LETTER FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT
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Summer is Here
School is out, summer is here and 1,700 Minneapolis youth are beginning their summer STEP-UP internships. STEP-UP is a City of Minneapolis program provided in partnership with AchieveMpls, the strategic nonprofit partner of the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS).
Long supported by your Chamber, the STEP-UP program is one of the nation's finest youth employment programs, providing over 21,000 paid internships since 2004. The program focuses on populations that fact the greatest barriers to employment, particularly low income youth, youth of color and recent immigrants. If you stop by the Chamber office this summer, say hello to our very own STEP-UP intern Ubah Abdulkadir.
AchieveMpls named Danielle Grant as its new President and CEO last week. Danielle has worked for the Minneapolis Public Schools for nearly nine years and currently serves as the Executive Director for MPS Educational and Cultural Services and Indian Education and has also worked with the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board and Girl Scout Councils. Danielle begins her new work in July, replacing current AchieveMpls President and CEO Pam Costain, who is retiring. We welcome Danielle to this important new role in our community and thank Pam for her many contributions over the years to serving our youth and our community.
The Minnesota Tekne Awards honor innovation in science and technology and applications for this year's awards are being received until July 15th. The Tekne Awards began in 2000 and are presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association. Award categories include advance manufacturing, agriculture technology and food safety, applied analytics, collaboration for community impact, cyber security, education technology, energy and clean tech, healthcare (established companies and small and growing companies), IT services, internet of things, software (established and small and growing), startup and workforce development. If your business touches one of these categories, additional information about the categories and application process can be found here.
Finally, best wishes to the Bloomington Chamber members and guests who will be playing in the 43rd Annual Golf Classic Tournament next Monday at Minnesota Valley Country Club and a special thanks to the Chamber staff who have been working hard to make sure it will be a great event.
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John Stanoch
Interim President & CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
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Become an AchieveMpls Graduation Coach next school year!
The single most important factor in a young person's success is a consistent relationship with a caring, supportive adult. But one in three young people grow up without a mentor. You can make a transformative difference in the life of a Minneapolis high school student by becoming an AchieveMpls Graduation Coach during the 2016-17 academic year. Through six hours of volunteer time per month, you can offer personalized support to help students stay on track, graduate on time and make a great plan for life after high school. We provide the curriculum, structure and training. You bring the wisdom, encouragement and support!
Apply by June 30 at www.achievempls.org/GraduationCoaches.
For more info contact Amy Shapiro at [email protected] or 612-455-1550.
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Minnesota Keystone Program recognizes, supports and promotes corporate giving by recognizing companies that give back at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings to the community. Qualifying companies have an operating presence in Minnesota and donate at least 2 percent of their pre-tax earnings through cash contributions, in-kind donations, or employee volunteerism.
Minnesota Keystone program is turning 40 this year and to celebrate we are running a monthly feature on Keystone member companies.
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This Month's Featured Member is
Gray Plant Mooty
Gray Plant Mooty has been Minnesota Keystone member since 1989.
In 2009, they were recognized as an honored company.
Why does your company value charitable giving?
At Gray Plant Mooty, we believe that the privilege of practicing law comes with a responsibility to give back to the community. For Gray Plant Mooty, this means giving back through the pro bono work of our attorneys, and with charitable gifts via the Gray Plant Mooty Foundation. Each year, Gray Plant Mooty attorneys contribute to the Gray Plant Mooty Foundation, where charitable gifts are made to community organizations, focusing on charitable legal services organizations and organizations where our attorneys and clients are involved. Gray Plant Mooty takes pride in giving back to the community around us. Charitable giving is a priority of the Gray Pant Mooty community, and a vital part of who we are.
Tell us about a giving activity or initiative that your company engages in.
Each year, the Gray Plant Mooty Foundation makes direct donations to more than 300 organizations working to advance our communities on a local, state-wide, regional, national and even global basis. These donations are intended to strengthen the infrastructure and leadership of each organization, support GPM firm member involvement, build relationships with community change-makers, and bolster the organization's reach and accomplishments.
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In 2016, GPM celebrates its 150th anniversary with a firmwide "year of giving," featuring monthly community service events held in partnership with charitable organizations like Feed My Starving Children, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Way. In addition to these firm wide philanthropic endeavors, GPM lawyers spend thousands of hours each year helping those in need by providing legal services on a pro bono basis. Ultimately, GPM's business is only as strong as the communities it serves.
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What is an example of a meaningful partnership you have formed with a charitable organization?
Gray Plant Mooty believes the privilege of practicing law comes with a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to the legal system, regardless of resources. To encourage a commitment to pro bono work, the firm sets a goal for its lawyers to devote at least three percent of their collective billable time to pro bono work each year. In 2014, 40 Gray Plant Mooty attorneys were recognized by the Minnesota State Bar Association for their pro bono legal services.
The firm is also deeply committed to community service. Through leadership and involvement in charitable organizations, Gray Plant Mooty's lawyers, paralegals and staff strive to make a positive difference in local and national communities. The firm has participated in projects and organizations such as Hats for Hope, Jeremiah Program, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Walk MS, Hearts & Hammers and Memorial Blood Centers.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
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Wallin Education Partners Recognizes 2016 Scholars
 Wallin Education Partners is a college completion program that significantly increases the likelihood of college graduation for low income students from the Twin Cities. This week Wallin is proud to recognize the 142 students who will receive four years of financial aid and comprehensive support through our program. The graduation rate of recent scholars is 92% making this program one of the most effective in the country. This success is possible because of the commitment of corporations, foundations and individuals who recognize the need for economic and racial equity in higher education and Minnesota's need for a highly qualified and diverse workforce.
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Minnesota Business Magazine's The (Real) Power 50 2016
Minnesota Business Magazine asked alumni award winners of the The (Real) Power 50 to be nominators. They also asked trusted partners and business leaders to identify the movers and shakers who impressed them in the past year. Chamber members who were honored with the 2016 award are: Al Coleman, Gray Plant Mooty; Ben VandenWymelenberg, WOODCHUCK USA; Heide Olson, All in One Accounting; J. Marie Fieger, Nemer Fieger; Jody Kern, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Luz Maria Frias, The Minneapolis Foundation; Nils Snyder, Colliers International and West Stringfellow, Target.
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Marco Technologies, LLC
Marco Technologies purchased Paragon Solutions Group, Inc., a business IT services company located in Plymouth, Minnesota. Paragon has been providing their clients with managed IT, cloud-based services and business IT services for over 10 years. Their employees have joined the Marco team. Since 2010, the company has grown from 350 employees to 1,050 employees and now has 49 locations. Marco's Twin Cities-based offices are in St. Louis Park and Inver Grove Heights. Marco serves 28,000 customers throughout the Midwest and nationally.
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Comcast
Comcast is expanding its Wi-Fi presence across the Twin Cities metro area with the addition of more than 1,400 public outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots. These hotspots will be installed in high-traffic locations such as public parks and recreation areas, retail locations and transit stops. All locations are planned to be completed by the end of 2016. The company is also hiring 5,500 U.S. based customer service employees, including 400 in the Twin Cities-reducing the number of contractors and agents working outside the U.S.
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RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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Assemble
15 S. 5th Street Ste. 500
Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.assemblesharedoffice.com
Jody McGuire gets ready to cut the ribbon for Assemble's new coworking space in the historic 15 Building downtown Minneapolis.
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Ike's Food & Cocktails
4400 West 78th St.
Bloomington, MN 55435
www.ilikeikes.com
Owner Gene Winstead opens the new Bloomington location of Ike's Food & Cocktails.
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Dairy Queen at the
Radisson Hotel Bloomington
by the Mall of America
1700 American Blvd. E.
Bloomington, MN 55425
www.radisson.com/bloomingtonbymoa
www.waterparkofamerica.com
GM Steve Pastor of the Radisson Hotel Bloomington by the Mall of America cuts the ribbon for the property's new Dairy Queen in the Waterpark of America.
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UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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 Leadership Twin Cities now accepting applications for 2016-2017 Class
Leadership Twin Cities is a nine-month series that informs people about the critical issues facing our community. Its focus is to inform 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 and community leaders, such as mayors, policy-makers and CEOs.
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Northeast Networking Night at Red Stag Supperclub
Red Stag Supperclub
509 1st Ave NE,
Minneapolis MN, 55413 |
View Map
Red Stag Supperclub is a restaurant known for their organic meals & classic cocktails. Meet and mingle in their new Club Room while enjoying one complimentary beverage and delicious appetizers. This is a great, informal way to grow your personal network. Register today!
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:
Union Bank and Trust
Thank you to our series sponsor:
CenterPoint Energy
Thank you to our event sponsor:
Red Stag Supperclub
Cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event for a refund. All no shows will be billed. Substitutes are accepted.
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Bloomington Chamber Golf Silent Auction is NOW Live
Let the Bidding Begin!
Our Golf Tournament may not be until next Monday but you can get in on the bidding action now! The silent auction is now live and includes great items such as golf packages, liquor baskets, Twins tickets, restaurant packages, Gopher Football tickets, wine baskets, hotel overnight packages and much more!
We'll be adding more items throughout the week so check back often. Save time by registering now and you'll be all set to bid while you golf on Monday. Even if you're not able to attend our golf classic, don't worry - you can still bid on silent auction items. The silent auction is open for everyone! Access our all new auction mobile bidding site by clicking BCCgolf16.gesture.com or texting "BCCgolf16" to 52182.
A portion of the proceeds from our silent auction will benefit our Bloomington Future Leaders Scholarship Program and programming for local high school seniors.
To register your phone online:
Use the silent auction website: BCCgolf16.gesture.com and follow the instructions.
To register your phone by cell phone:
Text keyword "BCCgolf16" to 52182. You will receive a text message with a hyperlink. Click the link and sign up!
See you Monday, June 20 on the links!
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Want to start saving on business supplies with your chamber membership?
 As a chamber member, your company is eligible for special savings, aggressive pricing and other great benefits from Office Depot, including the special offer below.
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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 certificates 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!
Enhanced Listing Opportunity
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
Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 or
John Youngberg at (612) 370-9170 today!
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43rd Annual Golf Classic Tournament
 Monday, June 20
10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Minnesota Valley Country Club
Thank you to our presenting sponsors: U.S. Bank and Mall of America
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87th Celebrate Northeast Parade
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DRIVE Social: Young Professionals Night at the Ballpark
 Wednesday, June 22
5 to 10 p.m. / Gluek's Restaurant and Target Field
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Happy Hour Networking at Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
Thursday, June 23
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. / Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
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Good Morning Minneapolis: Philanthropy in the City
Friday, June 24
7:30 to 9 a.m. / Be The Match
Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Xcel Energy
Thank you to our series sponsor: DLR Group
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Northeast Networking Night at Red Stag Supperclub
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Executive Women's Summer Social: Planning a Super Bowl
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Thursday, June 16, 2016 | 4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting
