April2014

April 2014 - Vol. 45, Issue 4 IN THIS ISSUE...

General Membership Luncheon features Buffalo Wild Wings April 17, 2014 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Leadership

Join us on Thursday, April 17th for our General Membership Luncheon featuring Judy Shoulak, EVP, President, North America Buffalo Wild Wings. Come learn about how Buffalo Wild Wings has built their success and what is next for this locally headquartered company.

P2- Article by Pat MulQueeny P3 - Article By Jeff Holds P4 - Ambassador Updates

Community Building P5- EP School district

This luncheon will serve as the Chamber’s annual meeting and will feature our Charles De Bono Volunteer of the Year Award presentation as well as our scholarships for STEM and Business, and our Excellence in Education Awards.

Networking P6- Home & Garden Expo P7- Events at the Chamber in March

Location: Bearpath Golf & Country Club,18100 Bearpath Trail, Eden Prairie, MN Cost: $25 for Members & $40 for Non-members Thank you to our Sponsor: Beacon Bank

Women’s Networking Luncheon: Live a Life of Impact Follow us on Social Media! epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber” Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber” Visit our YouTube Channel “EPChamber2” Visit our Discussions Blog epchamber2.blogspot.com

April 10, 2014 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for this months Women’s Networking Luncheon where we will hear from Annie Meehan an expert on the topics of leadership, motivation and inspiration. Annie speaks on how to avoid excuses and live a life of impact. Annie’s gift of being a go getter & motivator is contagious, what she is best at is bringing energy and positivity into every room. Annie will share how to eliminate excuses and expose the extraordinary in all areas of life: fitness, finance, personal, professional, mental, spiritual, and relational. She will show you how to feel balanced, alive, and focused!

Location: Biaggi’s: 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, #3010, Eden Prairie Cost: $25 for Members & $40 for Non-Members Thank you to our Sponsor: Adogo Pet Hotel

THANK YOU to our 2014 Annual Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor’s

Silver Sponsor’s

Bronze Sponsor

S Generall Sponsor

Leadership Business Opportunities for You By: Pat MulQueeny, President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber offers numerous ways to help businesses succeed and grow. This ranges from marketing, advertising and numerous promotions to networking at events and gaining recognition. We just held the Chamber’s 12th annual Home, Landscape, and Garden Expo – Everything Spring where 100+ exhibitors promoted their businesses to area residents. This show was a tremendous success!

Other opportunities that are coming up: • Business@Breakfast (B@B) is every Wednesday morning 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. and gives the attendees the chance to give a 60 second introduction and network with 40 other business people • Women’s Network Luncheon – our monthly program that is focused on women in business holds its next luncheon on April 10th • Fusion/Emerging Leaders – great programs year round for young professionals – next one is April 15th with the Minnesota Twins’ President, Dave St. Peter •General Membership Luncheon – April 17th’s luncheon will also serve as our annual meeting and will honor our Volunteer of the Year – Mic Klaith from Beacon Bank, plus feature awards for Excellence in Education, Chamber scholarships and our featured presenter from Buffalo Wild Wings • May 14th – update from Congressman Erik Paulsen – great opportunity to get the latest updates on issues Congress is working on Last item – if you want to understand the many ways you are your organization can be involved in the Chamber, then please plan on attending our next Maximizing your Membership on April 11, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. We will cover all our programs, marketing and advertising, sponsorships, major events and committees so you can take advantage of everything your Chamber membership gives you. For more information, please go to epchamber.org or call our offices at 952-944-2830.

Deal of the Month!

Calling all businesses that would like to promote Mother’s Day, Graduation Party or Spring deals!

Sign up today to get your 1/4 page ad in the May Newsletter for only $80! That is half-off regular price! Please email communications@epchamber.org to secure your spot. Space is limited.

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“Connections” (USPS 729770) is published 12 times per calendar year by the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, 11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Periodicals postage paid at Prior Lake, MN - POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “Connections,” 11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Leadership End of Life for Microsoft Windows XP By: Jeff Holds Phoenix Technology Solutions, LLC

After April 8, 2014, support and security updates for Windows XP will no longer be available. Make sure you protect your personal information.

What does this mean for me?

If you have a computer that has Windows XP operating system on it, you will want to take some actions to protect your personal information. Windows XP has been around for 12 years and the technology has evolved significantly. The Windows XP computer will still continue to work but the security risks will become 5X more vulnerable if you stay and continue to use XP. Also, many newer applications will not be optimized for XP and may not even work with XP at all.

What are my options?

Depending on the age of your computer’s hardware, you could purchase the upgrade to Windows 8.1 for 199.00. This would be a complete reinstallation of the operating system so you would need to backup all your files prior to the migration. To see if your computer can handle the upgrade, Microsoft has a tool (Microsoft Windows Upgrade Assistant) that will allow a user to see if the system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 8.1. Even if your computer meets the requirements, you may run into issues with drivers from the manufacture not working. Another good due diligence would be to look on your computer manufacture’s website to check for compatibility.

If you feel it is time to move on, which I highly recommend, you can purchase a new PC preloaded with Windows 7 or 8.1. There are plenty of manufactures out there with reasonably priced products from Tablets to All-In-One computers. Take some time and research your options based on your needs. Many people are now able to afford a nice laptop with a touch screen which allows the best of both worlds and great optimization if you choose Windows 8.1.

How do I migrate my data to a new 8.1 computer?

Microsoft offers tools for end users to migrate their data from their old XP computer to a new 8.1 computer, if you are comfortable doing this type of thing. The Microsoft online transfer will work from Window XP to 7, 8, or 8.1 but will only transfer data and user profiles. It will not transfer any applications as these will need to be installed separately. Microsoft has a free download on Microsoft’s website if this is the path you choose. Lastly, if you would prefer to have your data migrated professionally, feel free to contact your local I.T. provider who can assist with the migration for you.

Don’t wait till it‘s too late for your move away from Windows XP. The risk of Malware and Viruses that can expose your personal information to hackers is a real threat. If you have questions please feel free to contact myself at Phoenix Technology Solutions. jholds@ptsmn.com 11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Ph: 952-944-2830 • Fax: 952-944-0229 • www.epchamber.org

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Leadership

AMBASSADOR UPDATES

The Eden Prairie Chamber Ambassadors serve as goodwill representatives in our business community. They learn about member businesses and encourage membership retention through mentorships, personal phone calls and much more. Below are some of the places that our very busy Ambassadors visited during March of 2014!

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2014: LAURA MEISTER I have owned and operated Nutrition Clubs in the state of MN for the past 6 years. I truly enjoy being a healthy fast food option for the people in my community, as well as offer them coaching on how to eat healthy throughout their lives to achieve their health goals.

From athletes looking to get an Edge on performance, to individuals looking to drop weight in a healthy and sustainable way; I love providing value to those interested in making a change.

Silver Communications Henry Gallagher 612-567-9595 6975 Washington Ave S #225 Edina, MN, 55439 www.silvercommunications.net

Silver Communications

Perfection Plus Mark Paulson 9855 W. 78th St. #180 Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 320-223-8833 www.perfectionplus.net

Perfection Plus

TASTE THE CHAMBER - April 22, 2014 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Are you interested in learning how the Chamber may benefit your business or do you know someone who should be an Eden Prairie Chamber Member? Would this business benefit from Membership? Are you looking for a way to grow your connections?

Register today and join us for our free lunch to spread the word about Chamber membership and grow the connections in our Chamber! Don’t delay, reservations will fill up quickly!

You MUST RSVP for this event! Contact Amy by email at adminj@epchamber.org or by calling 952-944-2830.

Cost: FREE for guests and current Eden Prairie Chamber Members (provided they bring a prospective member) Location: Buca Di Beppo, 7711 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie

BONUS- If your guest joins and lists you as the referral, you receive $100 CASH! PAGE 4

11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Ph: 952-944-2830 • Fax: 952-944-0229 • www.epchamber.org

Community Building Update from the Eden Prairie School District

By Eden Prairie Schools We appreciate the opportunity to share information about our district in the monthly editions of the chamber newsletter. We give you a glimpse into the district each month, but invite you to visit the district’s website at www.edenpr.org for more information. You can also follow us and like us! The district is using social media as another means to provide updates, information and shout-outs to students and staff who are doing great things.

Follow us on Twitter @EPS272 and like us on Facebook at Eden Prairie Schools. Here are a few things happening in your school district: Update on budget reduction process – Superintendent Tryggestad and district administrators presented the budget reduction recommendations at the March 25 board meeting. The deadline for the chamber newsletter was prior to the meeting. The details of the recommendations are posted on the district’s website.

New CMS principal hired – After an extensive search and interview process, Nate Swenson has been hired as the next principal of Central Middle School. Swenson will replace Joe Epping, who announced his plan to retire from the position at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Swenson is currently the principal at Little Falls Community Middle School, and has held the position since July 2007. He has also been an assistant principal at Maple Grove Junior High School in the Osseo School District; assistant principal at Robbinsdale Cooper High School in Robbinsdale Area Schools; a dean of students at Brooklyn Junior High School, and a science teacher at North View Junior High School in the Osseo School District.

Changes to before/after school child care program – At the March 11 school board meeting, Superintendent Tryggestad shared his decision to enter into negotiations with the Greater Twin Cities YMCA to expand its current before- and after-school child care program into all district elementary schools. The district has been offering the YMCA program at Cedar Ridge, Eden Lake, Forest Hills and Prairie View, and the district’s own Kids EdVenture program at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion and Oak Point since the start of the 2011-2012 school year. The Kids EdVenture program was started as a pilot with the intention of either expanding the program to all elementary schools or to end the pilot and have the YMCA offer its program at all schools. While the specific details of the agreement have not yet been finalized, the district and the YMCA have agreed to the following: •The YMCA will pay Eden Prairie Schools an annual facility fee of $400,000 for the space to operate its program.

The district will allocate $50,000 of that to the general fund to cover operating expenses and $350,000 for community education programs.

•The YMCA will attempt to hire employees currently working in the Kids EdVenture program for its program.

•The district and the YMCA will work collaboratively to combine the best practices from the Kids Ed Venture program into the YMCA program.

Both the Kids EdVenture and the YMCA will continue to operate through the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

The YMCA will take over all before- and after-school child care programming sometime after June 2014. A specific date has not yet been determined.

Annual Partnership Breakfast is Friday, April 25 – Save the date! Community and business leaders along with EPS students and staff are invited to attend Community Education’s Annual Partnership Breakfast. The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together to learn and share ideas about issues that impact the whole community. Speaking at the event will be Nick Buettner, researcher for the book, “The Blue Zones.” The event is April 25 from 7 to 9 a.m. More information is available at www.edenpr.org/epcommunityed.

11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Ph: 952-944-2830 • Fax: 952-944-0229 • www.epchamber.org

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2014 Home, Landscape & Garden - Everything Spring Expo A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS! WE HAD 1,500+ ATTENDEES AT THE SHOW!

The kid’s activities were a hit!

Coldwell

Banker E

The Tiger from Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air loves the Annual Home & Garden Show

The Mustard Seed

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Table

Exhibitor Space

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SPONSORS

Event Sponsor: Xcel Energy

BWS Heating & Air Conditioning Durst & Gans building corporation Fairview Southdale Hospital The Home Depot Knight Construction Plekkenpol Builders, Inc Purpose Driven Restoration Sass Construction, Inc Sun Current PAGE 6

Student Volunteers

11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Ph: 952-944-2830 • Fax: 952-944-0229 • www.epchamber.org

Networking tworking: S Women’s Ne

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llen rs Jennifer A WNL Speake albe & Tracy Schw

Chamber Rece ives Update on Light Rail Tran sit

Chamber welcomes new members at Luncheon

Great turn-out at MNSURE luncheon

Thank you to our Ambassador Lunch Sponsor for April!

11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Ph: 952-944-2830 • Fax: 952-944-0229 • www.epchamber.org

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APRIL 2014 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

Thursday

Friday

3

4

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

7

14

21

8

9

10

11

7:30-8:30AM :Government Committee Meeting

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony 8:30-9:30AM- Biz Dev. Committee 4:30-6PM- AH @ Silver Linings Care Homes, LLC

7:30AM - Board Meeting

8:00-9:00AM- Maximize your Membership

16

17

15

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ 11:30-1PM- Fusion @ Hilton Breakfast at The Colony Garden Inn- MN Twins Baseball President Dave St. Peter

11:30AM - 1PM - General Membership Luncheon @ Bearpath Golf & Country Club

22

24

11:30-1PM @ Buca - Taste the Chamber

28

11:30AM - 1PM - Women’s Networking Luncheon @ Biaggi’s

29

23

18

25

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

30

PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!