Inside This Issue_

Monthly Newsletter www.chisagolakesChamber.com December 2007 Serving the communities of Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City and Shafer Upcoming Meetings & Events December 3 – Board Meeting, 4:00 P.M. Chisago Lakes Area Information Center 30525 Linden St – Lindstrom December 4 – Annual Meeting/Holiday Gala Time: 6:00pm Location: Parmly LifePointes RSVPs were required by November 23rd th rd What’s Happening This Month: December 1: December 4: December 4: December 4: December 4: December 11: December 12: December 25: December 31: Pet Portraits with Santa 9 AM Business Roundtable 12 PM Rotary Luncheon/Library 6 PM Annual Meeting & Holiday Gala Hanukkah begins Performing Arts Task Force Meeting Holmquist-Customer Appreciation Christmas Day New Year’s Eve Annual Meeting & Holiday Gala December 4th 6:00pm Point Pleasant, Parmly Campus RSVPs required by November 26th Many exciting things have taken place in the last year! There will be a short Annual Meeting and election of the Board Members for 2008, followed by entertainment and The Chamber office & Information Center will be closed December 24, 25, 26, & 31st In this issue: A Note from the Chamber Board Welcome New Members & Renewing Members Special Thank You to Members Holmquist’s Customer Appreciation Event November Board Meeting Highlights Member to Member Discounts Bachman’s Photography-“Pet Portraits with Santa” Community Partnership with Youth & Families Featured Business-Lindstrom Antique Mall Coffee Talk with State Rep. Jeremy Kalin Pampered Chef – Member Discount November Luncheon Meeting Rotary Luncheon – Renewable Energy Gustaf’s Galleries – Holiday Open House Historical Society – Raffle Winners YSB-Ending the Year on a Grateful Note Lodging Options during the Holidays Performing Art Series-Task Force MN Chamber Update Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Holiday Season Office Hours The Chamber office will be closed December 24-26 & December 31-January 1 Remember to stop at our local businesses when shopping for holiday gifts! 2007 Board of Directors Officers: President: Roger Lindgren, Lindgren and Associates Past President: Joe del Villar, Joe’s Pizza & Deli President-Elect: Renee Dabill, Renee Lynn Photography Secretary: Janet Wood, Wood’s Interior Design Studio Treasurer: Mary Cordts, Parmly Senior Housing & Services Directors: Greg Shaleen, ERA Muske Bob Jennissen, Security State Bank Matt Silver, Chisago County Press Keith Carlson, Security Victor Agency Jim Green, Edward Jones Investments Tom Kieffer, Farmers Insurance & Financial Solutions Staff: Brenda Palmquist, Executive Director Amber Lindo, Office Manager How to contact us: emails, etc. are received about the products or services they have available. I would like to welcome every member to take the opportunity to plan an active role in the leadership of the Chamber. Offer to be a member of the Board, chairperson for a project, and a volunteer for a fundraiser. Become more involved and share the successes of the organization. To all the members, I would like to wish each of you and all your staff the “Happiest of Holidays” this season, and health and success as we end 2007 and roll in 2008. Welcome New Members!! Acres for Life, Inc. Lynn Moore, Chisago City, 651-257-4159 Chisago Lakes Young Life Dan Charpentier, Lindstrom, 651-343-7767 Chisago Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 283 - 30525 Linden St. Lindstrom, MN 55045 Phone: 651 257-1177 Email: clacc@frontiernet.net Web: www.chisagolakesChamber.com High Woods Bed & Breakfast Mary Jo Mandell, Taylors Falls, 651-465-5307 Relay for Life Jane Wachutka, Chisago City, 651-494-3197 Thank You Renewing Members! A Note from the Chamber Board The following members renewed their annual membership in November: America’s Best Value Inn, Bachman’s Photography, Balanced Body/Balanced Life, BugMiesters, Chisago Lakes Area Rotary, Chisago Lakes Golf Estates, Cho Tax Service, City of Chisago City, City of Shafer, Croix Valley Pick-Up, the Diers Family, East Central Energy, Edward Jones/Tom Hallberg, Fairview Lakes Health Services, Fisk Tire & Auto Repair, Bob Gustafson, Hazelden, Jennings, DeWan, Miller & Anderson, LLC, Johnson, Grundhoefer & Alliegro, LLC, Lake Area Bank, Lake State Federal Credit Union, Lakes Region EMS, Lakes Veterinary, Lindgren & Associates Inc., Lindstrom Optical, Lindstrom Snyder Drug, Schmidt Oil Company, Inc., ServPro of N. Washington, Chisago, and Pine Counties, The RiverBank MN, Trinity Lutheran Church, US Bank, US Cable, Virga Chiropractic Clinic, and Whispering Bay Resort Roger Lindgren Lindgren & Associates Board President Another year is coming to an end. It has been a great year for the Chamber in terms of accomplishments and growth. We have exceeded our goal of membership by more than 10 members bringing us up to 180+ members as of 11/30/07. As the year comes to an end, so does my year as Chamber President. The year has gone by fast, but it has been enjoyable Seeing the growth of the Chamber happen over the past few years has shown the success that our Chamber is having, and the interest that is there in being part of this organization. We have many hard working members that have helped our Executive Director and Office Manager make these years a success, but a big thank you to Brenda and Amber for being the driving force that helped us meet or exceed our goals this past year. The Chamber of Commerce is an important organization for the businesses, individuals, government and the community as a whole. With everyone working together we will continue to be successful and make our community successful. There are businesses out there that cannot see what the Chamber would do for them, so they refuse to join; but these businesses continue to receive referrals from the Chamber when calls, A Special Thank You to the following for making the Holiday Season Merry & Bright: *Matt Silver/Chisago County Press for sponsoring the Christmas trees in front of the Chamber building *Bill Straub & Boy Scout Troop 159 for lighting the trees, hanging the garland and wreaths *Chamber members at the November luncheon who donated toward the Christmas greenery *Roger Lindgren/Lindgren & Associates for sponsoring refreshments for the Holiday Gala *Security State Bank of Marine for donating the funds to pay for one month’s rent for the Chamber building in 2008 (does anyone want to match their donation?) 2 www.chisagolakesChamber.com Customer Appreciation December 12th – 3 to 8 p.m. Holmquist Advanced Chiropractic office in Lindstrom Bring the kids for a fun time to see Santa and give their Christmas Wish list. •Enjoy hot apple cider and Christmas cookies. •Santa will make an appearance from 3-7 p.m. Bring your camera. •Live blood analysis for $15 from 4 – 7 p.m. •Visit vendors from 3-8 p.m. and finish your holiday shopping: •Tastefully Simple food items •BeautiControl skin care products •Premier jewelry •Goji functional beverage •Sue’s handmade scarves, hats, dresses, etc. •Kristi’s Interior Design & Floral Ideas •World Ventures Travel presentations •BB’s Keepsakes gym, so they are considering a different location. A grand prize package may is under consideration. NEW BUSINESS (1) A draft of the proposed budget for the October 2007 through September 2008 fiscal year was reviewed and approved. (2) The December Board of Directors Meeting will be changed to Monday Dec 3rd. (3) At the January or February Board meeting we will update the business plan. What should be the next level that the Chamber can offer members? We would like feedback from the members, possibly have an open meeting to discuss the business plan. Greg suggested emailing the business plan to all members after the annual meeting. (4) There was discussion about use of the Chamber Office/ Information Center. It was agreed that the building should continue to be available to members at no charge. There was a specific request from a member to hold a bible study session, and the Board agreed that use would be acceptable. (5) At the January meeting the Board will discuss ideas on how to encourage key businesses to join and support the Chamber. Directors and Members are encouraged to bring a potential member as a guest to the monthly luncheons. (6) Members will be asked to donate for the wreaths, trees and garland to decorate the outside of the Chamber office for the holidays. The Boy Scouts will again hang the outside lights as long as we purchase the greenery through them. We need about $300. Member-To-Member Discounts Anytime Fitness 651-257-1901 Chamber members get 10% off monthly dues (pay $34.15/mo) and pay no activation fee at sign up (save $29) For more information, call 651-257-9838. November 5th Board Meeting Highlights - from minutes recorded by Janet Wood FINANCIAL STATEMENT The Balance Sheet shows total liabilities & equity as of October 31, 2007 were $6,799.27. The fiscal year is now October through September to simplify the planning and budgeting process. The tax year and membership will continue on a calendar-year basis. Balanced Body/Balanced Life 651-257-3284 Buy 2 massage gift certificates (at least 1 hour each) and book yourself a massage for 1/2 price. Member massage must be booked in Dec or Jan 08. Book a Feng Shui appointment before Jan 31, 2008 and receive 50% off EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT (On file with minutes.) Brenda has compiled a summary of member contributions for 2007. The Board agreed that the list would be printed and placed in a commemorative frame to recognize the individuals, businesses and organizations who were active members of the Chamber – with special recognition for those that contributed their time and financial support for Chamber-sponsored events and other non-dues activities. COMMITTEE REPORTS Chains of Success (Joe): The committee purchased a book on tourism development, and they want to market the entire Chisago Lakes area as a whole. They compiled a list of what our community offers and found 75 items in recreation and tourism - our area offers a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. We need to learn how to market what we have and add what we are missing. The River Bank had made up a booklet about the community a few years ago; Joe is going to try to get a copy. Celebration of the Lakes (Greg): Sponsorships are slightly behind schedule, and the calendar of events is being finalized. Promotion activities will begin in early December. Home, Garden, & Business Show (Bob): The committee met on November 5th. They are concentrating on filling both the gym and commons area at the 2008 Home Show, scheduled for March 1-2. There were concerns about the entertainment being too loud in the Budget Blinds of the River Valley 651-464-2343 30% off all Select Signature window treatments to all Chamber members If you offer a discount to Chamber members, or you’d like to do a special promotion for Chamber members, please contact the Chamber office 651-257-1177 and we’ll help get the word out! Pet Portraits with Santa Bachman's Photography will be offering "Pet Portraits with Santa" on Saturday, December 1st They have had many years of fun and success doing this at the North Branch Vet Hospital and have decided they would like to offer their services to the people of the Chisago Lakes Area by doing it in their own studio. It is fun, easy and inexpensive so call 651-257-9380 now to make your appointment! 3 www.chisagolakesChamber.com Community Partnership 25 years ago this fall a group of people got together in Chisago County to explore better ways of serving young people who were in trouble. As more and more people got together, a coordinated effort was started called Under One Roof. Today this collaboration of individuals, agencies and organizations is the Community Partnership with Youth & Families. “The number of people who have been served by people committed to working together for youth and families over the past 25 years is incredible,” stated the Partnership’s Executive Director Tom Koplitz. “Our national award winning teen theatre program (Improv) has helped young people as far away as Alaska and our practice of coordinating efforts on behalf of youth has been recognized nationally on two other occasions as models to be used to change communities for the better.” This practice has also led to the local efforts to keep young people away from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (Partners for a Drug Free Chisago County) by utilizing prevention practices that are proven to be effective. The Partnership’s after school program, Children FIRST is showing astounding results, as kids are learning to use refusal skills while participating in a safe, structured, fun program after school until mom/dad return home from work. “This out of school time is a huge challenge for families around here and Children FIRST meets that challenge head on.” About 300 4th – 8th graders will be served this school year alone through Children FIRST, which is booming at Taylors Falls and Lakeside Elementary schools thanks to the dedication of community volunteers. Community Partnership needs your help to continue providing these and other services to Chisago County youth and families at no cost to them. “Our philosophy since day one has been to find other ways to fund these services, and its becoming harder and harder to do. Your support will be greatly appreciated, and we’ll make sure it is used to serve our kids and families!” To find out more about Community Partnership visit www.cpyf.org or call us at 674-4085. You can contribute by sending your donation to Community Partnership, Box 549, North Branch, MN 55056, or through our website by using PayPal. And now for the next 25 years . . . Featured Business – December 2007 Lindstrom Antique Mall Located in Downtown Lindstrom, MN on Highway 8 (651) 257-3340 or visit www.lindstromantiquemall.com Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lindstrom Antique Mall is the hot spot for holiday shopping. You will be sure to find something for everyone! With over 40 dealers and 9,000 square feet, the store has a huge variety and a wide range of choices to suit many interests. Walking through the store, you can’t help but notice the beautiful antique furniture, Red Wing pottery, vintage beer signs, Disney collections, jewelry, Swedish collectables, and much more! Lindstrom Antique Mall will celebrate their 14th Anniversary in February 2008. Be sure to visit at this time for storewide discounts! Above Right: Store Manager, Kearn Ward, stands next to an antique secretary desk. Quote for the Month Children FIRST Club at Taylors Falls Elementary School Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown 4 www.chisagolakesChamber.com October Chamber Luncheon John Driscoll from the Hazelden Foundation spoke about the Center City campus and planned updates. John Driscoll, Executive Director of the Hazelden Foundation was the featured speaker. Not many in our area realize how large the Hazelden Campus is, or that services are available at numerous other locations. The Center City campus has miles of walking trails that patients have access to year round. Many enjoy the wildlife they see while on the trails. There are approximately 200 patients on campus at any given time. The many buildings on campus serve a variety of purposes. The Women’s Recovery Center was built last year as a healing place for women. Hazelden also has locations in Plymouth, St. Paul, Oregon, Chicago, and New York. Hazelden now offers an accredited Masters degree program. Graduates teach and work in treatment centers around the world. Hazelden will be training all 220 chemical dependency counselors of the US Navy in the next year. Thanks John for sharing and providing insights about the Hazelden programs and services. The Chamber reminded members that the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gala is scheduled for the evening of December 4th at Point Pleasant Heights. Invitations were mailed out and members must RSVP by November 23rd. Donations for Anonymous Santa will be accepted at the event. The Chamber has four new members – Relay for Life, Shafer One Stop, High Woods Bed & Breakfast, and Chisago Lakes Young Life. Welcome new members! Rep. Jeremy Kalin will hold a coffee meeting at the Chamber office December 4th at 9am. Please RSVP to 651-296-9471. The Chisago Lakes Rotary Club is inviting Chamber members to their December 4th meeting at the Chisago Library. To RSVP, please contact a Rotary Club member. A soup luncheon is planned for the January 10th Luncheon. A sign-up sheet was passed around – if you are interested in signing-up, please contact the Chamber office to be added. Celebration of the Lakes is looking for more sponsors! Please visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com for a sponsorship form. The 2008 Home, Garden, and Businesses Show committee met and will send out registration forms soon. The Chamber thanked Renee Lynn Photography for keeping the Board of Director photos current. Joe del Villar and Greg Shaleen urged Chamber members to nominate or volunteer for the Chamber Board. Chamber members that attended the luncheon donated money toward holiday greenery outside the Chamber building. Thank you! The Chamber thanked Paul Schaffhausen for the aerial photo he donated to the Chamber and Roger Lindgren for his help with QuickBooks throughout the year. MJ Savaiano was also thanked for donating a projector screen. Shari Bachman of Bachman’s Photography is taking pet portraits with Santa! Jane Wachutka announced that Relay for Life is scheduled for July 25th at Almelund Threshing Grounds, and she thanked the businesses for their sponsorships this past year. Renee Dabill, Renee Lynn Photography is having an open house Nov 30- Dec 1. Please stop by! Michael Norcross of Holiday Inn Express would like to start a bible study network group, please contact him for more information. Brenda announced that Amber is pregnant and is due in March 2008. She is planning on taking a short leave, so during that time Members may be asked to help staff the Chamber office. Thanks to Joe’s Pizza & Deli for catering the delicious luncheon, and for donating the networking lunch won by Shari Bachman and Tom Kieffer. MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL (12/1/2007) – Minnesota's diverse ecosystems are ideal for growing renewable biomass energy, making the state a focal point for innovative environmental solutions. But where is Minnesota headed in this new green world? University of Minnesota applied economics professor Steven Taff will address the issue when he speaks at the Chisago Lakes Rotary at noon on Tuesday, December 4 at the Chisago County Library, 11754 302 St., Chisago Lakes. The event is part of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's (UMAA) year-long, state-wide speakers tour. "While we talk a lot about our prairies and biomass alternatives as renewable energy sources, all we are currently utilizing are our corn fields," said Taff. "We now have to explore these emerging energy paths that are open to us and make concrete decisions as to where we will go next." The purpose of the speakers tour is to help Minnesotans understand that the university touches and belongs to each and every one of the five million people in this state. “The University of Minnesota is an economic engine for our state and has a huge impact on the quality of life in Minnesota,” said Margaret Carlson, UMAA CEO. “The university’s leading educators, researchers and administrators are traveling all over the state, talking to community leaders about the great teaching, research and outreach that happen at the university every single day. Carlson has served as the UMAA’s CEO and a university associate vice president since 1985. The UMAA is an independent, 62,000 member organization dedicated to connecting alumni, students and friends in lifelong support of the University of Minnesota and each other. Chamber members are asked to RSVP by Dec. 3rd - 651 257-1177. Gustaf’s Galleries Holiday Open House November 23 – December 23 Enjoy Swedish Almond Cake, Yuletide treats and warm drinks! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 5 www.chisagolakesChamber.com (St. Croix Valley Graphics needs this space – they will put in an ad) with an advisor to organize events to improve the community. It’s a great volunteer opportunity and a place to meet friends.” There are 2 YAB groups, one in Forest Lake and one in North Branch, each open to grades 7-12. YAB looks great on college applications! Teen Game Time (TGT) TGT is exactly what it sounds like...air hockey, X-Box (we just added Dance Dance Revolution to the game options!), board games, and cards. Teens entering grades 7-9 can join us for FREE whenever they wish. TGT is held every Sunday (except holidays) during the school year from 2:00-5:00pm at YSB in Forest Lake. No pre-registration, just walk in! For more information about any of the above announcements, please contact Tovah at 651.464.3685 or tovah.rykken@ysblakesarea.org! Coming Up for Parents in the New Year! Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau will be offering the following parenting workshops in Hugo at the City Hall’s Oneka Room: Tuesday, January 22 “School Homework: Parents Survival Guide” presented by Huntington Learning Center; Thursday, February 7 “Underachievement in Children: What’s a Parent to do?” presented by Bob Downs, MS, LMFT, Youth and Family Therapist. These will be followed later by two workshops, Street Drugs: What’s Out There Today and Prevention by Parents. All workshops will start at 7:00 p.m., and will be free. Call Jackie Hays, Parent Education Coordinator, at 651-464-3685 for more information. County Historical Society Toy Raffle Winners The Chisago County Historical Society held its annual membership meeting on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at the Gustaf Historic House in Lindstrom. Elected to the Board of Directors were: Perry Lindquist (Rush City), Bud Clover (Harris), and Deb Perry (Shakopee). Recognized as Historian of the Year was Donald Zachrison (North Branch) for his work on the rural school houses, the New Deal tractor manufactured in Wyoming, MN, and for research and work on the school, gas station, and railroad depot located at the Almelund Threshing Grounds. Following the meeting, the raffle drawing for the collectible toys was held. The winners were: Pedal car - Darlene Sarwe (Hugo), Schwin bicycle - Gary Ostrom (Chisago City) and Bridal doll Doug Perry (Chisago City). The Holidays Can Be Stressful for Parents and Teenagers! Do you ever feel a strong need to talk to someone who might be helpful in sorting through a stressful situation you are having with a teenager? Lakes Area YSB offers a Phone and Walk-in Consultation Service during office hours, and someone will talk with you or return your call shortly. Sometimes a listening ear can help you sort it out on your own! Your Skills Are Needed! YSB is seeking Forest Lake area residents to serve as Community Justice Panel volunteers, male mentors for boys ages 12-16, Resource Development Committee (RDC) members and 2008 event planning steering committees. Call, e-mail or talk to Pam when you see her at A. M. Connection meetings. Do you have ideas about how YSB’s outreach efforts can be more successful? Would you like to be more involved in ensuring the success of youth through involvement with YSB? We could use your skills. Youth Service Bureau Ending the Year on a Grateful Note! YSB board members and staff extend our deepest thanks to Chisago Lakes Area Chamber businesses that have generously supported our programs through financial and in-kind gifts, service, Youth Page advertising, volunteer hours, event sponsorship and participation. Your contributions have been stewarded carefully to serve hundreds of youth and families this year! Lodging Options This holiday season, please encourage your visitors and relatives to stay at one of your fellow Chamber member Hotels or B&B’s America’s Best Value Inn Chisago City, 651-257-8088 High Woods Bed & Breakfast Taylors Falls, 651-465-5307 Holiday Inn Express St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5775 Summit Inn Bed & Breakfast Center City, 651-257-4987 The Springs Country Inn Taylors Falls, 651-465-6565 Are you making your list & checking it twice? 1. Remember Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau (YSB) when you are making Year-End Contributions! 2. See our Christmas Wish List at www.ysblakesarea.org! Together we can provide a happier and healthier New Year to local youth and families! 3. Consider a donation to our Partners for the Future permanent fund. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar by the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation! 4. Check our Wish List at www.ysblakesarea.org! Youth Advisory Board “The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a group of teens working 6 www.chisagolakesChamber.com Performing Art Center Series Task Force The Chisago Lakes Performing Art Center is one of the most outstanding venues in this area. If you saw the “Wizard of Oz” production, you know just how well-utilized the PAC was, and how this community responds to great entertainment and local talent. The Community Education Department is forming a Performing Art Series Task Force, and would like to meet with anyone who is interested in bringing a performing arts series to our area for quarterly, monthly, or weekly performances. The purpose of the PAC Task Force is to determine the interests for performing arts in our area and to study the feasibility and cost of developing an ongoing series of performing arts entertainment in the Chisago Lakes Area. The group will study what is currently being offered, what the needs or desires might be for this kind of activity, and identify what type of entertainment we should attempt to bring in to perform locally, i.e.: community theatre, comedy, music, etc. program is statewide with more than 40 local chamber of commerce partners, thus offering a local, helping-hand in many Minnesota communities. At its foundation, Grow Minnesota! has two purposes: to thank businesses for investing in this state, and to identify their challenges to grow in Minnesota. The program’s one-on-one work with businesses also supplements the Minnesota Chamber’s public policy agenda at the Capitol. We know, better than ever, what our state’s policy-makers could do to make it easier for our businesses to prosper in our state. Grow Minnesota! focuses on business retention and expansion. Working with local chambers, Its goal is to retain businesses, provide one-on-one assistance, identify problems affecting business generally and recommend community and public-sector responses. We have many success stories. They range from connecting a Thief River Falls employer with the local community and technical college for its workforce needs to convincing Nestlé to select the Twin Cities as its U.S. headquarters for the Nestlé Nutrition – HealthCare Nutrition business unit. The program also recognizes the importance of developing relationships with those businesses that have significant presence in Minnesota and out-of-state ownership. In that regard, a team from the Minnesota Chamber visited the senior management of ClevelandCliffs in October in Cleveland, Ohio. The company operates and owns – all or in part – three mining operations in Minnesota and employs approximately 1,700 Minnesotans. The company is scheduled to soon begin a $39 million investment to increase production at Northshore Mining by 800,000 tons. Grow Minnesota! reflects the trademark of the Minnesota Chamber as a problem-solver for your business. One in seven visits results in requests for assistance where volunteers either solve the problem or put the company in touch with the appropriate resource, frequently local or state officials. We help guide companies through the jigsaw puzzle of economic development assistance. Our local chamber partners and their volunteers are wrapping up another year of visits. Overall, we met with more than 800 companies, bringing our four-year totals to nearly 3,000 conversations and more than 400 companies assisted. Our visits also have underscored the need for a coordinated effort between the private and public sectors. Minnesota has more than 100,000 companies, and yet we have the pulse of but a fraction. Only about 2,500 are being contacted every year through separate efforts of Grow Minnesota!, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and other economic development organizations. To that end, Grow Minnesota! is developing a service with a single entry point to connect businesses with private and public business assistance resources. This new network, which we plan to launch in the spring of 2008, will enhance and better coordinate existing assistance programs. It will reinforce the Grow Minnesota! mission: to help Minnesota companies be successful in our state and grow. (David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnChamber.com.) A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the Chisago Lakes High School Performing Art Center. This is an exiting opportunity to be involved in the development of an art series offered for the citizens in our area. If you have any interest in being part of this Task Force, we encourage you to come on out for an hour or two of lively discussion. If you have questions, please contact Bob Meyer, Community Education Director at 651 213-2601, or Brenda Palmquist, chairperson for the Community Education Advisory Council, at 651 257-1177. The Anonymous Santa project needs your help! Bring toys, gifts or cash donations to the annual meeting, or send a check to Anonymous Santa, PO Box 901, North Branch, MN 55056. They have people who will do the shopping for you! For more information about Anonymous Santa, or for volunteer opportunities call LeeAnn Vande Kamp at 651-583-3181 or email vandkamp@cornernet.com. MN Chamber Update Grow Minnesota! Its business is to grow jobs by David C. Olson Are you frustrated by the inability to acquire permits for new signage or additional sewer discharge for your business? Are you looking for a raw material supplier for a manufacturing process? Are you searching for potential buildings and sites to expand within your community? Minnesota has an abundance of public and private organizations that could likely steer businesses in the right direction to solve these and myriad other everyday business problems. Indeed, that’s a challenge in itself. The matrix is often so confusing and disconnected that companies are stymied in identifying their first step. Grow Minnesota!, a private-sector program spearheaded by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, can be your partner. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – The Voice of Business 7 www.chisagolakesChamber.com