Apple Valley Chamber Luncheon
The President’s Perspective by Edward Kearney “Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress …Working together is Success” (Henry Ford)
Guest Speaker
Kieran Folliard
Wednesday, May 15th
Halfway Through the Year - Thank you & What’s Next?
EY SK I H
Above: Mary Beth Mueller, banquet manager at Enjoy is a friend of Kierans.
2 GIN GE R SW
Kieran, a founder of 2 Gingers Whiskey and legendary pubs like The Local, The Liffey, Coopers and Kieran’s, was entertaining and inspiring.
And together you came! What a fantastic turnout for our Great Gatsby Gala! Everyone I spoke with that night and since, has said they loved the theme, the location, the food, the special free drinks from Batch 21 and Two Gingers Whiskey. What an event! The true praise should go to Kristy Cleveland, our Business Manager and all the long nights she put in making it happen. Our committee was smaller than usual but powerful in results. We thank them for their efforts in making our hardest event a huge success. Thank you! Also, our Grand Gatsby Sponsor Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. led the generous sponsorship charge of our loyal members. So many of you purchased Company sponsored tables, bar stools and most members were very generous in donations. I especially want to point out Travel Leaders who for the second year, personally gave a $1,200 trip to Las Vegas at the Mirage with airfare. Please, consider them when making you vacation or business travel plans. They’re great. Also, a huge thank you to ENJOY! for closing to the public on a busy Thursday, just so their peer group can celebrate your success in navigating another difficult year. Thank you ALL! We even made it into People.com, one of top gala photos in U.S.
Two Irishmen
Looking back at the year so far: • Our board created a new strategic plan • Our Home & Garden was our best ever (Just packed every minute) • Our new website is up and running and very easy to navigate • Our new Chamber Directory was printed last week (soon delivered) • Our 2nd Resident Business Guide for phones was sent to 22,600 homes • Our Gala was by far our most fun and really built off last year’s success • Construction is done on Cedar, in 2 weeks we ribbon cut Transit o The Chamber has been involved every step with your interests
Chairman Scott Kadrlik giving special recognition to two of our many top performers of our gala, David Hurley and Debbie Wessman. Even a week later, people are talking about Kieran’s business and life lessons.
Kieran gave a bottle of 2 Gingers Whiskey to all who attended.
Upcoming Issues • Finding a way to have the City approve limited-tasteful “Electronic Signs” • Building a Monument Sign on Cedar at 35E saying businesses are here • Keeping an eye on transit “no parking” restrictions & enforcement • Monitoring local & school taxes now that we defeated road assessments • Stepping up at the Capitol to be sure “Business to Business” taxes keep a lid • Keep trying to fill dark space as we have tried so diligently daily • Making sure construction on 42 doesn’t make your access to difficult • Change ordinance preventing a hidden business having signage off-property • Keeping pressure on an organized ring of “homeless” from squatting on you • Investigating with MET Council, excessive water fees for new businesses o Fees of $22,500 for sub shop, $14,400 for dog groomer & $100,000+ if a pool installed lockers, $75,000 without (strange formula which MET Council won’t release) • Insuring new road speed limits are realistic--ruling due soon from MNDot Your generosity keeps your issues at the top of our agenda as well as that of the City. Thank you for your continued support now and over the years.