Spring 2015 - Microsoft...Spring 2015 Join the best company for the finest golf experience you’ll have this year. High Noon in June is NHACC’s 2015 Golf Classic! It’s a best

In this issue: Page

2015 Golf Classic 1

One In The Chamber 2

Leadership Forum 4

2015 Chamber Gala 5

Committee News 6

Maple Grove Prayer Breakfast; 9Chief Werner, Master Certification

Chamber Member Events 10

City News 12

Welcome New Members 15

NORTH HENNEPIN AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCEPromoting Success... Serving Members

1

Spring 2015

Join the best company for the finest golf experienceyou’ll have this year.

High Noon in June is NHACC’s 2015 Golf Classic!It’s a best ball scramble, so bring your ringer, and remember,

You don’t have to golf well to have a blast with the best! Early bird deals end May 15, so don’t delay, sign up today.

See inside newsletter for detailed registration form. Mark your calendar, clean up your sticks and get on board

as a sponsor and/or a player!

Join the best company for the finest golf experience you’ll have this year.

High Noon in June in NHACCs 2015 Golf Classic!

It is a best ball scramble so bring your ringer, and remember,

You don’t have to golf well to have a blast with the best!

Early bird deals end May 15 so don’t delay, sign up today.

See inside newsletter for detailed registration form.

Mark your calendar, clean up your sticks and get on board

As a Sponsor and/or a player!

Join the best company for the finest golf experience you’ll have this year.

High Noon in June in NHACCs 2015 Golf Classic!

It is a best ball scramble so bring your ringer, and remember,

You don’t have to golf well to have a blast with the best!

Early bird deals end May 15 so don’t delay, sign up today.

See inside newsletter for detailed registration form.

Mark your calendar, clean up your sticks and get on board

As a Sponsor and/or a player!

2

Continued...

One in the Chamber

Steve EricksonNHACC Executive Director

We’ve had a fabulously busy and productive quarter and I hope you have started to see things pop in your business arena as well. Our membership continues to grow, the State of the Cities was another smash hit, our Gala led by Rasmussen’s inimitable Naomi Mogard was a romping, stomping great time, and we launched our new LeaderShip Academy with a stellar inaugural led by 3rd District Congressman Erik Paulsen. It’s on the way to 13 weeks of remarkably valuable business and community service insights provided by over 30 contributors (you can still participate and you, in fact, should.)

Wait, there’s more: We reinvented our annual directory into a dynamic, full-color showcase magazine – a “singular business resource” - that more dramatically presents our members and communities, and we also made it into a true, online interactive version. Not to be stopped there, we introduced an all-new companion “app” called MemberPlus, created more events than any other business association in the NW Twin Cities – leading the way with Alan Page, Rich Stanek and (soon) Dave St. Peter of the Twins as headliners for our LeaderShip Forums. We introduced “ChamberBuilder,” the rewards program that earns you 25% of a newly referred member’s dues as an account credit. We’ve earned the strong support of our great cities and our state legislators. We introduced a payment plan that allows you to stretch out your dues for 3 or 6 months.

In sum, we collectively did everything we could to make this Chamber the driving force and catalyst for business/economic growth it must be.

This major league experience in excellence is only missing one thing, in my view: Enthusiastic, visionary participation from more of the members it benefits. Remember that we are driven by volunteers with a great cause – business improvement and community growth – who know what a gigantic payback they get through engagement in our committees and events. Please contact us and get yourself on board with a committee – from the splendid Ambassadors team through two Chamber Networking Groups, the Business/Education Partnership, Government Affairs, Young Professionals, Golf and Gala. Membership with NHACC is purely and simply a 50-50 deal: Your investment in time and talent will be matched by ours, and I would like to think that is pretty special. There is a great challenge and reward waiting for you to tap into it, so contact us right now and help lead the way!

Old Gold: I was reminded again just the other day that while we are breaking new ground in service to our members at every opportunity, there is an incredible list of member benefits already in place.

As a Chamber Member, You:

1. Carry the Chamber Membership badge of professionalism and integrity that is depended upon by the people you want as customers and prospects.

2. Enjoy the fact that Chamber membership delivers a “63% advantage” over non-members in terms of consumer preference, according to national surveys.

3. Share the excellence, experience and perhaps the best asset – wisdom – of hundreds of organizations.

4. Earn automatic membership for ALL of your employees when you join. We don’t know of any other association or chamber that provides this benefit.

5. Will be featured in an annual Regional Guide/Directory that reaches thousands of readers, coupled with its online equivalent that reaches even more in our 4 communities. Members get 3 free listings (alphabetical, “yellow page”, and representative) in our resource guide.

6. Gain the benefits of a vibrant, heavily-visited Chamber website and its built-in member directory and calendar of events, fed by every influential

One in the Chamber Chamber View Newsletter

Steve Erickson NHACC Executive Director We’ve had a fabulously busy and productive quarter and I hope you have started to see things pop in your business arena as well. Our membership continues to grow, the State of the Cities was another smash hit, our Gala led by Rasmussen’s inimitable Naomi Mogard was a romping, stomping great time, we launched our new LeaderShip Academy with a stellar inaugural led by 3rd District Congressman Eric Paulsen and it’s on the way to 13 weeks of remarkably valuable business and community service insights provided by over 30 contributors (you can still participate and you, in fact, should.) Wait, there’s more: We reinvented our annual directory into a dynamic, full-color showcase magazine – a “singular business resource” - that more dramatically presents our members and communities, and we also made it into a true, online interactive version. Not to be stopped there, we introduced an all-new companion “app” called MemberPlus, created more events than any other business association in the NW Twin Cities – leading the way with Alan Page, Rich Stanek and (soon) Dave St. Peter of the Twins as headliners for our LeaderShip Forums. We introduced “ChamberBuilder,” the rewards program that earns you 25% of a newly referred member’s dues as an account credit. We’ve earned the strong support of our great cities and our state legislators. We introduced a payment plan that allows you to stretch out your dues for 3 or 6 months.

organization in our four communities. That includes a new “MemberPlus” app version.

7. Gain the built-in benefit of being the answer to the oft-received question at the Chamber: “Can you refer a company that ….?”

8. Work with full-time marketing, sales and business-building staff who are truly an extension of your own – it’s part of the package.

9. Are constantly informed about and equipped with ideas that generate new business, new participants and improved performance, as well as reduce costs.

10. Are challenged with the remarkable depth and quantity of community events that are so much a part of successful citizenship and support throughout our area.

11. Participate in our EVPM3 member to member marketing program, which includes exclusive discounts and offers from over 20 members worth more than $1,400!

12. Can have Ribbon-Cutting and Open House Ceremonies – we’ll plan, promote and operate them at no cost to you.

13. Will have a website listing - Chamber members are linked for FREE on our website.

14. Can participate with our LinkedIn and Facebook networking extensions.

15. Get involved with our committees: Two Chamber Networking Groups (CNG), Government Affairs, Business Education Partnership, Gala, Ambassadors, Young Professionals and more.

16. Participate in Business Card Exchanges - Networking events increase your Chamber member contacts.

17. Can use our membership list to send your info to hundreds of business contacts in the area.

18. Advertise via E-mail blasts – we’ll help you design and write your message, then release it to our distribution list.

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One In The Chamber continued... 19. Keep informed and advertise in our ChamberView Newsletter - with business card and display advertisements or place an insert in the center section.

20. Can get Certificates of Origin (free to you, $100 to non-members).

21. Can use our Bulk Rate Mailing permit to save substantial postage cost.

22. Can use our fully-equipped Chamber Conference Room – just call Bonny and get on the schedule!

23. Receive a Chamber window decal and wall plaque.

For pennies a day, NHACC membership is perhaps the greatest value any progressive organization can find in a

time when maximum ROI from every dollar is an absolute.

That’s ROM - Return On Membership!

Jonathan Stuart, HTC, presenting at The LeaderShip Academy

Congressman Erik Paulsen, presenting at The LeaderShip Academy





A return visit by the Minnesota TWINS President, David St. Peter

And the 2015 NHACC Scholarship Winners to be announced!

Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Rush Creek Golf Club 11:15 AM – 1:00 PM

David St. Peter, MN TWINS President

At age 48, St. Peter begins his 26th year with the Twins. He joined the organization as an intern in 1990 and over his first decade with the franchise held a variety of positions including Pro Shop Manager, Communications Manager, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs. As the club president, the Twins established a new single season franchise attendance record in 2010 by attracting more than 3.2 million fans to Target Field while the team was recognized by ESPN as having the best stadium experience in all of professional sports. St. Peter has been part of a leadership team helping the franchise win six American League Central Division championships (2002‐04, 06 and 09‐10). During St. Peter’s leadership tenure, the Twins have twice been named “Organization of the Year” by Baseball America (2002 and 04). In 2006, the entire Twins organization was recognized as the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s “Sports Person of the Year.” Additionally, each year NHACC awards scholarships to area high school students ‐ and we'll be announcing the winners of the 2015 scholarships at this luncheon! Don't miss this opportunity to not only meet David St. Peter, but also to support some of the areas brightest kids that will be receiving one of our scholarships. Below is a picture from our 2014 luncheon featuring our 2014 Scholarship Recipients, Jennifer Byers, MN Chamber, and Steve Erickson.

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Added Feature: Annual Scholarship Awards!

Additionally, each year NHACC awards scholarships to area high school students - and we’ll be announcing the winners of the 2015 scholarships at this luncheon! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet David St. Peter, and also to support some of the area’s brightest kids who will be receiving one of our scholarships. Pictured below from our 2014 luncheon are our 2014 Scholarship Recipients; Charlene Briner, MN Dept. of Education and Steve Erickson.

And the 2015 NHACC Scholarship Winners will be announced!

David St. Peter, Minnesota TWINS President
















Scholarships

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Thank you to our 2015 Chamber Gatsby Gala

Attendees, Donors, Sponsors

We appreciate your tremendous support!

NHACC would like to extend a special thank you to Gala Committee Chair, Naomi Mogard, Rasmussen College, for a gala that was creative, energetic and loads of fun! We are

grateful for Naomi’s leadership and dedication to our largest annual fundraiser, and we are thankful to all of those who helped to make it another spectacular Gala event.

AccessAbilityACE Solid WasteAcendas TravelAmericana Community BankAnytime Fitness OsseoBenihanaBiaggi’s RistoranteBlue Plate RestaurantsBob & Carl’s Auto BodyBOSCH PackagingBoulay, PLLPBroadway RentalBrook West Family DentistryBrooklyn Center American LegionCabela’sCambria SuitesCapital Advisory GroupCarlson Advisors, LLCCenterPoint EnergyChick-Fil-ACinema GrilleCladdagh Irish PubCold Stone CreameryComcast Business ServicesCorTrust BankCounselor RealtyCountry Inn & SuitesCRAVECrowne Plaza HotelsCRSA- Life Care ServicesCustom Business FormsDALE Studios Photography

Dave & Buster’s Device Pitstop-Maple GroveDistrict 279Diversified Plastics, IncDOJO KarateDoubleTree by HILTONEd’s Collision & GlassEdible ArrangementsEdinburgh USAEmbassy SuitesErbert & Gerbert’sEye Care CentersFairfield Inn & SuitesFastSigns Brooklyn CenterFirst Minnesota BankFrankie’s PizzaFreeman Law, PLLCGenisys, 2, LLCGirvan GrilleGrand Casino Mille Lacs/HinkleyGranite CityHarmon GlassHazelden Betty FordHennepin Carver Workforce CenterHennepin Technical CollegeHenningson & Shexell, LTDHerzing UniversityHoffmann & Swintek, LLCHome Depot StoresJune Long Justin Cox PhotographyKalina Wills Gisvold & Clark

Kalla Lily Salon & SpaKey CadillacKleinBankLucky’s Pub 13Lunderby PhotographyLuther Collision & GlassMalone’s Bar & GrillMaple Grove Comm. CenterMaple Grove HospitalMary Kay Cosmetics/Roni HigginsMills Fleet FarmMinneapolis NW CVBMN TWINS Baseball ClubMOCON, IncMoney Mailer Twin CitiesMongo’s GrillMonkey PicklesNational American UniversityNorth Hennepin Community CollegeOlympia CaféOrthology WellnessOsseo-MG American LegionParamount InsurancePearle Vision Maple GrovePittsburgh BluePremier BankPRIME Advertising & DesignPrimrose Schools of Champlin Park/Maple GrovePrinceton’s LiquorsPotbelly SandwichesQdoba Mexican Grill

Rasmussen CollegeRedstone GrilleRefuge Golf ClubRegus Office SpaceReliable MedicalRunning Aces Harness ParkRush Creek Golf ClubShoppes of Arbor LakesSimonson’s Salon & SpaSt. James HotelSt. Paul Saints BaseballSWARMTAP ResourcesTGI FridaysThrivent FinancialTimberwolvesTop2Bottom FashionsTopLine Federal Credit UnionTown PlannerTPC Twin CitiesTrader Joe’s Maple GroveTravel LeadersTreasure Island Resort & CasinoTwo Gingers Irish WhiskeyUS BankVenture BankWal-Mart StoresWarners’ StellianWiley PropertiesWoodhill FinancialXcel Energy

TUESDAY Chamber Networking Group (CNG)by Tony Rubasch, Chair

Tuesday (CNG) at Noon is the place to be if you want to experience true ingenuity in business networking. They are constantly thinking outside the box and working to inspire each other to new levels of prosperity. They offer a unique service where you can have your business S.W.O.T. analyzed by the group to receive valuable feedback. CNG Tuesday is chaired by Tony Rubasch of Graphic Relief and he says there are still a few spots open in the group. He wanted some of the CNG members to be able to offer you some business advice, so here it is.

Business Advice by CNG Tuesday Members:

“Be able to react quickly with the market. Those who don’t, get left behind.”Lenny Frolov - Resource Realty Group

“Think of your company brand as your face. If it looked in the mirror, would it like what it sees?”Tony Rubasch - Graphic Relief

“A smart and successful business owner should consider leveraging the changing demographics of a community with their needs for a diverse workforce by working with a community engagement consultant.”Nkem - TAP Resource Center

“Disaster can strike in many forms at any time. Make sure you’re properly protecting your business.”Katie Greil - American Family Insurance

“Building a professional, secure and functional website is just the beginning - that is why we use the Live Edit development platform. We also offer SEO and Social Media expertise to drive people to your website to drive your business.”Bob Maxwell - Elite Media Design

“The CNG group is the place where new managers and veteran managers and owners can come together to help each other advance and improve their techniques, networking skills and gain priceless hands-on experience to business challenges. This is one of the best investments you can make for your business. I have found the possibilities to be endless.”Wahidah Seraaj - ARK International Charitable Foundation

If you have not had the opportunity to attend this group and present your business, now is the time. CNG Tuesday meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at noon in the Chamber office.

Committee Articles

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AMBASSADOR COMMITTEEby Kristin Marthaler, Co-Chair

Ambassador Co-Chair, Kristin Marthaler, and former long-time Ambassador, June Long, attend recent Chamber’s Gatsby Gala!

A perk of being a Chamber Ambassador is being able to support amazing chamber events like the Gala that was recently held. Over half the committee was able to represent the Ambassadors at this year’s Chamber Gatsby Gala. A special thank-you to those on the Gala committee who put this together and to the Ambassadors who showed support.

Our Ambassador Group is in full swing with co-chairs Joe Lang, Thrivent Financial, and Kristin Marthaler, National American University. With 10 members meeting once a month, visiting 5-10 companies for “VIP Pop-Ins Visits,” the Ambassadors talk to the business owners, see how things are going and promote their own business as well. It’s a great way for chamber members to meet other members as well as to bring recognition to their business.

Ambassadors meet once a month at noon at the NHACC office. Pop-ins are done immediately after the meeting. If this is something you are interested in doing, contact [email protected] for more info.

Ambassador Co-Chair, Kristin Marthaler, and former long-time Ambassador, June Long, attend recent Chamber’s Gatsby Gala!

A perk of being a Chamber Ambassador is being able to support amazing chamber events like the Gala that was recently held. Over half the committee was able to represent the Ambassadors at this year’s Chamber Gatsby Gala. A special thank-you to those on the Gala committee who put this together and to the Ambassadors who showed support. Our Ambassador Group is in full swing with co-chairs Joe Lang, Thrivent Financial, and Kristin Marthaler, National American University. With 10 members meeting once a month, visiting 5-10 companies for “VIP Pop-Ins Visits,” the Ambassadors talk to the business owners, see how things are going and promote their own business as well. It’s a great way for chamber members to meet other members as well as to bring recognition to their business. Ambassadors meet once a month at noon at the NHACC office. Pop-ins are done immediately after the meeting. If this is something you are interested in doing, contact [email protected] for more info.

Committee Articles

Government Affairs Committeeby Joe Piket, Chair

The Government Affairs Committee has been busy this legislative session tracking legislative issues that are important to our members. While things like Universal Pre-K and huge budget surpluses are dominating the news out of St. Paul these days, there is other, more impactful legislation being crafted that business owners need to take note of. One of the legislative items being discussed, and gaining some traction around the country, is a package of bills called the Working Parents Act (WPA). This set of bills has quite a few concerning pieces, especially if you are a small business owner. One of the bills the WPA proposes is mandating that all Minnesota employers provide their employees with paid sick time, up to 70 hours a year of paid sick time for every employee! Most businesses employ people to have them at work and performing tasks that add value for their customers. When you have to pay for people to not be at work, those costs have to be absorbed or passed on to the customer and most small businesses simply can’t afford to handle this new benefit. In our view, businesses should be allowed to decide for themselves which benefits to offer their employees. They know what they need to do to stay competitive.

Continued on page 13

Thursday Chamber Networking Groupby Natalie Algaard, Chair

Your Thursday Chamber Networking Group was rockin’ into Spring with our Business Card Exchange on March 19th held at Dave and Buster’s. We thank them for hosting our event this year. The business card exchange is a way for current Chamber members to network with each other and to encourage visitors and prospective members to check out what the Chamber has to offer them and their businesses.

Our group had fun participating in the Gatsby Gala silent auction with our “Prohibition Survival Basket” featuring myriad creative “anti” prohibition items. During the past few months, we have enjoyed adding new members to our group and learning about the uniqueness of each of their businesses. Our meetings are full of energy and have produced many opportunities for us to help each other with establishing new clients and successful growth.

If you haven’t been to a Chamber Networking Group meeting, we are excited to have you attend and see what we’re all about. We meet at the Chamber office on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:00-1:00. If you have any questions about the CNG Thursday Chapter, please feel free to contact me at Paramount Insurance Agency, Inc., 763-788-0710; [email protected]

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Welcome Chairman Member ‐ Device Pitstop Maple Grove

Device Pitstop Owner, Teresa Swenson Device Pitstop Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening

Welcome Chairman Member - Device Pitstop Maple Grove

Device Pitstop Owner, Teresa Swenson Device Pitstop Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening

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Building Community and Business Leaders of Tomorrow

Creating a 360o Performance Perspective

Objectives: • Buildauniqueeducationalandinteractiveexperiencefor

current and potential leaders in business and community service and create a 3-dimensional profile for success (combining business and community engagement).

• Addvalueanddimensiontocontributors(Chamber,subject matter experts).

Target Audience: All interested adults; new or imminent managers; business owners wishing to complement their knowledge base; individuals pursuing a career path in business or government.

This is a terrific opportunity to participate in an incredible program. For more information, please contact Bonny; 763-424-6744; [email protected]

LeaderShip Academy Focus

1. Build Personal & Career Success2. Discover How LeaderShip is Earned, Not Bestowed3. See The Remarkable Value of Positive Partnerships with

Government 4. Get Involved and Engaged to Build a 3600 Command of

Your Future5. Build a Real Solution With Your Team

Components:

• Curriculum:Focusedonleadershipskillsforcontemporary business management and community service.

• Faculty:Combinationofsubjectmatterexpertsfrombusiness world successes, advanced learning institutions and permanent or elected government experts; eventually to include NHACC LeaderShip Academy graduates.

• Communitysupport–criticaltoestablishimmediateand continuing support from Chamber cities (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Osseo), including financial underwriting – creating the community leaders of tomorrow.

Building Community and

Business Leaders of Tomorrow Creating a 360o Performance

Perspective Objectives:

Build a unique educational and interactive experience for current and potential leaders in business and community service and create a 3-dimensional profile for success (combining business and community engagement).

Add value and dimension to contributors (Chamber, subject matter experts).

Target Audience: All interested adults; new or imminent managers; business owners wishing to complement their knowledge base; individuals pursuing a career path in business or government. So much to learn, this is a terrific opportunity to participate in an incredible program. For more information, please contact Bonny; 763-424-6744; [email protected]

LeaderShip Academy Focus 1. Build Personal & Career Success 2. Discover How LeaderShip is Earned, Not

Bestowed 3. See The Remarkable Value of Positive

Partnerships with Government 4. Get Involved and Engaged to Build a 3600

Command of Your Future 5. Build a Real Solution With Your Team

Components:

Curriculum: Focused on leadership skills for contemporary business management and community service.

Faculty: Combination of subject matter experts

from business world successes, advanced learning institutions and permanent or elected government experts; eventually to include NHACC LeaderShip Academy graduates.

Community support – critical to establish

immediate and continuing support from Chamber cities (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Osseo), including financial underwriting – creating the community leaders of tomorrow.

LeaderShip Academy Management by NHACC;

eventually including a TLA Advisory Board comprised of NHACC and content contributors to determine content, enhancements, approval of applicants (if applicable).

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Maple Grove Mayor’s Prayer BreakfastWith Keynote Speaker Mike Fairbourne,

formerly of WCCO-TV

Thursday, May 7, 2015MAPLE GROVE, MINN

Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson invites all faiths and interests to join him for the 11th annual prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place at 7:15 a.m. at Rush Creek Golf Club located at 7801 Country Road 101 in Maple Grove.

We’re excited to have as keynote speaker Mike Fairbourne, who you’ll remember as longtime WCCO-TV meteorologist. In addition, the morning event includes a buffet breakfast and a special performance by the Ave Maria Academy Chamber Choir.

Please note that seats are pre-sale only; advanced registration and payment are required by April 23rd. Sponsored tables are available for $300 for a table of 10, and individual seats are available at $25 each. Please contact Carol Morris at 763-494-6002 or [email protected] with any questions or to request a registration form.

Mayor Steffenson Says:“Don’t miss it!”

Chief Werner, Sheriff Stanek, Sergeant McDaniel

Maple Grove Police Chief Werner Receives State Chiefs Association Master Practitioner Certification

This past December the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) certified Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner as a Master Practitioner, the highest certification level in the association’s new credentialing program. Chief Werner was awarded the certification based on a review of his CLEO Certification application, which detailed his extensive law enforcement experience, academic achievements, community service, and professional contributions. A task force made up of members from law enforcement, higher education, the Department of Public Safety and the Post Board designed the criteria for certification and currently reviews all applications.

Chief Werner is among the first group of more than two dozen Minnesota police chiefs to receive the association certification. The MCPA, in conjunction with the POST Board, the League of Minnesota Cities, and members of higher education, unveiled the credentialing program in August 2014. “CLEO Certification is a continuing education and professional development program that provides Minnesota police chiefs and aspiring officers an ongoing roadmap to success,” MCPA Executive Director Andy Skoogman said. “If law enforcement leaders follow this framework, the MCPA believes they’ll be better prepared to manage the evolving challenges of their careers and serve their communities successfully.”

Chief Werner found it rewarding that the Maple Grove Police Department was among the first in the state to receive the certification. The department is respected as being a leader in the police profession, and this is an example of the agency’s commitment to professionalism and meeting the highest standards. For more information about the CLEO Certification program, visit www.mcpa.org

Maple Grove Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast With Keynote Speaker Mike Fairbourne,

formerly of WCCO-TV

Thursday, May 7, 2015 MAPLE GROVE, MINN

Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson invites all faiths and interests to join him for the 11th annual prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place at 7:15 a.m. at Rush Creek Golf Club located at 7801 Country Road 101 in Maple Grove. We’re excited to have as keynote speaker Mike Fairbourne, who you’ll remember as longtime WCCO-TV meteorologist. In addition, the morning event includes a buffet breakfast and a special performance by the Ave Maria Academy Chamber Choir. Please note that seats are pre-sale only; advanced registration and payment are required by April 23rd. Sponsored tables are available for $300 for a table of 10, and individual seats are available at $25 each. Please contact Carol Morris at 763-494-6002 or [email protected] with any questions or to request a registration form.

Mayor Steffenson Says: “Don’t miss it!”

Maple Grove Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast With Keynote Speaker Mike Fairbourne,

formerly of WCCO-TV

Thursday, May 7, 2015 MAPLE GROVE, MINN

Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson invites all faiths and interests to join him for the 11th annual prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place at 7:15 a.m. at Rush Creek Golf Club located at 7801 Country Road 101 in Maple Grove. We’re excited to have as keynote speaker Mike Fairbourne, who you’ll remember as longtime WCCO-TV meteorologist. In addition, the morning event includes a buffet breakfast and a special performance by the Ave Maria Academy Chamber Choir. Please note that seats are pre-sale only; advanced registration and payment are required by April 23rd. Sponsored tables are available for $300 for a table of 10, and individual seats are available at $25 each. Please contact Carol Morris at 763-494-6002 or [email protected] with any questions or to request a registration form.

Mayor Steffenson Says: “Don’t miss it!”

Chief Werner, Sheriff Stanek, Sergeant McDaniel

Maple Grove Police Chief Werner Receives State Chiefs Association Master Practitioner Certification

This past December the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) certified Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner as a Master Practitioner, the highest certification level in the association’s new credentialing program. Chief Werner was awarded the certification based on a review of his CLEO Certification application, which detailed his extensive law enforcement experience, academic achievements, community service, and professional contributions. A task force made up of members from law enforcement, higher education, the Department of Public Safety and the Post Board designed the criteria for certification and currently reviews all applications.

Chief Werner is among the first group of more than two dozen Minnesota police chiefs to receive the association certification. The MCPA, in conjunction with the POST Board, the League of Minnesota Cities, and members of higher education, unveiled the credentialing program in August 2014. “CLEO Certification is a continuing education and professional development program that provides Minnesota police chiefs and aspiring officers an ongoing roadmap to success,” MCPA Executive Director Andy Skoogman said. “If law enforcement leaders follow this framework, the MCPA believes they’ll be better prepared to manage the evolving challenges of their careers and serve their communities successfully.”

Chief Werner found it rewarding that the Maple Grove Police Department was among the first in the state to receive the certification. The department is respected as being a leader in the police profession, and this is an example of the agency’s commitment to professionalism and meeting the highest standards. For more information about the CLEO Certification program, visit www.mcpa.org

DoubleTree by HILTON Pop‐Ins Luther Auto Group Pop‐Ins

FastSigns Brooklyn Center Pop‐Ins Park Dental Brookpark Pop‐Ins

Quality Inn Brooklyn Center Pop‐Ins Style Encore Ribbon Cutting




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DoubleTree by HILTON Pop-Ins Luther Auto Group Pop-Ins

FastSigns Brooklyn Center Pop-Ins

Quality Inn Brooklyn Center Pop-Ins Style Encore Ribbon Cutting

Park Dental Brookpark Pop-Ins




Douglas Animal Hospital Grand Opening PIEOLOGY Grand Opening

The Movement Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting Reflections Dental Ribbon Cutting

Brooklyn Center Community Center Pop‐Ins Minnesota School of Business Pop‐Ins







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The Movement Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting

Brooklyn Center Community Center Pop-Ins Minnesota School of Business Pop-Ins

Reflections Dental Ribbon Cutting

12

New Osseo Police Department Now Openby Riley Grams, Assistant City Administrator

The Osseo Police Department moved into its new facility mid-December. This addition to City Hall commenced construction in June. The building is 3,000 square feet of space, which houses the Police Chief’s office, Administrative Assistant’s office, open office space for the full and part time officers, as well as meeting and conference rooms. The conference room doubles as the City of Osseo emergency response center in the case of a city wide emergency such as a natural disaster. There is a three-stall garage which houses the Department’s three vehicles, keeping them inside and away from the harsh Minnesota weather.

The Police Department also utilized most of the existing space on the lowest level of the current Community Center by converting it to officer locker rooms, document and equipment storage, and additional spaces as needed by the Police Department and by City Staff. By using the existing and underutilized space in the Community Center, the City was able to lower the overall cost of construction.

In spring the City plans to demolish the old single family home that formerly housed the Department, and reconfigure the parking lot to allow for more parking spaces on the civic campus. City Staff has already met with the City Engineer to determine the new layout for the parking lot, as well as additional landscaping and City Hall signage. There promises to be a lot more “green” with the full reconstruction of the City Hall parking lot.

Light Rail Transit UpdateGet Involved in the ProcessMETRO Blue Line Part of Region’s Long-term Transportation Plan

By now you’ve probably heard about the efforts to build light rail transit in the Bottineau Corridor of Brooklyn Park. Moving people and goods supports a healthy economy and is essential to a prosperous regional future.

Transportation and land use studies along the Bottineau Corridor date began in the late 1980s. The Corridor has consistently been included in regional transportation system plans.

In early 2013, the Met Council changed its 2030 Transportation Policy Plan to include a dedicated light rail transit corridor that would connect the northwest suburbs to the Blue Line in Minneapolis. Called the METRO Blue Line Extension, it will travel from downtown Minneapolis to Golden Valley and then head north along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad corridor into Robbinsdale, Crystal and into Brooklyn Park ending north of Hwy 610. The route includes five LRT stations in Brooklyn Park.

LRT Station Area PlansA station area is typically considered a half-mile around a station or a 10 minute walk from a station. A station area plan outlines the look, feel and fit of the station in the community. Each station area plan must align with community goals and ensure strong community engagement. This planning is an opportunity for residents to talk about needs, desires and concerns.

The station area planning process is being led by Hennepin County and part of the process includes the formation of three Community Working Groups (CWGs). The CWGs are groups of residents and stakeholders chosen by the City Council to represent the community in the planning process. They will have the conversations about how the new transit will fit into the neighborhoods. A CWG is currently being formed for the Brooklyn Boulevard station. Two more CWGs will be formed later in the spring, one at the 85th Avenue station and another at the 93rd Avenue station. We need you to step up and serve on these committees. All of this will officially begin in the spring of 2015. There are multiple opportunities to be involved and share your opinions.

LRT Contact Information• HennepinCountystaff:[email protected]• BrooklynParkstaff:[email protected]• METROBlueLinestaff:[email protected]

Note: Steve Erickson will serve on the MRT Council’s Blue Line Extension Advisory Committee.

13

Business banking

to a personal level.elevated

Raise your expectations.cortrustbank.com • 9600 Colorado Lane N. • Brooklyn Park

Government Affairs Committee, continued

A second bill in the WPA will extend paid family leave to all employees in Minnesota. This bill would create an insurance program to provide all Minnesota employees with a percent-age of their wages for up to 6 weeks. It would probably be paid for by placing an additional tax on all Minnesota Employ-ers similar to how unemployment insurance is paid for. With the already existing guarantee of having their job available to them when they return to work, many small businesses already struggle to deal with a missing employee for 6 weeks and now would have to pay another tax to support paying them while they are off.

A third bill in the WPA is addressing a problem that probably rarely occurs – the failure of employers to pay overtime, pay for hours worked or pay minimum wage. The bill increases penalties for wage theft, extends the statute of limitations on all wage theft to 6 years, and protects workers from employer retaliation. While the concept of the bill seems valid, the tenor of the bill assumes there is widespread abuse by employers who are denying employees their rightful earned wages. There are existing remedies available to employees for this. The bill is a hammer searching for a nail and addresses a problem that does not exist.

The fourth bill in the WPA is around scheduling fairness and flexibility. Again, I am not sure what widespread problem this bill is trying to address but it could be implemented in a way that severely curtails how business owners manage their businesses. The backers of this bill say it would ensure more predictability in scheduling for workers, limit last-minute or

on-call shifts, and protect workers from employer retaliation. Interfering in businesses scheduling employees cuts to the core of what businesses have to do every day and will certain-ly make every manager’s job more difficult. Employees already are deciding when they work and when they don’t work. The legislature should not in effect outlaw offering certain work hours.

The last item in the WPA is around tip fairness where busi-nesses can’t deduct the processing cost of a tip that is put on a credit card. I am sure our restaurant and other service business members will not be happy with this bill as it puts the costs of processing a tip on a credit card squarely on their shoulders. I don’t know if the legislators in St. Paul realize that credit card companies charge their fees based on the amount put through on the card and the tip increases that fee. Some legislators apparently believe businesses are big profit machines that can just absorb these costs without noticing it.

Add WPA on top of the drive to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour and you have a complete anti-business package that will intensify the momentum to drive businesses away from our state. The Government Affairs Committee has been watching these bills take shape for two years now and we are trying to get to our local legislators to let them know what these bills will do to our businesses. I urge our members to contact their legislators to let them know that the bills in the WPA are unnecessary and a drag on our businesses.

Article submitted by Joseph Piket, Primrose Schools, Co-Chair Government Affairs Committee

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Is your company interested in looking for a STEM intern?

SciTechsperience is an exciting internship program that creates the opportunity for Minnesota businesses to work with talented college STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students to develop solutions for real world challenges. SciTechsperience provides a low-cost solution for small and medium-sized companies that otherwise may not have access to qualified interns. Participating companies receive matching funds of 50 percent of the intern’s wages up to $2,500.

Benefits:

• Dollarfordollarcashmatchupto50percentoftheintern’s wages ($2,500 maximum)

• Gethelpfindingqualifiedinterns–SciTechsperiencedoesthe recruiting for you; the hiring decision is yours

• Findfutureemployees,increaseproductivity&revitalizeyour organization with fresh perspectives

• DevelopMinnesota’sSTEMworkforcebyprovidinghands-on experience to talented college students in dynamic industries like yours

• KeeptalentedSTEMstudentsinMinnesotaaftertheygraduate to strengthen and advance Minnesota’s knowledge-based economy

Eligibility requirements:

• Mustbeafor-profitcompanyeligibletoconductbusinessin Minnesota

• Seven-countymetroareacompaniesmusthavefewerthan 150 employees worldwide; companies outside the seven-county metro area must have fewer than 250 employees worldwide

• Theinternshipmustprovidehands-onexperienceinthecompany’s industry

• Thecompanyisdoingbusinessinoneofthefollowingindustries:

• AerospaceandDefense • Agriculture,Food,Forestry • Biotechnology,LifeSciencesandHealthIT • EngineeringServices • Fuels,Energy,EnergyManagement • IT/ComputerTechnology • Mining,Materials,Manufacturing/Processing

Contact SciTechsperience Program Director Becky Siekmeier at: [email protected] 952-230-4241

Brooklyn Center Becomes Greener- A Minnesota GreenStep City

The City of Brooklyn Center has become a Minnesota GreenStep City, joining 80 other Minnesota cities. The GreenStep City program is a voluntary program that provides a pathway to assist cities in achieving their sustainability goals. The program is based on the implementation of 28 sustainability best practices that focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, and innovation. While Brooklyn Center has already taken some steps to become more energy efficient (energy efficient bulbs, fleet management, etc.), the GreenStep program encourages additional actions in five main areas. These areas include buildings and lighting, land use, transportation, environmental management, and economic and community development. Cities that complete a certain number of best practices may become Step Two or Step Three GreenStep Cities. You can learn more about the program and track Brooklyn Center’s progress at http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/index.cfm or call the Public Works Engineering Division (763) 569-3340.

NHACC EXTENDS WISHES FOR A SAFE

& HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MAY 25

Brooklyn Center Becomes Greener- A Minnesota GreenStep City

The City of Brooklyn Center has become a Minnesota GreenStep City, joining 80 other Minnesota cities. The GreenStep City program is a voluntary program that provides a pathway to assist cities in achieving their sustainability goals. The program is based on the implementation of 28 sustainability best practices that focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, and innovation. While Brooklyn Center has already taken some steps to become more energy efficient (energy efficient bulbs, fleet management, etc.), the GreenStep program encourages additional actions in five main areas. These areas include buildings and lighting, land use, transportation, environmental management, and economic and community development. Cities that complete a certain number of best practices may become Step Two or Step Three GreenStep Cities. You can learn more about the program and track Brooklyn Center’s progress at http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/index.cfm or call the Public Works Engineering Division (763) 569-3340.

NHACC EXTENDS WISHES FOR A SAFE

& HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MAY 25

Is your company interested in looking for a STEM intern?

SciTechsperience is an exciting internship program that creates the opportunity for Minnesota businesses to work with talented college STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students to develop solutions for real world challenges. SciTechsperience provides a low‐cost solution for small and medium‐sized companies that otherwise may not have access to qualified interns. Participating companies receive matching funds of 50 percent of the intern’s wages up to $2,500.

Benefits:

• Dollar for dollar cash match up to 50 percent of the intern’s wages ($2,500 maximum)

• Get help finding qualified interns – SciTechsperience does the recruiting for you; the hiring decision is yours

• Find future employees, increase productivity & revitalize your organization with fresh perspectives

• Develop Minnesota’s STEM workforce by providing hands‐on experience to talented college students in dynamic industries like yours

• Keep talented STEM students in Minnesota after they graduate to strengthen and advance Minnesota’s knowledge‐based economy

Eligibility requirements: • Must be a for‐profit company eligible to conduct business in Minnesota

• Seven‐county metro area companies must have fewer than 150 employees worldwide; companies outside the seven‐county metro area must have fewer than 250 employees worldwide

• The internship must provide hands‐on experience in the company’s industry

• The company is doing business in one of the following industries:

O Aerospace and Defense

O Agriculture, Food, Forestry

o Biotechnology, Life Sciences and Health IT

o Engineering Services

o Fuels, Energy, Energy Management

o IT/Computer Technology

o Mining, Materials, Manufacturing/Processing

Contact SciTechsperience Program Director Becky Siekmeier at: [email protected] 952‐230‐4241

Brooklyn Center Becomes Greener- A Minnesota GreenStep CityThe City of Brooklyn Center has become a Minnesota GreenStep City, joining 80 other Minnesota cities. The GreenStep City program is a voluntary program that provides a pathway to assist cities in achieving their sustainability goals. The program is based on the implementation of 28 sustainability best practices that focus on cost savings, energy use reduction, and innovation.

While Brooklyn Center has already taken some steps to become more energy efficient (energy efficient bulbs, fleet management, etc.), the GreenStep program encourages additional actions in five main areas. These areas include buildings and lighting, land use, transportation, environmental management, and economic and community development. Cities that complete a certain number of best practices may become Step Two or Step Three GreenStep Cities.

You can learn more about the program and track Brooklyn Center’s progress at http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/index.cfm or call the Public Works Engineering Division (763) 569-3340.

NHACC exteNds wisHes for A sAfe & HAppy MeMoriAl dAy weekeNd

tHe offiCe will be Closed MAy 25

15

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New Members

WELCOME!

December 17, 2014 from 11:30 – 1:00

“PERSONALIZING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE”

Joe Pine, Strategic Horizons LLP,

Simply put, Joe specializes in helping people see the world of business differently. He did that first by promulgating the concept of Mass Customization in his first book, which detailed how organizations didn’t have to provide the same thing to everybody, but could give individual customers exactly what they want, at a price they’re willing to pay. Joe Pine's and John Gilmore's company, Strategic Horizons LLP, is a thinking studio dedicated to helping businesses conceive and design new ways of adding value to their economic offerings. Pine & Gilmore’s raison d’etre is to discover what is going on in the business world, make sense of it, and then develop frameworks so that companies can respond intelligently to the fundamental changes happening in the competitive environment.

The event will be at the American Legion, Osseo. Contact Bonny at the Chamber to get registered. 763‐424‐6744.

“Cyber Criminals and the cost to small business!”

Brian Isle,P.E.

If you are thinking: “My company is too small to be of interest to cyber criminals!”, you would be wrong.

Don’t miss this LeaderShip Forum on May 14, 2015, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, at Dave & Buster’s in Maple Grove.

“According to a recent study cited by the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology, nearly 20% of all cyber‐attacks hit small businesses with 250 or fewer employees. Roughly 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyber‐attack.“* The bad guys have figured out that small companies don’t fight back. Small companies neglect investment in security defenses and warning systems that would alert them to a breach. The small company is often used as a pawn to attack a bigger fish.

•What would you do if all your client’s designs for their next generation products were found on a server in China?

•What if your computer or network credentials were used to enable an attack against your most important client?

•What would happen to future orders if it was discovered that all of your client’s financial data had been lost 6 months ago?

Mr. Isle will provide insight into the tremendous rise in the number of cybercriminal exploits, their mode of operation, and the cost to small business. Contact Bonny at the Chamber to get registered. 763‐424‐6744.

210 Edge Place N.E. • Minneapolis, MN 55418-1153612-789-0002 • www.cbfnet.com

Graphic Design•Logos,Illustrations•Customdesignedforms

•Letterheads,Envelopes•AnnualReports,Postcards

Electronic Prepress•Typesetting •Servicebureau

Web Printing•Continuous,Snap-Apartforms•Lasersheets•Manuals,Catalogs

•Brochures,Booklets•Checks,Newsletters•Securitydocuments

Sheetfed Printing•Singlesheet&NCRForms•Upto4colorprinting•Businesscards

•Envelopes•Labels

Mailing•Personalization•IMBBarcoding•Inkjet,Labeladdressing

•Laserprinting•Inserting,CASSCertification

“Cyber Criminals and the cost to small business!”

If you are thinking: “My company is too small to be of interest to cyber criminals!”,you would be wrong.

Don’t miss this LeaderShip Forum on May 14, 2015, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM,at Dave & Buster’s in Maple Grove.

“According to a recent study cited by the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology, nearly 20% of all cyber-attacks hit small businesses with 250 or fewer employees. Roughly 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyber-attack.“* The bad guys have figured out that small companies don’t fight back. Small companies neglect investment in security defenses and warning systems that would alert them to a breach. The small company is often used as a pawn to attack a bigger fish.

•Whatwouldyoudoifallyourclient’sdesignsfortheirnextgenerationproductswerefoundonaserverinChina?•Whatifyourcomputerornetworkcredentialswereusedtoenableanattackagainstyourmostimportantclient?•Whatwouldhappentofutureordersifitwasdiscoveredthatallofyourclient’sfinancialdatahadbeenlost6monthsago?

Mr. Isle will provide insight into the tremendous rise in the number of cybercriminal exploits, their mode of operation, and the cost to small business. Contact Bonny at the Chamber to get registered. 763-424-6744.

Brian Isle,P.E.

North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce229 First Avenue NEOsseo, Minnesota 55369Phone: 763-424-6744 Fax: 763-424-6927

Chamber Events at a Glance...

16

STANDARD MAILU.S. PoSTAge PAID

MAPLe gRoVe, MN 55311PeRMIT # 12

APRIL Events Wed. 1: Member Orientation 8:30 AM Thurs. 2: CNG Noon Fri. 3: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Wed. 8: Ambassador Committee Meeting 12:00 PM Fri. 10: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Ribbon Cutting Aero Drapery & Blind 9:00 AM Tues. 14: BEPC 8:00 AM CNG Noon GOLF Committee Meeting 3:30 PM Viking Trophies Open House 4:00 PM Wed. 15: Executive Committee 9:00 AM Government Relations 11:30 AM Thurs. 16: CNG Noon Fri. 17: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Tues. 21: GOLF Committee Meeting 3:30 PM Thurs. 23: TWINS David St. Peter Luncheon 11:15 AM Fri. 24: Joint LeaderShip Academy/Legislative Coffee Session 8:30 AM Tues. 28: Board of Directors 8:00 AM CNG NoonMAY Events Fri. 1: LeaderShip Academy Session 8:30 AM Tues. 5: GOLF Committee Meeting 3:30 PM Wed. 6: Member Orientation 8:30 AM Thurs. 7 Maple Grove Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 7:15 AM CNG Noon Fri. 8: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Tues. 12: BEPC 8:00 AM CNG Noon GOLF Committee Meeting 3:30 PM Wed. 13: Ambassador Committee 12:00 PM Thurs. 14: LeaderShip Forum Luncheon with Brian Isle 11:30 AM Fri. 15: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Tues. 19: GOLF Committee Meeting 3:30 PM Wed. 20: Executive Committee 9:00 AM Thurs.21: CNG Noon Fri. 22: LeaderShip Academy 8:30 AM Mon. 25: Memorial Day – OFFICE CLOSED Tues. 26: Board of Directors 8:00 AM CNG Noon Fri. 29: Joint LeaderShip Academy/Legislative Coffee Session 8:30 AMJUNE Events Wed. 10: Annual GOLF Classic at The Refuge – Noon Shotgun Start!

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Spring 2015 - Microsoft...Spring 2015 Join the best company for the finest golf experience you’ll have this year. High Noon in June is NHACC’s 2015 Golf Classic! It’s a best