I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for quite some time and never thought it would land me an opportunity in design.  One slow weekday I was assigned to work at a networking event to tend to an appetizer buffet and supply cocktails to a group of working professionals.  I honestly wasn’t thrilled about it because I wasn’t allowed to have other tables and I knew it wasn’t going to be very profitable.  I made the most of the situation and seeing that it was a networking event started listening in on conversations thinking that maybe something might strike my interest.  I overheard Penny say something about Prime Advertising.  Growing up in Maple Grove, I had researched the company and knew it was a place I was interested in.  I bid my time and finally decided to introduce myself.  I knew I would feel a bit awkward, but really what did I have to lose?  I casually mentioned that I may be a waitress, but I was also a recently graduated fantastic designer.  I inquired about any job openings, internships, or just the opportunity to take a tour of the company.  We swapped information, and though I was proud of myself for saying something, I never expected anything would happen.

So here I am.  Actually, since my internship is coming to a close I suppose I should say “so there I was.”  I started my internship as I expect most people do, like a duck on the water.  On the surface I appeared to be calm and confident, but those feet were turning fast underneath wondering if people would like me, how everything was going to work, if I’d be successful, hoping I wouldn’t have to do any lame “internship” work.  Luckily, my internship has been far from lame.  I technically was part of the web department, but I had the opportunity to taste a little piece of everything. 

I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects from creating banner ads for the new myprimeguide.com, working on header images for websites, email marketing, and seeing how Prime’s content management system (Element z) worked in the web department.  In print I had a taste of the newsletters and worked with multiple clients in logo development.  I even got to sneak in photography work ranging from taking pictures at the Maple Grove Days parade, staging portfolio images, to a 3 location photo shoot for Galaxy Auto.  Overall, what I liked most about my time at Prime is that I rarely felt like an intern.  I didn’t have all menial tasks; instead I worked with clients and had independence.  For something unexpected, it turned out better than I would have planned.

Let’s see, if I was reading a blog about an unexpected intern, I would probably expect some good cliché or gooey heart-felt advice—the kind that makes you roll your eyes a bit.  So here you go.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Not only is that how I ended up here, but that’s really the whole point of your internship.  You’re not expected to know everything yet.  Think of it as a perk, you’re surrounded by people who have more experience and know the tricks and secrets of the industry, and since you’re the intern their basically expected to let you in on everything.  I also found that in many circumstances whoever was helping me discovered something new or rethought the process of how they were doing things in the first place.  I believe that would be called a win-win situation.  

Here’s a good one to follow; make mistakes.  Everyone knows that information sticks a lot better when something goes wrong than when it works perfectly the first time.  On the same note; be prepared for the unexpected, and run with it, and while you’re at it take any opportunities to show your hidden talents.  My internship had nothing to do with photography, but because I had all my camera equipment with me and offered to take some product shots, I ended up doing random photography projects and two involved photo shoots on my own.

I’m sure I could think of more tidbits of advice, but I’m sure you already know them, and they would be far better served if you went out to seek them on your own.  So for now we’ll just say that I’ve put in my two cents.  In the end, I have learned a wealth of information and gained experience in areas that can’t be taught in school.  I’m very grateful to everyone at Prime who has helped me along the way and sparked the energy to help my career along.  I have truly enjoyed working with the staff and hope to keep connected with Prime in the future.  I am very thankful for the opportunity and glad that someone gave me the chance to start collecting my piece of “real-world” experience.

The response was very enthusiastic to our call for photo entries,  we are so appreciative of all who shared their talents!

All entries are on display through mid-September at the Government Center for public viewing.  Three photographers were recognized in each category with each 1st place receiving $100; 2nd place $50; and 3rd place $25.  In addition, this year a Youth category was added.  Four photographers under 18 were selected to each receive a $25 award for sharing their skill.

All photos submitted are available for viewing on www.myprimeguide.com/photos.  Make sure to check out the photographic skill that abounds in our community!

Going Together

1st Place Winner:  “Bubble Boy” by Suzanne Olson

2nd Place Winner: “Laundry is Starting to Get Interesting” by Neill Johnson

3rd Place Winner:  “Plunge Into Summer” by Diane Schaefer

Going Strong

1st Place Winner:   “Rally ‘Round the Flag Boys” by Rich Moll

2nd Place Winner:  “Grand Slam Celebration” by Pamela Baker

3rd Place Winner: “The Town Green….In Green” by Dean Scheidler

Going Natural

1st Place Winner:  “Winter Branch” by Pat Aldritt

2nd Place Winner: “Purple Flora” by Rob Gray

3rd Place Winner: “Elm Creek into Spring” by Blair Luedke

Going Wild

1st Place Winner:   “Brutus the Bulldog” by Peter Haag

2nd Place Winner: “A Perfect Perch” by Jen Auseth

3rd Place Winner: “Baby Deer” by Bijoy Anose

Youth Recognition

“Maple Grove’s Lights in the Sky” by Alec Andrzejek

“Backyard Frog” by Erin Linder

“Swing into the Future with a Smile on Your Face” Morgan Pfaff

“Ice Engulfs a Newly Formed Pine Tree Sprig” by Morgan Schoo

These photographers were presented with their prize and certificate of appreciation at the August 15th City Council meeting.  Don’t be surprised to see these and other entries in future newsletters, City of Maple Grove and Prime Advertising & Design websites, and area-wide publications.  The contest will return in 2012, so keep those shutters clicking!

For this reason, Prime gladly volunteered, for the 11th year in a row, to be a Gold Leaf Sponsor for this year’s Maple Grove Days. In addition to publishing the Official Maple Grove Days Event Guide, Prime sponsored many of the leading events, such as the Pierre Bottineau Parade, the art fair, and the fireworks display. Also, partnered with Excel Promo, Prime provided and donated over 800 t-shirts to Maple Grove Community Organization, those volunteering at the events, and those participating in the Rice Lake Classic 5-K Run.

Maple Grove Days is an opportunity for the community of Maple Grove to put its best foot forward, and as ever, the city didn’t disappoint! During the events, we at Prime made our presence known, not only with our neon-orange shirts and frisbees in the Parade, but with our friendly and fun attitude at the Business Expo. At the Business Expo, Prime got the opportunity to interact with Maple Grove’s involved community members, as well as the chance to give back to the community that has given us so much. To do so, Prime offered up a drawing so those attending the Business Expo had the opportunity to win some great local prizes!

We held the drawing, and here are the results:

Winning a $25 gift-card to Malone’s Bar and Grill was Sharla D.. Natalie B. and Stephanie K. each won a $20 gift-card to Broadway Pizza. There were three lucky-winners of $25 Sawatdee Thai Restaurant gift-cards: Jennifer W., Audrey J., and Sandy T. Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank-you to all who participated!

The drawing at the Business Expo was such a success, we plan to kick-off a monthly drawing! From our community base at MyPrimeGuide.com, we will draw a name every month, and that lucky person will win some great local prizes! So, if you’re interested to win gift-cards to the hottest restaurants in Maple Grove, go to MyPrimeGuide.com, provide your email/zip code, and respond to Prime’s confirmation email. It’s that easy! You can also “Like” MyPrimeGuide.com on facebook to view updates on the site’s launch. Then you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best that the community of Maple Grove and Prime Advertising has to offer!

This is Maple Grove’s largest event and it is a big undertaking! Deb Syhre, the President of Maple Grove Community Organization, sent us a list of what it takes to make Maple Grove Days successful…

• 46+ events
• 25+ entertainment groups
• 23+ organizations
• 130 business in the Business Expo
• 104 units in the parade
• 115 sponsors
• 48+ business vendors
• 11+ locations
• 300+ volunteers

WOW! This is HUGE! To add to that list of numbers, we are proud to say we have 130+ local area businesses that participated in the Official Maple Grove Days Event Guide. There are lots of great coupons and offers that residents look forward to every year. Plus you can find out all the event details!

The main events include:

• Business Expo
• Fireworks
• Bed Races
• Art Fair on Main Street
• Classic Car Show
• Garden Tours
• Rice Lake Classic
• Parade
• Live Entertainment and much more!

New this year, we are excited that the event guide is available with a searchable flipper technology on MyPrimeGuide.com.

This year, Prime will be participating in the parade on Thursday night and the Business Expo at the Maple Grove Community Center on Saturday. Hope to see you during Maple Grove Days!

The Guide features holiday offers and fun events that are happening around the area. There is truly something for everyone! For a complete list of all of the Mistletoe & Memories events visit www.MyPrimeGuide.com/mistletoe I am so excited about a brand new event that Maple Grove Community Organization (MGCO) is putting together this year in conjunction with the Hometown Holiday event on Main Street, which has taken place the past 3 years. Drum Roll please…………. A Holiday Parade in Maple Grove! YES! The Sleigh Bells and Sparkle Parade will happen on Saturday December 4th at 5pm. Get your spot on Main Street between the Town Green and Arbor Lake Parkway. To find out more details on the event, go to www.MapleGroveDays.com

This year, our Mistletoe & Memories Holiday Events Guide™ will be online! Now you can read the guide anytime, anywhere! The new page-flipper technology gives the user the ability to search text in the guide. Click on ANY website or email in our publication and it will link to that website! We give you instant access to what you want!

With my obsession for Christmas & holiday fun, I was so excited for the Parade to take place here in my hometown. I will be volunteering through MGCO to help put on the NEW Sleigh Bells and Sparkle parade! Come out to see Santa and enjoy all that Maple Grove has to offer. Hope to see you there for this family fun event!

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First, Marilyn was recognized for her end of tenure with the board, and her two years of service (2009 and 2010) to the Chamber.  Marilyn has helped make a variety of Chamber events hugely successful.  The Chamber Golf Tournament, the Anoka Riverfest and Craft Fair, and the Annual Chamber Gala are just a few of the events that Marilyn’s enthusiasm and energy have helped to shape and prosper.

Second, which was a surprise to Marilyn; the Chamber awarded her an additional and highly prestigious award – the President’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.  Marilyn earned the President’s Award because she so strongly embodies what the Chamber values in volunteerism – service with character.  Marilyn does not just give her time; she gives 100% of her spirit, heart and energy to everything she touches.  Service is not just a catch phrase for Marilyn; it’s a way of life.  We thank the Chamber for their award, and we give a huge shout out to Marilyn for being such a wonderful example of volunteerism at its prime!

Start at the Fountains where you can pick up everything you need at Costco, browse for a new cell phone at Verizon, and finally enjoy a lively family dinner at Dave & Busters. Move seamlessly onto the Shoppes, where you can ogle high end jewelry at Jared’s, pick up a hockey stick at Sport’s Authority, and relax with a first run movie or discount matinee at the AMC 16. Finish up in the original Maple Grove area of Main Street where you can pick up the latest technology at Best Buy, then pop over to Bylery’s for the largest variety of the very best food around.  Easily slip in a medical or dental appointment at one of the dozens of specialists conveniently located right where you shop! Arbor Lakes makes your life entirely one stop!  You can visit your orthodontist or pediatrician, you can bank or go to the spa, you can eat any food imaginable or spend the day at a water park. It’s ALL THERE at Arbor Lakes!!

Next stop in town, the  Maple Maze Indoor Playground, inside the Maple Grove Community Center, conveniently located off Weaver Lake Road – adjacent to Lifetime Fitness. This playground really does have something for every child and their parents. For the 12 and under crowd, there is a four story high enclosed play center with rope courses, twirl slides, double slides and rock climbing wall. For the 3 and under crowd, there is a separately enclosed play area with a toddler ball pit, slide and climbing structure. For the parents, there are comfortable chairs located at 360 degrees around the play structure and a large, kid friendly restroom, in the playground area for your convenience. Socks are required but sold on site if you forgot a pair.  Fees are nominal and licensed daycares as well as coupon book purchases receive special discounts on certain days.

Finishing off Prime’s connection to WCCO’s top ten – is Maple Grove’s best kept secret The Lookout Bar & Grill! Since 1958, The Lookout has been the place to go for the very best, ever changing food and menus that appeal to grown ups and children as well. Tear up on their huge, outdoor play fort that will keep the kid’s occupied while you enjoy relaxing on Minnesota’s biggest outdoor patio. For the adults, live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night with no cover charge – ever! The crowd is always friendly and fun, all will feel welcome. Don’t forget The Lookout specializes in catering any and all occasions – why not bring the best food and service to your special event? In addition to dancing, there are sand volleyball tournaments and always an enticing happy hour special to entice you. The Lookout is such an integral part of Maple Grove not only because so many people enjoy all it has to offer, but because it gives so much back to Maple Grove through community fundraisers, concert benefits and support of local sports teams.

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As a member of the Maple Grove community since 1993, Prime Advertising & Design was proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Maple Grove Days festival this year, and donated over 800 official event T-shirts to volunteers, committee members and 5K race participants.

In addition to the parade, Prime participated in the charity “bed race” benefitting the 40 Winks Foundation – a group that donates beds to various charitable organizations. Several Prime clients placed well in the competition including Slumberland (1^st), J Brothers Construction (2^nd), Rose Arbor (Most Creative), and J. Cousineau’s (Most Enthusiasm).

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Everyone had a great time, enjoyed the summer weather and loved seeing many of our clients participating as well in this successful community festival.  All of us here at Prime can’t wait ‘til next year!

Enjoy the below video of the Maple Grove Days fireworks finale.
Maple Grove Days Fireworks Video (requires QuickTime)

We encourage everyone who either lives or works in Maple Grove to get involved, regardless of your training or photographic experience. Photos must have been taken in Maple Grove in 2006 or later and can feature any part of the community in one of the four seasons.

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Submit your favorite photos in the following categories:

* Great People (people talking, working, learning, playing, living, volunteering—e.g., kids in the backyard, birthday parties, shopping, eating out, working in the garden, students getting on the school bus, neighbors talking in front of their home).

* Great Community (events/activities—sports, community celebrations, plays—e.g. National Night Out block parties, Maple Grove Days events, farmers market, concerts, baseball/soccer game).

* Great Outdoors (parks, landscapes, plants, animals, sunsets, weather).

Photos received by April 30, 2010 will be reviewed, and there will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize awarded in each of the three categories. First-prize winners will receive $100 each, 2nd place $50 each, and 3rd Place $25 each. Winners in each category will receive their prize and certificate of appreciation at a Maple Grove City Council meeting.

Winning entries will be published in the Summer 2010 City of Maple Grove newsletter (designed and published by Prime) – all photos submitted also will be online at www.myprimeguide.com. In addition, as many submissions as possible will be displayed at the Government Center for public viewing Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from early April through May.

The City of Maple Grove is proud to partner with Prime in sponsoring the contest. Photos submitted may be used on city websites as well as in area-wide publications such as city newsletters, Parks and Recreation brochures, and Prime’s Official Community Resource & Residents’ Guide among others.

Please share your photographic skills and snapshots of your community! For detailed rules, entry form, and additional information visit www.MyPrimeGuide.com/photos, the City of Maple Grove website, call 763-494-6002, or pick up a photography contest packet at the Maple Grove Government Center, 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway.

Keep in mind, when the contest is over, the city is still looking for good Maple Grove photos for use in city publications, on the city website, and in other promotional items. If you would like to donate the type of photos outlined above to be used for City of Maple Grove publicity purposes, you may submit them to admindept@ci.maple-grove.mn.us. Your contributions are appreciated!