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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitySlick_June_2012by David Katz, Communications Intern Is city government a business? It all depends on your definition. If your conception of a business is rooted strongly in that enterprise’s financial bottom line – in how it makes money for stakeholders – then it is true, public administration doesn’t quite hit the mark. If, however, you embrace the more rounded approach of the Edina Chamber of Commerce and think of a business not as a money- making machine, but as a group of committed individuals with diverse skill sets working toward common goals, then the City of Edina is every bit as much a business as the community’s many for-profit ventures. That inclusive outlook can be seen in the Chamber’s most recent choice for its prestigious “Business Person of the Year” Award for 2012: our own Communications & Technology Services Director, Jennifer Bennerotte. Business Person of the Year is bestowed to only one individual annually and was conceived by the Chamber as a vehicle to recognize outstanding businesspeople for their long-standing dedication to the Edina community, as well as for creative thinking and innovative practices in their particular fields. Bennerotte covers each criterion in spades. “Jennifer is ambitious, intelligent and driven, but most of all she is passionate,” the Communications & Technology Services team wrote in a joint nomination letter to the Chamber. Bennerotte was also nominated by Tim Murphy, owner of Grandview Tire & Auto and Edina Car Wash. In her role at City Hall, she works closely with other departments to ensure City messaging is both effective and consistent. She oversees all of the City’s internal and external print and digital publications, as well as content on Edina’s website, social media sites and government access channel. In addition, she is heavily involved with the 50th & France Business & Professional Association, City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) and A newsletter for the City Council and employees of the City of Edina CITYSLICK p1 Volume 15.9 6|8|2012 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 Around The Water Cooler 2 Caught In The Act 4 Where Are They Now? 4 Staff Notes Continued on Page 3... June 8, Larry, Public Works June 9, Tom, Edina Liquor June 10, Thomas, Engineering June 11, Julie, Police June 11, Jeff, Police June 11, Debra, Training Center June 14, Joy, Police June 17, Terri, Human Resources June 22, Jason, Braemar Arena June 24, Adam, Edinborough Park June 29, John, Park Maintenance Edina Chamber of Commerce Names Jennifer Bennerotte 2012 ‘Business Person of the Year’ EMPLOYEE MILESTONES Eric Carlson, Police, 10 years. (June 17, 2002) Jeff Elasky, Police, 20 years. (June 15, 1992) Ann Kattreh, Parks & Recreation, 20 years. (June 29, 1992) CITYSLICK p2 Communications & Technology Services The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) on May 21 presented the City of Edina with six awards for work completed in 2011. The City was presented five Awards of Merit and one first-place Award of Excellence in the 30th-annual Northern Lights Awards competition. “It Will Blow Up In Your Face,” a public service announcement about responsible hosting, received an Award of Excellence. The City received Awards of Merit for the quarterly magazine About Town, news program “Agenda: Edina” and internal newsletter City Slick. The Communications & Technology Services Department also received two Awards of Merit for “Halloween 16” – one in the “Use of Social Media” category and another in the “Public Information Projects – Special Events” category. More than 150 entries in 13 categories were received and judged by a prestigious panel of experts. Of those entries, 67 were deemed award- worthy. The City of Edina received more awards than any other agency in the 2011 competition. Fire The Edina Fire Department will receive a new ambulance later this year. The chassis has arrived and plans have been made for construction of the new rig. The ambulance will replace an older one that has been refurbished several times. The new vehicle will have a tighter turning radius, a heavier payload and better braking. In mid-May, members of Edina’s Special Operations Team (SOT) took part in water rescue training near the Coon Rapids dam on the Mississippi River. Later this fall, the SOT will train at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minn. The Fire Department’s search for a new full- time paramedic/firefighter has been narrowed to 12 candidates. Candidate testing began the last week of May, which will further narrow the candidate pool. Police Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) agency, announced that the Edina Police Department is a finalist for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. A review board comprised of military and civilian leaders selected 30 finalists from the 3,236 nominations received earlier this year. Between the two, Coast Guard Reservist and Police Officer Kevin Rofidal and fellow Coast Guard Reservist and Police Officer Brandon Kuske have been deployed to the I-35W bridge collapse in 2007, Hurricane Ike in 2008, the North Dakota floods in 2009 and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The DoD will announce the 15 recipients of the 2012 Freedom Award early this summer. The 2012 recipients will be honored with the award in Washington, D.C. in September. The Freedom Award is the DoD’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. AROUND THE WATER COOLER Following is a summary of some of the projects of some departments, divisions and facilities. Other areas of the City will be featured in upcoming issues. CAUGHT IN THE ACT The City of Edina’s Annual Employee Golf Tournament turned out pretty well for Amy Smith, Clubhouse Manager for Braemar Golf Course, who scored her first ever hole- in-one at Fred Richards Golf Course on May 16! She scored the rare shot on the fourth hole of the course. CITYSLICK p3 two or three times per week, traveling about 12 miles on each trip. “It feels nice to get exercise, especially in a way that is lower impact compared to running,” he said. Denfeld attributes his increase in biking to the accessibility of trails and paths in the Twin Cities. According to Mayo Clinic, bicycling, as well as other forms of cardio exercises, can encourage weight loss, decrease the chance of illness, reduce health risks, strengthen the heart, boost mood and increase life expectancy. With more bike lanes popping up in Edina and more connections to regional trails, bike commuting and leisurely rides are a cinch. Jeff Buffie, Engineering Technician, bikes to work every day, weather permitting. Buffie said he has biked or walked to work at least the past 15 years. “It’s a really nice way to make you get out and move around,” he said. In addition, he said he saves money not having a second car. Minnesota is ranked the No. 2 most bicycle- friendly state in the nation. The Bike Alliance of Minnesota has set a goal to become the No. 1 bike-friendly state by 2015. So what are you waiting for? Get out, get going and get fit. See Page 4 for bike use survey information. Biking is not only a green mode of transportation, it’s also great for your health! Do you have a bike collecting dust in the garage? Now is a great time to shine up your bike and take it for a spin. The City’s Wellness Committee challenges employees to get outside and get moving. Recreation Supervisor Donna Tilsner, Wellness Committee co-chair, says employees should consider ways to get outside and moving. She said riding a bike to work is a great alternative for those who are willing and able to do so. Even little things, such as parking in the furthest part of the parking lot or taking a stroll around the block on your lunch break can have an impact to your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days per week. Add two days of strength training per week for optimal health benefits. If it is too difficult to set aside 30 minutes, try doing three 10-minute sessions of physical activity per day. Video Production Coordinator Scott Denfeld bikes mainly for exercise and recreation. Denfeld said he bikes for about an hour WELLNESS COMMITTEEENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES TO OPT FOR TWO WHEELS INSTEAD OF FOUR by Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator Bike racks are available at City Hall, Braemar Arena, Centennial Lakes Park and Edina Aquatic Center. the Rotary Club of Edina. She is also an advisor to Communications Explorers Post 3411. “Her heart is in everything she does,” said Communications Assistant Kaylin Martin. Edina Chamber of Commerce made the official announcement Wednesday, May 23, as part of the organization’s 2012 Annual Meeting at Interlachen Country Club. The award was presented by the 2011 winner, Bill McReavy of Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels. When it comes to the announcement, “official” is the operative word. Friends and colleagues – including many of those who had submitted nomination materials on her behalf – knew of the decision in advance and were on hand to help her celebrate the achievement. To Bennerotte herself, though, the announcement came as a complete surprise. ‘Business Person of the Year’ continued from Page 1 ... “Those of us in public service don’t think to receive that kind of recognition – especially those in supporting positions,” Bennerotte said. In the award’s 34-year history, she is only the third City employee to receive the distinction, and the very first in a capacity other than City Manager. “The award really shows that our work is making a difference – and means something – to the community,” she added. For more information on the Edina Chamber of Commerce or the award, call 952-806-9060 or visit www.edinachamber.org. CITYSLICK p4 STAFF NOTES Ross Bintner began work May 29 as Environmental Engineer. Bintner comes to Edina from the City of Prior Lake where he was a Water Resource Engineer. He received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Communications Coordinator Jordan Gilgenbach was named the Edina Chamber of Commerce’s “Ambassador of the Month” for June. The Edina Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassadors Group welcomes new members to the Chamber and serves as mentors to help them become more involved in the organization. Sharon Allison of the Engineering Department recently received her certificate of completion from the Public Works Leadership Academy. Jake Johnson began work in late April as Video Production Intern. Johnson graduated in May from Augsburg College with a degree in film production. Johnson also works part-time as Web Assistant in the Augsburg College Marketing & Communications Department. He aspires to be a creative director one day. Chad Millner began work on June 4 as the new Assistant City Engineer. Prior to working for the City, he was working as a Project Manager for Short Elliott Hendrickson where he managed and designed municipal engineering projects. Millner received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Minnesota and is currently working on his master’s degree. Brian Olson began work May 29 as Public Works Director. A 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he holds a bachelor’s degree in civil science and environmental engineering with an emphasis in transportation/surveying. He has been a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota since 1997. Olson began working for the City of New Brighton as an Engineering Intern in 1992 and was promoted to Civil Engineer. He then transitioned to the City of Ramsey in 2000 as City Engineer and moved up the ranks until he was named Public Works Director/Principal City Engineer in 2006. by David Katz, Communications Intern If you’ve ever stopped to admire the landscaped center islands in Edina’s roundabouts, or wondered how rotary and park lawns look pristine throughout the summer months, you can thank retired Heavy Equipment Operator Lawrence Schroers. Schroers retired from his full-time position in 2000, after nearly 35 years with the City of Edina. He came to the position with plenty of experience under his belt: three years with the State of Minnesota, including time with the Department of Transportation’s Highway Division, plus a stint with the City of Hopkins. In hindsight, Schroers believes the rare level of camaraderie within Edina’s Public Works Department to be a big part of what sets the City apart as a great workplace. “Some of the work is routine, and some of it not so routine. But no matter what the task at hand is, you’re all in it together.” That being the case, Schroers’ retirement is a decidedly active one. During the summer, if extra help is needed, Schroer will come in to perform maintenance services around town. These include mowing traffic circles and operating the trim mower in and around City parks. “I’m very happy to help out,” Schroer said. “Among other things, it’s a good way to stay active and to stay in touch with co- workers and old friends.” “Where Are They Now?” is a feature meant to give employees an idea of what their former colleagues are doing in retirement. If you know of a retiree who might want to be featured in “Where Are They Now?,” call 952-833-9522. WHERE ARETHEY NOW? Bike Use Survey The Wellness Committee is exploring the idea of having bikes available for employee use. Through reservations, employees would be able to borrow a City-owned bike to use on their lunch breaks, for example. If bikes were available, would you be interested in borrowing a City bike? Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/FYKLS32.