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| Warning: Nothing But Sports So much is happening in our region's sports world, that it deserves an entire column.
MPLS gets MLS "We are proud to welcome Minnesota to Major League Soccer," said Don Garber, MLS Commissioner at a press conference here last week. Yes, world class competitive soccer is back (think MN Kicks 1970's) under the ownership of Minnesota United FC owner Dr. Bill McGuire. Some of the other partners include, Robert and Jim Pohlad, Wendy Carlson Nelson and Glen Taylor. Now in its 20th year the MLS has a 34 game season featuring 20 clubs across the US and Canada. Plans call for the team to join in 2018, playing in a new downtown stadium near the Minneapolis Farmers Market. We welcome this commitment to further enrich this region's offerings for our residents and those considering relocating here. Wilfs Increase Stadium Investment Last week, for the 10th time, the MN Vikings increased their investment in the new stadium to enhance the fan experience. With the most recent $19.5 M commitment, the team now has pledged $551M; $74M more than their original amount. The project now totals $1,061B and the Vikings contribution is about 52%. With regard to construction, at this point the stadium is 50% finished and workforce goals for minorities, women and veterans have all been exceeded. Congratulations to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and its partners on beating these goals. Five Years at Target Field Pays Big Dividends It is hard to believe that the Twins are entering their sixth season at Target Field. Comparing these five years with the last five at the Metrodome shows what a great investment the stadium has been for the City, County and State. While the average attendance is up about 22% a year, the tax collections have skyrocketed. The team's final year at the Metrodome, 2009, generated about $6M in taxes. Since the move, public coffers are receiving an average of $16M/year with some of those dollars contributing to 93 youth sports facilities and 100 extended library hours/week in Hennepin County. That success has also allowed the County to make prepayments on the debt, saving taxpayers over $78M in expenses. If you want to see a game, we have a few of our great third baseline, second row tickets. Contact Linda Sue for details: [email protected] Our annual Minnesota Twins Welcome Home Luncheon is Friday, April 17th. Co hosted with the SPACC, this event always sells out so register now. The Saints Come Swinging In The Saints beautiful new 7,200 seat ballpark (CHS Field) is almost done and the first home game is Monday, May 18. The Chamber invites you to preview the new stadium with us on April 9th from 3-7 pm. Enjoy free food, beverages and the opportunity to try out the seats. To RSVP email Alex Harkaway at [email protected]. Include your name and number of guests attending. Target Center Renovations As is the case with the new football stadium, the goal of the Target Center renovation is to provide the best possible fan experience. With that in mind, I am pleased to report that our friends at the City and the Minnesota Timberwolves are planning to increase their investment in the Target Center renovation by $30M. Across the street, look for the T-Wolves and Lynx practice facility in Mayo Clinic Square to be open by June 1. Spectator sports are a critical piece of what makes this community so vibrant. As you can see from the above examples, our public/private partners are insuring these teams and facilities continue to be assets for decades to come. 
Happy spring, Todd Klingel
President & CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
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 Get a Sneak Peek of the CHS FIELD!
saintsbaseball.com/pick-your-seat/
Pick Your Season Ticket Seats
Thursday, April 9, 2015 | 3 to 7 p.m.
This rain or shine event will feature ballpark tours, refreshments, and the one-of-a-kind chance to sit in your potential season ticket seat location. The Club space will be open for guests to mingle, enjoy a beer at the ballpark, and watch live sporting events on TV.
ALL GUESTS WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN 4 CLUB SEATS FOR OPENING NIGHT!
To RSVP, email, Alex Harkaway at
[email protected] with your name and total number of guests attending.
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Lommen Abdo
Michael R. Moline of the law firm, Lommen, Abdo, P.A. has successfully achieved recertification as a civil trial advocate through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Moline was first certified in 2005. The elaborate screening of credentials that all NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete includes: demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses and proof of good standing. Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified.
Hilton Minneapolis
John E. Luke, general manager of Hilton Minneapolis, was honored with the 2014 General Manager of the Year awarded by Minnesota Lodging Association. Minnesota Lodging Association's "General Manager of the Year Award" recognizes professionalism, innovation, leadership and community involvement.
Weber Shandwick
The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick has selected Hammer Residences, Inc., a Twin Cities-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest, as its pro bono client for 2015. The firm plans to work with Hammer throughout the year to bring more awareness to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law marking its 25th anniversary in 2015. Together they will address how the act impacts the disability services industry in Minnesota.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity/Thrivent Financial/Valspar
Thrivent Financial is the #1 all-time sponsor of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes. In 2015 Thrivent and its members will help sponsor and build eight more Habitat home around the Twin Cities. Thrivent's investment of more than $700,000 this year will cover a significant portion of the cost of these eight homes (and result in several more being fixed up through the expanding Thrivent Builds Repair program). And Valspar Corporation - Habitat's paint partner for more than a decade - announced a 5 year extension of the agreement, pledging to donate $36 million in paint & contributions between 2015 and 2019. Since 2002, Valspar has contributed more than $60 million to Habitat.
Minnesota Cup Accepting Applications
The 11th annual Minnesota Cup - the largest statewide entrepreneurial competition in the United States - is accepting applications for the 2015 contest. Minnesota residents have until May 8 to submit entries to compete for a record $327,000 in prize money.
The Minnesota Cup is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors, small business owners working on innovative business concepts, or businesses generating less than $1 million in yearly revenue to move their ideas to the next level.
The 2015 divisions are energy/clean technology/water; food/agriculture/beverage; general; high tech; life science/health IT; social entrepreneur; and student. For more information and details on how to enter the 2015 competition, visit www.mncup.org. |
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UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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Field Nation CoLo Grand Opening
Tuesday, April 7, 2015 | 4:30 to 7 p.m.
(Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 5:30 to 6 p.m.) 901 South Marquette Ave., Ste. 2300 (AT&T Tower)
Minneapolis, MN 55402 www.fieldnation.com Please RSVP by April 2nd at info.fieldnation.com/colograndopening if you plan to attend. |
Richfield Gymnastics Club
Thursday, April 9, 2015 | 5 p.m. 2020 West 98th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431 www.richfieldgymnasticsclub.org Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
Mugshots Coffee Company
Friday, April 10, 2015 | 3 p.m. 10518 France Ave. South
Bloomington, MN 55431 www.mugshotscoffeeco.com Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
Dance and Entertainment Studios
Monday, April 20, 2015 | 2 p.m. 3701 West Old Shakopee Rd., Ste. 700
Bloomington, MN 55431 www.danceandentertainment.com Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
Arcata Apartments
Thursday, April 30, 2015 | 5 to 8 p.m.
(Reception & Ribbon Cutting 5 to 6 p.m.) 901 Xenia Ave S.
Golden Valley, MN 55416 www.arcataapts.com RSVP requested to: [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
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Leadership Twin Cities Now Accepting Applications for 2015-2016 Class
Leadership Twin Cities is a nine-month series that informs individuals about the critical issues facing our community. Its focus is to educate and inspire future leaders and challenge them to make a difference.
Participants in Leadership Twin Cities:
- Get behind-the-scenes access to museums, hospitals and government agencies.
- Create new business connections from a cross-section of the community.
- Hear from renowned speakers such as mayors, police chiefs and CEOs.
You too can make an impact. Apply for Leadership Twin Cities today at
www.minneapolischamber.org/leadership
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For additional information, contact Cheri Gengler at 612-370-9160 or
[email protected]
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 Minnesota Twins Welcome Home Luncheon
Friday, April 17, 2015 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$80 per person
$800 per table of ten
$1,000 per table of nine with a player or coach
Target Field Carew Atrium
353 N 5th St
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Celebrate the start of a new season of baseball at Target Field! The Minnesota Twins Welcome Home luncheon, presented by U.S. Bank, is a long standing Chamber tradition and we invite you to join us. This fun event, emceed by Dick Bremer, includes player introductions, remarks by Minnesota Twins President, Dave St. Peter, an interview with new head coach Paul Molitor, comments from a few roster stars, an appearance by TC Bear, a silent auction and much more. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Twins Community Fund.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor: US Bank
Thank you to our event sponsors: CenturyLink Business, Mortenson Construction, Bryant Graphics, Inc., Summit Brewing Company, University of St. Thomas and Xcel Energy
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Chamber Community Connections
Thank you to Chamber Community Connections volunteers who helped students navigate their way through JA BizTown.
Junior Achievement provides financial literacy, college and career readiness, and entrepreneurship education to more than 157,500 students each year. JA programs such as JA BizTown empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world - enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. Chamber Community Connections brings together Chamber member volunteers with member non-profits who could use a helping hand. The next volunteer opportunity is April 28 at Second Harvest Heartland. Click here for more information and to register. |
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Go green in April and take advantage of this great offer!
Get $15 off $75 or more on your order of greener products.
Use coupon code 43793754 when checking out.
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Chamber Referral Program
Do you know of a business that would benefit from membership?
Click on the link below and provide the business name and contact. When your referral joins the Chamber you will receive a $50 gift certificate to the member restaurant of your choice.
*There is no limit to the number of referrals you can submit. The more referrals you provide, the more gift certificate you receive!
Here is how it works:
- Contact the business you are referring and let them know that you have submitted them as a potential new member
- Complete the online referral form
- Chamber staff will contact your referral about membership and mention your name
Sharing how your Minneapolis Regional Chamber membership has helped your business can make a big difference!
Contact Lisa Myhre at (612) 370-9137 or Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 today!
Got the Urge to Network?
ConnectForLunch Dramatically Updated
Our ConnectForLunch program has just been dramatically updated. Instead of the current version, which offered only one day each week, the new version will now be available three days every week: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 52 weeks a year.
And there's more improvements. Lots more:
- You'll have more choices: Now you can choose which restaurant you'd like to go to, instead of being assigned to a particular restaurant by the software. French cuisine? Italian? Vegetarian? A restaurant that's close by? The choice is yours.
- And more choices: You can choose to meet new contacts, renew contacts with businesspeople you've met before, or both. Just pick the group you'd like to join... or start your own group.
- And more flexibility: Instead of the current twice-a-month subscription which restricted you to only two lunches a month, you'll be able to buy packets of five, ten or twenty lunches which can be used at any time. Any unused lunches are fully refundable within six months after purchase.
- And even more flexibility: Have an opening in your schedule? No more waiting until next week to go to lunch: you can go to lunch as early as the next day.
Click here to see upcoming lunches.
Enhanced Listing Opportunity
Click here for details.
Did you know that over 31,000 people visit the Chamber's website every month? And that for as a little as $150 you can show off your company to thousands of potential clients? The Chamber now offers Enhanced Listings in our Online Membership Directory. Your company is immediately bumped to the top of your category in search results and includes a YouTube video, a photo gallery, 1,600 character description, 20 additional keywords and much more!
You can check out the Minneapolis Regional Chamber's Enhanced Listing by clicking here and compare it with your listing in our online directory.
Contact Lisa Myhre at (612) 370-9137 or Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 today!
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Chamber Town Talk
 Wednesday, April 9, 2015
8 to 9:30 a.m. / Jax Cafe Thank you to our sponsors: Comcast, Eastside Food Cooperative. Wells Fargo and Jax Cafe |
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Public Affairs Forum: Erik Paulsen
Monday, April 13, 2015
8 to 9:30 a.m. / Bloomington Chamber of Commerce |
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Happy Hour Networking: Parma 8200
Thursday, April 16, 2015
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. / Parma 8200 |
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DRIVE Roundtable: Saint Paul Saints
Friday, April 17, 2015
7:30 to 9 a.m. / the Local Thank you to our series sponsors: Foley & Mansfield, PLLP, Wells Fargo, Cara Irish Pubs and Xcel Energy |
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Business Matters/Safety Matters: Cyber Security
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
7:30 to 9 a.m. / Bloomington Chamber of Commerce |
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Northeast Networking Night: Psycho Suzi's Ports of Pleasure
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
5 to 6:30 p.m. / Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge - Ports of Pleasure Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Union Bank and Trust
Thank you to our series sponsor: CenterPoint Energy
Thank you to our event sponsor: Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge |
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Get to Know Minnesota Keystone
Thursday, April 23, 2015
5 to 6:30 p.m. / PadillaCRT Thank you to our program sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, RBC Wealth Management, Target and Wells Fargo
Thank you to our event sponsor: PadillaCRT |
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