Diane Wipf: Southwest News Media

SWNewsMedia is the premier community news and information organization serving the southwestern suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our communities include Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage and Shakopee, as well as the surrounding area. We provide the most complete local, community news coverage of Scott, Carver and portions of Hennepin counties. We provide print and digital marketing services to business in these communities and extended reach areas.

Ryan Lindquist: Shakopee Brewhall

Shakopee Brewhall is a local brewery that aims to "Share More Than A Beer"!  With a regular rotation of styles for customers to enjoy, we strive to be a brand and a product that customers are excited to visit and enjoy.  The Brewhall continues to give back to the community through non-profit collaborations - with the hopes of supporting those in need and building on the idea of "Sharing More Than A Beer"!

Tim Zunker: Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau 

The Chamber is a voluntary, not-for-profit business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment of the community. As an active, problem-solving organization, the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce focuses on economic development, workforce development, legislative advocacy, and membership services. 

Anna Bode: The Opus Group

The Opus Group® is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies that work together to build communities across the country. Some of our projects include schools, apartment buildings, warehouses, hospitals, retail centers, office buildings and much more. We strive to meet the needs of our clients, communities and people who live, work and play in them!

John Rohan:  Apple Autos 

Apple Autos is an 8-brand, 5-location automotive company in the South Metro whose mission is to change the narrative in the automotive industry. Whether its sales or service, customer or employee, Apple Autos is committed to providing unmatched experiences across all platforms. It was built on the belief that people always come before profit. As a result, our best-price policy, mission, brand promises, and values were implemented. That is why we say, “It’s Different Here”.  We are committed to serving our community not just by providing unmatched products and services, but also by partnering with like-minded programs in the Twin Cities that focus on childhood health, wellness, and education.

Lezlie Vermillion: Scott County 

Scott County, Minnesota is a Minnesota local unit of government that administers, oversees, and/or regulates everything from public safety, law enforcement, social services, licenses, permits, to property tax collections, elections, land use planning, roads and transportation, environmental services, GIS, emergency preparedness, and other customer services for the residents of the community.  To learn more, visit www.scottcountymn.gov -- there's a lot more to explore in County government and public service!

Anna Dickey: Teller

Jessie Dettmen: Personal banker & teller

Terry Pederson: Vice president

Lindsey Puffer: Loan officer & vice president 

Here at HomeTown Bank in Shakopee we have a vision to be the bank customers love. Our purpose is to "Inspire Happiness" through the experiences here and contribute to the community in a positive way. We strive to provide the best financial services for our current customers and our community. We value customer service, being involved in the community, and generating a stream of steady earnings. 

Tricia Kuhl: Valleyfair 

Valleyfair, located in Shakopee, MN hires about 1600 seasonal workers every summer in a number of areas including EMTs, Security, Rides, Food Services, Games, Merchandise, Maintenance, Facilities, Park Services and Lifeguarding.

Pam Rahbain: Apple Autos

Apple Autos is an 8-brand, 5-location automotive company in the South Metro whose mission is to change the narrative in the automotive industry. Whether its sales or service, customer or employee, Apple Autos is committed to providing unmatched experiences across all platforms. It was built on the belief that people always come before profit. As a result, our best-price policy, mission, brand promises, and values were implemented. That is why we say, “It’s Different Here”.  We are committed to serving our community not just by providing unmatched products and services, but also by partnering with like-minded programs in the Twin Cities that focus on childhood health, wellness, and education.

Rob Whitcomb: Farmer's Insurance Agency 

Farmers Insurance – Whitcomb Agency– is located in downtown Shakopee and provides auto, home, life and commercial insurance.  They strive to educate people about their insurance options, so clients can select the right coverage for their unique situation.  Then when the unfortunate events occur, Farmers Insurance – Whitcomb Agency is in a position to quickly rectify the situation, and get the client back on track.

Chad Peterson: Integrated Marketing + Design

Integrated Marketing+Design is a full-service marketing agency located in the South Metro. Working with all size businesses, Integrated Marketing helps help grow your brand and grab the attention of your target market by taking achievable steps to get you to where you want to be.

Kimberly Compton: Apple Autos 

Apple Autos is an 8-brand, 5-location automotive company in the South Metro whose mission is to change the narrative in the automotive industry. Whether its sales or service, customer or employee, Apple Autos is committed to providing unmatched experiences across all platforms. It was built on the belief that people always come before profit. As a result, our best-price policy, mission, brand promises, and values were implemented. That is why we say, “It’s Different Here”.  We are committed to serving our community not just by providing unmatched products and services, but also by partnering with like-minded programs in the Twin Cities that focus on childhood health, wellness, and education.

Shane Hofmann: Edina Realty Mortgage

Edina Realty Mortgage, is a full service mortgage banker specializing in residential and refinance loans. Edina Realty Mortgage offers a wide range of mortgage products, including fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, jumbo loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and renovation financing. We stand by our Core Principles: Customer Service, Employee Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Operational Excellence, and Financial Strength. These principles guide how we do business every day. Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience for both our customers and our employees. We know that if we treat people right, we will excel. Our mission is to provide credit-worthy customers with competitively priced residential mortgage financing.

Ryan Ames: Jostens

Headquartered in Bloomington, MN, Jostens is an American manufacturer of memorabilia. Jostens specializes in yearbooks, class rings, caps and gowns, team and championship rings for teams in the  NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, IndyCar and NASCAR®  Our mission is conveyed with three simple words: Capture. Celebrate. Inspire. It’s all about recognizing life’s most important moments, and inspiring the creation and celebration of even more.

Michael Klemm: Real Estate Attorney for Hellmuth & Johnson 

Hellmuth & Johnson, a Top 25 Minnesota law firm, represents clients ranging from individuals and emerging start-ups to multinational Fortune 500 companies. Focusing on transactional law, litigation, and appeals, Hellmuth & Johnson attorneys are leaders in their fields. Founded in 1994, Hellmuth & Johnson has become one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing law firms.

John Canny: RE/MAX Advantage Plus 

John Canny is a Real Estate Agent in the Shakopee and surrounding areas. His specialty is Residential Real Estate, but works with Commercial and Construction properties as well.

Raul Rehnborg: Valleyfair 

Valleyfair, located in Shakopee, MN hires about 1600 seasonal workers every summer in a number of areas including EMTs, Security, Rides, Food Services, Games, Merchandise, Maintenance, Facilities, Park Services and Lifeguarding.

Video by Jenn Brewington, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Shakopee

Hear Erik Therwanger's definition of what it means to be a leader and how you can create your own definition. 

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Erik Therwanger discusses the Elite Purpose of a Leader

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