Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours | December Newsletter 2010
In an effort to share what’s happening with TCTHH members, I have decided to put together a quick monthly newsletter to share some news, jobs, events and other information that members have asked me to pass along. If you have anything you would like to share with the group next month, please let me know.
- Reminder: This Thursday is the December TCTHH event at the ICON Lobby Lounge (Showplace Theaters, West End) 200 people have registered!
(http://tcthhdec2010.eventbrite.com)
- Second Harvest sent me thank you letter for all of contributions that were made to the organization at the November TCTHH event. I wanted to share the letter with you as well. We collected 229 lbs of food and $132, which will provide 667 meals in our community. Thank you to all who helped out! (http://tcthursdayhappyhours.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/secondharvestthankyou.pdf)
- There are many MIMA members that are part of the TCTHH group and MIMA is having its Holiday Party this Wednesday at Five Event Center.
(http://www.mima.org/mimaevts/index.asp?eventID=239)
- Dustin Peltier, one of the owners of Team Liquor (and TCTHH member) is offering a discount at Team Liquor for all TCTHH members. If you mention TCTHH when ordering you can get 10% off on beer, 15% off on liquor and 20% off on wine. Team Liquor also offers FREE delivery in Minneapolis, which is great for any companies that are having a holiday party.
(http://www.goteamliquor.com/)
- Jeff Sauer, Principal at Three Deep Marketing wanted to share job opportunities that are available at Three Deep. They are currently hiring for 6 new positions!
(http://www.threedeepmarketing.com/twin-cities-jobs/)
- Tyler Brewton recently launched a new company in the Twin Cities called MyBackSpin.com, featuring a daily golf deal similar to how Groupon works, great for golfers in MSP.
(http://www.mybackspin.com/)
- Ad Fed MN – Ad2 Happy Hour at FAME on January 13.
(http://adfed.org/events/details.aspx?EventID=123)
Do you have news, jobs, events or information you would like to share with the group, or ideas for future TCTHH networking events?
If I don’t see you on Thursday, have a safe and happy holiday season!
-Jeff
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Helps Second Harvest Heartland
Thanks to everyone that attended the November Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours event at FACES mears park in Lowertown St. Paul, we collected a lot of food, as well as cash donations to help out Second Harvest Heartland.
One of the goals of TCTHH is to give back to the community through our events and I am glad we have such great members that are willing to support the TCTHH vision when we partner with a charity like Second Harvest.
All totaled up, the November event helped to provide 229 lbs of food for Second Harvest to add to their food shelves during the holiday season. Thanks to others that donated money as well, we were able to give $132 to the organization to help buy even more food.
Through efforts like this, the TCTHH community can not only grow business/social connections through events, but we can help make a difference by giving back to local organizations in need.
Thanks for your generosity!
December TCTHH Event | LoBBy LOUNGE at ShowPlace ICON Theater – West End St. Louis Park
The next Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours monthly event is on Thursday, December 16th at the LoBBY LOUNGE in the ShowPlace ICON Theater at the new West End area in St. Louis Park. The event will start at 5:30 and go as late as people want to stay.
If you want to get to know other Twin Cities professionals, make valuable connections and celebrate the holidays with some new people, join us on the 16th for this event.
Created by famed restaurant designer Jerry Kleiner — the mind behind 33 Club, Opera and Carnivale –the LoBBY LOUNGE is truly a stylish experience offered to all of their guests. The upstairs Lobby Lounge offers cocktails and delectable bites for all of its guests.
They will be offering us a great happy hour and will be providing some of their signature bacon popcorn snack in addition to the specials:
- $2 domestic beers
- 1/2 price house pour drinks
- 1/2 price pizzas
- $5 red and white wine featured glass
ICON LoBBY LOUNGE will also be raffling off a coupon that includes two regular admission adult movie tickets, two entrees and a bottle of select wine OR two cocktails/beverages to one winner.
You are encouraged to bring a colleague, friend or business partner that might be interested in attending. Please RSVP by registering for the event, as we have a limited amount of space and need to let our hosts know how many to expect.
There is plenty of free parking in the underground parking ramp at the West End shops.
I look forward to seeing you all there, it will be a fun event! If you have any questions, please let me know.
-Jeff
TCTHH Twin Cities Business Spotlight | Spyder Trap Online Marketing
As part of my goal to help connect other business professionals, businesses and great people here in the Twin Cities, I thought it would be a good idea to create a Twin Cities Business Spotlight series of blog posts. The idea is for others to get to know people involved with companies in Minneapolis and St. Paul that are doing awesome things.
Our first featured company for this blog series is Spyder Trap Online Marketing, who was involved with last October’s Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Social Media Talk that was held at the JJ Hill Library. I was able to sit down with Mike Rynchek, President of Spyder Trap to pick his brain about his company, working with clients and company culture.
What is your approach to working with your clients that separates you from others in the marketing agency world?
What we think is not what matters to us, what our clients think is what is more important to us. Our clients tell us that we are, “friendly, approachable, accessible and partners”, which is why they choose us over other Marketing Agencies. We foster relationships with our clients that go beyond the general realms of Online Marketing, which is why we can call them our “friend” or “partner”, rather than just a “client.” In turn, we are often referred to as a “friend” not just “the vendor.” Education is also a large piece of what makes our company distinguishable. By educating our clients on the particulars of what we do, it allows us to relate on a unique level with each other.
Aimee Cheek, Corporate Marketing Manager at CSM Lodging states, “ In my experience, the main thing that differentiates Spyder Trap (ST) and its team members from other agencies is their ability to build relationships. Every member that I’ve come across strives first to build a friendship, then if appropriate offers assistance or services. The relationship model translates to customers even far after the “sale”. They focus on becoming an extension of your team, rather than “distant experts”, realizing the greater value in working together. They truly do befriend their clients and become staunch supporters of the brands they serve, earning them very loyal customers. As they say, “people do business with people” and Spyder Trap has not lost sight of the fact that their relationships and network of business partners is a key element to their success. “
I understand that culture is an important part of how you
run your business on a day-to-day basis, how do you view company culture?
Culture is very important and collective element of our company, therefore I asked Spyder Trap employees to answer the question of “what is culture” to them and “what does it mean at Spyder Trap.”
Culture is:
- Learning from our surroundings and being open to others’ ideas.
- What we live and experience everyday.
- A set of perceptions, seen and unseen which contributes to each persons experience, for both employees and clients.
- Learning from our surroundings and being open to others’ ideas.
- Interaction and communication of individuals who are excited about personal growth as well as that of the team.
The 25 Most Connected Twin Cities Business Professionals 2010
I have been thinking a lot lately about the collaborative business environment we have here in Minneapolis/St. Paul and wanted to reach out to my network and beyond to find the 25 Most Connected Twin Cities Business Professionals. I was inspired to make this list after reading about the 2010 Entrepreneurs of the Year in Twin Cities Business.
- Do you know someone who is an absolute must to know in the Twin Cities?
- Who do you know that is constantly open to connecting, helping and developing relationships in our business community?
- Who do you look to as a leader for mentor ship and advice?
I am looking for YOUR nominations for who you think are the most well connected people in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Please share the name of the person you would like to nominate and your reason for why they should be included in this list in the comments section below.
I am hoping that you will nominate people from all walks of life, including business movers and shakers, volunteers, non-profit leaders, small business owners or anyone else that you think deserves to be included in this list.
I’m looking forward to putting together the list and connecting with each and every person that contributes to this list, as well as those that are nominated.
Please add your nomination in the blog comments, thank you!
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Summer Bash at Santorini – August 19th, 2010
The next Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours monthly event is Thursday, August 19th at Santorini in Eden Prairie. The event will start at 5:30 and go as late as people want to stay.
The Summer Bash will be co-hosted by TCTHH, the National Society of Hispanic MBAS (Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter) and the Twin Cities Business Peer Network (TCBPN).
The NSHMBA MSP Chapter is the title sponsor for this event and will be providing a free drink ticket to the first 250 guests at the event and raffle prizes; including a flat screen TV, Blue Ray, iPod and NSHMBA memberships. In addition to that Santorini has been kind enough to provide its patio/private room space, complimentary valet parking and food for the group. Food provided by Santorini includes:
- Gyros with all of the fixings
- Mini chicken kabobs
- Red Pepper Hummus, Spicy Feta Spread, and Olive/Goat Cheese Spread
Mid-Summer Charity and Networking Events in the Twin Cities
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and is staying busy with family, friends, work and other fun summer activities. Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours has been on a short break in the months of June and July to enjoy the summer here in Minnesota.
In case you missed our May charity event for the NICU at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, we had a very successful event that raised over $7,000 for the neonatal unit at Children’s. Thank you to our many sponsors, guests, supporters and Solera for making the event such a great time.
1st Annual TCTHH Charity Event at Solera
Here are some upcoming charity, networking and business events that are happening in Minneapolis/St. Paul later this month and into August.
Friday, July 16 – Ad Fed MN Golferoo
Ad Fed’s annual golf event at Braemar Golf Course is July 16. Golferoo is a fun event that attracts players from the Twin Cities marketing and advertising community. Players include men and women with a wide range of golf skill and ability. The event starts with lunch on the grill, followed by an 18-hole scramble tournament. Then it’s time to relax with appetizers, drinks, a raffle and silent auction. Enjoy great games including “Hole in One,” “Closest to the Gin,” and “Keg Hole.” As always, a portion of the proceeds from this event are dedicated to charitable giving.
Saturday, July 17 – Rock the Cause presents “Rock the Vine”
Rock the Cause, Youth Advantage and Saint Croix Vineyards are proud to host the inaugural Rock the Vine Music Festival at Saint Croix Vineyards on Saturday, July 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Top local and regional artists will come together for an afternoon of music, food, wine tastings and more, all while benefiting local charity, Youth Advantage.
Friday, July 23 – SMBMSP 28, Small Business Gets Social
This month Social Media Breakfast will be outdoors at Deluxe Corp in Shoreview talking with five small business people about their approach to social media. Each small business is unique and so are their needs. Another interesting thing this month is that each of these business people have elected to DIY their social media strategy and solution.
1st Annual Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Charity Event at Solera
I am happy to announce that tickets are now available for the 1st ever Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours Charity Event. All proceeds raised from this event including tickets, sponsorships and donations will be given to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The event will take place on Thursday, May 27th at Solera, in Downtown Minneapolis. The event starts at 6:00 and will end around 9:30.
Tickets are $15.00 in advance ($20.00 at the door).
In addition to this being a great networking event for Twin Cities professionals, Solera will be providing appetizers for the event, there will be beer from Summit, along with a cash bar, live music from local up and coming musician Dan Rodriguez and a silent auction.
Not only is the mission of TCTHH to bring together Minneapolis and St. Paul professionals for networking events, but it is also the goal to be able to give back to local organizations. Through events like this, we will be able to continue to expand our professional networks, have fun and help to support organizations through the Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours community.
I hope that you can all make it to the event on May 27th, it surely will be a great time! If you have any questions, please let me know.
-Jeff
Thank you to our sponsors for this great event and organization!
Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hours April Networking Event – Mobile Web & Marketing Talk
There is a limited amount of space available, so make sure you register for a ticket by clicking on the button below. You are encouraged to bring a colleague, friend or business partner that might be interested in attending.
There is no ticket charge for the event, however there is a set number of tickets that can be registered for, so make sure you get your ticket and we’ll see you on the 15th!
I look forward to seeing you all there, it will be a fun and informative event!
-Jeff
Best Twin Cities Outdoor Happy Hour Spots – March Madness Championship
Here it is, the game and match up you have all been waiting for. After 2 weeks of voting for your favorite outdoor happy hour patios, decks and rooftops in the Twin Cities, there will be only one champion. The winners of the first 2 games in the TCTHH Final Four were Psycho Suzi’s and Brit’s Pub. Two number 3 seeds will go head to head, to crown a champion.
Click to view full tournament bracket.
I will get in contact with the proper person from the winning venue and show them how their victory came to be in the TCTHH March Madness bracket, so that we can have a summer happy hour networking event there.
Who do you like in this game and who will be cutting down the top shelf of their bar (nets) in victory?
[polldaddy poll=2955308]
