December 2011 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS December 2011 - Vol 42, Issue 12

December’s General Membership Luncheon:

IN THIS ISSUE...

Featuring Dave Anderson from Famous Dave’s

Leadership

Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

P2- Article by Patrick Bernal P2- November Sponsors P3- Ambassador Updates P3- Ambassador of the Month

Join

Public Policy P4- Article by Rep. Kirk Stensrud

Community Building P5- China Trip Recap

Gala Event P6P6P7P8P8-

Article by Pat MulQueeny Gala Photos Gala Sponsors Gala Committee December 2011 Calendar

epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”

us for our December General Membership Luncheon.

This month we will hear from Dave Anderson!

Dave Anderson is the founder of Famous Dave’s of America, the legendary BBQ franchise, with over 170 restaurants and growing. Voted the “Hottest Restaurant Concept in America”

by Nation’s Restaurant News, Famous Dave’s has received unprecedented recognition.

Anderson has helped found several publicly traded companies on Wall Street and created over 20,000 new jobs. In Dave’s own life, he has experienced adversity, frustration, and bankruptcy as well as tremendous success.

Dave’s life story is featured in two New York Times bestsellers. He has served two Presidents and three governors in advisory positions.

from Harvard University without an undergraduate degree! He has appeared on all major networks including: Regis and Kathy Lee, Oprah Winfrey, CNBC The Next Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Crook & Chase, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network, National Public Radio and over 300 radio shows.

As a highly sought after keynote speaker, Dave shares his heartfelt optimism using his life’s story to share valuable insight and life lessons in dealing with today’s fast changing and challenging world. Dave is an enthusiastic advocate of the American Dream, he stresses that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream and work hard tomorrow’s rewards will always come.

Location: Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie Cost: $25 for Chamber Members / $40 for Non-Chamber Members

David has provided key testimony before Congress and the U.S. Senate. Always tackling the impossible, this bottom half of the class high school student has earned his Master’s Degree

Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber” V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2” Join the Discussion! epchamber2.blogspot.com

Supporting & main sponsorships are still available! For more information or to participate, contact Pat MulQueeny at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org or at (952) 944-2830.

A special THANK YOU to our 2011 Annual Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

General Sponsor

Leadership Message from Our 2011 Board Chair

THANK YOU to our General Membership Luncheon Sponsor for November!

By Patrick Bernal SUPERVALU Inc.

The issues that face our nation have not changed much this year. As I write these comments, a bi-partisan federal budget solution has not happened. The inequities in the federal tax code have not been addressed. Unemployment continues at a historically high level, while corporate earnings grow and capital investment languishes. The country’s infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. A college education is getting further out of reach to many middle and lower income families and our armed forces are still engaged overseas. As a nation, we have not decided if big government, big business or big banks are the problem. Let’s hope that the upcoming election cycle fills the leadership vacuum.

I came to the board in 2009 as the SUPERVALU representative. This year, I have had the privilege to serve as chair of a dynamic board that is very diverse with government officials, corporate leaders, educators, bankers and business professionals from large, medium and small firms. I did so for personal growth, to develop leadership skills and to contribute to this community where my wife and I have lived since 1990.

Through my association with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce I have had the opportunity to meet a great number of local & state business and governmental leaders: CEO(s), the Mayor, City Manager, School Superintendent, Minnesota Supreme Court Justices, Minnesota State Legislatures, our Congressional Representative Erik Paulsen, former and current Governors Pawlenty and Dayton.

I often marvel at the insights on issues that I have gained by these encounters. I better understand how public policy is formulated, what processes are involved, who the players are and how to influence the outcome. Some of the important local issues that the Chamber has advocated for on behalf of the business community include; planned southwest light rail extension, a new Vikings Stadium, the controversial school realignment and recent state budget battle.

While there are plenty of opportunities for personal growth through the various Chamber committees, as an entrepreneur your dream is to create, manage and grow a successful business.

I know a little about those dreams. My wife started a small stationery business a few years ago. Through her Chamber membership and the networking opportunities it affords, she obtained voluntary help in a promotional campaign, bartered goods for services and developed a strong support group.

I think any entrepreneur will be well served by the extensive networking opportunities afforded by Chamber membership. Talk to our members about finance, insurance, accounting, taxes, technology, advertising, and sales! There are experts in every field. Their advice will always be invaluable; I can’t say that the advice will always be free!

Finally, I want to tell you how great it is to work with the staff at the Chamber.

We are extremely lucky to have Mike, Amy, Samantha and Pat!

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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 Hopkins, MN - POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “Connections,�

11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Leadership Ambassador Updates Ambassador Lunch Sponsors:

www.redmoonchinesecafe.com 952-941-6556

www.goumbria.com 952-374-6464

Ambassador of the Month: November 2011

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 October & November!

Associated Bank- EP Adam Benjamin 566 Prairie Center Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-255-7300 www.associatedbank.com

Leutem Commercial Real Estate, LLC Mark Leutem 4645 Vinewood Lane Plymouth, MN 55442 763-234-8128

Cardinal Stritch University Amie Engels 11010 Prairie Lakes Drive, #300 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 800-347-8822 x 8833 www.yourstritchdegrees.com

REV Solutions Inc. Chad Simich 10400 Viking Drive, #500 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-746-6005 www.revsolutionsinc.com

David Hurley, Global View Capital This month’s Ambassador of the month is David Hurley, with Global View Capital!

They are an investment advisory firm, that brings advanced investment strategies to people and businesses, that are unique to the industry.

He joined the Chamber in January 2011, and became an Ambassador as well as joining several other committees. He had researched several other Chambers and found the Eden Prairie Chamber to be the most friendly and supportive. David says that is why he joined and why as an Ambassador he wants to help the current and new members get the most benefit out of their membership. He looks forward to meeting all Chamber members at upcoming events!

Associated Bank Oct. 28th

Cardinal Stritch University Nov. 1st

Leutem Commercial Real Estate, LLC- Nov. 1st

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

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Public Policy An Update from Representative Kirk Stensrud

By Representative Kirk Stensrud District 42A

The process of reforming the way our state operates started in earnest during the 2011 legislative session and, while much more work remains, I was pleased with some of the improvements we enacted in the final budget.

One of our top achievements was in creating a new Sunset Commission to review state agencies and advisory committees to identify inefficiencies in government. We will assess 12 key performance factors and use the findings to recommend ending, continuing or reorganizing each aspect of state government. The commission also will review each bill introduced to the Legislature that proposes to create a new state agency or advisory commission and provide a recommendation.

The governor enacted a bill I authored in 2011 to audit health insurance for state employees and their families.

This will save taxpayers millions of dollars, but we can do more. We also streamlined the permitting process for our small businesses, a key development since our entrepreneurs are the ones who will lead our economic recovery.

This all comes down to cost-effectiveness, determining what is or is not working and making adjustments. We should not even consider asking hard-working Minneso-

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tans to pay more in taxes when there are efficiencies to be found. Do we really need a handful of agencies dealing with water in this state? Maybe we do, but we also owe it to the taxpayers to audit and uncover the answers and this is what the Sunset Commission will do.

We are busy creating a package of bills called Reform 2.0 to help us accomplish those goals. Reform 2.0 will be a major topic of discussion during the 2012 legislative session as we adopt new measures to help our state operate more efficiently.

It is crucial for the public to participate in this process by offering their reform ideas. A few things being investigated include: not taxing social security, eliminating state shutdowns and making health insurance personally deductable.

Our effort to shape a more sustainable future has just begun and I continue meeting with area citizens, local government officials and area business leaders to receive their ideas for what the state can do better. Public participation is important in this initiative and you can send me your ideas by emailing rep.kirk.stensrud@house.mn or by calling my legislative office at (651) 296-3964.

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

Community Building

Hanging Out in CHINA

By Amy Sinclair, Office Manager; Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Fourteen

adventurous travelers with the EP Chamber headed to Beijing, China on October 14th!

We anticipated seeing unique sites, learning more about an ancient history and discovering new foods and we weren’t disappointed. The first two days in Beijing were filled with stops at the Forbidden City, the palace of the Ming & Qing Dynasty Emperors for over 500 years and the buildings were elaborate. Then it was on to the Temple of Heaven, where Emperors prayed for a good harvest and an Herbal Center that h group a lesson l i Chinese Chi gave the in medicine, with opportunities for diagnostics by alternative doctors. The evening was filled with dinner (served on the traditional Lazy Susan) with many different flavors and textures than Americans are used to. Curry fish is served with the head and tail on and many garnishes! Dinner was followed by an impressive Acrobat Show with beautiful traditional costumes.

Our guides were all very knowledgable about Chinese history, sites, traditions and told us about everyday life in China. Lucy, was our Beijing guide as well as our National guide and stayed with us throughout the trip which was valuable. Highlights also l and d a Pearll Factory; included visiting a Jade factory, Summer Palace plus an awesome 2-hour hike on the Great Wall – where the views were stunning.

An early morning flight to Xian, China led the group to see the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the pits.

The place is enormous and is still being uncovered.

This fascinating site, of over 6,000 warriors in one pit, is now considered the eighth wonder of the world. The whole town of Xian is being transformed into a metropolis to accommodate visitors, where street vendors as well as pick pockets are common. The group visited the Xian City Wall and Bell Tower followed by a “Dumpling Dinner” and show at the Tang Dynasty Theater. The dumplings were made of pork, beef, chicken, fish, veggies, tomatoes, shrimp, walnuts and almonds – all in

unique shapes and colors! The next morning, the group engaged in some power shopping in the Muslim District fueled by caffeine from StarBucks. Summer Pagoda, a Buddhist Temple was our final stop in Xian before boarding a flight to Shanghai!

Shanghai is a sophisticated city of 23 million people with a five layer traffic system. We stopped at a Buddhist temple, where the architecture was very elaborate and we had our names written in Chinese characters in calligraphy. The Silk Factory illustrated how silk worms are used to harvest silk and the process of stretching the threads over forms to make duvets and other items. We spent time at the Shanghai Museum investigating scrolls, artwork, calligraphy, seals and more. A tour of a Chinese Garden as beautiful with ith co was coy fish fish in a pond surrounded by elements of rock, wood, bamboo and more. The garden led the group to the Shanghai Bazaar of over 1,000 shops and were bargaining was the task at hand.

Overall the weather was perfect with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees and only misty rain on occasion, which didn’t bother the group. Our final evening together was spent at a private dinner on board a Dragon boat on the Huangpu River. Following dinner we cruised up and down the Bund waterfront and took in the city lights. There were also many barges on the river as it leads to the Yantze River and the China Sea. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

All in all, the hotels were beautiful, the food was awesome the sites were wonderful and we all made new friends on the EP Chamber trip to China 2011!

More photos from the China trip can be found on our website in the photos section and on our Facebook page. Check them out!

The Chamber will be traveling to Spain in March and going on an Alaska Cruise in June. If you are interested in learning more about either of these trips, please contact Pat MulQueeny at our office at 952-944-2830 or by emailing him at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.

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

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Gala Event Bourbon Street Ball- Annual Gala 2011

By Pat MulQueeny, President; Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

How do you plan a world class event for 260 guests and include two bands, over 100 silent auction items, 9 fabulous live auction items, decorations, logos and a great dinner? Well – you do it by having an amazing group of volunteers who plan for a year to get it all done. That is what our Gala Committee just accomplished on November 12!

We want to thank and recognize our volunteers who did such a great job in putting on the Gala. As a committee, they met 12 times – more when you count sub-committee meetings, facility visits, menu selections, and more. They contacted hundreds of area businesses to ask for donations, donated their own bottles of wine to the event, helped move all of the items and decorations the Friday afternoon before the big event and showed up at 9:00 A.M. on the day of the Gala to put it all together. Simply stated without them this event would not be possible!!

We also want to thank the student volunteers who help handle registration, the $20 boards, the bean bag toss and silent auction checkout –they did a great job. Also – thank you to Karen Brettingen and Shelly Streich for coordinating the student volunteers and giving them such a great experience!

The results of this world class event are that it provided needed funds for the Chamber and its scholarship program. Comments from our guests included – “great night,” “we really enjoyed ourselves,” “we had a great time and look forward to next year’s!”

More photos from this year’s Gala can be found on our website in the photos section and on our Facebook page. Check them out!

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

Gala Event THANK YOU to Our Gala Sponsors!

Please see the Gala insert for the list of silent & live auction donors!

$1,000 Bronze Sponsors

$5,000 Gold Sponsors

Anchor Bank Fairview Southdale Hospital Strategic Financial Inc.

Edward Jones- Zane Birky Risdall Marketing Group Xcel Energy

Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel

$500 General Sponsors $2,500 Silver Sponsors

Bremer Bank Equity Property Group- Dick Ward M&I, A part of BMO Financial Group

Comcast Business Services Froehling Anderson, LTD.

Plekkenpol Builders

Individual & In-Kind Sponsors Lion’s Tap Avex

Belladonna Florist Parley Lake Winery

Media, Education & Design Sponsors Media: Eden Prairie News Education: Walmart Design: W Creative

THANK YOU to our hard working Gala Committee!

Chair: David Lindahl, City of Eden Prairie Co-Chair: Sherri Roseen, Froehling Anderson, LTD. Mary Anderson, Rx Benefit Strategies Arnette Bell, Retired Karen Brettingen, Eden Prairie Schools Regina Cannon Treml, Belladonna Florist Cheryl Eastbourne, Edina Realty Joe Epping, Eden Prairie Schools Joan Grootwassink, Grootwassink Real Estate, Inc. Cathy Haukedahl, Flagship Bank David Hurley, Global View Capital Tom Jacobson, New York Life

Rae Lynn Klinger, Minnesota Twins Jennifer Matteson, Cardinal Stritch University Michelle Swanson, Xcel Energy Steve Tasler, Bjorklund Realty Alan Wallner, W Creative

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

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This is a publication of: Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

11455 Viking Drive, Suite 270 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Ph: 952.944.2830 Fax: 952.944.0229

www.epchamber.org

DECEMBER 2011 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1

Friday 2 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM- Chamber 101 at EPC Office

5

6

7

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony- Bring a 11:30 AM- Ambassador Commit- Guest Day! tee Mtg. at EPC Office

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM- Women’s Networking Luncheon at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (Ornament Exchange)

* Newsletter Ads due to the Chamber by 12 PM

8

9

7:30-12:00 PM- Board Retreat

* Newsletter inserts due to the Chamber by 12 PM 4:30 - 6:00 PM- Holiday After Hours at the Hampton Inn with ProIntroNet

12

13

14

15

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

5:00 - 6:30 PM- Fusion Holiday Party at Brunswick Zone

19

26

20

21

7:30- 9:00 AM, Government Committee Meeting at EPC

* No Business@Breakfast!

27

28

16 * Home & Garden Show Early Bird Rate- Due today!

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM- General Membership Luncheon at Grace Church (Dave Anderson, Famous Dave’s)

* Fusion Membership Early Bird Rate - Due today!

22

23

29

30

* No Business@Breakfast!

EPC Office Closed!

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