Welcome to Conversations, the TwinWest Chamber's podcast. We're proud to be the first chamber of commerce in Minnesota to create a podcast on our Web site. Simply click on the blue play buttons below to listen to information about the topics that are important to you; we'll add new topics regularly to keep you up to date on critical business issues.

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RSS (Real Simple Syndication) allows you to subscribe to TwinWest's podcasting feed. As a subscriber, you are automatically updated when we add new topics. Learn more about RSS by clicking on the link above.

You can also view a full-length video of some TwinWest events and programs. There's no downloading or waiting involved; just press play and enjoy.

Podcast Sponsor:

Legislative   Breakfast  recording sponsor:

Podcast host: Brian Oates (hear his other business interviews at www.daxle.net).

Podcasts and Videos

TO LISTEN: Click on the blue play button to listen to the podcast (pause by clicking on "playing"). Or, click on the name of the podcast to listen to the MP3 file; right-click to download.

TO WATCH: Click on the play button on the video.



August 2008
3rd District Congressional candidate debate, hosted by TwinWest (1:21:35)

On August 21, 2008, Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District candidates meet for their first public debate at General Mills headquarters to field questions about energy, health care, education and more. Hosted by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, the event was the public’s first opportunity to compare and contrast David Dillon (IP), Ashwin Madia (DFL) and Erik Paulsen (R) in person.




June 2008
TwinWest's June Legislative Breakfast: Session Wrap-up (46:35)  

What happened in this year's legislative session and what lies ahead? On June 6, at TwinWest's final Legislative Breakfast of the season on June 6, Sean Kershaw, Citizens League; Phil Krinkie, Taxpayer's League of Minnesota; Mary Lahammer, "Almanac"; Sarah Janecek, Politics in Minnesota; and Blois Olson, Tunheim Partners evaluate the session results and address issues of local and national politics.


June 2008
2008 Legislative Session Wrap-up (10:41)

What did the Minnesota state legislature accomplish this session? How will health care, transportation and the business community be affected? Podcast host Brian Oates (US Bank) is joined by Jason Flohrs, director of government affairs at TwinWest, to dissect and evaluate this year's legislative session. He explains the new transportation and health care reforms, and addresses issues facing state government next year.


June 2008
Interview with Sara Hamilton, 2001 TwinWest Foundation Legacy Scholarship Recipient (6:48)

What did a scholarship from the TwinWest Foundation mean to one St. Louis Park High School graduate? Sara Hamilton, 2001 recipient of the TwinWest Foundation's Legacy Scholarship, talks with Becky Bakken (Citizens Independent Bank) and podcast host Brian Oates (US Bank) about her college experience, the support she received from the business community and her new career as a pharmacist.

RELATED LINKS:

“From Student to Pharmacist: A TwinWest Foundation Scholarship Success Story (June/July 2008 Directions magazine feature article – pages 12-13) TwinWest Foundation scholarships

May 2008
TwinWest's May Legislative Breakfast: Facing the Impending Energy Crisis (58:41)  

Rising oil prices and potential energy regulations have consumers and businesses concerned. At TwinWest's Legislative Breakfast on May 9, representatives from Great River Energy, Isaac Walton League of America and Partners for Affordable Energy discuss these issues, the perceived impact on Minnesota's economy and what Minnesota can do to save energy.


April 2008
TwinWest’s April Legislative Breakfast: Conversation with U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad (55:14)

Current economic conditions are creating a tough situation for Minnesota small business leaders. At TwinWest’s Legislative Breakfast on April 4, U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad talks about local, national and international challenges facing businesses, shares his unique perspective on progress and potential solutions, and answers questions from the audience. TwinWest also presents a certificate of commendation to the Congressman for his years of dedicated service to the citizens and businesses of the 3rd Congressional District and his role in forming TwinWest in 1983.

RELATED LINKS:

“TwinWest Talks with U.S. Congressman Jim Ramstad” (April 2008 Directions magazine feature article – pages 12-13) Congressman Ramstad’s Web site

March 2008
Meet Bruce Nustad in Less than Five Minutes (4:37) 

What does new chamber president Bruce Nustad have in store for TwinWest? Podcast host Brian Oates (US Bank) welcomes Bruce to discuss first impressions and how to bring TwinWest to the next level through membership and political advocacy goals, and capitalizing on new business and legislative opportunities.


March 2008
TwinWest's March Legislative Breakfast: Health Care Reform in Minnesota (59:29)

Health care is an increasingly urgent issue for the business community. At TwinWest’s Legislative Breakfast on March 14, Dr. Charlie Fazio (chief medical officer for Medica), Tom Forsythe (vice president of corporate communications for General Mills) and Rep. Paul Thissen (chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee) discuss what’s being done to make health care more affordable and accessible to all Minnesotans.

 


December 2007
TwinWest Foundation conversation with 2007 Career Path Scholarship recipient Ray Rojas (8:50)
NOTE: You will need to turn up your volume considerably to hear this audio.

In 2007, the TwinWest Foundation gave $104,500 in scholarships to local high school and adult students. Hear Ray Rojas, one of the TwinWest Foundation’s 2007 Career Path Scholarship recipients, speak about his study of law enforcement at North Hennepin Community College and encourage other adults to pursue their goals. Becky Bakken of Citizens Independent Bank, 2007-2008 chair of the TwinWest Foundation Board, conducts the interview.

RELATED LINKS:  TwinWest Foundation scholarship program 
                                  North Hennepin Community College

Thanks to Channel 12 for recording this interview.

 
October 2007
TwinWest's October Legislative Breakfast featuring Mike Ciresi, Jim Cohen and Al Franken (57:27)

Do you know where the candidates stand on issues important to your business? TwinWest's October Legislative Breakfast held on Friday, October 5, featured Minnesota's DFL U.S. Senate candidates Mike Ciresi, Jim Cohen and Al Franken in a forum discussing their plans for transportation, health care, taxes, the war in Iraq, and much more.

RELATED LINKS:  Mike Ciresi for U.S. Senate
                                  Jim Cohen for U.S. Senate
                                  Al Franken for U.S. Senate