Los Angeles-based Green Equity Investors now owns 9.2 percent of Lifetime Fitness and "has been demanding a change in strategy," according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

For more information, go to www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/03/02/daily5.html

Life Time Fitness, Inc. announced that Michael Robinson, executive vice present and chief financial officer, will present at the 29th Annual Piper Jaffray Consumer Conference to be held June 9-10, 2009, at the Westin New York at Times Square hotel in New York City. Kenneth Cooper, vice president of finance, also will attend on behalf of the Company.

The Life Time Fitness presentation will occur on Tuesday, June 9, at 11:00 a.m. ET. The presentation will be Web cast and may be accessed via the Company's Investor Relations section of its Web site at www.lifetimefitness.com

Country Inn & Suites to showcase renovations

While many businesses and people are avoiding large expense in the midst of economic uncertainty, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in Chanhassen just completed a two-year, multi-million dollar floor-to-ceiling renovation that now gives it “a sophisticated residential design,” according to the hotel management company’s vice president.

The renovation started in late 2007, and it was completed in the first week of June 2009. The property received all new exterior siding, landscaping and a concrete parking lot. The interior received new wall vinyl, furniture, fixtures and lighting throughout. Guest rooms received 32-inch HDTVs, granite-topped wet bars, and new carpeting, lighting, furniture, tile work and bedding. The lobby boasts a granite-topped front desk, plush furniture and soft lighting.

The hotel’s grand re-opening is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10. The open house is from 4 to 8 p.m., and there will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres served and an open bar. Prizes will also be given away during a 6 p.m. raffle drawing. In addition, tours will be given of the "new and improved" hotel throughout the evening.

Snap Fitness, the Chanhassen-based, six-year-old fitness chain, "says more than 1,800 Snap locations have been sold worldwide, with some 30 to 40 new stores added monthly." According to the Washington Business, Snap Fitness franchise owner Dave Rudy "is scouring similar busy marketplaces around shopping areas, including Ballston, Clarendon and possibly Crystal City," which are in northern Virginia. For more information, go to http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/06/01/daily96.html.

What are the courses that are involved in majoring in business?

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal reports: "Spurred by double-digit membership growth, Life Time Fitness Inc. today announced second quarter profits of $18.3 million or 46 cents a share, topping Wall Street estimates." For more information, to to http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/07/20/daily46.html

"Smartrac NV, the Dutch company that makes security chips for U.S. passports, expects to stem operating losses at its plant in Chanhassen before Oct. 1," according to a story in Finance and Commerce.

Read more at http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm/2009/07/31/Smartrac-aims-to-...

Rosemount Inc., based in Chanhassen, will receive assistance worth $190,000 to help train 50 former employees, who were recently laid off, for job searches and returning to work as part of a state of Minnesota grant program.

The Minnesota Dislocated Worker Program helps workers move to new careers and reduces the stress that layoffs can have on individuals, families and communities, according to a statement from Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, which runs the state and federally funded program.

Comment from a Chan resident:

I would like to take this opportunity to raise one of our own Chanhassen businesses -- Ace Hardware.
I am constantly amazed at their wonderful, helpful attitude. I am a wido and senior citizen living in Chanhassen. When I need any hardware help they always come to my rescue. They are the best.

Reuters reports, "Life Time Fitness Inc... helped by a 6 percent growth in memberships... earned $20.6 million, or 51 cents a share, compared with $21.6 million, or 55 cents, last year."

For more information, go to http://in.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idINBNG3494....

Winter wonderland playdate

Kindermusik With Kim will offer two special Winter Wonderland musical playdates to celebrate winter and the holidays. Children ages 1.5-4 years old and their grown ups can enjoy a special morning of jingle bells, ice skating, sleigh riding, dancing in the snow and musical snowball fun all in the warm comfort of the Chanhassen Studio. Playdates held at the Chanhassen studio on Monday, December 21, or Tuesday, December 22, at 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per family due at class. RSVP via email to kim@kindermusikwithkim.com

Mother's Day Studio will be hosting a Free Ballet Class for Women on Wednesday, December 16, 2:30-3:20 pm, at 521 Lake Drive in Chanhassen. Designed for women new to ballet as well as those who have danced before, this class is an enjoyable (re-)introduction to the art form. Benefits include increased flexibility, strength, and coordination, as well as the sheer joy of moving elegantly to music.

Instructor Sylvia Chandler trained at the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, then moved to Minnesota to join Continental Ballet at the soloist level. For the past 10 years she has performed and taught ballet, and is currently an instructor at a private competition studio in Burnsville.

Mother’s Day is a locally owned studio where women can gather for small-scale classes and gatherings in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Childcare for kids ages 0-7 is available through a separate children’s program during most classes and activities.

This class is free and open to the public. An optional children’s program for kids 3 months to 7 years is available during the class for $5 through pre-registration. The registration deadline is December 14, 2009. To register please call 952-937-8200 or email mothersday@usfamily.net. For more information visit www.mothersdayinc.com.

U Can Danz! Dance Company is in its 12th year of business and recently built a new dance studio in Chanhassen.

The studio is in the same building as Hansen Hometech, SeaLegs, etc.....located directly behind the Target (7928 Kerber Blvd.).

For more information, contact:
Tina Holtzleicer-Draeger
U Can Danz! Dance Company
Owner/Director/Dance Instructor
763-531-2121 office phone
ucandanz@usschool.net
www.ucandanzdancecompany.com

People just like you can earn cash now from the internet, however there is a very steep learning curve on this type of work (believe me I know). There are lots of applications, tools etc to assist you with your campaigns. Again some of these are very good, however again some simply do not work. The best advice I can give prior to signing up for a new home based business you found advertised on the internet or an application to assist you do your research prior to handing over your hard earned cash. Think about it if the product is good people will write reviews about, exactly the same goes if the product is not good, people will want others to know what it is like. If you are unsure communicate with the owners of the website involved and ask questions. If you are unsure then simply do not go with that tool, find another one. Ensure that you read between the lines on all sites, these sites are created to attempt to entice you to press the 'Buy Now' button.

GeoDigm, based in Chanhassen, is part of a large merger. Read more at http://www.marketwatch.com/story/national-dentex-announces-end-of-go-sho...

"GeoDigm Corp. has been raking in some serious cash. The company, based in Chanhassen..." (http://www.medcitynews.com/2010/08/minnesota-dental-lab-company-raises-n...).