Business After Hours April 9 Join us for a great casual networking event at Pour Wine Bar & Bistro on April 9 starting at 4:30 pm. Spend an hour and a half talking with other professionals while you enjoy a tasty sampling of appe-tizers and beverages. The event will include a new member welcome. No RSVP is required.

Visitor’s Day at Chamber Connections

Chamber Connections is the ERACC lead generation and referral group. On Tuesday, April 14th, the group will be hosting a Visitor’s Day. If you know of someone who is not yet an ERACC member, this is a great event for you to bring them as a guest! If you are already a member (or maybe a new mem-ber) it is a great time to try out the group. Chamber Connections meets at Minnesota School of Busi-ness (11500 193rd Ave NW, Elk River) from 8:30-9:30 every Tuesday morning, and is a benefit in-cluded in ERACC membership. For more info, contact the Chamber office.

ERACC Scholarship for Student Employees

Each year, the chamber provides a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior within the ISD 728 boundaries (including public, private, parochial, charter, or homeschooled students) or a first year college or technical school student. Applicants must be an employee of an ERACC member business. The scholarship will be awarded to the candidate who shows an above average aptitude for business and who intends to pursue a business or professional degree or certificate. Applications are available at www.elkriverchamber.org. Deadline to apply is April 17, 2015.

Free SHRM Seminar

ERACC members are invited to the next North Star SHRM seminar titled: Medical Marijuana Impacts on Employers, presented by Chad A. Staul, of Wessels Sherman. It will be held at Minnesota School of Business (11500 193rd Avenue, Elk River) on Wednesday, April 8, from 8:00-9:30 am. ERACC members are invited to attend at no cost. Minnesota recently became the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana. Although the new law could improve opportunities for treatment of those suffering from certain medical conditions, it may create issues for employers and employees in “drug-free” workplaces. While the legal implications of this law have not yet been tested in the courts, employers should become aware of how this law can impact the workplace.

Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars for this year’s ERACC Golf Classic! We will tee off at Elk River Golf Club on July 23 with a 9 am shotgun start. You won’t want to miss out on this fun event! More details, including theme, registration and sponsorship opportunities, will be coming soon.

Find Elk River Chamber@

Scan this QR code to go to

www.elkriverchamber.org on your smart

phone for the latest Chamber events and

info.

April

8 Export Roundtable 9 Business After Hours & New Member

Welcome - at Pour Wine Bar & Bistro

12 The Expo & Job Fair 2015 14 Visitor’s Day at Chamber Connections

17 Talking Business with Sherburne County

Officials 22 Generation Speak: The ABCs of talking to

XYZs workshop

23 Boost Your Online Brand Workshop

May 7 Boost Your Online Brand workshop

8 Talking Business with Elk River City Council

25 Memorial Day - Chamber office closed

Every Tuesday - Chamber Connections 8:30-9:30am at Minnesota School of Business

For more info on Chamber and Community events go to

www.elkriverchamber.org

SAVE THE DATE! 2015 ERACC Golf Classic

July 23

With Sherburne County Officials

You are invited to join us to “talk business” with Sherburne County Commissioners and other County staff on Friday, April 17, 8:00-9:00 am at Guardian Angels Corporate Offices (508 Freeport Ave NE, Ste A) Discussion topics will in-clude Blandin Broadband Community Program, economic development up-dates and transportation priorities. No RSVP required.

Sunday, April 12 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Elk River High School

New this year is the Job Fair, featuring area employers. If you are seeking

quality employees, this is the place to be! Check the Expo page on our website for the latest information and to register as an exhibitor for the

Job Fair and/or The Expo.

You KNOW you want to be there!

Generation Speak: Generation Speak: Generation Speak: The ABCs of talking to The ABCs of talking to The ABCs of talking to

XYZsXYZsXYZs Wednesday, April 22Wednesday, April 22Wednesday, April 22

9:00 9:00 9:00 --- 11:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. Holiday Inn Minneapolis NW Elk RiverHoliday Inn Minneapolis NW Elk RiverHoliday Inn Minneapolis NW Elk River

(9200 Quaday Ave. NE, Otsego)(9200 Quaday Ave. NE, Otsego)(9200 Quaday Ave. NE, Otsego) $35.00 per person ~ $35.00 per person ~ $35.00 per person ~ Register onlineRegister onlineRegister online

Communicating across the generations is a hot Communicating across the generations is a hot Communicating across the generations is a hot topic with 5 generations soon to be in workplace topic with 5 generations soon to be in workplace topic with 5 generations soon to be in workplace at the same time. Our expert workshop presenter at the same time. Our expert workshop presenter at the same time. Our expert workshop presenter is Sarah Patnode, Director of Professional and is Sarah Patnode, Director of Professional and is Sarah Patnode, Director of Professional and Organizational Development, Professional Work-Organizational Development, Professional Work-Organizational Development, Professional Work-force Training Departmentforce Training Departmentforce Training Department at Anoka Technical at Anoka Technical at Anoka Technical College & Anoka Ramsey Community College. College & Anoka Ramsey Community College. College & Anoka Ramsey Community College. She willShe willShe will teachteachteach you to understand generational you to understand generational you to understand generational dynamics and the language you needdynamics and the language you needdynamics and the language you need to com-to com-to com-municate effectively with every generation.municate effectively with every generation.municate effectively with every generation.

Spring into Summer with

CrossFit Elk River’s

Spring Special!

Summer is coming and you know what that means…

...swimsuit season!

Get in shape for summer with our Spring into Summer special

3 months, 3 x/week for $300

Call now or stop in to sign up! Offer ends April 10th

763-777-9032

www.crossfitelkriver.com

Nutrition, Fitness Evaluations and On Ramp Elements Course included!

Plus, we’ve added new classes! In addition to lots of regular CrossFit classes

we’ve added M.A.C. (Max Aerobic Conditioning) Class.

These are high intensity workouts without the Olympic lifting.

MAC class times are MWF 9:30am and 5:30pm , TTh 7:30pm

Attention WOMEN of all ages!! YOU NEED THIS!!

Women's Self Defense Seminar, Saturday, May 2nd 1:00-4:00

With over 30 years experience in Martial Arts and Self Defense, Chris Fournie will prepare you

for what no one ever thinks could happen to them. Learn how to defend yourself and loved

ones from predators. Sign up now, limited space available! $35 (priced low so all can attend

as we feel this is incredibly important for all women to learn) Call 763-777-9032 to sign up.

Get the kids active this summer with our CrossFit Kids program!

CrossFit Kids pairs fitness and fun to create a life long love of health and fitness for your child!

Summer session 1: June 9th - July 16th Summer session 2: July 21st - August 27th Class Days/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm

Ages 8-12 (flexible with ages depending on maturity level)

Cost: Only $99 if you sign up before May 31st

Program Description: CrossFit Kids combines gymnastics, body-weight calisthenics, and weightlifting elements to develop your child’s general physical skills, with additional focus on elements that encourage bone density, balance and coordination. Our program will also have an emphasis on teamwork and nutrition. Our goal is to combine fitness and fun so that your child will develop a lifelong positive attitude towards fitness and nutrition. We desire to develop each child’s self esteem and confidence to take on the world!

We do a wide variety of activities and movements that keep the kids moving. We run, row, squat, climb, jump, do pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups, gymnastics, obstacle courses… The classes consist of a warm up, skill, work out, and game. The warm up lasts about 5-10 minutes. We then work on a “skill” for 10 minutes or so. During this time the kids learn new things that challenge their coordi-nation, balance, strength, and agility (for example hand stands or bar skills like pullovers). We then do a workout of the day or “WOD”. This consists of a few rounds of various skills or exercises repeated in a way that challenges their strength and endurance. The last thing we do is spend a few minutes playing a game.

All Classes instructed by CrossFit Kids Certified instructor

Call 763-777-9032 or visit our website for more info or to sign up www.crossfitelkriver.com

CrossFit Elk River Happenings

Property maintenance

Schedule Spring

Clean-Up Today

763-420-1082

2015 family fun festsponsorship levels

Presenting Sponsor . $5,000

Platinum Sponsor . $2,500

• Premier signage on designated entry to event and signage on 12’ banner facing the road before event. • Name and logo incorporated on tickets & program• Publically recognized and thanked during program as Presenting Sponsor • ¼ page ad in local newspaper recognizing you (your company)• Logo and link on www.2ndchanceyouthranch.org official website• Recognized in 2nd Chance Youth Ranch Annual Report• Name & logo as Presenting Sponsor on tables

• Youy name and logo incorporated on tickets & program• Publically recognized and thanked during program as Platinum Sponsor • ¼ page ad in local newspaper recognizing you (your company)• Logo and link on www.2ndchanceyouthranch.org official website• Recognized in 2nd Chance Youth Ranch Annual Report• Name & logo as Platinum Sponsor on tables

Gold Sponsor . $1,000• Publically recognized and thanked during program • Logo and link on www.2ndchanceyouthranch.org official website• Recognized in 2nd Chance Youth Ranch Annual Report• Name & logo as Gold Sponsor on tables

Bronze Sponsor . $500• Publically recognized and thanked during program• Logo and link on www.2ndchanceyouthranch.org official website• Name & logo as Bronze Sponsor on tables

All proceeds will be used to support 2nd Chance Youth Ranch an Equine Assisted Learning Program.2nd Chance Youth Ranch holds a 501(c)(3) Fiscal Agent Sponsorship Agreement with Stellar ImpactFoundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Lisa Hiebert, Director of Strategic Marketing (651) 695-2411 • www.bbb.org Primary Category: Organizations

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is proud to be known as "the first BBB!" They are a non-profit

organization founded by ethical business owners in the Twin Cities in 1912. The BBB is supported today by nearly 6,400 locally Accredited Businesses that believe in their mission. BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB's vision is an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

The Bank of Elk River welcomed two additions to their staff. Peter Onstad is now Manger of Retail Banking, overseeing all five branch office locations. David Black is the new Branch Manager of the School Street location, overseeing all branch activi-ties and staff development.

Congratulations to Wayne Cornelius of Professional Karate Studios. He is celebrating his 20th year in business.

For 25 consecutive years, the City of Elk River has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excel-lence in Financial Reporting. The certificate is a national award recognizing performance with the highest standards for preparation of government financial reports. It is presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Elk River City Council accepted the award and acknowledged the work of Elk River Finance Director Tim Simon and his staff.

Congratulations to Mark & Deb Urista of Coldwell Banker Vision on celebrating their 20th business anniversary.

Three community events are coming up. On April 10, Sherburne County Area United Way will have their 8th Annual True Colors Fashion Show at The Crown Room (20500 S. Diamond Lake Rd., Rogers) to benefit the iEmpower Youth Program. Taste of Elk River, sponsored by the Elk River Rotary Club, will be May 14 at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Hwy 10 W, Elk River). The event features food and beverage samples from area vendors as well as live entertainment. ArtSoup, the community arts festival hosted by the Elk River Area Arts Alliance, will be held in downtown Elk River on June 27.

Congratulations to Rick & Suzy Kurth, celebrating the 34th anniversary for Broadway Bar & Pizza!

Rivers of Hope has moved to an new location at 207 Walnut Street in Monticello. The organization offers advocacy, support, education and referral services for victims of family violence. Currently, their needs include: Gift cards (Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Cub Foods, Amazon, Subway, DQ, McDonalds, cards for gas and/or oil changes), toys & books (for ages toddler to 8), children’s clothing (in sizes infant to age 8).

Congratulations to Blue Egg Bakery on their recent awards. Blue Egg won both First and Second place in judging “Best Multigrain Bread” at the Upper Mid-west Bakery Association Annual Convention. Blue Egg Bakery’s “Ancient Grain” bread took top honors in a field of 30 competitors representing the states of Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota. The second place bread was one of their customer favor-ites, Straun. The judges, mostly Master and Profes-sional Bakers, judged the entries on taste and flavor, presentation, skill of execution, uniqueness and eye appeal.

Recently, CAER completed an expansion of their facility to help serve the growing needs in the Elk River area. The expansion included a 5 door reach-in cooler and 1,800 cubic feet of freezer space. The new equipment will save CAER over $12,780 in operating expenses and greatly expand the quantity and quality of the products they can provide to local residents. Elk River Municipal Utilities was able to provide a rebate to help offset a large portion of the new equipment cost. The rebate dollars are availa-ble to all residential and commercial electric custom-ers of ERMU who purchase qualifying energy effi-cient equipment. Rebates are available for some-thing as small as an individual LED light bulb all the way up to an engineering study for a commercial building. Rebate information can be found at www.elkriverutilities.com or you can call Tom Sag-stetter at (763) 441-2020. City of Elk River also invites businesses interested in learning how to save money and earn utility rebates to attend “Savings From Sustainability - For Businesses” on April 22 at 7 am (breakfast provided) or 11 am (lunch provid-ed). The free informational gathering is tailored to saving businesses and their clients money through energy efficiency and upgrades. RSVP to 763-635-1068 or EnergyCity@ElkRiverMN.gov is required by April 8.

There are two new faces at the City of Elk River. Recently, Ron Nierenhausen was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the Elk River Police Depart-ment. Amanda Othoudt was welcomed as the new Economic Development Director.

Cory Franson, Manager of ISD 728 Community Education, was recognized for his recent selection as a 2014 Regional Community Educator of Excellence.

Thank you to the Chamber Ambassadors for welcoming and celebrating our members. Michelle Martindale, Elk River Municipal

Utilities Rob Rydberg, Integrity Insurance Group Chris Barta, Franklin Outdoor Advertising Sandi Yeado, Edward Jones Ryan Pahl, KleinBank Tony Fridgen, Coborn’s Gina Artisensi-Skime, The Crown Room Kevin Strobel, The Bank of Elk River Danyell Wendland, ABRA Auto Body &

Glass Elk River Leah Cutler, Options, Inc. Marcia Juenemann, Elite Media Design of Elk River

New member Kylie Aufderheide

Zimmerman Physical Therapy

New member Kathy Servaty Budget Blinds

New member Fred McCoy (not pictured) and

Diane Hatch, Owners McCoy’s Irish Pub

New member Jina Andrews (not pictured), Owner Animal & Exotic Wellness Center

New Dentist Laura Nijssen, D.D.S

Elk Plaza Dental