CEDAR FALLS -- Getting the best bang for the buck and teamwork are what the Minnesota Twins are known for.

Local and international Rotary Clubs have a lot in common with the major league baseball team. Both organizations know how to spend wisely and work together to meet goals.

On Tuesday, Twins President Dave St. Peter was the guest speaker at the Cedar Falls Rotary Club meeting. Despite the Twins' limited budget and payroll compared to many professional teams -- primarily due to income shortfalls due to playing in the Metrodome -- St. Peter said the organization has consistently fielded a competitive team, as proven by its four American League Central championships in the last six years.

That's why the baseball executive can appreciate the fundraising work by the service group. During tough economic times, the Cedar Falls chapter and others in the region recently raised about $40,000 to drill three water wells in Tanzania, Africa.

"I salute you for your community service. I'm excited to be here," St. Peter said.

Twins officials were in Cedar Falls to see if Sturgis Falls Broadcasting, owner of several Northeast Iowa radio stations, would like to become part of the team's radio network. Rotarian Jim Coloff, who owns the broadcasting company, said that's a possibility if enough commercial sponsors can be found. Local sports station 1650 The Fan will continue to carry Chicago Cubs games, he said, but Sturgis stations in Charles City or New Hampton are possibilities.

Coloff asked St. Peter, who heads the Twins business operations, to talk a little baseball with the group.

"Our motto is service above self. Dave exemplifies that," Coloff said, noting St. Peter belongs to many charitable and civic organizations in the Twin Cities. "I wanted to hear how the Twins do business. They're foundation beliefs are very successful."

St. Peter gave the estimated 50 members in attendance at the luncheon an overview of the team's philosophy.

The Twins adhere to a strict budget, paying players 52 percent of the team's revenue. The team believes in building success from within, which means through the amateur draft and aggressive scouting. St. Peter said Minnesota rarely makes a big splash during free agency, though the team will attempt to acquire third baseman and Iowa native Casey Blake.

St. Peter said he is amazed at what the team has accomplished, given its financial constraints. The Twins lose out on concession, parking and certain seating revenue due to playing in the Metrodome.

"The baseball side does it with less resources, and quite frankly we do it better than many teams," St. Peter said.

Making players and front office personnel accessible to the fans, such as speaking engagements, also builds long-term success, St. Peter said. He's especially excited about the team's new stadium, Target Field, scheduled to open in April 2010.

"We can't wait to get there," St. Peter said. "There's a entire generation (of Twins fans) that have know idea of what watching baseball should be like."

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.