minnesota business mag 5/12

Giving Back

min

ne

so

tab

usin

ess.c

om

INFORMATION & INSIGHT FOR GROWING COMPANIES MAY 2012

MIN

NE

SO

TA

BU

SIN

ES

SM

AY

20

12 m

inn

eso

tab

usin

ess.c

om

A look into the contributions & partnerships of Minnesota Organizations

Rock Your Block

Steven Ladin,

CoFounder

Page 22

Tasks Unlimited

Karen Johnston,

Executive DirectorPage 44

Sharing and Caring HandsMary Jo Copeland

Page 34

» The ROI of a Single Donation p. 18

minnesotabusiness.com

APRIL 2011

Now leasing and open for occupancy.

“My passion is to alleviate the

suffering of those who have had a hard time. I have a great

deal of passion, empathy and

concern for those in need.”

—MARY JO COPELAND, DIRECTOR OF SHARING

AND CARING HANDS

YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD

LOVE A HEALTHIER CHOICE.

MY PLAN BY MEDICA.SM

Now you can give your employees the kind of coverage they really want, and manage healthcare

costs, too. Because now My Plan by MedicaSM is available from Doherty Employer Services.

My Plan is a defined contribution health plan. You choose your contribution, your employees

choose their own coverage from a wide range of plans. My Plan by Medica is a sweeter deal

for everyone. And Doherty is the only HR outsourcing firm that has it.

If you’re a small business, call Doherty at 952-835-8888, or visit dohertyhro.com.

Your employees will love you for it.

ContentsMinnesota Business Magazine Volume 22 Number 02 May 2012

INTELLECTUALPROPERTY16 300 patents, one man. BY MAURA KELLER

IN THE BLACK18 The ROI Of A Single DonationBY KRIS VRUNO HUSON

20 Heartland Investigative GroupBY JOHN P. PALEN

22 Steven Ladin Rocks The BlockBY STEVEN LADIN

24 Finnegans Raises the BarBY DANA SEVERSON

TECH26 Technology & Happy HourBY KEEGAN SHOUTZ

CAPTIAL MARKET28 New Laws SignedBY NATHAN NELSON

MARKETING30 Campaign for ClarityBY KIM OPITZ

30 Authentic Giving BY STEVE WEHRENBERG

32 Crisis CommunicationsBY PAUL MACCABEE

IN EVERY ISSUE

INSIDE 4

EDITOR’S NOTE 6

OPENERS 9

PEOPLE 14

SEEN 46

SMBMSP #44OLSON Marketing Event

CLOSERS 48

FEATURESECTION

GIVING BACKA look into the contributions & partnerships of Minnesota Organizations

34 Editor's Statement

36 Hands-On DifferenceBY DAN EMERSON

39 Give MN Infographic

40 Inspiring OthersBY MAURA KELLER

43 Haiti Outreach BY NICOLE HARRISON

44 Tasks UnlimitedBY RACHEL HICKOK

DEPARTMENTS

20

34

22

KEY PEOPLE & COMPANIES

IN THIS EDITIONInside

4 MINNESOTA BUSINESS May 2012

3M p.42

Allianz Life Insurance p.37

Augsburg College p.24

Bridge Works p.38

Campbell Mithun p.30

Cargill p.42

Children's Cancer Research Fund p.18

Domino's p. 32

Ecolab p.36

Finnegan's p.24

Frank p.10

General Mills p.42

Give MN p.39

Heartland Investigative Group p.20

Hollstadt & Associates p.37

Kieran's Irish Pub p. 24

Land O' Lakes p.36

Lola Red Public Relations p.26

Marco p.12

Otto Bremer Foundation p.36

RBC Wealth Management p.36

Read Indeed p.40

Rock your Block p.22

Second Harvest Heartland p.37

Securian Financial Group p.10

Sharing & Caring Hands p.35

St. Jude Medical p.16

Starkey Hearing Technologies p.43

Target p.42

Tasks Unlimited p.44

The McKnight Foundation p. 12

The National Association of Broadcasters p.48

United Way p.30

University of Minnesota p.18

Weber Shandwick p.48

Wells Fargo Foundation of Minnesota p. 44

Wells Fargo p.36

Women Venture p.48

Angelica King p.42

Ann Bancroft p.13

Caryn Evans p.22

Diane Lilly p.12

Dr. Mark Kroll p.16

Dr. Rebecca Thomley p.43

Jacquie Berglund p.24

Jenni Morine p. 36

Joan Mondale p.12

John Campbell p.36

John Hibscher p.22

Karen Johnston p.44

Katie Hageboeck p.18

Lindsay Whalen p.12

Maria Keller p.40

Mary Jo Copeland p.35

Melisa Franzen p.12

Mike Patterson p.36

Pamela Alexander p.12

Patrick Doyle p.32

Paul Jaeb p.20

Rachel Hickok p.44

Ray Mithun p.30

Sarah Young p.22

Shannon Toren p.37

Steven Ladin p.22

Sue Moyer p.36

Walter White p.38

Wayne Dyer p.34

COMPANIES PEOPLE

marconet.com

Are you working harder than you need to? We can help you

be more productive by organizing your business

documents, information, and processes.

With a document management system from Marco, we can save your staff

time, improve your worklow, and eliminate redundancy. That means you’ll work smarter, not harder, to improve your bottom line.

Not sure where to begin? Start by talking to us about your current business

processes and systems. We’re all ears.

Learn about an easy and affordable solution for managing your

organization’s documents. Visit www.marconet.com/WorkSmarter.

Work Smarter, Not HarderFeel like business shouldn’t be this difficult?

honoring Minnesota companies that are setting the standard for leadership, strong beneits, best work environment, innovative training programs, happiest employees and more. The awards

companies that make an impact on Minnesota business through their employees.

FEATURING DON SHELBY

Join us for Minnesota Business Magazine’s inaugural Best Companies to Work For 2012, honoring Minnesota companies that are setting the standard for leadership, strong beneits, best work environment, innovative training programs, happiest employees and more. The awards recognize local

companies that make an impact on Minnesota business through their employees.

SPONSORED BY:PRESENTED BY:

June 4th, 2012

5:30–8:30 PM

The Depot Minneapolis Renaissance

Hotel

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER GO TO



JUST A FEW DAYS AGO, I spent the afternoon at Sharing and

Caring Hands in Minneapolis, watching Mary Jo Copeland combat

pain with love and dispair with hope. Mary Jo sat not behind her

desk, but instead walked around all the buildings, touching each

person she came into contact with. The ultimate leader, I found my-

self forever changed by her optimism and dedication to serve those

that others had marginalized. It reminded me of my days teaching

at the State of Minnesota Workforce Centers, seeing my coworkers

cultivate plans and awareness for the clients they served.

You see, there's something about human touch and the tan-

gible that begs to be noticed in a world of the busy and electronic.

With multi-tasking and overlapped layers that contain the mo-

ments of our day, I often wonder what has happened to the emo-

tions in-between. We are simply not machines. Our businesses

and passions are more than we give them credit for. In forming

strategic partnerships with the organizations we care about, we

become larger than a bottom-line igure or a "brand" perception.

We become, real.

Minnesota Business Magazine, isn't just about business; this

is an intrinsic truth I knew weeks ago when I entered the role

of Editor-in-Chief. As our publication moves into a new chapter,

you'll notice a continued commitment to excellence, a stable vi-

sion, proven strategy and a willingness to evolve into the future of

shedding light on the stories our community have to ofer. In this

issue, we chose to feature non-proits that were often sidelined

or forgotten and the businesses that helped make their mission

possible. I hope that you'll see the care we took in selecting each

partnership, showcasing powerful messages and proving bottom-

line results that make giving back so important. Our success as

human beings and executives comes down to one, simple truth:

Everyone has something to give.

editor’sNOTE

Kate Madonna HindesEditor In Chief

Minnesota Business [email protected]

minnesotabusiness.com @MnBizMag facebook.com/MnBizMag

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines

of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

>> MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

P U B L I S H E R Stefani Pennaz

C H I E F F I N A N C I A L O F F I C E R Marcel Gyswyt

EDITORIAL

E D I T O R I N C H I E F Kate-Madonna Hindes

S T A F F W R I T E R Maura Keller

C O P Y E D I T O R Jo Nelson

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

Kim OpitzDana Severson

ADVERTISING

A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Jeannine Pfeifer, [email protected]

ARTA R T D I R E C T O R Dana Oelfke

L E A D S T A F F P H O T O G R A P H E R Tate Carlson

S T A F F P H O T O G R A P H E R Emily J. Davis

P H O T O G R A P H Y I N T E R N Lauren Carpenter, Derek Lundmark

PRODUCTIONP R O J E C T D I R E C T O R Dianne Talmage

P R O J E C T C O O R D I N A T O R Rachel Gernander

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R Emily Bretzel

CIRCULATIONC I R C U L A T I O N D I R E C T O R Jeremy Wieland

N E W S S T A N D M A N A G E R Kelley Wood

C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E R E P R E S E N T A T I V E

Valerie Asante

F U L F I L L M E N T M A N A G E R

Kasey Taube

R E P R I N T S P E C I A L I S T

Anne DeWolfe

ADMINISTRATIONC R E D I T M A N A G E R April McCauley

A C C O U N T A N T Pat Schossow

MARKETING & PROMOTIONSE V E N T S & P R O M O T I O N S M A N A G E R Amanda Peterson

E V E N T S C O O R D I N A T O R Dahlia Brue

WEBW E B D E V E L O P M E N T M A N A G E R Sandy Powell

Tiger Oak Media One Tiger Oak Plaza

900 South Third Street Minneapolis, MN 55415

612.548.3180

Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call Anne DeWolfe at 612.548.3868

We occasionally make our subscriber names available to companies whose products or services should be of interest to you. If you prefer not

to be included, you may request that your name be removed from our special promotions lists. Write to Minnesota Business Magazine, Circulation

Department, 900 South Third Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415.

© Copyright 2011 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved.The opinions of columnists are their own.


Minnesota Business Magazine (ISSN 15396452) is published monthly by Tiger Oak Publications, 900 S. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone:

612-548-3180. Fax: 612-548-3181. Subscription rates $24 for 12 issues, $36 for 24 issues, $45 for 36 issues. Back issues: $5.00. USPS Publication

#20375. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, MN and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to

Minnesota Business, 900 S. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415.

COUNT US IN.

1-800-908-BANK (2265)Bremer.com

Member FDIC. © 2012 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

If growth is in the game plan for your business, count us in. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand, Bremer Bank is ready with a full range of inancial solutions, backed by more than 100 years of experience and nearly $8 billion in assets. We can help you get where you want to go. Talk to a Bremer business banker near you today.

digital edition

now offering you another way to be green with our

Minnesota Business Magazine is digital.

Go to minnesotabusiness.com for details.

May 2012 minnesotabusiness.com 7

Trends, News, Events and Ideas Impacting Minnesota Companies

OpenersMay 2012


According to American Express Open, women-owned businesses have increased over 54% in Minnesota since 1997.

95,700in Minneapolis/St. Paul

141,900Estimated number of

women-owned fi rms in

Minnesota

$20BILLION

State wide

attributing to roughly

111,300 in Minneapolis/St. Paul

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

$15BILLION

in Minneapolis/St. Paul

* BY THE NUMBERS *

146,100Total number the fi rms

employ in Minnesota

54%


seCuRIaN fINaNCIaL gRouP, (SFG) announces that two of its subsidiaries serving the i nancial

institution market were upgraded by A. M. Best. Securian Casualty Company (SCC), SFG’s primary prop-

erty and casualty underwriting company, was upgraded to A (Excellent, third highest of 16 ratings). In its

upgrade announcement, A.M. Best cited SCC’s role “as a more integral part of Securian as it has enabled the

parent to deliver a broad range of credit insurance product of erings and services to the i nancial institution

market nationwide.” In addition, Securian’s recently acquired life and health company, Southern Pioneer Life

Insurance, was upgraded by Best’s to A- and Best’s ai rmed the A- ratings of American Modern Life, Balboa

Life Insurance Company, Balboa Life Insurance Company of New York, Cherokee National Life and CNL/

Insurance America. Best’s A- rating is Excellent, fourth highest of 16 ratings.

MINNESOTA BUSINESS

ANNOUNCES BEST 100

COMPANIES

The 100 Best Companies to Work For competition salutes Minnesota organizations that are setting the standard for leadership, benefits,

best work environment, innovative training programs and employee

happiness. In it’s inaugural year, the awards recognize small, mid-sized

and large businesses that continue to make an impact and set the standard

of excellence for others to follow.

Beginning on February 15, 2012, independent research group, Gilmore

Research, gathered information from employee satisfaction surveys

over phone and mail. Over 5769 individuals responded on behalf

of hundreds of companies. Join us in celebrating the Best 100 during our inagrural event being held at the Depot Rennaisance Hotel in

Minneapolis on June 4, 2012 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. To register, visit

http://bit.ly/RegisterBest100 and reserve a table or sponsorship.

Winners will be showcased during the evening presentation with guest

M.C., Don Shelby.

Frank named,“Most Democratic Workplace.”

MINNeaPoLIs CHaNge communications

agency, frank (areyoufrank.com) is proud to

announce it has been named the i rst Minnesota

company ever to make the WorldBlu List of Most

Democratic Workplaces™. WorldBlu, a company

specializing in organizational democracy, today

announced it has certii ed 48 organizations as

part of the sixth annual WorldBlu List of Most

Democratic Workplaces 2012, published annually

on “Democracy in the Workplace Day.” Frank joins

other well-known organizations certii ed on the

WorldBlu list including Zappos.com, DaVita, Great

Harvest Bread Company, New Belgium Brewery

and WD-40.

Openers

Upgraded Credit:

A Sign Of Prosperity?

++

For more information, please call Stefani Pennanz at: 612-548-3210.

© 2 0 1 2 X C E L E N E R G Y I N C .

Saver’S Switch®. it juSt might be the eaSieSt money

your buSineSS makeS all year.

®

Saver’s Switch cycles your air conditioning condensers on and off as needed on the hottest days. You’ll hardly notice a difference in

temperature, but you get a monthly discount of $5 per AC ton June through September…it can add up to an average of hundreds of dollars.

Sign up now at ResponsibleByNature.com/Business.

For everything you do, we salute you

Potential savings of “$400 or more” is based on estimated savings on combined fee waivers and rate reduction for special ofers. Please consult a banker for details on savings and duration for individual product and services ofers. Please also refer to the Business Account fee and Information Schedule for details on monthly service fee waivers and other discounts. Ofers may be modiied or withdrawn at any time without notice and may not be transferable. Savings noted above based on standard fees applicable to selected business solutions. Terms and conditions of accounts, products, programs, and services are subject to change. All applications are subject to approval.

© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801 (711141_04530)

We applaud the eforts of small business owners everywhere. We are ready to help with Appreciation Ofers on banking services you need to run your business.

Ask us about our Appreciation Ofers by calling 1‑877‑436‑4170 or contact your local banker today.

wellsfargo.com/appreciation

Save over $400on Appreciation Ofers for small businesses

711141_04530

7.25x4.5

4c


AS PART Of ThE yEARLONG 2012 celebra-

tion of the girl Scouts Centennial, girl Scouts

of Minnesota and Wisconsin river Valleys will

honor 100 girl Scout alumnae and community

members who exemplify the culture, values,

diversity and spirit of the girl Scout Move-

ment during a special gala event. nominated

by friends, family, coworkers and community

members, each of the Centennial award

honorees live their lives in accordance to core

girl Scout values.

the award categories include:

Trailblazer, Guide, forever Green, Community

Champion, Women of Promise and honorable

MENtions.

Centennial gala honorees include Joan

Mondale, ann Bancroft, diane lilly, pamela

alexander, Melisa franzen and lindsay Whalen.

Marco announced today that it distributed $2.1 million in stock beneits for iscal 2011 to eligible employees. their 421 employees celebrated last week at their

annual shareholders’ meeting where they learned about Marco’s 17.2% stock appreciation and received a certiicate identifying their ownership stake.

* By the nUMBerS *

$10 Millionthe McKnight foundation has

approved over $10 million grants in the irst quarter of 2012.

$2.1 Million

Openers

GiRl ScoutS

honoR 100

of Minnesota’s most influential women

for a description of each category and a

complete list of honorees, visit GSRV100.org.

ph

ot

o C

oU

rt

eS

y o

f t

he

gir

l S

Co

Ut

S

ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS said

employment was increasing in many

metro areas thanks in large part to growing

private sector demand for construction.

“It is encouraging that the number of

metro areas experiencing construction

job gains outpaced the number of areas

with losses,” said Ken Simonson, the asso-

ciation’s chief economist. “The increases

would be even more widespread if not

for public sector budget woes and a shaky

homebuilding market.”

Association oicials noted that private

sector construction spending shot up by

10 percent in the past year even as public

sector investments in construction activity

have dropped by 1 percent.

according to the agC of america, construction employment increased

in 171 out of 337 metropolitan areas

between february 2011 and february 2012.

171 out of

337

State of Unemployment

Tasks Unlimited Building Services has been providing

award-winning, economical janitorial, grounds maintenance

and mailroom services to local businesses—employing people

with disabilities since 1970.

Green Cleaning

...with a Conscience

Your company can help make a difference in our

community. Call us for more information.

Contact Gil Bessard at 612-767-2059 or

visit www.tasksunlimited.org.

People BUSINESS

PEOPLE

IN THE

NEWS

OPUS GROUP

The Opus Group named

Richard figueroa to the

newly created position of

Director of Capital Markets.

In this role, Richard will focus

on identifying diverse sources and types

of capital available to Opus to fund new

development projects. As the commer-

cial real estate market continues to show

signs of recovery, Opus has an active

portfolio of projects under construction

that includes fi ve corporate campuses,

student housing and other multifamily

projects across the country.

PCG AGENCIES

Jeff Sibell has joined

PCG Agencies as the

Vice President of

Finance. Jeff has many

years of experience in the

insurance, fi nancial services, and

legal areas and brings extensive IT

skills as well. We are excited to

welcome Jeff to the agency.

fLM

Farmer, Lumpe +

McClelland (FLM)

promoted Michele Johnson

to Vice President and a member

of the fast growing company’s leadership

team. Johnson joined FLM in the fall of

2011 as Director of Business Analytics

working out of the FLM Minneapolis

offi ce. “We are honored to have Michele

on our team. Her business savvy, unique

skills in web and application development

and client management skills are making

a major impact on FLM success,” says

Rob McClelland, FLM president. “We look

forward to her ongoing contribution to

our leadership team and assisting us in

producing far-reaching results for our

clients.”

MOSS & BARNETT

Moss & Barnett, A

Professional Association,

is pleased to congratulate

Thomas A. Keller III who was

named a Director Emeritus by

Children’s HeartLink for his 26 years of

service on Children’s HeartLink’s board,

including serving as a past board chair.

Keller is still a very active supporter of

the organization. Keller is a member of

Moss & Barnett’s business law practice

area. During his more than 40 years of

practice, Keller has successfully assisted

his clients with mergers and acquisi-

tions, corporate governance, executive

compensation, contracts, securities,

fi nancing, license agreements, and

employment.

LILJA

Lilja recently hired

Linda Tedford as vice

president. Linda comes to

us from major and planned

gift fundraising at Fairview

Foundation. At Lilja, she will oversee

business development and the growth

of Lilja LifeStories, which helps individu-

als and businesses record and share

their stories.

hIGhLAND BANK

Highland Bank,

announced that Jay

hammond has been

named President of the

organization and member of

its Board of Directors. Hammond will be

responsible for implementing strategic

initiatives outlined by the senior

management team and the Board of

Directors; growing the organization and

building value by motivating, managing

and leading staff through example and

participation. He joins the bank with

nearly 30 years of community

banking experience.

CAREER MOVES »

» Submit People news to [email protected], and read about more People on minnesotabusiness.com.

fOCUS fINANCIAL

Focus Financial congratulates one

of its own: Financial Advisor, Darin P.

Glanzer, has acquired the designa-

tion for Certifi ed Financial Planner™

after months of studying and testing.

Darin offi ces out of the Roseville, MN

headquarters and Brandon, SD offi ce.

Focus Financial has hired Lisa Villalta

as Compliance Specialist. Focus

Financial is an independent, non-

proprietary fi nancial services fi rm

with 36 offi ces across 6 states and

headquartered in Roseville, MN.

BRIAN DUNN

In April, Brian Dunn,

Best Buy's CEO abruptly

resigned and Mike Mikan was

named interim CEO.

"I have enjoyed every one of my 28

years with this company, and I leave it today in

position for a strong future. I am proud of my fellow

employees and I wish them the

best."—BRIAN DUNN


Masami Kawazato is part of a huge trend, and for good reason: Bicycling saves you

money and makes you fitter, stronger, happier and even more energetic. Best of all, biking

to work, school or the store is often as quick as by car for trips under a few miles.

Inspiration and ideas at www.bikewalkmove.org!

BICYCLING IS UP 52%Have you tried it?

MASAMI

KAWAZATO

Type: “…proud fair-weather bicyclist.

I’m not comfortable with the

snow and ice.”

Reasons: “..the savings… And you get to be

outside; you’re guaranteed to be

doing something active every day.”

Destinations: “…work, hair salon, yoga, grocery

shopping, downtown, the library,

the post office…”

Advice: “For any women concerned

about wardrobe, I’ve found

that you can bike in just about

any kind of clothing.”

Made possible by Bike Walk Twin Cities, a program of Transit for Livable Communities, through the Federal Highway Administration.

WANT TO FINDOUT MORE ABOUT

BIKINGROUTES?bikewalkmove.org/plan-your-route


Intellectualproperty PATENTS &

NEW IDEAS

FROM AROUND

MINNESOTA

through my adjunct faculty role in the Biomedical En-

gineering Department at the University of Minnesota.

Q: What does it mean to you to be the number one patent holder in Min-

nesota?

» Minnesota is a wonderful state with a lot of smart

people. For decades test scores have placed Minne-

sota at the top or in the top few states. To paraphrase

Garrison Keillor, we really are above average. I am not

good at golf, dancing, or singing; so I am very happy

to be good at something.

Q: What are some common misconcep-tions some inventors have about

patents?

» One misconception is that all great ideas have pat-

ents. The mountain bike would have had a great pat-

ent, as would have the spreadsheet—but these were

never patented. Another misconception is that one

has to be an engineer or scientist to get a patent.

My belief is that everyone has at least one invention

in them.

Q: What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your

career?» Teamwork is more important than brilliance. One

thing that maturity brings is the realization of how

little any one individual knows about our universe of

science and technology. I learned that I am the hap-

piest when I’m doing creative work rather than dis-

tracted by supervising others.

Q: How does Minnesota compare to other states in terms of inventions. Is

it a fairly ‘inventive’ state?» Yes, Minnesota is #6 out of 50, according to State-

Master, a state comparison site run by Rapid Intelli-

gence, a Web publishing company focused on large

educational reference sites and technology.

AS ONE OF THE MOST prolii c inventors of

medical devices in the world, Dr. Mark Kroll,

retired chief technology oi cer and senior

vice president from St. Jude Medical, knows

what it means to improve peoples’ lives. With

more than 340 issued U.S. patents under his

belt, about one million human beings have his

patents in their bodies. In fact, all implantable

dei brillators sold have at least one licensed

Kroll patent.

During his tenure at St. Jude Medical, Kroll

helped direct the marketing strategy and tactics for the company’s largest revenue

line—the implantable dei brillator. At this time, the company also was the best per-

forming stock of large medical device companies and was twice listed in Business

Week as a top i fty performing company across all industries.

Kroll has made a lasting impact on the biomedical engineering i eld. With a

research specialty surrounding the ef ects of electricity on the human body, Kroll

is the co-author of i ve books and has lectured in more than 30 countries on top-

ics including dei brillation, invention process, electrical safety and medical device

startups.

In addition to being an adjunct professor of biomedical engineering at the Uni-

versity of Minnesota, Kroll also is a distinguished guest faculty for UCLA’s Creativ-

ity and Innovation program.

Minnesota has earned a solid reputation in the biomedical engineering i eld—

thanks in large part to ingenious inventors like Kroll.

Having been honored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Oi ce as a prolii c in-

ventor, we interviewed Kroll to gain his insights on the art and science of intellectual

property. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: You’ve had a very distinguished career, having made a pro-found impact on biomedical engineering. What are some of

the key accomplishments that you’ve garnered during your career? » My answer today is dif erent than it would have been 10 years ago. As I look

back on my career, I now feel best about being married 36 years and raising four

productive children. Without my supportive wife and loving family, I could never

have achieved what I did.

The scientii c accomplishment that I am most proud of is the “Burping Theo-

ry” for the biphasic waveform. This has helped improve dei brillator designs and

implant techniques; I like to think that this has helped a lot of patients. It is reward-

ing to be consulted on dii cult dei brillator implants and to know that I am actually

helping a specii c human being achieve a fuller life.

I now i nd great reward in encouraging and coaching the next generation

MARK

KROLL

In addition to over 300 issued U.S. patents, mostly covering medical devices, Mark Kroll has other substan-tial achievements including:

» Board member of haemonetics (nySe:hae) and taser intl (naSd:taSr).

» involvement on various private boards including Medisyn and galvani

» awarded 2010 distinguished Career achievement award, which is the top honor in biomedical engineering

» fellow of the american College of Cardiology

» fellow of the heart rhythm Society

» fellow of institute of electrical and electronics engineers

» Co-editor of four technical texts.

» invited lecturer to fda, US patent office, and Mit/Caltech enterprise forum

» reviewer for six cardiology and biomedical journals.

The Idea ManWith over 300 patents, Mark Kroll leads the market on medical device design BY MAURA KELLER

PATENTED PASSION “Patterson shares my passion. The firm is immersed in medical technology. I bring an idea to Patterson, they do the rest—and they do it right.”

- Mark Kroll#1 IN MEDICAL DEVICE PATENTS WORLDWIDE

Mark Kroll has a passion for developing technologies that improve and savelives. It’s driven him to become the world’s leader in medical device patents.And when it comes to those patents, his intellectual property law firm is Patterson Thuente.

Read more about Mark Kroll, his passion and his Patterson partnership at:

WWW.PTSLAW.COM/KROLL

612.349.5740 WWW.PTSLAW.COM

291 PATENTS AND COUNTING

PATENTED PASSION “Patterson shares my passion. The firm is immersed in medical technology. I bring an idea to Patterson, they do the rest—and they do it right.”

- Mark Kroll#1 IN MEDICAL DEVICE PATENTS WORLDWIDE

Mark Kroll has a passion for developing technologies that improve and savelives. It’s driven him to become the world’s leader in medical device patents.And when it comes to those patents, his intellectual property law firm is Patterson Thuente.

Read more about Mark Kroll, his passion and his Patterson partnership at:

WWW.PTSLAW.COM/KROLL

612.349.5740 WWW.PTSLAW.COM

291 PATENTS AND COUNTING


IN 1979, 13-YEAR OLD KATIE HAGEBOECK,

from Wayzata, was nearing the end of her 16-month

battle with leukemia. Knowing she was losing her

battle, she asked that the money she’d been saving for

a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund

for the University of Minnesota called Children’s

Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). Her dream was for

a cure to be found so that children who followed her

would survive.

A little over a year after Katie’s passing, her parents,

Diane and Norm, and friends of the family organized

what they thought was a one-time beneit fundraiser

for this fund to honor Katie’s dying wish. Thirty two

years later, the “Dawn of a Dream” beneit is still taking

place, and CCRF has grown from a small grassroots

fundraiser into a national non-proit, with hundreds of

thousands of individual donors, along with corporate

and foundation partners, who have given nearly $70

million to pediatric hematology/oncology and blood

and marrow transplantation physician/researchers at

the University of Minnesota (U of M).

The partnership between CCRF and the U of M

is unique. CCRF provides a steady stream of unre-

stricted “seed grant” funding that allows the Uni-

versity’s researchers to pursue early-stage research,

and bold ideas, that if successful hold great promise

in getting better treatments to children with cancers

and other serious diseases. This lexible funding has

helped the U of M gain a national reputation for win-

ning the increasingly competitive, multi-million dollar

grants from the National Institutes of Health and the

National Cancer Institute. These grants signiicantly

compound the impact of CCRF’s initial investment.

It is estimated that every $1 CCRF provides helps the

U of M secure an average of $18 in additional funding.

CCRF’s support of research also ills in gaps in

funding for capital expenditures not covered by

federal grants, educates up-and-coming researchers

through the U of M’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncol-

ogy and Blood and Marrow Transplant Fellowship

Program one of the largest in the country, and helps

the U of M attract and retain top-notch researchers by

funding endowed chairs. CCRF recently named its

sixth endowed chair the most by any philanthropic

organization providing funds to the U of M.

CCRF’s entrepreneurial approach to cancer phi-

lanthropy: Funding innovative, proof-of-principle re-

search, investing in the best young minds and sup-

porting world-class experts, will continue until Katie’s

dream of a cancer-free world becomes a reality.

The ROI Of A Single DonationA small donation to cancer research, became the catalyst for a partnership that changed the practice of medicine.

BY KRIS VRUNO HUSON

Become a corporate partner by contacting Jim Leighton at 952-893-9355 or [email protected].

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Host a Go Play event at your company, which is a fun way to support cancer research: Info at whodoyouplayfor.org.

Walk or run at CCRF’s Time to Fly

on June 30th in St. Paul. Info at

childrenscancer.org/timetofly.« Kris Vruno Huson is the marketing and communications manager for Children's Cancer Resarch Fund.

In The Black INSIGHT & IDEAS

TO HELP YOUR

BOTTOM LINE

$1 CCRF provides

helps the U of M secure an

average of $18 in additional

funding

And a seed grant

for genetic study

of osteosarcoma,

a bone cancer that

primarily affects

adolescents, brought

in an additional

$2.5 million to the

University.

Average amount of a seed grant for pilot studies. These grants help researchers secure additional

funding to advance treatments for pediatric cancer and other devastating diseases.

(MINNESOTA BUSINESS MAGAZINE)

Grants of $200,000 and

$100,000 to explore

therapies that target brain

tumors yielded additional

funding of $1.365 million

and $1.8 million and

resulted in an innovative

brain tumor vaccine that

is currently in clinical trial.

A grant for a pilot

study of infant

leukemia yielded

$3 million, allowing

researchers to

conduct the largest

study of infant

leukemia in the

world.

A $10,000

investment to

study pediatric

germ cell

tumors yielded

an impressive

$3.5 million

in additional

funding.

$100,000

THE EVOLUTION OF ONE DONATION

Flowers fade.

Order today at:

[email protected]

GiveMN Giving Cards are

the perfect gi� for employees,

vendors or partners.

Cards are customizable

with your logo and design,

100% tax deductable

and available in bulk orders.*

Card recipients redeem their card

on GiveMN.org

and choose from nearly one million

of U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofits.

Giving Card $50

[Your logo here]

Giving Card $25

[Your logo here]

Giving Card $10

[Your logo here]

Generosity grows.

*e-giving cards also available for individual purchase at GiveMN.org.


In The Black

ONE OF THE FIRST RULES IN BUSINESS:

know your strengths. Another rule: know your weak-

nesses. Large companies have entire departments and

personnel dedicated to corporate intelligence, threats

and weak links. But for small and mid-sized business-

es, it’s harder to access this valuable information. The

people who do this work tend to keep a low proile.

Since 1991, one Minnesota-based company has done

just that; and built a multi-million-dollar business.

Heartland Investigative Group has touched just

about every high proile case, story and deal in the

Twin Cities. As a private investigator turned entrepre-

neur, CEO Paul Jaeb, 47, says that a company focused

on rooting out and preventing the seven deadly sins

in business is a round-the-clock mission. “People are

often in crisis and need our help now,” Jaeb says.

Just as importantly, Heartland has capitalized on

the great need for businesses to proactively manage

threats and opportunities. Performing more than

100,000 background checks, the company also

provides competitive intelligence, due diligence, ex-

ecutive consultation, research and analysis. All of this

comes into play before companies make a critical hire,

acquire another company, consider a partnership or

enter an investment.

For large companies, Heartland augments internal

corporate intelligence by gaining inside information

as a neutral third party. Even for small and mid-sized

Strong Corporate Intelligence Always WinsHeartland Investigative Group has built a multi-million dollar business

BY JOHN P. PALEN


« John P. Palen is CEO of Allied Executives ([email protected]) and works with CEOs, business owners and executive leaders on leadership development and business performance improvement through peer groups, coaching and educational work-shops. alliedexecutives.com

BIZ BRIEFING

Heartland Information

Services Inc.dba Heartland

Investigative Group

Headquarters: Minneapolis and

DenverInception: 1991

Employees: 100Revenue: $4.5

millionDescription:

premiere investigators,

forensic experts and agents

for corporate intelligence and

due diligenceWebsite:

heartlandinfo.com

LEADER PROFILE

Paul Jaeb, CEOhas investigated

both the the 35W bridge collapse and Jon Benet

Ramsey murder. He is currently the CEO of Heartland

Investigative Group.

1

Don’t be fooled by

self-reported financials. Verify the assets that matter to

you.

2

Use of background checks can

reveal a vast reality and truth, even for people who come

highly recom-mended.

3

Investigate all of your

options prior to commit-

ting consider-able time or money. Be prepared to

change plans or walk away

from any deal.

4

Balance emo-tions with

all the facts. Choose advi-sors without a stake in the

decision.

5

Resistance to

investigation could be a red

flag. Proceed carefully with

uncooperative

individuals or organizations.

companies it’s essential to understand the value of

corporate intelligence. Heartland has discovered

things like unauthorized manufacturing of a client’s

goods as well as the true i nancials, assets and culture

of a potential acquisition target.

One Heartland client called to report that its prod-

ucts were being manufactured in China. Heartland

was hired to i nd out by who and where. Another

client wanted to investigate acquisition targets for

details such as hours of operation, dock and parking

lot trai c, raw materials quantities coming in, lines of

production, shifts, etc. This information allowed the

client to calculate the actual output compared to the

information that was given.

In certain circumstances, Heartland also provides

and trains security personnel.

In 2002, Heartland acquired its biggest local

competitor and in 2006 made a strategic acquisition

in Denver, making it one of the largest corporate, i -

nancial and legal intelligence providers in the United

States. Paul speaks nationally as an expert in the in-

dustry and is the former director of the National As-

sociation of Legal Investigators.

While some people still believe in and promote the

power of a i rm handshake, history is painting a new

and dangerous story. Jaeb is a symbol of the balance

between privacy and public good, trust and betrayal.

For business owners, success still appears to l ow

from knowing the truth and their own strengths and

weaknesses—and then leveraging this information to

make sound business decisions.

Performing more than 100,000

background checks, the company also

provides competitive intelligence, due

diligence, executive consultation, research

and analysis.

TIPS FOR

CORPORATE

INTELLIGENCE

BY PAUL JAEB

PH

OT

O B

Y T

AT

E C

AR

LS

ON


I WAS 14 WHEN MY FRIEND called me nd said

“Steve, do you want to make some money?” I did not

hesitate to say yes due to my desire to add the newest

Legend of Zelda game to my collection. He said the

project would be after school three days a week, four

hours each day, packing stickers into boxes at $5per

hour. It wasn’t the most glamorous of activities, but the

lessons I learned from my i rst day are still embedded

in my psyche today.

The owner of the sticker company told me two sim-

ple things: First, i nd meaning in everything you do;

and second, challenge yourself by pushing the limits

that are set before you. I nodded and smiled. It wasn’t

until years later I realized the true power of those two

statements. The owner was not simply doing what he

needed to do to pay the bills; he was showing his true

entrepreneurial passion by teaching i rst-hand that

these small yet special concepts can only be learned

in real life.

Entrepreneurs don’t

just have responsibility

to their shareholders and

their businesses. They

also have an obligation

to inspire the millions of

future entrepreneurs who

will carry this world on

their shoulders by inno-

vating commerce and life

as we know it today.

Ask any successful busi-

ness leader how he got started and he will almost

always tell you he was inspired by someone close to

him. Someone guided him or her in a way that was

not just a simple to-do list, but a hands-on, heart-felt

expression of giving that was the X-factor between

good and remarkable.

The moment I heard the 20 second elevator pitch

for Rock Your Block for the i rst time was the moment

I said to myself: This is exactly the opportunity I’ve

been looking for ever since I aspired to become a popcorn

and lemonade tycoon at the seasoned age of fi ve.

Rock Your Block was something I could instantly

wrap my head around - I wanted to know more and

how I could help build. What are you building?

Rock Your Block has given me the opportunity to

build something to truly change the world. Think

about your i rst job, that i rst chance to change your

thought chemistry and how you might share your

unique insight and experiences with tomorrow’s busi-

ness leaders. Hire local teens to do your social media

outreach, your i ling, your heavy lifting, reorganization

of your oi ce or any other job you keep putting of .

You will be surprised by the impact it has on a knowl-

edge thirsty teenager.

Steven Ladin Rocks His Newest VentureFrom LadinVentures to Rock Your Block, Ladin shares his path to success

« Steven Ladin is the Co-Founder of @RockYourBlock, Director of Marketing @Rental_Research and Entrepreneur. Connect with Steven on Twitter: @StevenLadin.

PH

OT

O B

Y E

MII

LY

J.

DA

VIS

: P

HO

TO

CO

UR

TE

SY

OF

RO

CK

YO

UR

BL

OC

K

« Right: The team from Rock Your Block L to R: Steven Ladin: Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Sarah Young: Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Caryn Evans: Community Outreach Director, John Hibscher: Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, (not pictured) Blake Faris: Director of Technology

Find out more about Rock

Your Block at: rockyourblock.

com

« Above: Teen Job Fair with Hennepin

County Library

In The Black

651-644-6659

saintsbaseball.com

147,903 pounds of cheese curds consumed,

20 Seasons of FUNderful Food!

Monster Food Truck Rally

Sunday, May 27

Midway Stadium Parking Lot

Food, Beer, FUN!

Rally begins after the conclusion

of the Saints 3:05 p.m. game

The event is FREE

Tickets start at just

$4 for kids and

$5 for adults

Fireworks Every

Friday!

2012 Home Games

May 17-20

May 25-27

June 8-13

June 22-24

July 3-10

July 16-18

July 27-August 2

August 10-15

August 20-22,

August 24-27

September 1-3* Subject To Change


Bottomline

ph

ot

o B

y t

at

e C

ar

lS

on

How They Did It

« Jacquie

Berglund with a

innigans beer

at Kieran's irish

pub located

in downtown

Minneapolis,

Local Beer Brand, Finnegans, Raises the Bar $238,000 in charitable donations... and counting BY DANA SEVERSON

& Event: $200ぶ

Steve Mihalik, chief revenue oficer at Orange Tree Employee Screening Larry Morgan, owner of Orion HR.

Thursday, May 24

HOW THEY DID IT » With a degree in political

Science from augsburg College,, Berglund had a

goal of someday working in international policy.

after spending a few years in corporate america,

Berglund decided to move to france to complete

her MBa and was fortunate to continue her stay

with a career in international business. it wasn’t

until several years later, after she returned to

Minnesota, that her vision of a socially responsible

beer business began to pollinate.

today, finnegan’s is a well-established beer

brand with a mission of turning beer into food. With

many volunteers and a staf of ive, finnegan’s has

grown distribution outside of Minnesota, with the

beer now being sold in north dakota, South dakota

and Wisconsin. Berglund has gone from selling

2,700 cases of beer in her irst year, to over 72,000

cases last year alone.

it didn’t come easy though, “we weren’t proit-

able until 2003”, Berglund states, “and it wasn’t

until 2009 that i was able to move into an actual

oice and hire a staf.”

Up until that point (and still today), Berglund relied

on the support of a community of volunteers that

believed in her vision and were willing to dedicate their

time and expertise to further the cause. Since 2000,

the army has grown to a staggering 1,200 volunteers.

“these special volunteers spend thousands of hours

planning events, pouring beers and doing everything

from marketing to sales to operations”, says Berglund,

“with only a handful of paid staf, recruiting and retain-

ing eager volunteers is tantamount to running a suc-

cessful business.”

growing an average of 30 percent year-over-year

takes more than a community of volunteers. Berglund

has also had to rely on her passion for social entre-

preneurship and hustle to further her vision. “We’re

transforming how people look at traditional for-proit

businesses in society.” Berglund states, “the real ben-

eit is feeding more hungry families produce."

COMPANY » finneganS

WHAT THEY DO »

Charitable beer company

WEBSITE » innegans.org

SUCCESS » Working from her sister’s

basement in 2000, Jacquie Berglund

set out on a journey to become the irst

beer company in the world to donate

100% of its proits to charity. twelve

years later, the Minnesota entrepreneur

is now selling over 72,000 cases of her

local brew per year and has generated

over $238,000 in charitable donations

for local food shelves. in 2011, Berglund

and her staf of ive hit a milestone by

having increased annual sales to over

$1 million, resulting in approximately

120,000 meals for the hungry.

An effective sales evaluation and compensation strategy will help any

business get coveted results from their top talent. Evaluating sales

performance is a fundamental part of business success, and elite

performers must be recognized and compensated accordingly.

COST:

New Membership & Event: $200ぶMembers: $30

Non-Members: $50 Students: $20

WHERE:

Woman’s Club, Minneapolis

401 Oak Grove StreetMinneapolis MN 55403

REGISTER:

Go to smei.organd click on events

GIVING THE BEST TO THE BESTMETHODS TO EVALUATE YOUR TOP PERFORMERS

PANELISTS: Steve Mihalik, chief revenue oficer at Orange Tree Employee Screening Larry Morgan, owner of Orion HR.

Thursday, May 247:15-9:00am


Technology TOOLS, TECHNIQUES

AND SYSTEMS OF INTEREST

SINCE THE DEVELOPMENT of the smart

phone and tablet, the way we consume has never been

the same. From stock market analysis to software that

connects users with common interests, the social com-

munity evolves faster than one can jot down the next

big thing onto the corner of a napkin.

Thousands of choices consistently greet consum-

ers in the application store and marketplace— just

waiting for the tap of a inger.

With launch assistance from the public rela-

tions team at Minnesota-based irm, Lola Red

PR, one new and emerging iPad application is

making these decisions a little easier by alleviating

the middleman for both patrons and restaurants.

Happy Hour is now a litle happier.

Developed by three oenophiles in Minneapolis,

Vinopad (http://vinopad.com/) is a wine list and in-

ventory management tool for restaurants, wine pro-

ducers, retailers and distributors that automatically

updates and manages wine inventory. The application

uses cutting-edge technology to digitize and manage

wine lists, tasting notes, professional reviews and also

ofers real-time information about product availability

on a staggering one million bottles.

Decision making is put back into the wine en-

thusiast’s hands by allowing them to physically

view the label and look of the bottle, read reviews,

ind its point ranking and even discover where to

purchase it at a later date. An email option also al-

lows users to message their friends or themselves

the description of their wine resulting in less time

spent scouring the shelves for a favorite brand.

Guests are not the only ones beneitting from this

hands-on process of wine selection however; res-

taurants utilizing Vinopad’s services are reporting

an increase of wine sales of 15 to 20 percent due to

diners purchasing more expensive bottles of wine. In

addition to sales increase, Vinopad can also be used as

a training tool for wait staf that can refer to notes, and

ratings which allow more informed decisions to be

made when purchasing by the glass or bottle. Other

eateries are also seeing a decrease in waste and cost to

reprint and update wine lists.

For the strategic launch of Vinopad, Lola Red Pub-

lic Relations irst set its sights on the hospitality indus-

try and oenophiles to generate interest and utilize its

amenities. Consumer media was also on the publicity

target list of Lola Red in eforts to drive the public to

actively seek out and use vinopad’s services in their

new and favorite establishments.

VinoPad: Technology Meets Happy HourA new Ipad App is educating and exciting customersBY KEEGAN SHOUTZ

« Keegan Shoutz, Senior Publicist. Lola Red PR services clients on a local, regional and national level in the lifestyle and consumer segments

« VinoPad

eliminates the

guesswork in

wine pairing with

local menus

PH

OT

O C

OU

RT

ES

Y O

F L

OL

AR

ED

PR


“ TDS®

gives me the powerful, flexible

solutions I need to grow my business.”

TDS offers economical and flexible

voice, data, and managed-service

solutions. The benefit to your business:

improved convenience and productivity

through increased mobility, advanced

tools, and versatile features.

Learn more at

tdsbusiness.com/minnesota.

Powerful Business Communications

124868/4-12/7561


THE MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE has en-

acted legislation that extends protections provided

under Minnesota Statute § 504B.285 Subdivision

1a to December 31st, 2014. This legislation protects

tenants in a residential real property foreclosure

setting by preventing foreclosing parties from im-

mediately evicting tenants after the expiration of the

redemption period.

Specii cally, if the property contains a tenant with

a lease term that extends beyond 90 days past the

end of the redemption period, the statute provides

that the lease must be honored by the foreclosing

party (or subsequent purchasers) until the end of

the term of the lease. After the lease term expires, an

additional 90 days› written notice must be provided

to the tenant.

The legislature has attempted to eliminate ef orts

by foreclosed parties to skirt the system and requires

that the lease be “bona i de.” A bona i de lease is

dei ned under the statute as being a lease where

the mortgagor, or the child, spouse, or parent of the

mortgagor is not the tenant. The lease must be the

result of an arm›s length transaction and the lease

must require the payment of rent that is approximate

fair market value for the unit, or subsidized by a

federal, state or local subsidy. The tenant of these

properties, like any tenant, must continue to abide

by the terms of the lease to remain in possession of

the property.

The original legislation limited this provision to

enforcement to the end of 2012. This extension may

cause a strategic shift to lenders who had planned on

timing their foreclosures to expire in early 2013 to

avoid dealing with the tenants. Banks may be forced

to hold onto properties longer as investors seeking

vacant units may be forced to either wait for the ten-

ant’s lease to expire or look elsewhere for properties.

Simultaneously, investors seeking properties with

tenants will i nd opportunity. Property management

co mpanies may i nd opportunities in marketing to

lenders who i nd themselves suddenly thrust into

the role of landlord.

Rental Property LawNew Policies That Affect Your Business BY NATHAN NELSON

Captial Market RECENTLY -SIGNED LAWS

THAT AFFECT MINNESOTA

BUSINESS AND LIFE

« Nathan Nelson, Esq. is a founding partner of Virtus Law in Brooklyn Park, MN. Nelson specializes in business and individual law.

A P R I L B I L L S

» SF2297

Jacob's law; law

enforcement social

services agency

notifi cation of child

abuse requirement

04/04/2012

»SF2084

Omnibus correc-

tions policy bill

04/04/2012

»SF2069

Travel insurance of-

fer and dissemina-

tion regulations

04/04/2012

»SF1993

Sump pumps

installation licens-

ing exemptions

expansion

04/04/2012

»SF1981

Police civilian

review authorities’

uniform proce-

dures

04/05/2012

»SF1793

Health plan

company defi nition

modifi cation

04/05/2012

»SF1860

Concrete diamond

grinding and saw

slurry disposal

solid waste exemp-

tion for highway

construction,

improvement, or

repair activities

04/05/2012

»SF1934

Township mutual

fi re company com-

bination insurance

policies regulations

modifi cation

04/05/2012

»SF2273

Junked vehicles

eligible buyers

expansion

04/05/2012

»SF1809

Hospital com-

munity ben-

efi t programs

collaboration plans

evidence-based

strategies require-

ments elimination;

health provider

peer grouping

requirements

modifi cations

04/05/2012

»SF1992

Motor carrier

contract indeam-

nity provisions

prohibited.

04/05/2012

»SF2173

Automated drug

distribution

systems authoriza-

tion; physicians

drugs dispensing

in health care

facilities located in

health professional

shortage areas

04/09/2012

»SF1543

Medical assistance

(MA) community

paramedic services

reimbursement

coverage authori-

zation

04/09/2012

»HF2216

Minnesota Com-

prehensive Health

Association; pre-

mium rate-setting

process fl exibility

permitted.

04/09/2012

APRIL BILLS SIGNED BY GOV. DAYTON

Find out more about the newest laws and

legislation by going to: revisor.mn.gov

Presented By:

Spring 2012 Series Theme: Personal & Professional PlanningHosted at Minnesota Valley Country Club, 6300 Auto Club Rd.

Bloomington, MN 7:15 – 8:45 AM

Created and hosted

by Author, Speaker

and Executive Coach:

Paul Batz

Join usfor the premier networking & leadership

breakfast series of the Twin Cities.

Single Tickets: $20

Register at www.goodleadershipbreakfast.com

Friday, April 27Scott AndersonCEO of Patterson Companies

Why the learning never stops:

a glimpse into my development journey

Friday, May 18Sue Mulkern VP of Human Capital, OptumHealth

How my personal convictions are shaping

work/life wellness at OptumHealth

Friday, May 18Sue Mulkern VP of Human Capital, OptumHealth

How my personal convictions are shaping

work/life wellness at OptumHealth


Marketing MARKETING,

PUBLIC RELATIONS,

COMMUNICATIONS

AND MEDIA

Authentic GivingWhat it means to truly believe in your charity

BY STEVE WEHRENBERG

« Steve Wehrenberg is CEO of Campbell Mithun, an instructor in the U of M’s strategic communications graduate program and co-author of The Successful Marketing Plan.

IF YOU MUST KNOW, I was leveraging my own

synergies late last night. First, I optimized my brand

alignment. Then I empowered and streamlined my

messaging. And i nally, I got some buzz.

If you must know, it was a rather authentic position-

ing experience.

In the Star Trek universe, microsingularities are

teeny, tiny black holes—as theorized by the Vulcans.

They don’t actually exist (let’s not start i ghting about

that already, okay?)

But in the business world? Oh, they exist, my friend.

Microsingularities exist and thrive, in the dark dank

pages of overwrought marketing proposals. In loud,

tinny reverberations in our heads when we cling to the

safety of the predictable.

We call them buzz words. Personally and profession-

ally, I think we should do ourselves favor and toss them

aside for more clarity. Because the more they pop into

our discussions and proposals, the more we get side-

tracked by glittering generalities.

Look. I’m totally i ne if you want to leverage exper-

tise, relationships or knowledge. But every now and

then—please. Set the leverage down and back away

slowly. Try a dif erent way of saying it—or better yet, if

you’ve hired a creative agency and they start throwing

leverage into the strategery, make them stop.

ASK FOR MORE DETAILS:» How are you going to leverage

our consumer base?

» What do you mean by leveraging our brand equity?

» What does that translate to in deliverables and dollars?

If no one knows the answers, they probably

didn’t think beyond the word leverage itself. So

don’t spend a dime until you know what kind of

leverage they’re proposing, and what that means to

your bottom line and campaign results.

You just might save yourself the agony of seeing your

marketing dollars sucked up by a microsingularity.

« Kim Opitz is a creative agency veteran and owner of Rribbitz Creative Communications. She enjoys leveraging multi-colored highlighters for synergestic strategic development.

Campaign for ClarityStop Leveraging my Synergies BY KIM OPITZ

THIRTY YEARS AGO I met Ray Mithun,

our agency’s founder and a member of

the Advertising Hall of Fame. In my years

with the company, one of Ray’s quotes

has stayed with me each day. “There is no

lasting success, happiness or reward unless

a person is truly useful—useful to his family,

to his business and to his community.” Ray

was saying that giving back means getting

back. It was true yesterday and it’s even

truer today.

Every brand and every organization

needs to be able to answer the question:

What’s your cause? At our business, we

proudly support the United Way. For the

past seven years, Campbell Mithun has

supported Greater Twin Cities United Way

by developing its annual advertising. Our re-

cent “Every ONE Counts” campaign helped

the organization raise nearly $90 million for

Twin Cities’ nonprofit agencies.We also had

a tremendously energetic and fun internal

giving campaign. Last year three employ-

ees, including one woman, agreed to shave

their heads for contributions.

The key to making corporate social

responsibility work is that each facet of the

campaignfit your corporate culture and

reflect your brand’s values. Now more than

ever your employees and customers want

authenticity. They will only identify with

your social mission if it is true.

One of the best brands at living out

social responsibility is our Compass Point

Media client, Chipotle. They are all about

Food with Integrity, an idea that links their

corporate values, marketing messages,

sourcing and social responsibility efforts. It’s

their cause and it’s a cause that’s authentic.

I’ve had the distinct privilege of learning

corporate values from Ray. For Campbell

Mithun’s future success, we pride ourselves

in being successful not only to our share-

holders, but within our communities

as well.

— BUZZWORD BINGO —

LeverageSynergy

Game

PlanStreamline

Interface Strategic

Fast

Track

Touch

Base

Bench-mark

A lot happens between

9 and noon.

9:03 a.m.

10:34 a.m.

11:18 a.m.

Countless life-shaping events occur between nine and noon.

And a lot happens every day on The Daily Circuit. Host Kerri Miller and Tom Weber cover the most

important issues and interview newsmakers of all kinds: politicians, authors, innovators, educators,

artists and everyday people in the news.

Listen weekdays 9 a.m. to noon.

Stay connected all day at mprnews.org

#dailycircuit


Marketing

ENDURING THE INFERNO OF A CRISIS from the

recall of a product to a consumer boycott, has always been a

humbling experience, but at least in the past companies had

the luxury of time to respond. Today, fue led by 800 million

users of Facebook, 175 million devotees of Twitter, 500 mil-

lion viewers on YouTube and blogs read by more than 345

million people, the velocity with which a company’s reputa-

tion can be blown apart by an online crisis is breathtaking.

Consider how quickly the beef industry was overcome

recently by chef James Oliver’s TV segment about “pink

slime,” which went viral with 1.3 million YouTube views, fol-

lowed by ABC News’ blog post “70 percent of Ground Beef

at Supermarkets Contains ‘Pink Slime’ “ exploding across

the Web. And witness the speed with which United Airlines

was overwhelmed by 11.6 million views of a video, “United

Breaks Guitars,” posted by an outraged customer. And

The good news? Here’s how those same online channels

which can bring down a company’s good name in the time it

takes to i re of a 140-character tweet, can help your company

respond to a crisis with unprecedented speed:

Crisis Communications in the Age of Twitter The best policy is pro-activity and active listening.

BY PAUL MACCABEE

« Paul Maccabee is president of Maccabee, a Minneapolis-based public relations, corporate communica-tions and social media

marketing agency. Contact him at [email protected] or visit maccabeegroup.com.

PAY RATHER THAN

PRAY—USING PAID

CRISIS TOOLS»Sponsored Tweets can keep

links to your company’s rebuttal

high at the top of Twitter search

results. You can even buy paid

search terms on Google (such

as “Disgraced Minnesota CEO”

or “Radioactive Chocolate”)

which will not go active until

you pull the switch; that way,

consumers searching for an

explanation of your crisis will

also have a prominent link to

your response where they can

learn your side of the story.

Don’t forget to review your ad

copy, to ensure your company’s

messaging isn’t newly distaste-

ful given the current crisis.

DON’T BE AN ONLINE OSTRICH: RESPONDING BEFORE THE CRISIS LIVES FOREVER» In the era of Twitter and

Facebook, you no longer have

the option of hoping a crisis will

blow over before your company

responds. Consider that six years

ago, bloggers were abuzz when a

customer popped open a Kryp-

tonite lock by inserting a Bic pen.

Today, that story about vulnerable

Kryptonite locks still comes up

fourth in Google Search for the

brand. Search for the words Bic

Kryptonite and you’ll get 1.2 mil-

lion results with titles like, “Twist

a Pen, Open a Lock.” As of this

issue date, the “How To Unlock a

Kryptonite Lock with a Bic Pen”

video on Youtube has received

234,000 views.

What did the company do

wrong? Kryptonite, which had

known about the problem for

two years before it was exposed,

refused to reply to a call from

Wired magazine, which reported

the company’s silence. Contacted

by the New York Times, the

company defended itself by

saying “that locks made by other

manufacturers shared the same

vulnerabilities.” Your lesson?

Respond quickly and honestly,

or your reputation will be

barbequed on the Web for years,

even decades, to come.

3 4

5

DARK SITES AND ONLINE CHANNELS:

PREPARING FOR THE INEVITABLE» Don’t start your company’s social media engagement the day your

CEO is perp walked through your lobby by the FBI. Before a crisis hits,

build your social media infrastructure: a branded YouTube channel, Twit-

ter feed and company blog — the quickest way to respond, in kind, to

online critics. If your company has advance warning, you can prepare a

pre-loaded, not-yet-public response “dark site,” which can be switched on

to provide video and supporting documents and images.

LISTEN UP! » Monitoring Conversa-

tions About You Online

“You can’t fi ght what

you can’t see,” sing

the rock band Girls

Against Boys. And

you can’t defend your

reputation if you don’t

monitor what the online

world says about your

company — before,

during and after a crisis.

How can you determine

if that nasty blogger

is a lone malcontent

or a highly-infl uential

fi gure in your industry?

There are more than

450 online monitoring

tools available, from

Google Alerts and Social

Mention to Trackr ,

Viral Heat, Alterian and

Radian6. Klout, and

Twitalyzer can analyze

negative tweets, while

Alexa and Compete can

evaluate the prominence

of websites posting

negative mentions of

your company.

CRISIS ALA YOUTUBE» YouTube is an essential crisis response tool,

relying the emotional, human side of your advo-

cacy when it’s needed most. But if your spokes-

person responds to a crisis on YouTube, make

sure he or she acknowledges the issue you’re

facing head-on. Check out Domino’s president

Patrick Doyle, whose YouTube-distributed

apology for renegade employees who violated

health code standards was straight-forward

and candid. Rather than attack online critics,

Domino’s thanked the blogging community

for alerting his company to the outrage.

Finally, help consumers fi nd your response

video by adopting the words they’ll actually

use to search. Domino’s actually titled one of its

response videos “Disgusting Dominos People

—Dominos Responds.” A Domino’s PR executive

got it when he said, “Domino’s owns all of its

trademarks, but we don’t own the Domino’s

brand. Our customers do.”

Every centkid-spent.


“When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that

arrived into my life, then I was prosperous.” » Wayne Dyer

In 2011, Give To the Max Day raised over $13.4M for charities nation-wide. In fact,for every dollar

invested in the 2011 Give to the Max Day event, $45.53 was returned to Minnesota nonproits. The

beneits of giving back inancially are documented time and time again. In this issue of Minnesota

Business, we celebrate and acknowledge those who give both inancially and physically. Please

join me in thanking all the organizations that make Minnesota a better place to live, work and play.

Giving Back

A look into the contributions & partnerships of

Minnesota Organizations

Kate Madonna Hindes

Editor In Chief

Minnesota Business [email protected]


PH

OT

O B

Y E

MIL

Y J

. D

AV

IS

« Passionate Leader: Mary Jo

Copeland, (Director of Sharing

and Caring Hands)

36 minnesota BUsiness May 2012

While the large, high-proile charitable events sponsored

by major corporations may receive the most attention,

small and mid-sized employers are just as committed to

giving back, says Sue Moyer, manager of the Greater Twin

Cities United Way Caring Connection. “Companies of all

sizes have been learning by example from larger corpora-

tions that have successful volunteer programs, and realiz-

ing the beneits those programs can ofer to the company,

employees and the community,” Moyer says.

Along with the obvious beneits to society and the

“greater good,” those beneits include helping companies

bond within the community, and helping employees bond

with the company and with each other.

One small-company example is King Solutions, a sup-

ply chain irm, based in Dayton, Minn.

The 92-employee irm supports a number of causes

including the Food Shelf Network, United Way and ARC

of the Twin Cities. To everyone’s beneit, volunteering to

help others is a self- motivating activity, says Jenni Morine,

King’s HR manager. “Volunteering gets in your blood;

once you start it’s hard to stop.”

With a well-established employee volunteer program

that supports a number of causes, King Solutions’ desire is

to attract those who may not have the resources and con-

nections but want to help; they just don’t know where to

begin. Morine points out; even those employees who don’t volunteer may be making a

contribution. “Those who stay back and work doubly hard to allow people to get away

(to volunteer) also beneit the company, and others.”

“A lot of it is the tone and expectation set by the owner of the company,” says Morine,

noting that, early on, company founder and CEO Mike Patterson “clearly stated a pref-

erence for volunteering and challenged everybody to get involved.”

WELLS FARGO LEADS THE PACK

Leaders set the tone, but they don’t dictate, says Wells Fargo CEO John Campbell.

“The beauty of volunteerism is that it springs up naturally from the energy and passion

of our team members; it’s really important that it not be a 'top-down' mentality involving

corporate mandates. We’re letting our team members make decisions about where they

want us to be involved and what they want to accomplish. It’s a lot of people putting in a

lot of hours doing a lot of interesting things."

Campbell also noted, “Increasingly, we ind that our team-members have a passion

for a cause, outside of their family and their job. That might be an educational organiza-

tion, health care or social services." As one example, Wells Fargo’s Somali hunger-relief

efort originated with a African-born employee’s concern for his homeland.

Campbell cites the company’s “ability to leverage our infrastructure to make volunteer

activities available. In any given month we have 20 to 25 volunteer opportunities post-

ed, so the beauty of it is you don’t have to twist anybody’s arm to get them involved.”

In each market where it has a presence, Wells Fargo maintains volunteer councils that

provide the organization and coordination essential to making volunteer events hap-

pen. Even though volunteerism originates at the grassroots level, “it still requires a

A “Hands-On” Difference

Companies large and small discuss the ways giving has beneitted their organizations BY DAN EMERSON

THROUGH ECONOMIC BOOM and downturn, one constant has been Minnesota companies’ tradition of corporate

community service. Last year, for the ifth year in a row, the Twin Cities was rated #1 in volunteering by the Federal Govern-

ment’s Corporation for National and Community Service. Calculating the number of volunteer hours Minnesota compa-

nies contribute to their communities and listing the many ways their employees give back is an inspiring task.

* GIVING BACK *


great deal of organization.”

For Wells Fargo, another

beneit of volunteering is

that it often gives employees

chances to develop leader-

ship skills that they may

not get the opportunity to

develop in the workplace,

Campbell says, using his

own career as an example.

“My leadership skills have

developed as much externally as internally. I had fairly im-

portant leadership roles within the Cancer Society, United

Way and Boy Scouts before I was a manager at the bank.”

Wells’ most unique ofering in this category may be its

Volunteer Leave program, where employees can apply to

receive pay for up to four months for their chosen charity.

“It really allows team members to go well beyond normal

volunteer capabilities and do something really meaning-

ful,” Campbell notes. “For us, it’s a really nice demonstra-

tion to team members that we value their volunteerism.”

SMALL COMPANIES

EMBRACE GIVING

Minnesota companies have been bringing to community

causes the same kind of innovation they use to gain market

share and boost their bottom lines. One strategy used by

both large and small employers is using corporate inancial

resources to support the volunteer activities of employees

and their families. Burnsville-based Hollstadt & Associ-

ates developed its annual Big Give awards to assist causes

favored by its employees, clients and consultants. The

management consulting irm donates $50 for every hour

someone volunteers for a charitable cause, up to $400 per

person and a maximum of $25,000 for the program.

Another trend is the growing popularity of “skilled

volunteering,” in which employees use their professional

skill-sets to help community organizations and individuals. Providing pro bono legal advice has

long been standard practice for law irms, but the same tradition has also been adopted by other

professional groups in areas such as accounting, public relations and marketing.

“There have been more companies requesting ‘skilled volunteering’ engagement,” says the

United Way’s Moyer. “They realize they have talented employees who can make a signiicant

impact in the non-proit community.” Walter White, CEO of Twin Cities based Allianz Life In-

surance Co. of North America agrees. “Giving employees opportunities to share their expertise

with the community seems to have particular appeal.”

One of the largest skills-based volunteering program is the United Way’s “Claim It!” pro-

gram, which provides free tax-preparation services to low-income families, under a partnership

with local accounting irms, the IRS, Minnesota Department of Revenue and other agencies.

Another growth area is helping community groups develop sophisticated marketing tools (in-

cluding websites and social media) and strategies.

In that vein, the Twin Cities United Way recently announced a new initiative to bring to-

gether companies seeking skilled volunteering opportunities together with deserving recipi-

ents, Moyer notes.

One local organization that has been

key in building corporate volunteerism,

particularly in the small-business sector,

is the Corporate Volunteerism Council–

Twin Cities (CVC-TC). It was established

in 1980 as one of the first CVCs in the

nation; today, there are nearly 100 CVCs

located across the U.S. Its 44 corporate

partners include both large and small

local companies. “The purpose is to

learn from each other, track the trends in

corporate volunteerism and help improve

our methods,” says Ecolab’s Shannon

Toren, current CVC president.

Another useful resource is United Way of

the Twin Cities’ Caring Connection, which

matches people to volunteer projects

with United Way community partners

across the nine-county metro area.

Using the Volunteermatch.org website,

individuals, companies or other groups

can access a list of hundreds of volunteer

activities in their locales. They can also

contact the agency, recruit volunteers

and keep track of their volunteer hours

online. Last year, the Connection brought

volunteers together with nearly 50,000

opportunities, says Sue Moyer, Caring

Connection manager at Greater Twin

Cities United Way. The data base lists

“everything from servings meals to the

homeless, to skill-based opportunities, to

fix-up projects,” Moyer says.

» CORPORATE VOLUNTEERISM COUNCIL—TWIN CITIES

Last year, an estimated 52,665 Wells Fargo employees contributed more than 1.5 million volunteer hours to various causes, an 11 percent increase over 2010. The IRS estimated the value of those community eforts at $32 million.

« Ecolab group volunteering at

Second Harvest Heartland

pH

OT

O C

OU

RT

ES

y O

F E

CO

LA

B


TIME-EFFICIENT VOLUNTEERING

Companies have also come up with innovative solutions

to enable employees struggling to balance work and fam-

ily responsibilities make the most of the time they have

available to give back. A number of Twin Cities irms

have created online portals to match employees with

volunteer opportunities that it their interests, talents

and schedules.

Another trend has been the development of so-called

“speed volunteering,” in which companies ofer their

employees volunteer projects they can take on during a

lunch hour, or after work, like spending an hour assem-

bling packages of donated food, gifts or laundry soap.

E-mentoring, in which employee volunteers build help-

ing relationships with middle or high school students

using e-mail, is another time-saving innovation. “If em-

ployees don’t have much time, but want to give back, we

ind a solution,” according to Ecolab’s Shannon Toren,

the irm’s manager of community relations.

Allianz’ well-developed volunteering program is a

representative example, doing a number of things to get

employees engaged in volunteering, according to CEO

Walter White. Those include encouraging employees

to serve on the boards of organizations they support,

and providing each employee with eight hours of paid

time-of annually for volunteering. Another efective

tool is the company’s Mad Money program: when ive

or more employees participate in a volunteer event, Al-

lianz contributes $100 per employee to that cause, up to

a maximum of $500.

Allianz maintains long-term strategic partnerships

with local nonproits engaged in two areas linked to its

corporate mission:Helping students develop inancial

literacy, and service to seniors. “We’ve been very fo-

cused on employee engagement in the community and

we think that is part of what has made us successful par-

ticularly in diicult economic times,” White says. “Every

year we have more employees involved.”

White says a key feature of Allianz’ volunteer program

is an employee steering committee which chooses a

handful of primary community causes the company will

support in a given year. In 2011, more than 3,400 hours

were contributed equaling more than $73,000 in volun-

teer help to area nonproits.

One unique, signature event occurs each holiday

season at Allianz as employees ill gift boxes for needy

families and form a “human chain” to load the boxes

onto delivery trucks, White says. “Every employee feels

that he or she is actively participating. You can see the

enthusiasm and engagement on their faces and feel the

spirit around the building, along with the impact on the

organizations we’re supporting.”

ONE-TO-ONE ACADEMIC HELP

On a Monday evening at RBC Wealth Management’s

Minneapolis oices, employees provide one-on-one

tutoring to academically at-risk students from Anwatan

Middle School.Tutoring and mentoring high school

and middle school students is another popular way for

employees to contribute, says Martha Baumbach, direc-

tor of corporate and community relations for Minneap-

olis-based RBC Wealth Management. Under the irm’s

partnership with Anwatan Middle School in North

Minneapolis, on Monday nights Anwatan students iden-

tiied as academically at-risk are brought to RBC head-

quarters, where RBC employees provide one-to-one

tutoring. As another time eicient way for employees to

volunteer, the irm also does “e-mentoring” _by e-mail

– with middle schools kids in the Minnetonka-Wayzata

school district. RBC also ofers inancial support for

volunteer hours employees may want to spend, she says.

In the today's market, with companies reducing

workforces and striving to do more with less, have they

been forced to cut back on community involvement?

That has not been the case, according to local leaders;

a number of companies have only stepped-up their

volunteering eforts. In fact, over the past ive years, St.

Paul-based Ecolab’s volunteer program has grown by

more than 400 percent, with employees contributing

over 80,000 hours volunteering in their communities,

Toren says.

“We have never taken the approach of cutting-back,”

says White,. “If anything, we have gone in the other di-

rection. Every year, our inancial contribution increases

and more employees are involved.” The company’s

charitable eforts were cited as one of the factors that

landed it on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Places To

Work List,” he notes. “We’ve been very focused on em-

ployee engagement in the community and we think that

is part of what has made us successful, particularly in

diicult economic times.”

A LOOK AT

GENERATIONAL

GIVING

DEBRA ARBIT, CEO and

generational expert with

Minneapolis-based consulting firm

BridgeWorks, offers some advice

on how to maximize volunteer

participation among different

generations in the workplace.

“The oldest generation, the

traditionalists who were born be-

fore 1946, is still very avid about

volunteering for the greater

good,” Arbit says, noting that

they tend to favor programs with

a more traditional, top-down,

command and control structure.

Even though people are living

longer in retirement, Arbit says

companies often overlook their

retirees as willing resources for

volunteer causes. “This gen-

eration is still very avid about

volunteering, so make sure you

are asking them.”

Baby boomers “are still the

most idealistic and optimistic

group; they genuinely believe

they can make a difference.”

A boomer may seek a second

career not because of job dissatis-

faction, but because of a desire to

make meaningful contributions,

Arbit says. “These volunteer

activities can be great opportuni-

ties for them to do that.”

Generation Xers “are often

skeptical of institutions, including

non profits. But they do care. So

if they are asking you ‘Why are

we doing it this way?’ you need

to embrace their skepticism and

answer their questions_ which

are probably very smart ques-

tions.” Another key point is that

for Generation Xers “sometimes

extracurricular, volunteer activi-

ties can give them opportunities

to take leadership roles that will

help them in their careers.”

Regarding the youngest group

of workers, the Millennials: “They

might not be in position to donate

money, but they can give back

by getting involved in causes. A

nice way to get to get Millennials

involved is not to dictate to them,

but rather let them get involved

on their own,” Arbit advises.

* GIVING BACK *

GIVING BACK CONTINUED »


million$48

Dollar amount of donations since inception.More raised than Facebook Causes! Causes started in 2007 and has raised $40 million for causes so far. We started in Nov. 2009 and have raised $48 million (through 12/31/2012).

Give MN By The Numbers

Number of nonprofits that have

received a donation through GiveMN

since inception (of the 8800 active MN nonprofits, defined by GuidestarUSA)

6,100+

145,000 TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

2,500+ NUMBER OF NONPROFITS

TRAINED IN ONLINE

FUNDRAISING

Established

November 2009

Give to the Max Day events in November 2009, 2010 & 2011

THE AVERAGE GIFT ON GIVEMN.ORG

(Based on average of all donations made since inception)

$153.94

29+ Funding partners

make GiveMN possible

GIVEMN HAS A PAID STAFF OF 2.5 PEOPLE. Volunteers and partnerships make everything possible.

For every dollar invested in the 2011 Give to the Max Day event, $45.53 was

returned to Minnesota nonprofits.

$1=$45.53

$100,000Amount of the largest donation

through GiveMN.org

(MINNESOTA BUSINESS MAGAZINE)

*

SO

UR

CE

: G

IVE

MN


YOUNG MIND, BIG DREAMS

Eleven-year-old Maria Keller, founder of Read Indeed,

is one such person who is engaging members of the

Minnesota business community in her nonproit

literacy initiative, Read Indeed. Based in Hopkins,

Read Indeed was founded three years ago, when

Keller learned of the lack of books in the homes of low-

income children and the role this plays in their future

school performances and future successes. “There are

so many kids who aren’t ready for kindergarten be-

cause they’ve never owned a book or had a book read

to them. Our volunteers know they are doing some-

thing good for someone else and I think that makes

them feel really great.

“I decided I wanted to get books into the homes of

as many children as possible,” Keller says enthusias-

tically. “I made the goal of collecting and distributing

one million books to kids in need by the time I’m 18.”

One million books. An amazing number, consider-

ing the determination and age of the nation’s youngest

non-proit leaders. Keller is getting closer to achieving

this number as she recently collected her 600,000th

book in a warehouse teeming with boxes of books

ready to be shipped to schools, hospitals and non-

proit organizations; both national and international.

While schools, religious organizations, commu-

nity groups and individuals have supported Maria

with charitable contributions, book drives and volun-

teer eforts at the Read Indeed warehouse. Business

volunteers also have played a huge role in Maria’s

eforts, joining a young girl in her vision to improve

children’s literacy.

MOST OF US ARE NO STRANGERS TO THE WORLD OF PHILANTHRO-

PY. We’ve been asked to lend our time and inancial support to various charitable causes.

We are often solicited by groups to help combat various diseases, construct new build-

ings or save the rainforests. For many causes, business professionals are the cornerstone

of these eforts, participating in philanthropic initiatives and nonproit endeavors that

are impacting those in need throughout Minnesota and beyond.

“It’s amazing to see how quickly we get things

done and how much fun everyone has sorting

and boxing the books. They learn about the

huge need for children’s books right here in

Minnesota.”

Standing OutMinnesota Business celebrates those who have

inspired others to give BY MAURA KELLER

* GIVING BACK *


« Maria Keller, young leader

extraordinaire and founder of

ReadIndeed

PH

OT

O B

Y T

AT

E C

AR

LS

ON


As part of Cargill’s commitment to corporate responsibility, one of its corporate

missions is to “invest in and engage with communities where they live and work.” In

the past year, the Tartan Evolution team at Cargill has chosen on two occasions to

volunteer at Read Indeed, counting, sorting and packing books.

“Many teams at Cargill, including my team, have made a commitment to partici-

pate in several service projects each year,” says Angelica King, senior IT consultant

at Cargill. “I personally believe that volunteering beneits each of us individually and

our team as a whole. Each of us has learned more about literacy and the importance

of literacy in building strong communities. Moreover, while volunteering at Read

Indeed our team has found a double beneit of giving back and team building. The

environment at Read Indeed allows team members to work together in an open en-

vironment conducive to trying new tasks, talking with each other and having fun.”

From 3M to Target and General Mills, businesses of all shapes and sizes have

donated their time, collected books and donated funds to Read Indeed, helping hun-

dreds of thousands of young children.

Here’s why: Business volun-

teerism can be a quadruple win.

Everyone involved has something

to gain—the companies that pro-

vide the employee volunteers, the

organizations where employees vol-

unteer, the wider community and

the employees themselves. Such

eforts ofer a low-cost, low-risk,

high-impact way of bringing the

knowledge, skills and experiences

of the business sector accessible to

the non-proit sector. It also builds

understanding, employee skill and

community goodwill.

TOUCHING LIVES

Experts agree that business profes-

sionals who volunteer ind their

experiences inspiring, empower-

ing and sometimes life changing.

They are giving the opportunity to

practice service and compassion for

those who need it most.

For example, look at Orion As-

sociates, a Minnesota social services

agency and Headwaters Relief Or-

ganization, the nonproit the Orion

organization established to promote

and support volunteerism. The

agency has always sponsored group

volunteer projects and provides paid

time of for volunteerism.

“In addition to our disaster relief work, our em-

ployees volunteer regularly through other agency

sponsored group volunteer projects, including Toys

for Tots, Feed My Starving Children, the Susan G.

Komen Race for the Cure and Multiple Sclerosis

walks,” says Cheryl Vennerstrom, chief operating

oicer, at Orion Associates and Headwaters Relief

Organization.

Several years ago Orion established an agency

goal of 90 percent participation of its management

and administrative employees in volunteer activi-

ties. Employees can participate in agency spon-

sored events, disaster relief or projects and events

of their own choosing.

“In 2011, 97% of our employees engaged in a

From collecting books to fitting hearing aids to packaging meals that will be shipped

to all corners of the world, Minnesota companies and their employees are doing

great deeds for those in need.

* GIVING BACK *

PH

OT

O C

OU

RT

ES

Y O

F T

HE

ST

AR

KY

HE

AR

ING

FO

UN

DA

TIO

N

« Starkey's mission is awareness,

education, protection and treat-

ment of hearing loss.


volunteer activity, with an overall average of 2.75

events per person,” Vennerstrom says. “Dr. Re-

becca Thomley, chief executive oicer, believes

that a truly successful organization is one that is not

only successful in its line of business, but is suc-

cessful as a contributor to the community and the

world. She holds to the value that business can be

a catalyst for creating positive change in the com-

munity. Employees who give to the community are

far more capable of giving to the organization’s cli-

ents, their co-workers, and to the organization as a

whole, serving all with the skills they have acquired

through their work on volunteer projects. Being

placed in positions of leadership over a group of

volunteers has helped many to rise to the occasion

and become true leaders. They return to their work

in the organization with honed skills beneiting all

whom we serve. It is without a doubt, that as a re-

sult of the volunteer opportunities we’ve provided

for our employees, the company has developed a

far more capable, dedicated workforce.”

Giving back to others is a huge component of

Starkey Hearing Foundation, part of Starkey Hear-

ing Technologies, a privately held, global hearing

technology company headquartered in Eden Prai-

rie, Minnesota. As part of the company’s role in

giving back to people and volunteering themselves,

they created the Foundation in 1982 when founder

Bill Austin and his team of audiologists began giv-

ing the Gift of Hearing to underprivileged children

and adults who cannot aford hearing devices. From

2000 to 2010, the Foundation it more than 500,000

hearing aids to people in need domestically and in-

ternationally. Annually, they are dedicated to giving

100,000 hearing aids and are dedicated to itting

more than 1 million hearing aids this decade.

When Starkey heads out on a mission, there are

volunteers that attend and travel as a team to far and

near destinations. The size of the mission dictates

the number of audiologists needed at the mis-

sions. At some missions there could be 35 people

being itted and others include more than 100 peo-

ple being itted. The Foundation and team was in

Haiti recently for a mission and o in Israel and Pales-

tine for a mission that took place in late February,

where they itted 1,000 people.

Haiti Outreach: How Technology Enabled Success

Businesses naturally take advantage of

technology to share information. Their

nonprofit counterparts can learn to ap-proach their ‘business’ with the same

attitude: utilizing the tools they have to

achieve results.

Haiti Outreach, a nonprofit focusing on community-managed, sustainable wa-

ter and education programs in Haiti, is one organization making strides in the arena of technology.

I first learned of Haiti Outreach after the 2010 earthquake that hit the small country of Haiti. Like many nonprofits, it lacked an online presence and unfor-

tunately missed a valuable opportunity in the immediate rush for aid for the vic-tims of the earthquake. Lacking prepa-

ration and an online community, its op-

tions were limited. Haiti Outreach had operated for nearly 15 years without needing to have its finger on the pulse of technology, now it became clear the world around it had gone global.

Realizing it needed a new way to reach potential community, donors and ad-

vocates, in the spring of 2011, Haiti Outreach initiated strategic planning and careful implementation of a social media strategy. With limited resources, it needed to be clear about its goals and how much it would realistically be able to invest in building an online community.

Online Vehicle for Capital After building an online community for six months, Give to the Max Day 2011 was the perfect vehicle for Haiti Outreach’s first attempt to fundraise online. Armed with a plan that would stretch their comfort zone, the team set a fundraising goal that felt attainable yet pushed them to work hard. Using primarily e-mail and social media tools, Haiti Outreach succeeded in reaching its initial goal of $10,000 for one clean-water well. A huge success.

Two months later Haiti Outreach chose the GiveMN.org platform for its annual Deep Freeze Dunk event. Teams of in-dividuals raised money simply through outreach to their personal social chan-

nels, e-mailing and phone calling.

Most recently Haiti Outreach attempted its biggest effort to date – merging its online and offline communities with both a social media strategy and a tra-ditional phone-a-thon. Using GiveMN.org and backed by a matching dona-

tion of $10,000, it raised $26,250 on World Water Day, enough for nearly three clean-water wells.

One Success at a Time

Haiti Outreach is transforming how

it operates. The successes it has wit-

nessed encourages continued invest-

ment in technology like social media

and online marketing to grow its orga-

nization and create a sustainable pres-

ence in its marketing, communications

and fundraising efforts.

Just like the small country it serves, Haiti Outreach may have a long road ahead– yet the early successes show that there is much to be hopeful about.

« Nicole Harrison is the president and founder of SocialNicole, a Minnesota-based business helping connect businesses and nonprofits with the resources they need to achieve innovative and creative solutions. The SocialNicole team crafted the strategic plan that Haiti Outreach successfully deployed in its online fundraising efforts.

GIVING BACk CONTINUeD »


With the help of funding from the Otto Bremer Foundation and Wells Fargo Foun-

dation of Minnesota, Tasks Unlimited is able buy much needed equipment for its

teams to bring on site to client workstations. In addition, Tasks Unlimited is able to

train more people and provide contracted janitorial, grounds maintenance and mail

room operation services to businesses much more eiciently because of established

partnerships and strong relationships. With its ability to get each individual back to

work in a resourceful and dignity-driven way, Tasks Unlimited is changing the face of

mental illness in Minnesota.

“Like anyone, Tasks’ clients desire stable long term employment with good wages.

They’re proud of their ability to be self suicient and active members of their com-

munities and we’re proud of them.” says Executive Director Karen Johnston.

Tasks Unlimited also provides job training and housing to adults who have seri-

ous mental illness. Upon completion of a Tasks Unlimited training program, gradu-

ates continue their transition to supported employment through Tasks Unlimited

Building Services (TUBS), a social enterprise that provides green cleaning, grounds

maintenance and mailroom services to businesses. TUBS contracted businesses not

only receive award-winning services, but they make a diference in the community by

providing job opportunities to people often dependent on others for their inancial

welfare. Many clients have worked their entire careers with TUBS, earning a solid

job history and fair wages. “Clients who complete a Tasks Unlimited job training

program pay taxes, use fewer social services and their re-hospitalization rates are al-

most non-existent, a huge savings to the tax payer,” states Rachel Hickok, marketing

manager of Tasks Unlimited.

With funding for job training and mental health services decreasing in the recent

market, the demand for services is closely reaching a three-year wait. Tasks Unlimited

looked to other sources to ensure it could continue to train and employ adults, while

helping the Minnesota economy.

The Otto Bremer Foundation, with its commitment to address the underlying

Unlimited Potential Tasks Unlimited creates corporate partnerships and job opportunities

with incredible results BY RACHEL HICKOK

causes of poverty in the community, ofered inancial

support to Tasks Unlimited’s Jobs Training Pro-

gram. Armed with $35,000 in funds, Tasks Unlim-

ited was able to continue training people who were

ready and willing to work, thus reducing the long

wait and assisting more people to become inancially

stable, thereby reducing the burden on state and

county social service budgets.

Not only did corporate giving provide Tasks Un-

limited the opportunity to put people to work, the

program also gave the organization new resources to

work more eiciently for its social enterprise custom-

ers. With the help of the Wells Fargo Foundation Min-

nesota, Tasks Unlimited was able to purchase a John

Deere Gator for one of its contracted work sites.

The purchase of the Gator allowed workers to

transport janitorial equipment from building to

building at contracts with large open spaces and

multiple buildings. It improved the eiciency and

“Tasks Unlimited has changed the landscape of unemployment for

those it serves.”

* GIVING BACK *

CORPORATE GIVING CAN TRANSFORM A COMMUNITY. Like many other non-proits, corporate

partners provide much-needed inancing and resources to one of Minnesota’s growing non-proits. Tasks Un-

limited ofers job training for individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses. It equips its staf with the ability to

provide the best possible services for client sites and jobseekers. Eight-ive percent of people who come to Tasks

Unlimited are unemployed. Tasks Unlimited has been able to slash the number down to zero percent, through a

passion for creating a better future for those with mental illness. Minnesota companies make this possible through

corporate giving and foundation grants.


quality of the services clients provided and contributed to the long-term suc-

cess of the relationship between the contracted work sites and Tasks Unlimited

Building Services. The purchase allowed TUBS to maintain a competitive

edge while staying true to its mission to employ people with disabilities. In this

instance, corporate giving beneited the individuals the social service agency

serves as well as the organization’s corporate client.

“The Gator has been a huge asset to our building services team, streamlin-

ing work and giving us the ability to work more eiciently. We can’t thank Wells

Fargo enough. We wouldn’t have been able to aford this great piece of equip-

ment without its help,” says Johnston.

Looking ahead, Tasks Unlimited’s biggest challenge will be to continue to

provide jobs for people with mental illness. As part of a new strategic plan for

2012-2014, the organization is focusing on how to employ more people and

ofer more hours to existing clients while op-

erating a competitive business. Tasks Unlim-

ited Building Services is actively seeking new

opportunities to partner with corporations

to provide business services. The company

is also looking at diversifying the services it

currently ofers.

“We want to help more people get on their

feet. Our clients are excited to work, but we need

corporations to partner with us. The corpora-

tion receives great service and our clients get a

chance to be self-suicient. It’s a huge win for

our entire community,” says Johnston. PH

OT

O B

Y E

MIL

Y J

. D

AV

IS

TASKS

UNLIMITED

WHO THEY

SERVE

Number of people

served in 2011:

307Number of people

currently employed

by organization

(clients and staff):

338Number of

Contracts and

work sites:

13 Contracts plus 3

additional work

sites

Wages paid to

disabled workers

in 2011:

$2.5 MILLION

Services provided:

Green Cleaning,

Grounds

Maintenance,

Mailroom

Management

Website:

tasksunlimited.org

« Tasks Unlimited Executive

Director, Karen Johnston

poses with a piece of equip-

ment they received from the

Wells Fargo Foundation.

46 MINNESOTA BUSINESS April 2012

Seen NETWORKING,

BUSINESS AND

AFTER-HOURS

PH

OT

OS

BY

DE

RE

K L

UN

DM

AR

K

Social Media Breakfast

SMBMSP #44 – Interactive Project ManagementOver hundreds of attendees came together to hear Meghan Wilker and Nancy Lyons from Geek Girls Guide present their newest book and methodologies.

View the video online at: smbmsp.org

1

2

3 4 5

6 7

1) An attentive crowd (2) L-R Meghan Wilker, Nancy Lyons, Meg Knodl (3) L-R Meghan

Wilker, Nancy Lyons, Mykl Roventine (4) Crystal Grobe,Kristin Lenander (5) Mary Lower,

Mykl Roventine (6) Sara Masters, Gayle Haugen (7) Braden Stadlman, Johnny Thompson,

Amanda Oleson

April 2012 minnesotabusiness.com 47

Olson's Open House

Olson + Co held an open house at

the Ford Center in March, celebrating

new space and on-going success.

1

2

3

4 5

6

7

(1) An elevator shaft, transformed. Pictured here: Jen Rorke, Account Director, Olson (standing), Andy Gray. Partnership

Marketing, 1:1, Olson (standing) (2) Anne Hofer (HSBC), Virginia Kafer (Olson), Jennifer Bodine (Olson) and Mary Ellen

Pardell (Best Buy). (3) The Olson build out was part of the overall restoration of the historic structure and the design

team worked to balance the historic significance of the building with the needs of Olson. (4) Agency founder John

Olson. (5) The Cafe space is anchored by a large family style table in the center of the cafe. The south end of the cafe

uses historical graphics of the building create a connection to the past and a glass wall that can fold away creates a

seamless connection to the stage area. Framed by the large opening to the 10th floor- this area will be the place for all

agency gatherings and new rituals. (6) Anne Michaletz, Senior Account Executive PR, Olson Chicago with Mary Clare

Jensen, Account Supervisor, Olson Minneapolis. (7) Client Lugert, Art Director, Olson

PH

OT

OS

CO

UR

TE

SY

OF

OL

SO

N

» To submit photos for Seen: Email [email protected]

48 MINNESOTA BUSINESS April 2012

Celebrating Success

Closers

Weber Shandwick Honoredthe Minneapolis oice of Weber

Shandwick was honored recently

with eight awards, including industry Campaign of the year, at the Minnesota public relations Society of america (prSa) 34th annual Classics awards. the Classics awards recognize public relations campaigns that demonstrate extraordinary creativity and execution, including research, implementation and measurement.

3 Stations Up For Crystal Radio Awardsthe national association of

Broadcasters (naB) recently

announced inalists for the 25th

annual Crystal radio awards,

the organization’s recognition

of radio stations for outstanding

year-round commitment to

community service. all three of

hubbard radio’s twin Cities-

based stations—KSTP AM, KSTP

FM and KTMY FM—were named inalists for the industry honor.

the stations, otherwise known as 1500 eSpn, KS95 and mytalk107.1, are three of only 50 total inalists for the Crystal radio awards and the only inalists from the Minneapolis/St. paul market.

The WomenVenture team gathered to celebrate monthly employee wellness challenge successes.

“I've always said that the better off you are, the more responsibility you have for helping others. Just as I think it's important to run companies well, with a close eye to the bottom line, I think you have to use your entrepreneurial experience to make corporate philanthropy effective.” >> CARLOS SLIM HELU

PARTING WORDS

REFLECTIONS ON

MINNESOTA BUSINESSES

ph

ot

o B

y d

er

eK

lU

nd

Ma

rK

How do YOU plan on Giving Back in 2012? We'd love to hear from you. [email protected]

From left to right—back row: Brian hasty, operations Manager; elizabeth

petry-lee, Career development Manager; Michael Kithcart, Chief operating

oicer; Katy Burke, Business Consultant; Mary Briel, employment Specialist;

Judy hawkinson, director of philanthropy; Stephanie Stuart, Women Can do

it! Manager; Chris olsen, Marketing Manager.

From Left to right—front row: Jackie Starbird, assistant to the president;

alyssa Samuelson, loan fund Coordinator; deb Wilkens-Costello, president;

trish Bosquez, finance Manager; amy Keegan, Women’s Business Center

director; Jennifer Briggs, Client Services advisor. (Not pictured: Amber

Waldo, Staf Accountant; Ann Mays, Volunteer Director; Carlye Rooney,

Grants Manager; Elizabeth Goers, Client Services Advisor.)

ABOUT WOMEN VENTURE:

WomenVenture is a nonproit

organization dedicated to helping

women of all ages, cultures,

races and income levels achieve

economic success through classes

and services on entrepreneurship

and career building.

CONGRATS!

CAN’T

WAIT

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Speed comparison between Comcast 100Mbps service and standard 1.5 DSL or T1 (downloads only). Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. 2011 rating by PC Mag based on review of customer data from www.speedtest.net. Call for details. Comcast © 2012. All rights reserved.

TO CONNECT TO THE CLOUD.PC Mag has named Comcast Business Class the fastest business Internet provider in the nation. It offers download

speeds up to 66 times faster than DSL and T1. Plus, you’ll get productivity tools such as Norton™ Business Suite

and Web hosting options along with a dedicated local customer service team ready to help you 24/7. Switch to

Comcast Business Class.

Go to business.comcast.com or Call 800.391.3000

BUSINESS

AT L A N TA C H I C A G O D e L A w A r e I N D I A N A L O s A N G e L e s m I C H I G A N m I N N e A p O L I s O H I O w A s H I N G TO N, D. C .

2 2 5 s. s I x T H s T r e e T, s u I T e 2 8 0 0 | m I N N e A p O L I s, m N 5 5 4 0 2

Extra mile.Law irms talk about “going the extra mile” all the time.

At Barnes & Thornburg, we’d rather walk it than talk it.

we staff your matters with less leverage and more partner

involvement. we approach your business in an eficient,

uncommonly predictable way. And we put in the effort

to ind the practical, workable solutions to your most

complex business challenges. To us, going the extra mile

isn’t about distance—it’s about results.

btlaw.com

minnesota business mag 5/12

Documents