their committee. If you are interested in joining the
Ambassador committee, contact MetroNorth for an application.
The Ambassadors meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
at 4 pm. It’s a great way to develop relationships and network
with other chamber members who are outgoing and fun! It’s
also a great way to connect with new members, highlight your
own business, attend ribbon cuttings, be a part of the community, and be a welcoming face and voice for the MetroNorth
chamber.
MetroNorth
Chamber
ThankThank
You You
Metro
North Chamber
Leadership Fund
for for
Your
Endorsement!
Your
Endorsement!
 Trusted Leadership  Fiscally Responsible
 Community Focused  Personal Integrity
Relevant Experience  Proven Ability
Prepared and paid for by the Stuart for Sheriff Volunteer Committee, P.O. Box 323, Anoka, MN 55303
www.StuartforSheriff.com
www.StuartforSheriff.com 5
Members in the News:
Village Bank Vice President Aleesha Kveton has been
named to the Village Bank Board of Directors and
approved by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC). “As Owner of Village Bank, I’m proud of Aleesha’s
commitment to building a Bank that is financially strong,
dedicated to its community, and to building a team
committed to professionalism and integrity. As a father,
I’m honored to have her at my side to continue my vision
of building strong relationships with our customers, and
I’m proud of her growth from Teller to Vice President.”
said Don Kveton, Owner and CEO.
so many wonderful leaders, innovators and business
owners,” shared Kveton, “I feel it is my obligation to
give back and always be searching for ways to take the
banking industry to another level.”
Kveton’s relationship with customers, focus on
technology, understanding of operations and superior
communication skills will be a tremendous asset to
an already strong Board of Directors. Kveton believes
strongly in networking, community involvement, industry
and especially family. “I have been fortunate to have met
Village Bank is a family-owned bank with a strong
commitment to the community including supporting
the Anoka County Food Shelves and numerous school
and community events. There are four Village Banks in
Anoka County including the cities of St. Francis, East
Bethel, Anoka-Ramsey, and Blaine.
Kveton graduated in May of 2010 with a Masters in
Business Administration (MBA) from the University of
St. Thomas where she also received her undergraduate
degree. Kveton is currently enrolled, and has completed
her first year, in the Graduate School of Banking in
Madison, Wisconsin.
August 2010 New Members: Welcome!
Jet’s Pizza
Chris Wotrang- Owner
3507 Round Lake Blvd.
Anoka, MN 55303
Ph: (763) 432-4555
www.jetspizza.com
Restaurants
CAP Systems
Charity Huberty- Owner/Operator
2261 11th St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Ph: (651) 592-1114
www.capsystems.biz
Business & Professional Services
Metro Gun Club
Rick Wilder- Owner
10601 Naples St NE
Baline, MN 55449
Ph: (763) 786-5880
www.metrogunclub.com
Shooting Range
G & K Massage Therapy
Kia Vang & Ger Thao Saypannha- Owners
543 Coon Rapids Blvd. Suite B
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Ph: (763) 432-0648
www.gandk.massagetherapy.com
Massage Therapy & Day Spa
Thrive for Wellness
LeAnn Beebe- Owner
1573 154th Ave NW, Suite 106
Andover, MN 55304
Ph: (763) 434-6077
www.thriveforwellness.org
Health & Wellness
Casa Rio Tex Mex
Jay Estenson- Owner/Operator
201 Jackson St.
Anoka, MN 55303
Ph: (763) 205-2427
www.casarioanoka.com
Restaurants
Otis Concessions
Steve Otis- Owner
931 Andover Blvd. NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
Ph: (763) 434-1797
www.otisconcessions.com
Catering
August 2010 Renewals:
Thanks for Your Continued Support
Alexandra House
Andover KinderCare
LivInn Suites
Bob’s Produce Ranch
Mary T, Inc.
Signs Now
Fountains of Ramsey
Law Enforcement Targets, Inc.
Cloverleaf Courts
Minnesota School of Business
SevenHills Benefit Partners
Northwest Passage High School
Bank of the West- Blaine
Pavement Resources, Inc.
All Source
DFS Communications, Inc.
Office Depot #2600
Betmar Languages
6
Representative Denise Dittrich
BridgeLink
Financial One Credit Union
Micron Metalworks, Inc.
Quality Inn- Northtown
Avis Rent-A-Car
Pawn America Minnesota
YMCA- Coon Rapids
Andover Cinema
Membership
Appreciation
Party Highlights:
Stephanie Szeremeta painting Tom
Snell’s face with a rainbow.
Jack McKimm, Stephanie Szeremeta,
Jackie Whitman and Carolyn Furst
watching the dunk tank.
Roger Johnson enjoying a corn dog.
Participants at the Dessert Walk.
Jess Robertson getting ready to dunk
Dean and Chris Johnson enjoying dinner.
Otis Concessions handing out corn dogs.
Providing Employment Solutions
Minnesota School of Business
130 Years of quality in higher education
A leader in private education for business and industry Career Services
We partner with employers to ensure our graduates have current, employable skills.
All services for our employers are free of charge. MSB offers college programs –
leading to master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, professional certificates and
diplomas. In addition, our institution must uphold standards of accreditations and
professional memberships. We invite you to register as an active employer through
our website and contact us regarding any of the following.
Posting a position
Suggesting curriculum changes
Requesting an intern
Serving as a guest lecturer
Scheduling a recruiting visit Serving on a program advisory committee
Hosting a company tour
For personal assistance and questions contact the Career Services Department at 763-225-8000
Thanks for the endorsement,
Address: 9298 Central Ave. NE, Suite 422, Blaine, MN 55434
MetroNorth
Chamber
Leadership Fund!
Ph: 612-805-1994
Email: Tony@ElectTonyPalumbo.com
www.ElectTonyPalumbo.com
Prepared and paid for by Palumbo for County Attorney, 9298 Central Ave. NE, Suite 422, Blaine, MN 7
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Anoka, MN 55303
Permit No. 287
9380 Central Ave. NE, Suite 320
Blaine, MN 55434
october 2010
sun
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Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
sat
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Fri, Oct 1
- 7:30 am: Sunrise, Perkins, Blaine
Mon, Oct 4 - 4 pm: Golf Committee, Chamber office
Tue, Oct 5
- 8 am: Executive Committee, chamber office
Wed, Oct 6 - 7:30 am: Gov’t Affairs Committee, Nicklow’s
4:44 pm: Wine Committee, Bricks Pub
Fri, Oct 8
- 7:30 am, Sunrise at Anoka County Farms, Ham Lake
Tue, Oct 12 - 4 pm: Ambassador Committee, chamber
Wed, Oct 13 - Deadline for Advertising in MetroNorth’s next issue
Please call Colleen at 763-712-3521
Fri, Oct 15 - 7:30 am: Sunrise, Old Country Buffet, Coon Rapids
Sat, Oct 16 - 7:45 am: Be Your Own Boss, AR Training Center
Mon, Oct 18 - 4 pm: BEL Committee, Chamber
Wed, Oct 20 - 8 am, Marketing Committee, Chamber
-11:30 am: Membership Committee, Casa Rio Tex Mex,
Anoka
Mon, Oct 25 - 5 pm: Sunset After Hours, Two Stooges
Thu, Oct 28 - 4 pm: Young Professionals Committee, CRU
Fri, Oct 29 - 7:30 am: 5th Friday Sunrise, Panera, Coon Rapids
Business Owners:
Tired of paying high credit card processing fees?
FREE analysis of your statement!
Craig
Blaine Sr. Vice President
ANOKA-RAMSEY
7125 Riverdale Drive (Hwy 10)
www.villagebankonline.com
763-398-8000
Amy
AVP, Business Development
Officer
Oliver
VP, Lending
Gary
Vice Chairman of the Board
BLAINE
EAST BETHEL
ST. FRANCIS
763-780-2100
763-398-8050
763-753-3007
9298 Central Ave. NE
18770 Hwy 65 NE
3350 Bridge Street NW