Business briefs: Punch Pizza coming to Woodbury

Punch Pizza, the popular Twin Cities eatery that cooks up traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas in wood-fired brick ovens, is coming to Woodbury as part of the company's latest expansion.

It will be in the FedEx/Kinko's building at the northwest corner of Radio Drive and Valley Creek Road. Construction on the new 2,000-square-foot shop will begin early in the new year, and it is scheduled to open by June 2013, said Jenny Nyquist, senior manager. Kinko's recently downsized its space in the building.

Plans will include an outdoor patio on the building's south side, and the design will be similar to the other Punch Pizza shops scattered around the Twin Cities. Beer and wine will be available, Nyquist added.

"We really believe in a slow-growth philosophy, but steady," she said. "We plan to open one new shop every year. We're looking at Edina or Roseville next."

It only takes about 90 seconds for the pizzas to cook in the traditional ovens, which can reach temperatures of 800 to 1,000 degrees. The "quick-service" model makes it ideal for business lunches or families with children.

Chamber opens downtown office The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce will return to downtown Stillwater on Jan. 1, opening an office in the Chestnut Building at 200 Chestnut St. E., Suite 204.

"For the last two years we have been assessing every aspect of Chamber operations, programs and events," said Todd Streeter, executive director.

Waller reappointed to watershed post John Waller of Hugo was reappointed to the Rice Creek Watershed District board of managers to a three-year term expiring Jan. 18, 2016. The appointment was recommended by Commissioner Dennis Hegberg, who was chairman of the Washington County Board this year.

Watershed districts help to control or alleviate damage by flood waters, improve stream channels for drainage or navigation and protect groundwater, among other responsibilities.

Free open gym coming in January The Scandia Elementary PTO is sponsoring open gym on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon starting Jan. 5 and running through Feb. 9.

This is a free drop-in activity and no pre-registration is necessary, according to the city website.

Scandia Elementary, one of eight elementary schools in the Forest Lake Area School District, is at 14351 Scandia Trail N.

"Our goal is to make going to the dentist a more relaxing and gentle experience for everybody living and working in this community," said Dr. Cheryl Lindgren.

After practicing for years in Stillwater, Lindgren said she is happy to open a clinic closer to home. "I'm from Hastings but live near Afton Alps, so I'm really excited to be back practicing locally," she said.

For more information, visit www.lindgrendentalcare.com or call Lindgren Dental at 651-769-1000.

Werner Electric cranks up turbine Werner Electric Supply recently installed its 20-kilowatt wind turbine and solar tracker at its Cottage Grove headquarters. The 99-foot monopole holds three 30-foot blades.

Local business leaders and city officials participated in the unveiling.

"We know this is an emerging market for us and ramping up from here. ... Ever since we've moved to Cottage Grove, we've been very proud of our facility, and when we built this facility, we used all the products that we sell as part of the construction."

The turbine includes an innovative hydraulic tip-up design that allows it to be raised and lowered for servicing without a crane, saving money and minimizing the disturbance for neighbors.