Social Media and Your Business - MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce

Volume 23 • No. 9 • September 2010
Vision statement: The bold, innovative voice for business success.
Table of Contents:
Social Media.......... p 1
Oktoberfest............ p 1
Business Expo....... p 1
Board of
Directors................ p 2
Event Recap.......... p 2
Message from
the Chair................ p 3
Texting.................... p 3
Social Media and Your Business
Thursday, September 16, Noon
D
oes your business have a Facebook page?
Are you thinking about it? Whether you are
new to Facebook, scared of Facebook, or think
you know a lot about it, be sure to come to this
meeting to learn hands-on tips, tricks and proper
etiquette for business Facebook pages!
Our presenter is Mary Pokluda, a local small
business owner who is well-known for her social
media savvy. She helps clients find the best way
to approach social media for their business, then
helps them in any capacity they need assistance;
from creating their profile & fan page or working
on content to creating systems to help them
manage their social media applications.
Mary will also cover other aspects of social
media, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, so that you
are on top of keeping your business fresh and
top of mind.
Join us at Rasmussen College, Blaine Campus
at 11:30 am for networking and lunch; program
begins at 12 pm. Only $15 for members and $20
for non-members.
Upcoming
Events.................... p 4
Be Your
Own Boss.............. p 4
Ribbon
Cuttings................. p 5
New Members
and Renewals........ p 6
Members in
the News............... p 6
Online Auction....... p 7
September Calendar
of Events............... p 8
Chamber@metronorthchamber.org
www.metronorthchamber.org
Lori Higgins, President
Jody Paulson, Membership Director
Andrea Ferngren, Admin. Assistant
Thursday, September 23
4:59 pm Happy Hour - Tasting at 6:02 pm
This is another ‘don’t miss’ Wine Committee
event! Join us for an exclusive Oktoberfest beer
tasting at Paddy Wagon’s restaurant in Coon
Rapids.
We will taste five (5) of Summit’s finest regular
and seasonal beers, while enjoying traditional
Oktoberfest foods. So come to this Irish bar for
some German food and Minnesota brew, while
enjoying friendship and networking amongst
chamber members of all shapes and sizes!
Only $15 to reserve your spot; space is limited.
Prost!
MetroNorth
Business Expo at
Northtown Mall
Saturday, November 13, 11am-2 pm
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!
To reserve your table, download an application at
www.metronorthchamber.org.
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
A Night with the Stars
was a night to remember!
embers who attendM
ed the July 21
NSC Stars soccer game
received VIP treatment!
An air-conditioned hospitality suite with dinner
catered by Noodles &
Company started off the
evening. The party moved
to the terrace and the
beer deck once the game
began.
Dean Prince, Tidbits,
Tracy Jares, SPIRE,
Dean Prince, John Connelly, Tracy Jares,
and Casey Boydstun,
Casey Boydstun
Country Financial, each
won an opportunity to
kick a goal at half-time. Although Tracy and Casey were stopped by the ‘super fan
goalie,’ Dean Prince managed to score, which also won him a golf package to Victory
Links! Although, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that on a previous attempt, Dean
kicked the soccer ball over the wall and onto the hood of the nearby ambulance.
What a kick that was!
It was a fun night and many thanks to John Connelly and the National Sports Center
for hosting this fun event!
The CEO of HealthPartners, Mary Brainerd, spoke to our
August membership meeting attendees about leadership and
how HealthPartners works to meet the needs of the community
as well as their employees.
Mary Brainerd
An interesting portion of the presentation was when Ms. Brainerd
referenced the major change in obesity rates. In the late 1980’s,
obesity rates in adults hovered around15% or less. Today, that
number has skyrocketed. Almost all states have 20-29% of their
adult population considered obese, with a few states over 30%.
This trend has a dramatic effect on healthcare as well as employers who provide health care insurance.
If you missed this meeting, check out the video on our website.
Excellence
in Business
Task Force
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, 2010.
If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more, contact the
Chamber. We’d love to hear from you!
2
Message from the Board Chair
By Tom Newland, Allegra Print & Imaging
A
popular thought on the economy says “flat is
the new up.” Disheartening to hear, scary to
experience, isn’t it? So, what are we going to do
about it? More to the point, what are YOU going to
do about it? You joined the Chamber of Commerce,
that’s a plus. Belonging to MetroNorth simply to
support the efforts of a greater business voice
in the market area is a great benefit and greatly
appreciated. There is power in numbers. Elected
officials and others listen when the Chamber of
Commerce speaks. The voice isn’t always without
dissenting opinions, but it does get heard.
even be in the top three of four reasons for a vendor relationship. It may be reliability, it may be quality, it may be flexibility in working within a budget,
or it may be umpteen other things.
How about starting with a question, or, better
yet, starting with a plan? Joining MetroNorth is
easy. Working it to mutual advantage takes some
thought, not much, but some. Have a plan, target
some businesses, get to know people, have fun,
and get involved.
“I didn’t get any business from the Chamber” is a
cop-out reason when members don’t renew. What
What about helping you grow your business,
events did you attend? Who did you meet? What
though? That’s where you need to take the lead.
did you do to make connections? These are all
MetroNorth members are your greatest supporters.
common follow-up questions with member exit
All you need do is ask them.
interviews. The most common answer? Nothing.
“Hi, I’m Tom with Allegra, and we’re a member of Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce. Chamber
Here’s my favorite: the Chamber is focused on netmembers get 10% off all printing . . . .” Whoa,
working geared to small business. Really? I bought
there, Tommy Boy! Nice start, but let’s try asking
my building – a half million dollar deal – through a
some questions before leading off with a discount.
MetroNorth connection. Think big, get big results,
For that matter, what if price isn’t a big focus for
but have a plan. MetroNorth should be a part of
this contact? Price is often a factor, but it may not
that plan. Now it’s up to you to work the plan.
Text ‘metronorth’ to 91944!
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.)
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We can build anywhere in MN or WI
Schedule your company’s meeting or party.
Call 877-447-2631.
We Built It (Again)!
See plans, pictures & details at:
www.TJBHomes.com
3
Sundays 8/7c on ABC
763-780-2944
UPCOMING EVENTS
September Friday Sunrises:
August 3 & 17
Join us at our monthly sunrise
networking breakfasts. This is
a great opportunity to showcase your business and look for referrals from other chamber
members!
Friday, September 3 will be at Perkins on Hwy 65 and 242,
Blaine (12545 Ulysses Street). Join us at this new location!
Same format, same price!
Friday Sept 17 is at the Old Country Buffet, 3580 Main Street,
Coon Rapids. This group keeps growing, so be sure to get
there by 7:30 am to ensure you have plenty of time for some
pre-event networking!
Be Your
Own Boss!
October 16, 7:45 - 11:15 am
Anoka Ramsey Community College Training Center
Ok, most likely you already have a business. But if you know
someone who is interested in starting a business then be sure
you tell them about our “Be Your Own Boss” workshop, to be
held on National Boss’ Day, Saturday, October 16.
Dr. Richard Brynteson, a motivational speaker and professor
at Concordia University, will keynote the workshop. Three
breakout sessions will ensue:
Success Factors to Make the Leap
How to Analyze a Potential New Business Opportunity
Joe Hesch - Anoka Ramsey Community College, Center for
Entrepreneurship.
Come to one or both, but either way, be prepared to tell us
about your business and what sort of referral we can give
YOU. Bring lots of business cards too!
How to Get a Lender to Say Yes
Diane Paterson - MicroEnterprise Development Director at
WomenVenture.
Just $10 for members and $15 for not-yet members; prepayment or payment at the door required.
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
Chamber 101
Thursday, September 16, 8:15 am
If you are new to the chamber or want info on how to maximize your ROI for your chamber investment, then attend this
one-hour session at the Chamber. Learn about ways to get
involved, what a 60-second commercial is and how to create
one, and all the ins & outs of the MetroNorth Chamber.
Event is from 7:45 - 11:15 am & is only $10. This is open to the
public so don’t hesitate to let others know of this great opportunity to learn the ropes of being a successful entrepreneur.
Visit www.metronorthchamber.org for more details!
You’ll also meet other new members as well hear best practices from others who are long-standing, successful chamber
members. No investment, but RSVP appreciated.
Thank You
Payroll Control Systems
for handling the Chamber Payroll.
Payroll Control Systems:
(763) 513-5951
4
#
Ribbon Cutting
Laine’s Finnish-ing Touch Services, Inc is owned by Pertti Laine. According
to Pertti, ‘I’m proud to be a member of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce
and look forward to many years of service in the community. My company offers
all aspects of home, and light commercial, maintenance and upgrades. We
bring craftsmanship with attention to detail, and all the most vital components
~ honesty, integrity, respect and reliability to all our jobs.” Contact Pertti at 952380-6607 for more information.
Also, congratulations to Jim Huff of Achieve Services for winning a gift certificate from Pertti at the ribbon cutting!
Rasmussen College Blaine campus, 3629 95th Ave, held a grand opening and
ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday August 12th. The MetroNorth chamber
helped us cut the inaugural ribbon. We had a pig roast, campus tours that
included interactive simulators for the Law Enforcement program and Nursing
program. In addition we had a photo booth where people could create a lasting memory of the event. Thanks to everyone that helped us celebrate! www.
rasmussen.edu/
AmBASSador of the Month:
Our July AND August AmBASSador of the month is Kari Hefnider! Kari recently opened
her own American Family Insurance agency, yet still finds times to be an active member
of the MetroNorth Chamber. Kari is a regular participant in the Friday Sunrise breakfast
group and is an active member of the Ambassador Committee. Her commitment to new
members, current members, and the MetroNorth Chamber is truly commendable and we
thank you for your dedication to our members and our organization!
Ambassadors Present:
Kari Hefnider, American Family Insurance –
Kari Hefnider Agency
Damian Kussian, North Metro TV
Stephanie Savage, M&I Bank
Mandi Zaffke, Your Exchange Check Cashing
Deb Barbeln, Independent Beauty Consultant
Bart Tooker, Cabin Tunes
Robin Allen, Pyschic
Mary Peterson, Greater Midwest Realty
5
July 2010 New Members: Welcome!
BAE Systems
Debra Parsons- Communications
Manager
4800 East River Road
Fridley, MN 55421
Ph: (763) 572-6543
www.baesystems.com
Defense Industry
KTIS Radio/Northwestern College
Theresa Berset-Klis- Account
Manager
3003 Snelling Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55113
Ph: (651) 631-5033
www.ktis.fm
Radio/Media
YAC- Your Area Code
Johnny Klein- Sales Manager
3230 Broadmoor SE
Suite C
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Ph: (763) 489-8884
www.yourareacode.com
Marketing Services
Anoka County United
Leonard Gandel- Executive Director
10603 Pierce St. NE
Blaine, MN 55434
Ph: (612) 750-0845
www.anokacountyunited.org
Economic Development
Asset Strategies Company
Criag Gordon- President
P.O. Box 32622
Fridley, MN 55432
Cell: (612) 723-7516
Ph: (763) 571-8285
www.gordonenterprises.com
CPR & First Aid Training
Memories N More Photobooths
Laura Merrigan- Owner
1019 111th Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55434
Ph: (763) 785-1590
www.memoriesandmorephotobooth.com
Entertainment/Rentals
Select Comfort
Adam Jensen- Store Manager
12609 Riverdale Blvd NW Suite 111
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Ph: (763) 201-0958
www.sleepnumber.com
Shopping- Specialty
Jolynn Erikson & Associates
21471 Ulysses St NE
East Bethel, MN 55011
Ph: (763) 434-2343
Accounting/Tax Preparation
Orange Lily Floral Boutique
Terri & Darlene Johnson- Co-owners
2823 Northdale Blvd. NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Ph: (763) 755-5459
www.coonrapidsorangelilyfloral.com
Florist
Sarah Gordon- Professional
Organizer & Home Storage
2857 124th Cicle
Blaine, MN 55449
Ph: (612) 810-4096
www.sarahfgordon.com
Walter Bell- Individual
3061 164th Ave NW
Andover, MN 55304
Ph: (612) 978-4036
Bunker Hills Activity Center/Anoka
County Parks
Jennifer Fink-Marketing & Visitor
Services Manager
550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304
Ph: (763) 757-3950
Fax: (763) 755-0230
www.anokacountyparks.com
Recreation/Meeting Facilities
State Farm Insurance- Maria D.
Agency
Maria Dierkhising- Owner
7091 Hwy 65 NE
Fridley, MN 55432
Ph: (763) 571-4243
www.mariadagency.com
Insurance/Banking
Pink Blue
Rick Cuneo- Director of Real Estate
715 Florida Ave S
Golden Valley, MN 55428
Ph: (763) 354-7465
Fax: (763) 545-1455
www.pink-blue.com
Real Estate
July 2010 Renewals:
Thanks for Your Continued Support
Park Dental- Coon Rapids
ABRA Auto Body & Glass- Coon Rapids
Aveda
Majestic Oaks Golf Club
Travel Leaders
Captive Elements
Education MN
COSTCO
HomeTown Plumbing
Northtown Imports & Domestics, Inc.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Unity Cooperative Council, LLC
Keller Williams Classic Realty- Brett Nelson
Volunteers of America
Friendly Chevrolet
Paul Meunier
SPIRE Federal Credit Union- Blaine Branch
THANK YOU
METRO NORTH MEMBERS
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
6
The MetroNorth Chamber
2010 Online Auction
Extravaganza
November 15-19, 2010
We invite you to feature your business during the prime holiday shopping season
by donating an item to our exciting Online Auction fundraiser event.
Your donated item will support the MetroNorth Chamber while allowing us to:
Showcase your company to the community
Maximize your internet exposure
Put your logo & a direct link to your company’s website
List your business in marketing materials and publicity
Let us promote your business to the entire community.
Donate an online auction item today!
For more information:
www.metronorthchamber.org
email jody@metronorthchamber.org
or 763-783-3553. Thank you for your support!
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9380 Central Ave. NE, Suite 320
Blaine, MN 55434
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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Fri, Sept 3
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Thur, Sept 16
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Mon, Sept 20
Thur, Sept 23
Thur, Sept 30
- 7:30 am: Gov’t Affairs Committee, Nicklow’s
4:44 pm: Wine Committee, Majors
- 7:30 am: Sunrise, Old Country Buffet, Perkins
- 7:30 am: Board Meeting, Chamber
- Chamber 4 pm: Ambassador Committee, Chamber
- Deadline for Advertising in MetroNorth’s next issue
Please call Colleen at 763-712-3521
- 8:00 am: Marketing Committee, Chamber
11:30 am: Membership Committee, Two Stooges
- 8:15 am, Chamber 101, Chamber
Noon, Membership Meeting, Rasmussen College
- 7:30 am: Sunrise, Old Country Buffet, Coon Rapids
- 4 pm: BEL Committee, Chamber
- 5 pm: Oktoberfest, Paddy Wagon’s
- 4 pm: Young Professionals Committee, Andover Cinema
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