 Forest Lake Area
Chamber of Commerce
The ChamberConnection
September, 2009
Serving the communities of: Columbus, Forest Lake, Lent, Linwood, Scandia, Stacy and Wyoming
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September Membership Meeting"Saving energy is SMART business" Learn
about financial incentives for energy efficiency, local business
success stories, and details of your utility conservation improvement
programs. The
Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Energy Smart (a
program of Minnesota Waste Wise, an affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber
of Commerce) are partnering to bring you the latest information to help
your business stay competitive and achieve energy cost savings.Meeting sponsored by: Green Door Consignment Company Thursday, September 17th, 2009 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Location: ZieglerCAT Facility, 13822 West Freeway Drive, Columbus, MN Speakers: Jill Curran (Energy Smart), Trish Curtis (Connexus Energy), and Ryan Bruers (Xcel Energy) For registration information click here
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House
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Local nonprofit
responds to growing need for service with Forest Lake
expansion
East Suburban
Resources, a nonprofit providing employment support to adults with
developmental disabilities, has expanded its Forest Lake
site in order to meet a growing demand for its services.
To celebrate the expansion, ESR has
scheduled an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Monday, Sept. 14 from
4-6 p.m. at the site, located at 744
West Broadway Avenue. The official ribbon-cutting
ceremony takes place at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to tour the expanded
facility and learn more about the agency's work in the community.
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Open House Event
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 The Simonson Group of Focus Financial has exciting
news! We opened a second office to conveniently serve you. We are
still located on Forest Boulevard in North Branch and now we also are located
in The First State Bank of Wyoming on Felton Avenue.
Stop by our Open House - Friday, October 9th
from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the First State Bank of Wyoming - 26741
Felton Avenue, Wyoming. You'll have an opportunity to ask us
questions while enjoying a light bite to eat with a chance to win prizes.
Check out our flyer for additional details click here
Not able to make it? Feel free to call us to schedule
a complimentary financial review at 651-674-7920 or 651-462-7636.
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| From the President |
 Welcome to the first FLACC e-newsletter. The FLACC is going GREEN! The e-newsletter has most of what the printed copy did, but without the copying and postage costs. Chamber members can still promote upcoming events like Focus Financial did this month, and can still advertise their business. Members, don't forget to forward this on to all your employees so they too know what is happening at YOUR chamber. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. THANK YOU for being members of the FLACC. |
Rychley Tax & Financial Services
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25 N Lake St. Suite 210
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-8681
How long have you been in business?
14 years
What is your main service/product?
Tax planning and compliance services, including annual tax preparation for businesses and individuals.
Accounting services for area businesses, including payroll services.
Financial planning, investing, retirement accounts. Analyze and sale of life, health,
disability and long-term care insurance.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
We believe each client has a unique set of circumstances. We evaluate their income
and earning potential, consider their individual goals and values and utilize
short-term and long-term planning in a year-round full-time professional environment.
What is your company's most significant recent accomplishment?
We have met our client retention goals and growth projections, in spite of the
economic downturn.
Why does your business belong to the Forest Lake Area
Chamber of Commerce?
We are pro-business! We view the Chamber of Commerce as a collective voice for the business community locally, state-wide and nationally and proud of our membership.
We value the opportunity to participate in events that promote our business community, for example: the recent Business Education Day. We have made valuable connections with other business owners through our membership.
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| Community Update |
"Kids, Athletics &
Asthma"
Sept. 24 event at Fairview
for parents and children
Are you concerned that your
school-age child may have asthma, or that your child's asthma may prevent him
or her from taking part in sports?
If so, please join allergist John Sweet, MD., and
sports medicine physician Scott Ahrenholz, D.O. CAQ, of Fairview Sports and
Orthopedic Care and a team of pediatric and respiratory providers for an
informational program at 6:30 p.m Thursday, Sept. 24, at Fairview Lakes Medical
Center, 5200 Fairview Blvd., Wyoming. Parents and children age 5-17 are
welcome to attend the free 90-minute program; but space is limited. To
preregister, call 612-672-7272.
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Community Corner
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RESULTS ARE IN: On Tuesday August 4th Forest Lake neighborhoods
held block parties under the new "night to unite" program, sponsored by Forest
Lake Police and Fire departments. The intent this year as in the past is to
help neighbors to get to know each other and for residents to meet their police
and fire personnel while helping create safe neighborhoods through
communication and safety tips.
Also - there
were events in Wyoming, Sc andia and Columbus under the "National Night Out"
program - which is similar to "Night to Unite". I heard from the Forest Lake
personnel that the block parties were up considerably from last year - do not
have specific numbers at this time. I am unsure if other cities had similar
results - may include more specifics next month but a very great event that
happens every year and worth participating in...
Spotlight
Business: LAYSB (Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau) - 244 N Lake Street, Forest
Lake MN 55025; 651-464-3685
LAYSB is a local non-profit that has amazing services for at-risk
youth and their families in Washington, Anoka and Chisago Counties. Some of the
programs offered through YSB are: Youth Enrichment, Youth Community Service
& Volunteer Activities, Youth Leadership, Youth and Family Counseling, Parenting
Support Services and Youth Intervention;
In 2008 LAYSB worked
with 2,033 youth, family members and volunteers from the area. 86% of youth
referred to the community justice program have had no future involvement with
the juvenile justice system, how do you like those apples...? 94% of parents
surveyed reported being better equipped to parent on a daily basis as a result
of their service.
A gift of
$325 covers the average annual cost for one young person to participate and
complete YSB early intervention, prevention and parenting services... Nice Work...!
By: Jim Westlund, Melaleuca
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September Refreshment Host |
 Thank you to:
Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau
Jeanne Walz, Executive Director
244 N. Lake Street
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-3685
www.ysblakesarea.org
"Ensure the Success of Youth"
The Refreshment Host supplies the Chamber with coffee, pop, and snocks for meetings held at the office. The cost is $35 in cash or supplies. The Chamber is always looking for business to be Refreshment Host. This is great and inexpensive way to get your name in front of a large number of people. For only $35 a month you receive recognition in the Chamber Newsletter, advertising at the Chamber front desk seen by both the public and members, and advertising at all the meetings held in the Chamber conference room. Please call the Chamber at 651-464-3200 to reserve your spot Refreshment Host. |
| August Ambassadors |
Landmark
Insurance Services 232 Lake
Street S.
Forest Lake,
MN 55025
651-464-3333
Landmark
Insurance Services is the oldest insurance agency in Forest Lake. They pride themselves
in providing personal service from a trained staff. All 9 employees are licensed agents with
extensive experience ranging from their newest employee with 10 years with their
office to an employee who has been with Landmark for 46 years.
They provide complete insurance to protect your financial
security including -
Commercial Business
coverages - Property, Liability,
Commercial auto, Workers Compensation, Group Health; Special Events coverage,
to name a few; from churches and country clubs to small "mom & pop"
businesses.
Personal Insurance - Home, Farm, Auto, Boat and RV, Motorcycle,
Classic Car; Life and Annuities, and Individual Health
Landmark represent over 25 companies - not just one - so they
can offer a broad selection of policies, coverages and competitive premiums.
Having been in business so long they have many long term relationships with their
companies, which translate into the best coverage for each customer.
Landmark has been involved with the FLACC since their
beginnings and they see that relationship as one of their most important.
Landmark Insurance is very easy to find - 232 Lake Street
South, next to Wells Fargo.
And, now you can't miss them with their new sign! August ambassadors:
Brian Alm, Landmark Insurance; Vicki LaMotte, South Lake
Design Inc.; Kate Tipping, Landmark Insurance; Kelly Appel, Lake Area Bank;
Dali Stiner, Landmark Insurance; Judy Johnson, Flexible Spaces; Jim Tipping,
Landmark Insurance; Matt Steffens,
Landmark Insurance; Kristi Nelson, First State Bank of Wyoming; Renee Waddell,
Bill's Auto Body; Lindsey Nielson, Sams Club; Dan Quam, Landmark Insurance
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ABRA Auto Body & Glass Re-Grand Opening Celebration
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Right the First Time...On Time
ABRA
Auto Body & Glass serves customers efficiently and effectively with
quality products and outstanding customer service, with the goal of creating
strong long-term customer relationships.
ABRA provides state-of-the-art repair technology, and ABRA's technicians are
the most highly trained in the damaged vehicle repair industry.
ABRA is committed to maintaining the best attention to both vehicle and
vehicle owner. We look forward to earning your trust for all your collision
and glass repair needs.
All ABRA repair centers employ a General Manager, a Customer Service Manager,
and a Customer Service Representative.
ABRA accepts most major credit
cards.
238 19th Street SW
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Email: Contact Us
Phone: (651)
464-3979
Fax: (651) 464-7959
Store
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon
Clean,
modern customer-friendly lounge areas
State-of-the-art
equipment
Drive-in
claims area
Car
rental assistance
Auto
glass, paintless dent removal and towing services available
Early
bird/after hours drop off
24
hour Contact Center - 1.888.USA.ABRA
Equipped
with Audatex & CCC Pathways estimating systems
Foreign
language assistance
Kansas
Jack frame rack for unibody and full-frames
Spraybake
downdraft paint booth with oven
I-CAR
Gold and ASE certified technicians
8,000
secured square feet
Shark
computerized measuring system
Mobile
auto glass service available at your home or work
Rock-chip
/ Windshield repair technicians
Lifetime
warranty honored at ALL ABRA locations nationwide
NGA
& ICAR nationally certified and trained glass installers
Auto
glass in-shop service at any one of our collision facilities -
convenient for inclimate weather
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| Youth Service Bureau (YSB) Corner |
Black Tie to Blue Jeans Ball
Plan now to attend the Black Tie to Blue Jeans Ball, a
community event benefiting Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau. Wear your
finest attire or come in your blue jeans! This year's event on Saturday
evening, October 3rd at Running Aces Harness Park features a
reception with music by Matt Haider, fine dining, entertainment by DanceSport
Center of North Branch, MN, a wine raffle, live and silent auction. Bea
Zaruba & Renee Wagner are serving as Honorary Co-Chairs. Tickets are
$60.00 per person.
Seats are still available. For more information or to
reserve tickets by phone: 651-464-3685 or e-mail: amy.o'neil@ysblakesarea.org.
R.E.A.C.H.
Teenagers often lack the skills to handle their anger.
LAYSB offers R.E.A.C.H.(Recognizing and Exploring Anger, Conflict, and
Hope), a program designed to help adolescents in their struggles with
anger. The cost is $75 and the group will meet on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:00
p.m. Nov. 10th to Dec. 15th. Call 651.464.3685 today to
set up an intake with Jessica Lynch, youth & family therapist
facilitating the group.
Support for Parents Class
4 meetings on Sept. 21, Oct. 5 & 19 and Nov. 2. Held
from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Trio Wolf Creek Learning Center in Lindstrom. Fee:
$80 per parent. Learn to: Gain cooperation through clear communication,
identify problems and who has responsibility to solve them, set appropriate
limits and consequences & use anger to your advantage. Facilitators:
Bob Downs, LMFT & Jackie Hays, LSW. Call Jackie at 651.464.3685 for
more info or to sign up!
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| Young
Leaders Corner |
I am excited to announce that the Young Leader's Group is
working on planning our first official chamber
wide event which is tentatively
scheduled for next spring at Running Aces.
We are in the beginning
planning stages for the event and our August meeting
brought about some really great ideas to help our event take shape. I will keep you updated as more details
regarding the event are available.
For those that have signed up to be a mentor at the local area
schools through Fairview Lakes Health Services and the Young Leader's Group,
Kathy Bystrom will be getting information out to us regarding orientation. If you are still interested in being a part
of the mentorship program, please feel free to contact Marty Rychley, Director
of the mentorship focus area, at marty@rychley.com
and he will get you the necessary information in order to sign up for the
program. It is a great way to get in
touch with the youth of our community!
Our next meeting will be Friday September 11, 2009 at 11:30
a.m. at Max's Groove House. Karolina
Konczyk of Johnson & Turner, P.A. will be presenting. Recent news reports regarding patient's health
care choices have brought attention to our rights as patients. Karolina's topic for her presentation is
"Refusing Chemotherapy: When Can the
Government Interfere with Your Constitutional Rights?" Please feel free to join us for our September
meeting and learn more about your rights as a patient.
Our meetings are always open to the chamber at large and we
would love for you to join us. Please
RSVP either to myself at michelle@rychley.com
or to the chamber office if you plan to attend our September meeting.
"The Young Leaders
Group plays an important role in connecting young members of our business
community in order to foster relationships to help one another grow our
businesses and help our community prosper."
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| MN Chamber Update |
Minnesota Chamber a conduit for small-business assistance
By David C. Olson
Nearly 70 small businesses in Minnesota are in better
position to weather the current economy, thanks to more than $4.3 million in
grants and low-interest loans distributed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Foundation. Funding was provided by the Pohlad Family Foundation and
administered through Grow Minnesota!, the Minnesota Chamber's private-sector
initiative focusing on job retention and creation.
These businesses are located in 50 communities and employ
more than a thousand Minnesotans across the state. This money will help
strengthen these companies and preserve essential jobs.
Overall, 765 businesses requested $75.3 million in
assistance. The lion's share sought grants to retain key employees. Local
chamber of commerce partners and other private-sector economic development
organizations played a key role in receiving and reviewing applications.
Two aspects of the program are noteworthy.
No. 1, the overwhelming response underscored that many of
our state's companies, especially small businesses, are hurting. But, as tough
as the current economy may be, many are looking ahead and preparing to grow.
That's good news. We are confident these grants and loans will strengthen their
ability to do so.
No. 2, we are gratified that the Pohlad Family Foundation
chose the Minnesota Chamber - through Grow Minnesota! - to manage the program.
It is a testament to our firsthand knowledge of, and connections with, the
statewide business community.
Grow Minnesota! has a primary focus to retain Minnesota
businesses and to encourage them to expand in the state. Equally important, it
is an opportunity to thank companies for investing in Minnesota. We operate in
partnership with 48 local chambers and organizations and reach businesses in
nearly 60 communities. We have conducted more than 700 one-on-one business
retention visits thus far in 2009.
This distribution of the Pohlad Family Foundation money
bolsters our arsenal of assistance. In addition to thanking companies for doing
business in Minnesota, we are a problem-solver. We work with about 100
companies annually on everything from highway signs to air quality permits to
sites for business expansions. Each time we help a business solve a problem, we
help keep jobs in Minnesota.
Our role as a problem-solver has been strengthened as
well. We recognize that we visit only a fraction of the thousands of Minnesota
businesses that have questions inherent in everyday operations. Our solution is
BusinessConnection - a one-stop statewide assistance and referral network. The
network is available to all businesses and can be reached toll-free by calling
888-MINN-BIZ (646-6249) with live operators standing by. On the Web, go to www.mnbizconnect.com. BusinessConnection
guides them to quick, complete and accurate answers.
Grow Minnesota! is becoming our state's leading
private-sector source of business assistance. With every conversation and call,
we are building important bonds between a business and our state and increasing
the utilization of our state's great network of people and programs designed to
help businesses succeed in Minnesota.
David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.
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There are lots of exciting things happening at the chamber. If you have any questions, please contact us at 651-434-3200 or at chamber@flacc.org.
Sincerely, |
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