Strong cities, with efficient services and solid infrastructures, are one of the building blocks of a healthy business climate. At TwinWest's annual State of the City programs, city council members and staff will highlight local economic development projects, services, and programs of importance to the business community.

Please join us - this is a great opportunity to catch up with city leaders and other local businesspeople, and find out what's happening in your community. There is no cost to attend, and no need to RSVP. View event locations and other details here.

Minnetonka: Wednesday, February 6, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
New Hope: Tuesday, February 12, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Golden Valley: Thursday, February 21, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Plymouth: Thursday, February 28, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
St. Louis Park: Thursday, March 6, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Hopkins: Tuesday, March 18, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

• Sun Newspapers has put together a great recap of economic development activity in St. Louis Park. Read the Sun Newspapers coverage.

• The city has officially stopped work on implementing a citywide wireless Internet project. Get more information at St. Louis Park's Web site.

• Robbinsdale Area Schools officials have outlined plans to cut $5 million from the school district's budget. Read a detailed Sun Newspapers description of the plan here.

Wayzata School District:

• Wayzata High School needs business professionals, parents, and members of the community to serve as judges for its upcoming DECA competition events. DECA is an international student organization with a mission of enhancing the cocurricular education of students with interests in business, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. One of the highlights in the DECA program is the unique real world role-playing competition provided for students at the state and national level. These competitions allow students to compete in everyday situations in the fields of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Wayzata High School's local conference is scheduled for Sunday, January 27 and Monday, January 28 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest.

If you would like to volunteer to serve as a judge, please contact Sara Heeg at 763.745.6809.