Nexus April 2012

NEXUS

Feature Story:Harnessing the civic power of employees4 7 calendar OF

eVenTS Don’t miss these important dates

10 neWS + aWardS

People in the News

12 neW MeMBerS

Who’s new at the Chamber

A monthly newsletter from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

April 2012

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NEXUS | Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce2

If spring has arrived, then summer can’t be that far behind. And if summer is approaching, then high school graduation parties are on the horizon!

Did you know that this year your Chamber’s Foundation will award $50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors from across the East Metro? The money raised is from a combination of the Really Big Time Raffle (held each winter) and from named donors. Students compete for the scholarships, and each year we receive many more applications than we have scholarships to award.

You may know that the Foundation runs our Leadership Saint Paul program, but if you haven’t participated in our scholarship program, consider this the year to start. Our scholarship awards evening will be coming up on May 17 (check our event calendar) and you’ll have a hard time not feeling good about the

future generation when you meet these young men and women.

Want to know how to get started? How about starting your own named scholarship? Perhaps you run a garage? What about a partial scholarship for someone attending a two year college to learn how to be an auto mechanic? What about a scholarship for someone studying finance, or who wants to become a veterinarian? The possibilities are endless, but the real possibility is in giving hope and inspiration to a young person as they are venturing out in the world. You can make a real difference, and it is easy to do. We aren’t talking tens of thousands of dollars, (although that would be nice) a typical scholarship is just $1,000 for a year.

Make a difference. Support the Chamber Foundation. These are our future employees and someday, our future business owners.

President’s Perspective

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

by Matt Kramer

SPACC GRAPHIC STANDARDS GUIDE

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Ask any elected official – from a Congressperson to state legislator to city council member – how they make their decisions on an issue, and they will tell you that in addition to their own convictions, the phone calls, e-mails, and letters from their constituents make a difference. A few effective messages on an issue can shape the views of policymakers at any level of government in one direction or another.

Despite this knowledge, many businesses tend to be reluctant to get employees involved in government and policy matters. Companies hesitate to do anything that might appear political and are understandably defensive about politicizing employees.

But it is possible for companies to find the right approach, and it is probable that a sizeable number of employees will be interested when the program is thoughtful and well-run. Goff Public has worked with businesses that have started and maintained successful civic engagement programs for years, and there are a few common themes to their programs’ success.

• Make it nonpartisan: A good start is to build a nonpartisan program with the clear goal of raising employee awareness of government and politics. In a non-intimidating way, your company can make information and civic engagement opportunities available

to interested employees. Essentially, your company can prepare employees for any kind of civic participation they find important – from voting to volunteering at the polls.

• Have employees operate it: The program needs to be in sync with your company’s culture in order for your leaders to approve of it and your employees to get behind it. Once the groundwork is laid (e.g., program name, goals, operating guidelines, and general strategies), identify interested employees across all levels of the company to help operate it. Employees are often eager for this new opportunity, which only requires a small time commitment, often during regular work hours.

• Provide a variety of opportunities: Consider the opportunities that the program will provide. Offerings could include candidate forums, meet-and-greets with government officials, personalized Minnesota Capitol tours, election resource materials, and time off for volunteerism as an election judge. Activities can be held during the workday so that employee participation remains fun and simple; the lunch hour tends to be an excellent time. And remember not to go overboard – just three or four opportunities a year might be enough. The key is to be consistent.

Harnessing the Civic Power of EmployeesBy Heidi Larson, Chief Financial Officer, Goff Public


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• Operate the program as an employee benefit: Employees benefit from civic involvement programs. They gain firsthand access to candidates and office holders with whom they wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to interact. Employees also get more informed on local issues and topics that matter to their families, communities and company.

In committing to an employee civic engagement program, your company may very well discover that employees who are knowledgeable on a variety of key issues tend to be (or become) civically active. You may also be gratified by the level of trust your organization can build with its employees when it operates a meaningful, nonpartisan program that brings value to employees’ lives.

In today’s world of operating under tighter budgets, empowering employees can be an excellent investment to complement any direct lobbying your company might do. In fact, employees – as well as customers, vendors, clients, and other natural allies – have the power to make a significant difference. From the bottom up, they can help organizations tell their stories at a human level that may be hard to accomplish through lobbying alone.

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Q. How long have you been an ambassador?

I joined the Ambassador Committee shortly after joining the SPACC last year. Being involved as an Ambassador allows me to not only be involved in something I passionately believe in, but also get other members involved. Whether it's welcoming new members, reaching out to current members, or encouraging prospective members to join, I have the opportunity to meet great people and service our community. We're all in this together.

Q. What do you enjoy most about being a Chamber member?

I LOVE attending SPACC events. There are so many interesting members and companies. I love hearing their stories. There are members that have overcome huge personal and professional challenges. Those individuals and companies inspire me. Other members share their secrets of

success with me. I'm always amazed by what other companies are doing and learning about industries I never even knew existed. I've yet to attend a "boring" or "bad" event. If you put in the effort to attend events, they are always a great time.

Q. What is one piece of advice you would offer fellow members?

The more you give, the more you receive. Get involved. There is no better time to be an engaged member of the Chamber.

Our Ambassador Committee plays a vital role in ensuring a fantastic member experience. The team is comprised of committed and engaged SPACC members dedicated to attending events, ribbon cuttings, and reaching out to members via phone and personal visits. Interested in joining the team? Contact Mindee via [email protected] // 651.265.2779!

Ambassador of the Month

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Meet Mick White, Mick White & Associates


Event Date/Time Location Description Sponsors

Minnesota Twins Welcome Home Luncheon$75 individual ticket$750 Table of 10

Wednesday, April 1111:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Target Field - Carew Atrium 1 Twins Way Minneapolis, MN 55403

You are invited to join the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Regional Chambers of Commerce for the annual Minnesota Twins Welcome Home Luncheon, presented by U.S. Bank! Don't miss your chance to personally welcome the Minnesota Twins back for the 2012-2013 season!

The luncheon provides Chamber members, Minnesota Twins season ticket holders and the community the opportunity to meet players, coaches and staff, in addition to getting a sneak-preview of the season ahead.

YPro: Bacon & Hand Shakin'$10

Thursday, April 127:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Regions Hospital Atrium (located on the first floor, west side of the building) 640 Jackson Street Saint Paul, MN 55101

Rise and shine for a networking breakfast with YPro! Begin your day with getting to know young professionals from across the Twin Cities and making great connections at this high-energy event hosted by Regions Hospital. Join us starting at 7:30 a.m. for informal networking and a light breakfast. Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards!

We will also be joined by special guest, Ken Holmen, M.D., the Chief Medical Officer/Vice President of Medical Affairs at Regions Hospital and the Vice President of Business Development and Physician Strategies at HealthPartners. Ken has over 20 years of experience in health care operations and development, and is a leading expert in the successful execution of physician partnerships and joint ventures. Join us as we hear from Ken on the secrets of success to networking!

CORPORATE:

CONTRIBUTING:

Chamber 101 presented by MuzakFREE

Thursday, April 122:45 - 4 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Center 401 North Robert StreetSuite 150Saint Paul, MN 55101

Are you a new member of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce or just interested in discovering how to get the most out of your membership investment?Attend Chamber 101 and learn about a variety of opportunities available to you as a Chamber member.

The presentation includes an overview of services, events, advertising, marketing, sponsorships, and additional value-added programs available to Chamber members.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2012

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 2012Event Date/Time Location Description Sponsors

Politics @ the PubMinimum requested contribution is $25

Monday,April 165 - 8 p.m.

O'Gara's Bar & Grill 164 Snelling Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104

Enjoy lively conversation with Chamber members, local elected officials, candidates, and others who share the desire for a vital, thriving business community in the East Metro. Your donation gets you great appetizers and helps raise money for the Chamber's Political Action Committee.

Membership Meeting$30 Members$50 Non-Members

Tuesday, April 1711:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Pazzaluna Urban Italian Restaurant and Bar 360 Saint Peter Street Saint Paul, MN 55102

Attend the Chamber's April Membership Meeting where we'll recognize new members, announce our Celebrate Business Success award recipient and hear a keynote address from David Wagner, Juut Founder.

All attendees will also be entered for the chance to win great prizes, including a pair of men's Oakley sunglasses and a pair of women's Tiffany Aviators, courtesy of Graf Optical, valued at $500 each!

About Our Keynote Speaker David Wagner is a world-renowned hair stylist, artist, entrepreneur, educator, author and “Daymaker." Innovator of the "pay-it-forward" movement of Daymaking, Wagner's philosophy for living a life that changes the world - one person at a time - through simple acts of kindness, has captured the hearts of thousands around the world.

Business Connection Breakfast$30

Tuesday, April 247:30 - 9 a.m.

Hilton Garden Inn Oakdale 420 Inwood Avenue Oakdale, MN 55128

Come join fellow Chamber members for our speed networking-style breakfast event and expand your network! The morning will begin at 7:30 a.m. with open networking and breakfast, followed by three rounds of structured networking at 8 a.m. Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards!

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Ribbon Cuttings

NEWS + AWARDS


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Gordmans - Roseville1663 County Road B2 West, Roseville 55113

http://www.facebook.com/SaintPaulPortAuthority

https://twitter.com/#!/cleandeals

http://www.linkedin.com/company/428070


NEWS + AWARDS


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Minneapolis-based DS&B Certified Public Accountants, Consultants & Advisors promoted Clint Seehusen to principal.

The Principal Financial Group hired Kurt Obermiller as a financial adviser in its Lake Elmo office.

On Being a Black Lawyer named Donald Lewis, dean of St. Paul-based Hamline University’s School of Law, one of the 100 most influential black attorneys in the United States.

University of Phoenix promoted Robert Zalabak to Minneapolis/St. Paul campus director.

Carolyn Miller, account executive with Kraus-Anderson Insurance, earned a certified risk manager designation from Certified Risk Managers International.

CSM Corp., Minneapolis, hired Mike Sturdivant as a commercial leasing associate.

TKDA, a Saint Paul architecture, engineering and planning firm, launched a new corporate wellness program.

McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, Minneapolis, hired David Huey as an assurance senior associate, Blake Schwagel as an assurance associate, Janelle Peterson as a recruiting specialist and Ben Esselman as an IT consulting associate.

North Star Resource Group, Minneapolis, hired Jean Tate as director of marketing.

Saint Paul-based HealthEast Care System named Louis Henry Jr., president of Franchise Food Systems of Minnesota Inc., and Julie Causey, chairman of

Western Bank, to its board of directors. It also hired Dr. Gopakumar Nambudiri, as an oncologist.

Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, Saint Paul, named Ed Surko, vice president, U.S. Bancorp, to its board of directors and named John Bergstrom, a partner at RiverPoint Investments Inc., chairman of the board.

Rasmussen College, a postsecondary institution with locations in Minnesota, plans to lower the cost of its medical administration degree program by 11 percent. Tuition, which dropped from $395 per credit to $350 per credit, will go into effect beginning with April 2012 classes.

People, Awards and Company Notes





NEWS + AWARDS


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Maplewood-based 3M Co. introduced 3M Adhesive Remover-Renew. The new liquid cleaner and degreaser is made from environmentally friendly, bio-based raw materials.

Multiband Corp., New Hope, purchased an office building in the Opus Business Park. The Minnetonka location will become the company’s new headquarters.

Burnsville’s Coordinated Business Systems, an information management technology provider, acquired Innovative Systems Inc.

People, Awards and Company Notes

BUILDINGBUILDINGVibrant Communities

YOU ARE WHY WE’RE HEREYOU ARE WHY WE’RE HERECONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.sppa.com(651) 224-5686

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Cargill Grain and Oilseeds Supply Chain NAInternational BusinessMs. Alejandra Danielson Castillo15407 McGinty Road West MS#20Wayzata, MN 55391www.cargill.com

CKC Good FoodFood Service ManagementMr. David Kayoum1185 North Concord StreetSouth Saint Paul, MN 55075www.ckcgoodfood.com

European Wax CenterSpaMs. Sara Ofstead2718 Lincoln DriveRoseville, MN 55113www.waxcenter.com

GordmansRetailMr. Michael Daniel1663 County Road B2 WestRoseville, MN 55113www.gordmans.com

Irish Fair of MinnesotaEvent PlannersMs. Sarah Van Sickle836 Prior Avenue NorthSaint Paul, MN 55104www.irishfair.com

Juut Salonspa WoodburyBeauty SalonsMs. Rebecca Hallin8505 Valley Creek RoadWoodbury, MN 55125www.juut.com

Kocina Branding & Marketing CompaniesMarketingMs. Cynde Bock350 W Burnsville Parkway, Ste 350Burnsville, MN 55337www.publicity.com

Minnesota Museum of American ArtMuseumsKristin Makholm, Ph.D.408 St. Peter Street, Ste 419Saint Paul, MN 55102www.mmaa.org

Network FleetFleet ManagementMr. Tony HeilmanSaint Paul, MN 55101www.networkfleet.com

PolyMet MiningMiningMr. Joe ScipioniPO Box 475Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750www.polymetmining.com

Ralph & Joyce Peterson TeamReal EstateMs. Joyce Peterson8287 Quadrant Avenue SouthDenmark Township, MN 55033www.RalphandJoycePeterson.com

Saint Paul Pet HospitalVeterinariansDr. Eric Ruhland377 Dayton AvenueSaint Paul, MN 55102www.stpaulpet.com

new MeMbers


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MEMBER CHECKLIST

• Attend Chamber 101

• Join our group on LinkedIn, become a Facebook Fan &

follow us on Twitter

• Take advantage of new member recognition at the

monthly Membership Meeting for the first

six months of your membership!

• Use your new member coupon at an event

• Offer a SPACC Savings coupon or take advantage

of one• Post your events on the Community Calendar

• Use the Chamber logo on your marketing materials

Welcome New Members!


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Sara Criger Chair of the BoardSt. Joseph’s Hospital, HealthEast Care System

Matt Kramer Secretary/TreasurerSaint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

David Rom Finance & AuditPlatinum Bank

Scott BurnsGovDelivery

Susan WenzKSTC – Channel 45

Guy GilmoreChair ElectSaint Paul Pioneer Press

Sherry HastingsFrauenshuh Companies

Bill KaphingXcel Energy Inc.

Vince MontgomeryTKDA

Dan ScottLeonard, Street & Deinard

Kris TaylorEcolab

Robin Torgerson3M

Kari CanfieldMidway Chamber of Commerce

Ingrid ChristensenYPRO ChairINGCO International Interpreting & Translating

Bill ColemanSymantec

Angela CraigSt. Jude Medical

Chris GeorgacasGoff Public

Morris GoodwinAmherst H. Wilder Foundation

Doug HennesUniversity of St. Thomas

Bonnie Holub Past ChairArcLight Technology Consulting

Bill KavanaughSecurian Financial Group, Inc.

Craig LeipoldMinnesota Wild

Kelly LarsonSummit Brewing

Bill LentschDelta Airlines, Inc.

Brian McClungMcClung Communications & Public Relations, LLC

Tammy Mencel Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal

Jaci Meyer State Farm Insurance – Jaci Meyer

David QuiggWells Fargo Bank

Susan Rani Rani Engineering

Lenny RussoHeartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market

Andrea SatterCoffee House Press

Tony SchwartzCORMARQ

Stuart SimekMeridian Management

Steve SnellingSand Companies

Craig Taylor University of Minnesota

Tom WhaleySaint Paul Saints

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Nexus is a monthly publication for the members of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. The objective of Nexus is to inform and educate members of news and events in the Chamber and the Saint Paul/East Metro area. For more information about the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce or to comment on Nexus, please call 651.223.5000 or visit our website at saintpaulchamber.com. We value your input, feedback and questions.

Produced/Edited by: Kelsey SiqvelandNEXUS

© Copyright 2012 Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.Chamber of Commerce Center, 401 North Robert Street Suite 150, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101Phone: 651.223.5000 Fax: 651.223.5119


Purchase Ad SpacePlace your product or service in front of motivated business professionals by advertising in the Chamber’s monthly e-newsletter, Nexus. Our readers share your commitment to the economic vitality of the Saint Paul/East Metro area. When you do business with other Chamber members, you help to maintain our area as a great place to live, work and do business.

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Who you’re reaching:

• Over 13,000 business readers each month

• Decision makers – 52% are business owners

• Small to mid-size businesses - 81% of companies having <100 employees

• Internet users - 91% of Chamber members prefer to receive information online

For rate information and to purchase ad space, contact: Kelsey Siqveland 651.265.2791 [email protected]

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Nexus April 2012