Lighting up Energy Efficiency
Sometimes the best ideas just need a little light shone on them.
For 25 years, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) has been helping Minnetonka businesses save money by saving on their energy costs— businesses like Goldpaw, a Minnetonka-based manufacturer of cozy, comfortable pet apparel and accessories. Goldpaw was struggling with old, failing fluorescent light fixtures that left portions of its warehouse in the dark.
Thanks to $973 in rebates, CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop helped Goldpaw improve its property’s lighting quality, resulting in an annual savings of $1,196 and payback of less than two years.
“It was so easy and seamless,” said Operations Manager Adriana Anderson. “I was able to make the process one of my background projects instead of having to do all the research [to purchase new energy-efficient lighting fixtures] myself.”
Since 2000, the CEE has awarded $1.4 million grants and completed 607 projects in Minnetonka.
BAM! Automotive owner Austin Lutz was struggling with the frequent burnouts and poor lighting in his customer and shop areas before a One-Stop assessment. With the help of $1,026 in rebates, BAM! Automotive’s new lighting made a big impact.
“It might seem like a small thing, but it truly made a huge difference,” Lutz said.
CEE also offers an AC Rewards Smart Thermostat Program. Businesses receive a free ecobee smart thermostat to monitor and adjust their HVAC systems remotely and earn annual bill credits.
“I actually got an alert on the ecobee thermostat app while at a trade show that our HVAC might not be working properly,” Anderson said. “We got someone to come out and sure enough our coolant needed refreshing on one of the systems.”
One-Stop Efficiency Shop offers
- Full-service lighting, HVAC and refrigeration consulting and rebate program
- Financing and rebate assistance
- Energy assessments, reports and project support
Learn more about CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop and how it can help your business at mncee.org/commercial.
Share your business sustainability story
Sustainable Minnetonka Awards honor Minnetonka businesses, residents and students who have taken action to protect the environment, promote the community’s economic vitality and support a climate-resilient community.
Eligible projects are related to energy, landscaping, waste reduction, water and young adult participation. Apply by March 6 at minnetonkamn.gov/sustainability-awards.
The Sustainability Commission will select winners this spring. Awardees will receive an award plaque and winning projects will be featured in Thrive, on social media and on the city website.
Meet the Mayor: Rebecca Schack
After eight years under the helm of Brad Wiersum, the Minnetonka City Council has a new – albeit, familiar – face leading the city.
“The decision to run for mayor was easy since Minnetonka is such a well-run, well-respected city,” said Mayor Rebecca Schack. “My No. 1 priority is to keep Minnetonka on the great track it’s been on for decades.”
Schack joined the planning commission in 2017, having worked on the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Committee. The experience prepared her well for the city council’s current rewrite of Minnetonka’s zoning code.
“While it’s not super glamorous work, it’s the most important work that’s going on. We have an opportunity to make things more straightforward for our residents and potential developers and to simplify the complicated issues of zoning.”
That will include reaching agreement on where housing density is and isn’t appropriate and how to handle sustainability and environmental issues.
Schack has represented city council Ward 2, which includes the Ridgedale area, since 2018. She says Minnetonka’s business community is a cornerstone of the city’s strength and vitality with businesses that drive economic growth, create quality jobs and help shape the character of our community.
“I am continually impressed by the resilience, creativity and civic-minded leadership shown by Minnetonka businesses,” Schack said. “Our business leaders don’t just invest in their companies—they invest in our people and our future.”
As she becomes mayor, Schack said she is grateful to previous leaders who have set the city up to be financially stable and a place where people really enjoy living and working.
“I am committed to continuing to collaborate with our business partners in ensuring thoughtful development, long-term sustainability and economic vitality for the entire community.”
2026 State of the City
Woven into the fabric of Minnetonka is a strong network of local nonprofit organizations that provide support where city services can’t always reach. Come learn about the vital work our nonprofits to do and how they partner with the city to support residents in need. You can also meet the mayor and enjoy a sampling of Minnetonka pizza restaurants’ top pies.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Showcase your business to thousands of residents at our popular, free community events!
- Music in the Park
- Summer Fest
- Kids’ Fest
- Burwell Spooktacular
Sponsor benefits:
- Sponsor recognition in city promotions
- Social media acknowledgment
- On-site event recognition
Elevate your community presence. More info: minnetonkamn.gov/sponsor
Mark your calendar: 2026 opportunities to network, learn and grow
The City of Minnetonka invites you to attend our business-focused events in 2026, starting with the return of the Minnetonka Business Council event series.
These networking meetings, in partnership with the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, are a way to connect with your fellow Minnetonka business leaders and city staff. Event attendees will help determine topics and discussions.
Save these 2026 Minnetonka Business Council dates
- March 11
- June 10
- Sept. 16
- Nov. 18
After a successful pilot Thriving Thursdays event in partnership with Elevate Hennepin, the city will also host an in-person business consultation event.
The spring event will be open to Minnetonka entrepreneurs and business leaders at all stages of business.
Subscribe to the city’s business email list for updates on upcoming programs and activities.
Interested in hosting a Minnetonka Business Council meeting at your business? Reach out to Kjerstin at kyager@minnetonkamn.gov to learn more.
2026 Road and Trail Projects
Cedar Lake Road Improvement Project
Pavement improvements along Cedar Lake Road from Hopkins Crossroad to Hwy 169 include damaged curbs and sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, utility castings, traffic signals and pavement markings.
Ridgedale Drive/Cartway Lane Improvement Project
Pavement improvements to damaged curbs and sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, utility castings, traffic signals and pavement markings along Ridgedale Drive (Cartway Lane to Plymouth Road) and Cartway Lane (Ridgedale Drive to Plymouth Road).
394 and Hwy 12 Corridor
MnDOT will begin a reconstruction project along Hwy 12 and Interstate 394 between Shoreline Drive and County Road 101. This project will impact the cloverleaf interchange at 394 and 494.
Minnetonka Boulevard Trail
Completion of a missing trail segment from Tonkawood Road to The Marsh. The multi-use paved trail will be eight feet wide for both pedestrians and bicyclists. It will include a new pedestrian crossing at Sussex Drive and an upgrade to another crossing at The Mall.
Sign up to stay informed of city and partner agency projects at minnetonkamatters.com.
Register security cameras with Keep Minnetonka Safe
Minnetonka Police invite businesses to voluntarily register their private video surveillance systems through Keep Minnetonka Safe. By joining the program, businesses are added to a secure, confidential database that helps officers quickly identify potential video sources when a crime occurs in the area.
Keep Minnetonka Safe is a partnership between Minnetonka police and businesses to enhance community safety. This program does not give police direct access to private camera systems; video is shared only if you provide it after an officer requests it. If an incident happens near a registered business, Minnetonka officers may contact the owner or manager to request footage that could aid in the investigation.
Registration is easy and only includes the business address and basic camera information. Video footage is shared only if the business chooses to provide it. All personal or business information remains confidential unless required by law or court order. Participants can opt out at any time. To participate and register your security system, visit keepminnetonkasafe.org.
