CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Vol. 47, Issue 8 | August 2016
THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors! SILVER SPONSOR
The Eden Prairie, Bloomington and TwinWest Chambers of Commerce invite you to the first debate of the season between candidates for the third congressional district, Congressman Erik Paulsen (R) and State Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL).
BRONZE SPONSORS
Minnesota’s Third Congressional District will be closely watched by the nation in the 2016 election season. In fact, it has been named one of the top 10 congressional races in the U.S. during this election season. State Senator Terri Bonoff
The debate will focus on issues important to Minnesota businesses, including health care, transportation, workforce development and more, all moderated by Tom Hauser, Chief Political Reporter for KSTP TV. Be prepared for the upcoming election season and join us for this inaugural debate of the third congressional race on August 17 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest.
GENERAL SPONSOR Congressman Erik Paulsen
Connect with the Chamber
“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
DATE: Wednesday, August 17, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest 5801 Opus Pkwy, Minnetonka COST: $35 for members, $60 for non-members
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“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
YOUR CONNECTION TO THE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969
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A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Katie Misukanis, M.P.A. Government Relations Director, Rasmussen College Post-Secondary Credentials: Necessary for the Person and for MN Economy Over 95 percent of jobs created during the recovery have gone to college-educated workers, while those with a high school diploma or less are being left behind. A report released by the Georgetown Center on Education and Workforce reports that those with at least some college education have captured 11.5 million of the 11.6 million jobs created during the recovery. How many of you are finding it harder and harder to fill your job openings? How many of you struggle with matching qualified workers to the jobs you have had opened for months? This is a frustration that the Chamber hears often. There are businesses that are willing and able to hire, but there is no one qualified to hire. As the report by the Georgetown Center on Education and Workforce demonstrates, education beyond high school is essential for the citizen and the economy. A law passed in 2015 set a statue goal of 70% of 25-40 year olds would hold a post-secondary credential by 2025. The state is working hard to benchmark where our students and upcoming students are to achieve that goal, but it will take more than just all of our high school graduates going onto post-secondary work. It will take a heavy lift of those who have started and not finished or those that need to go back and re-tool. We all need to take a moment to think of ways to encourage those in our lives that could benefit from more education to consider it. As an economy, we need it. August is a busy month for the Chamber. We are expecting a potential special session in the middle of the month and we are co-hosting a debate on August 17 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest between Rep. Erik Paulsen and Sen. Terri Bonoff; both running for the CD3 race. We are hosting a variety of events to fit into anybody’s busy schedule including an After Hours hosted by Regus and Farmer’s Insurance Agency on August 11, Breakfast Networking at Office Depot on August 23, a Lunch & Learn on August 4 and again on August 16 featuring fun topics like Pokémon Go and how to engage in healthy habits. And at the end of the month, we will meet for the annual Ladies on the Links Golf Tournament. I encourage you all to check out the Chamber website for dates and times. We hope you can join us for all of the great events ahead.
Gala ticket prices increase August 5
Have you been thinking about joining us for our annual Gala? Want to get inside U.S. Bank Stadium? Get your ticket to the biggest and best Chamber event of the year before it’s too late! Prices increase to $160 on August 5. Log on to the Chamber website or see the inserted flyer for more information.
Saturday, October 15 U.S. Bank Stadium
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A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Issues and Opportunities Goal #3 of our strategic plan highlights how the Chamber is focused on ensuring the future prosperity of the Eden Prairie marketplace. There is a number of ways we are working to achieve this goal—here are a few. NEW Visitor’s Guide – The Chamber is putting together a visitor’s guide that will be distributed to visitors coming here for the Ryder Cup and beyond. We will be printing 10,000 copies of the guide and distributing them through our local hotels, as well as through the Chamber and City offices. This initiative will help promote our retail, restaurant, hotel and entertainment businesses in the Eden Prairie area. Premium ad space is currently on sale for this publication. For more information, please contact ECM Publishers at (952) 846-2047. Public Policy Issues - Laws and regulations can have major impacts on our businesses and their ability to be successful. One of the major issues our smaller businesses are dealing with is the continued cost of health care. At a recent Chamber luncheon, a member stated that his insurance premiums would be $26,000 a year for his family. We continue to hear about unsustainable costs like this one and we hope to help. As part of this discussion with our businesses and elected officials, we have put together a program to help our businesses navigate the costs and plans to try and get the best plan, at the most affordable rate. On Wednesday, September 14th, we are holding an ACA Health Insurance luncheon that will help inform our members about the current insurance plans available, cost drivers, how to be a better shopper of your plans, what you should expect in the future and what record keeping government expects from you. To learn more about this event, go to the event calendar on our website.
Partnerships – the Eden Prairie Chamber consistently seeks and obtains the most partnerships with other chambers than any other. Our next B.E.E.R. event (Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers) is on August 31st at Olympic Hills in Eden Prairie. Our topic is an important one for businesses – leadership. Please plan to attend or send a staff member that you see as a current or future leader in your organization. U.S. Congressional Debate – We are partnering with the Bloomington and TwinWest Chambers to host the very first third congressional debate of the election season between Congressman Paulsen and State Senator Terri Bonoff. This race is said to be one of the top ten congressional races in the country for this election season. Don’t miss this event on August 17 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest. Additional partnership events – look for our SWEEPS Expo later in October as we host a great After Hours and Expo event with the Shakopee, Waconia, Excelsior, Eden Prairie and SouthWest Chambers at Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center. Plus – Beers with B.E.E.R.S. is back! This annual favorite will feature local craft breweries, FIVE Chambers and over 125 attendees to network, sample beers and crown the winning brew that will be featured on tap at Brunswick! We hope you and your organizations will be involved with our programs and efforts in the coming months. Together, we can ensure the future prosperity of the Eden Prairie marketplace.
“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
NETWORKING
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUST? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp
Lunch & Learn: Pokémon GO We are adding a special edition Lunch & Learn event in August to help businesses capitalize on the craze that is Pokémon GO. No doubt that you may have heard of the new Pokémon GO game and it is, indeed, taking the world by storm. In fact, in just the couple of weeks that it’s been live, its user base has passed Snapchat and as a game, it’s passed long-time favorites like Candy Crush. Of course, the big difference between other popular mobile games and Pokémon GO is location. This game requires players to actually get out into the real world. Come learn tips and tricks from Dale Brose of LTR Digital that location-based businesses can implement to participate in the game, while actively attractingfoot traffic to their store. DATE: Thursday, August 4, 11:45 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Chamber office (11455 Viking Dr, #270, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
After Hours: Regus and Farmer’s Insurance Agency Come join us for an After Hours networking event co-hosted by Regus and Farmer’s Insurance Agency - Aaron Nicklay. This will be a great opportunity to relax after work, snack on some appetizers, and re-connect with your local business connections. And be sure to stick around for a chance to win door prizes, including an Amazon Echo Bluetooth speaker! DATE: Thursday, August 11, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Regus (6385 Shady Oak Rd. #250, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
Lunch & Learn: Healthy Habits Join us for a Lunch & Learn event to learn about healthy habits of the mind and body. This Lunch & Learn will be led by Matt Swenson of Metamorfos and Lesley Fahey of Rain International. Lunch & Learn events are an opportunity to learn something new that will benefit you and your business over the lunch hour. Learn from your fellow members as you enjoy your lunch out of the office and bring business cards because there’s always time for networking. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide beverages. DATE: Tuesday, August 16, 11:45 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Chamber office, 11455 Viking Dr, #270, Eden Prairie COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
NETWORKING
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Breakfast Networking: Office Depot Start your morning by joining us at Office Depot for breakfast and conversation. At this event, you will have the opportunity to network and learn about Office Depot products and services. You will hear about the print center while picking up coupons and free samples of supplies from top brands such as 3M and Papermate. For breakfast, you will have your pick of various pastries, hot beverages, and juice. Healthsource will also be available for massages. Be sure to stay for drawings for gift cards and other great door prizes! DATE: Tuesday, August 23, 7:30 - 9 AM LOCATION: Office Depot (11609 Leona Rd, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
Ladies on the Links The 12th annual Ladies on the Links Golf Tournament presented by Wings Financial Credit Union is Monday, August 29 at Bent Creek Golf Club in Eden Prairie. This annual tournament features 9-holes of play starting at 2 p.m., an After Hours and business expo following, plenty of prizes to be won and a dinner. You will make new connections and enjoy a beautiful day on the course. The tournament is for women only, but the following After Hours is open to all. Looking to get in front of dozens of influential female Chamber members and community leaders? Join us as a golfer, Hole Sponsor or After Hours exhibitor. Learn more about each of these opportunities on the flyer inserted in this publication. If you can’t join in on the fun on August 29, consider donating a door prize or goodie bag item. To donate a prize for the day, please contact Sarah at sarah.ober@epchamber.org or (952) 944-2830. DATE: Monday, August 29, 2 - 6 PM LOCATION: Bent Creek Golf Club (14490 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie)
B.E.E.R. Luncheon: Think GREAT The next B.E.E.R. (Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers) luncheon is Wednesday, August 31, hosted by the Eden Prairie Chamber. We will have the privilege of hearing from Erik Therwanger. As the founder of Think GREAT, Erik Therwanger draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations to achieve greater levels of success. At this luncheon, Erik will be speaking about his book, The Leadership Connection: Make the Link between Leading and Succeeding. From the pages of The Leadership Connection, Erik teaches audiences the Elite Purposes of being a leader. You will learn how to clearly define leadership, develop a unifying culture, raise expectations, increase accountability and delegation, and how to become a visionary leader. DATE: Wednesday, August 31, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Olympic Hills Golf Club (10625 Mt. Curve Rd., Eden Prairie) COST: $35 for members, $55 for non-members Thank you to our event sponsors:
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LOOKING BACK: EVENTS IN JUNE LOOKINGBACK: BACK: EVENTS IN LOOKING EVENTS INDECEMBER DECEMBER Missed an event?
You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/
Women’s Networking After Hours Our Women’s Networking group met for a relaxed and fun After Hours networking event at Champps in Eden Prairie on July 14, sponsored by WELLS FARGO - Eden Prairie Village. We enjoyed drinks and appetizers, fun photo ops with #FlatPat, time for networking, and plenty of doorprizes all at the beautiful space at Champps. Don’t miss the next Women’s Networking event—the annual Ladies on the Links golf tournament presented by Wings Financial Credit Union on Monday, August 29 at Bent Creek Golf Club in Eden Prairie.
Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast is the Chamber’s weekly networking event, currently sponsored by WELLS FARGO - Eden Prairie Village held on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 -8:30 AM at Tavern 4 & 5 in Eden Prairie. Each participant has the opportunity to give a 60-second commercial about themselves or their business and there is a 10-minute featured presenter. If you are looking for new and unique ways to grow your professional network and identify potential clients, try Business@Breakfast any Wednesday in August.
WHERE’S #FL
? T A ATP
Flat Pat is having a fun summer traveling around to our member businesses. Keep up with his adventures on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
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MEMBERSHIP
New Members
Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Welcome to the Chamber!
Congratulations to these Chamber members who recently celebrated an opening or re-location. Thank you for letting the Chamber be a part of your celebration!
Star Tribune 650 3rd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55488 (612) 673-4000 www.startribune.com Principal 11100 Wayzata Blvd, #405 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (317) 695-7871 www.principal.com Bloomington Redevelopment 6525 James Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 866-8753 Debbie Goettel for Hennepin County 6525 James Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 866-8753 www.debbiegoettel.com
Ambassador of the Month Our Ambassador Committee is a group of volunteers who serve as mentors to new members and act as good-will ambassadors on behalf of the Chamber.
Allstate Insurance: John Michael
Allegra
Red’s Savoy Pizza
ARCpoint Labs
Lesley Fahey
Rain International
Walmart- Eden Prairie
This is a publication of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
11455 Viking Dr, #270 Eden Prairie, MN 55344
P: (952) 944-2830 F: (952) 944-0229
www.epchamber.org
PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE, MN USPS#729770
AUGUST 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday 1
Tuesday 2
22
29 Ladies on the Links Golf Tournament 2 - 6 PM Bent Creek Golf Club
Friday
4
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
Lunch & Learn: Pokémon GO 11:45 AM - 1 PM Chamber office
10
11
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
After Hours: Regus and Farmer’s Insurance Agency 4:30 - 6 PM Regus
16
17
18
19
Lunch & Learn: Healthy Habits 11:45 AM - 1 PM Chamber office
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM
23
24
25
26
Breakfast Networking 7:30 - 9 AM Office Depot Eden Prairie
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
30
31
1
2
9
15
Thursday
3
Gala Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM Chamber office
8
Wednesday
5
12
Third Congressional Debate 11 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM B.E.E.R. Luncheon 11 AM - 1 PM
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!