Chris Egert is an anchor and reporter for KSTP-TV news in the Twin Cities. He’s been in the news business for awhile, with stints in Nebraska, Florida and Washington state.

Many people look for a new opportunity as a way to “step up” and grow. Move to a bigger city or market to get more recognition, more experience and exposure.  Chris has Midwest roots, and they’ve never left him.  In this 3-part interview with Chris, you’ll find out the real and touching reason for him to pursue an opportunity to work in a newsroom in the Twin Cities.  He’ll share what his experience has been like in covering the news in different parts of the country and then share some of the things that he enjoys doing since he and his family have moved to Minnesota.  Get to know a new face of television news in Minnesota, Chris Egert.

In part 2 of the Chris Egert interview, he talks about how news is covered differently in comparing each of the news markets that he’s worked in; South Dakota, Omaha NE, Orlando FL and Seattle WA. He then talks about the responsibility of news people when covering Breaking News.

In part 3 of the Chris Egert interview, he shares what he likes to do outdoors with his family. Talks about some places that he like to eat at in the Twin CIties, and what he hopes his wife lets him purchase at some point.

Rise and shine everyone! Today’s Twitterview is with Frank Soukup of the @Grand_ViewLodge. Let the journey “Up North” begin!

Frank:    Good Morning Joe and MN Monthly followers.

Hello Frank! How are things up in Brainerd this morning?

Frank:    Another beautiful day. Received a light coating of snow last night so the trees and buildings have that Great White North feel.

Lets start off talking about some of the history of the lodge. How old is it, and what did it first consist of?

Frank:    Grand View’s history dates back to 1916 when M.V. Baker began selling parcels of land on Gull Lake. Baker had paid $43 per acre.

Baker sold the lots for $10 per foot. Bringing perspective buyers up north they needed a place to stay so he had a few cabins built.

In 1918, he built the lodge as it still stands to house more buyers. In 1919, the official name of Grand View Lodge was applied

Then in 1937, Brownie Cote purchased the resort from Baker and as of this year, the Cote Family has been a part of GVL for 75 years.

So LOTS of history. Lets first focus on the options people have for lodging. What’s available on the property?

Frank:    200+ accommodations which can house around 1000 guests. From new cottages to some classic lake cabins. Something for everyone.

We also have 8 restaurants in the roar of the summer from italian to classic dining with a variety of menu items.

3 championship golf courses which just received the Gold Medal Award from Golf Magazine and Golf Weeks Best Courses to Play in MN.

Our waterpark, 2500′ of sandy lakeshore on Gull Lake, a plithera of activities from dogsledding to horseback riding-or just relax.

Not to forget our world renowned Glacial Waters Spa. An incredible spa overlooking tall pines, water and very soothing. A must see.

I’ve had the brunch in the lodge, and it was awesome! :) How many can your 8 restaurants seat roughly?

Frank:    At one given time, with all our restaurants- we can provide dining for over 1000 guests. But of course, we easily do more.

This of course doesn’t count for our guests being delivered dining options and cocktails while they bask in the sun on the beach.

Super! With 3 championship golf courses, are there tournaments that go on at them?

Frank:    We have many tournaments throughout the year, some for amazing charities, others on challenges like the Ironman & Golf/Fish ProAm

You can view all the tournies for The Pines, The Preserve and Deacon’s Lodge at our website. http://www.grandviewgolf.com

Nice. In regards to the Glacial Waters Spa. What kinds of services are offered there, and is it for guests only?

Frank:    Our spa & restaurants are open to the public. Its just more fun to walk from your cabin w/ fireplace with a glass of wine to do it.

Or spa hosts a variety of massages, hydrotherapy, ashiatsu, soaks, body and facial treatments, manicures and pedis.

Wonderful! Looking ahead, what are some new things people can expect to see this year and in the future?

Frank:    In golf, we have a refurbished 9 holes at the Pines referred as the Lakes. They have new tee boxes, rock walls capturing the area.

Dining, we have the refurbished Lodge Dining Room featuring traditional meets comfort foods with our Chef Manders flair.

Plus some new toys & comforts around the beach. One of the main reasons people come up is to relax & its only a couple hours away.

Not too mention more yoga classes, healthier living excercises, paddleboards… we are always trying to reinvent ourselves.

Any specials or deals people should be aware of for this season?

Frank:    Check out our Grand Offers or Last Minute Vacancy pages for a variety of packages and special pricing found at http://www.grandviewlodge.com

Joel:    Thanks for the info! Thanks Frank for your time and may you and the lodge and the staff have a great year!

Frank:    Thank you @JoelECarlson and @MNMOmag for all that you do. We love your work and look forward to every issue and twitterview.

Hello everyone! Welcome to this noontime Twitterview with my special guest, @FrankieVWCCO. Lets get things started!

Q – #1    So @FrankieVWCCO, when did you first know that you wanted to get into journalism? Did it come easy to you?

Frank:    No. I had another career as a stockbroker and didn’t get into TV until I was 27-28. Wish I would have read …

“what color is your parachute” years earlier. But it all worked out, just took a while. No regrets.

Q – #2    Where did you get your journalism training from and what was your first job working in news?

Frank:    I went to Columbia College in Chicago then an internship in Champaign, IL. and first TV gig was in Decatur IL.in 1992

Q – #3     Do you remember the first story that you covered or is there a memorable one from your 1st gig?

Frank:    Sure do. It was about a job fair and I did a stand up about the fact there were no TV jobs. Corny and took 17 takes.

most people need to start in smaller markets to get polished and comfortable. I sure did!!

I have an Emmy Award winning blooper real.

Q – #4    Needless to say, you’ve come a LONG way! :) So what steps did you take from there to end up at @wcco?

Frank:    Just kept working to get better and go to bigger markets. From reporter in Decatur to weekend anchor/reporter

then from Decatur to Peoria as 5,6,10 pm anchor, then KARE as morning and eventually evening anchor, then WCCO

Q – #5    Most people probably know that your co-anchor @wccoAmelia, is also your wife. How did you two meet?

Frank:    At a charity event in Nov. 1996. I am such a wimp that I sent my buddy in first

to talk to her to she if she was ‘cool’. He gave the tumbs up so I went over and said hello. What if he

had given her a bad report? Life is funny. thank God it worked out

Q – #6    For sure. How was it when you were going to work at @wcco with her. Was there a big discussion about it?

Frank:    Of course. Lots of discussion. It was much harder on her. She would tell you I’m a bit of a control freak.

But it worked out great. Certainly an initial change but actually lead to better communication.

Q – #7    Good! Lets shift gears now. You had some major surgery recently. What did you have done and how have you helped others?

Frank:    Hip replacement April 1st. Worked out great wish I would have done it sooner. Dozens of people asked about it….

..and I’m always willing to answer questions and try to help

Dr. Scott Anseth at Twin Cities Orthopedic was my surgeon and it took place at Abbot.

Q – #8    Now the #TweetFLOOD is going to hit you. :) How has your recovery been going after you had it done?

Frank:    Great! No pain any longer. In hospital 2 days on crutches for 4 weeks and now can do everything except for impact sports

Q – #9    Super! Now to your FAVORITE(S) – Restaurant, store, comfort food, hobby and recent book or movie.

Frank:    Bar LaGrassa, Buon Giorno, Broders,notice an Italian theme here? Grew up on and still eat mom’s pasta and meatballs

read all Vince flynn novels but many more periodicals than fiction. My sister just told me about book, Lone Survivor

hobbies are on hold w/ 3 kids but I love to fish and go to live rock-n-roll shows. U2, The Who.

@JoelECarlson:    Thank you VERY MUCH for taking some time for #jectv from your busy schedule! See you at 5,6 and 10pm tonight on @wcco.

Frank:    My pleasure, great questions and a lot of fun. Enjoy the perfect weather today.  Shower now and off to work.

@JoelECarlson:    I also love the segments with your mom and with @wccoRosen’s mom too! Hopefully we see more of them soon. :)