DECEMBER 2012 Newsletter for WEB

CONNECTIONS DECEMBER 2012 - Vol. 43, Issue 12

IN THIS ISSUE...

Women’s Networking Luncheon- Fashion Show

Leadership

Friday, December 14th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Interlachen

P2- Article by Glenn Schwartz P3- Ambassador Updates P3- Ambassador of the Month

The Eden Prairie Chamber Women’s Networking Luncheon offer opportunities for women in business to get together and network, hear inspiring presentations and learn from one another.

This month is no different! For our December luncheon we will be partnering with the Edina, Bloomington and Richfield Chamber’s of Commerce for a fun and stylish Fashion Show! This will be a great way to wrap up 2012. There will be a great lunch, exhibitors, plenty of networking and cash and carry items! Don’t miss out and sign up today.

Community Building P4- Thank You Gala Sponsors P5- Gala Event Recap

Networking

LOCATION: Interlachen, 6200 Interlachen Blvd., Edina

P6- Article by Pat MulQueeny P6- Sponsorship Corner P7- Trade Summit P7- Average Joe’s Recap P8- DECEMBER 2012 Calendar

COST: $20 for Members & their Guests / $35 for Non-members RSVP: Phone: 952-944-2830 / Email: adminj@epchamber.org

Happy Holidays!

epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”

With warmest wishes,

Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber”

Samm

i

Amy

Becky

Pat

V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2”

NEWSLETTER PREFERENCE- ELECTRONIC or PRINT Join the Discussion! epchamber2.blogspot.com

OU THANK Y 12 to our 20 rs! ponso Annual S

If you want to only receive an electronic version of the newlsetter, please send an e-mail to Sammi at communications@epchamber.org and in the subject line, put “Electronic Newsletter Only.”

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor Valley Staffing, Inc.

Bronze Sponsor

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

Quality Placements, Excellent Service

General Sponsor

Leadership Chamber 2012: A Review from the Board Chair

By Glenn Schwartz, 2012 Chamber Board Chair Glenn J. Schwartz, Attorney at Law

This is the final monthly article I will write as Board Chair for the Chamber.

I want to thank the President and the Board for the opportunity to lead as the Eden Prairie Chamber Board Chair in 2012. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve in this capacity.

2012 has been another successful year for the Chamber! Our signature events have been well run, well attended and well received. The Annual Home & Garden Spring Expo continues to improve and grow. The golf outing at Olympic Hills was well attended and the committee arranged for a perfect day. The Gala at Hazeltine was glamorous and spectacular! Our other programs have been extremely relevant and interesting for our members. While all of the above is true, Chamber staff and volunteer leadership must continue to create, evolve and adjust Chamber activities to continue to succeed in a difficult economic environment.

MEMBERSHIP: At the beginning of my tenure, the Chamber changed its structure to eliminate a separate position as Membership Director. Our own Amy Sinclair has accepted the burden and responsibility to create membership growth. We also instituted a member reward program to reward our current members who find us new members. I am pleased to say that we have reversed the negative trend of 2011 and we will have an increase in membership for 2012! We also have a structure in place to continue to grow the Chamber in 2013.

PROGRAMS: During 2012, the Chamber dramatically increased the use of member survey’s to receive feedback on our programs. This information is essential so that Chamber programs can be changed, improved on or even eliminated so that all members have the opportunity to maximize the benefits of their membership. We do not and cannot rest on our laurels ,but we must constantly look for ways to improve those programs. Chamber leadership now has information to use to design and retool Chamber programs. Members will continue to see changes

PAGE 2

in 2013.

COMMITTEES: One of my goals as the Chair in 2012, was to make certain that all of the standing committees in the Chamber have clear missions and yearly goals. We are using quarterly meetings and presentations at the annual Board retreat as part of the structure to improve committee functions. As of the end of my term, I can say we have made substantial progress, but much more work remains.

In conclusion, I leave you with my reflections on an old Boy Scout principle, “leave the campsite better than you found it.” In scouting, it is not enough to leave a campsite you have used in worse, slightly worse for wear, or even the same as you found it. Scouts learn to find a way to make it better. They clean or repair a table or bench or replace the rocks around the campfire. It was a good thing that I learned this principle early on as I did not last long as a Scout. The Scout Master claimed I was too headstrong, but I wouldn’t listen.

As outgoing chair, I hope I leave the Chamber better than I found it for Cathy Haukedahl, our incoming Chair for 2013, for our outstanding staff and for you, our members!

Glenn Schwartz is the 2012 Board Chair for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to contact Glenn regarding the Eden Prairie Chamber, he can be reached at 952-9433955.

BusinessConnection

Everyone’s got an answer...

Your connection to business answers.

...ours will GROW your business.

We know times aren’t easy for Minnesota businesses these days. You need a resource that provides direct and immediate help for all of your important business questions. BusinessConnection is your free, go-to service in Minnesota for any and all business questions. Its purpose is to help Minnesota businesses grow by breaking down barriers, opening doors and answering questions – so you can get back to business.

Connect anytime: www.mnbizconnect.com Call toll-free: 1-888-MINN-BIZ / 1-888-646-6249 Personal assistance is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. BusinessConnection is a service of Grow Minnesota! and sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, its local chamber partners and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

“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 of the Month- October: Steve Bowman, Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air!!!

T

his month’s “Ambassador of the Month” is Steve Bowman, with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air! They are an Eden Prairie based full service plumbing, heating and air conditioning company, servicing the Southwest Metro area for 12 years. Because of their continued growth, Tiger moved to a new location, 12100 Singletree Lane, earlier this year.

Steve has been an active member of the Chamber for over a year and a member of the Ambassador Committee for ten months. Steve likes how well organized, friendly and supportive the Chamber is. He enjoys networking with and building continuing relationships with other Chamber members. As an Ambassador, he looks forward to getting to know the new members, showing them the ropes and helping them get the full advantage of their Chamber of Commerce membership. CONGRATS STEVE!

Ambassador Updates from the Month of November!

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 busy Ambassadors visited during November of 2012!

Coldwell Banker Burnet- Eden Prairie Irene Levy, Branch Vice President 11455 Viking Drive, #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-747-8265 www.cbburnet.com

indigoWerks Megan Rounds, Principal 6110 Blue Circle Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 612-326-5727 www.indigoWerks.com

MR3, A Metrics Driven Sales Productivity Consulting Firm Susan Lund, President 10985 1st Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55441 612-281-3912 www.mr3consulting.com

OSR Physical Therapy Ryan Koepp, Clinic Director 16550 W. 78th Street, Ste. B Eden Prairie, MN 55346 952-873-7400 www.osrpt.com

Ribbon Cutting with Coldwell Banker Burnet

Site visit with indigoWerks!

Site visit with MR3

The McLinden Group Daryl McLinden 7321 Hillsdale Court Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-949-2433 www.mclindengrp.com

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

PAGE 3

Community Building

PAGE 4

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

Community Building There’s Always Fun to be Had at the Annual Gala!

On behalf of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank those who participated in our Annual Gala, Twilight in Tuscany! Your participation makes it possible for us to support local businesses through networking programs, community leadership, advocacy for commerce and promotion of growth and development. In addition, we provide $5,000 in scholarships to area students each year and promote excellence through our awards and recognition of area businesses and individuals. We know that it is through the support of businesses like yours, that this event is possible.

Thank you for your dedication to the Chamber and our Gala event!

More photos can be found on our website and Facebook page!

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

PAGE 5

Networking A Message from the President

By Pat MulQueeny, IOM, President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

As the year winds down, it is that time of year to look back at what we have accomplished and work to finalize the plans of the New Year. For us, we look at 2012 as another great year for the Chamber – we will see slight growth in our number of members - making our Chamber the #1 single city Chamber in the metro area for membership, a new member recruitment model that gives our members $100 cash for referrals that join, and a continued effort of member involvement – where our staff and key volunteers work to help our members maximize their benefits of membership. With over 500 businesses as members, there are tremendous opportunities and activities for you to use to help grow your business. Here is a much abbreviated recap of the year: Programs: 2012 gave our members access to an amazing set of speakers and opportunities: • State of the City gave new City Manager, Rick Getschow, the chance to present to our business community the great things happening in Eden Prairie for the first time and certainly not the last. Eden Prairie is still the community to be a part of in Minnesota AND the country earning the #3 spot for top cities to live in nationally.

• The economy and business stories were hot topics as we heard from the Minnesota DEED Commissioner and a great line-up of business speakers – Founder of Summit Brewery, Founder of Rain Forest Café, Founders of Angie’s Kettle Corn and our latest programs featuring two long time successful Chamber members from AVI Systems and Payroll Control Systems.

• Networking continues to be a top member benefit with the Chamber offering on average two programs or more a week to make business connections. In fact, over 125 people

Sponsorship Corner November

Ambassador Lunch Sponsor (All Year)

7922 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie 952-374-6464 www.goumbria.com

PAGE 6

•

came out to hear form Stevie Ray at our August luncheon to learn in an interactive way how to network at Chamber events!

Fun is a key component to our events as well and we saw this in top form at our Home, Landscape and Garden Expo, Golf Tournament, Chamberfest – special thanks to Emerson for hosting our event in their private pavilion, our Gala at Hazeltine and our latest program featuring John Leinenkugel at Brunswick Zone!

Politics and Business Issues: 2012 was an election year and the Chamber put together a number of ways for our businesses to interact with our elected officials, learn about candidates and even participate in a Congressional Forum. The Chamber held legislative programs with State Representative Jenifer Loon and learned about what was happening at the State Capitol and how they could get involved.

Our Government Committee continued its efforts in working to resolve issues on the proposed Southwest LRT project and communicating with our membership the impact it could have and the opportunities it can bring to Eden Prairie. We communicated through our newsletter ongoing articles and topics from our State officials, school district updates, MN Chamber updates, US Chamber updates, and updates from US Congressman Erik Paulsen. We also published survey responses to business questions of our city and state candidates prior to the election; and hosted a Congressional Forum/debate between Congressman Paulsen and Democratic challenger Brian Barnes.

All of these opportunities and efforts, coupled with our volunteer committees’ work, Chamber staffs’ efforts and strong working relationships with our partners in the community showcase how strong the Eden Prairie business community is. We look forward to 2013 as another great year for businesses and the Chamber.

General Membership Lunch

Women’s Networking Lunch

12200 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie 952-941-0445 / www.bowlbrunswick.com

5309 West 70th Street, Edina 952-829-4504 www.xcelenergy.com

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

Networking Chamber to Host Trade and Export Summit Friday, December 7th from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Join the Eden Prairie and Bloomington Chambers of Commerce as we host a Trade Summit on Friday, December 7th, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Olympic Hills. Our featured presenter is Ed Dieter, Interim Acting Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office.

Ed Dieter was appointed in October 2012 as interim acting executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office, the state’s official export development arm. As Director, Ed is responsible for developing the state’s international marketing plans, identifying international market opportunities, managing trade missions, guiding the development of export education programs and promotional events, and overseeing a staff of international trade representatives. He also serves as chief of protocol for the State of Minnesota and is the State’s liaison to Minnesota’s diplomatic consular corps.

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is the state office that helps companies increase export sales. A division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the MTO is the state’s official export promotion arm. Detailed information about our services is available online at: www.exportminnesota. com.

Additional presentation from Doug Loon, Vice President, Regional Affairs & Advocacy U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Midwest Region, who will highlight trade opportunities from recent trade agreements and future opportunities. Prior to managing the Chamber’s regional offices, Loon served as Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber, lobbying both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on key business issues. Before joining the U.S. Chamber staff in 1995, Loon was the legislative director to Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. His 10 years of Capitol Hill experience also included service as acting staff director for U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, on the Senate Commerce Committee, and for Senator Larry Pressler of South Dakota.

Who Should Attend: Businesses interested in opportunities through trade, who are either already involved in international trade or are looking at expanding into new trade opportunities.

Location: Olympic Hills, 10625 Mount Curve Road, Eden Prairie Cost: $25 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members RSVP: epchamber.org or e-mail amy.sinclair@epchamber.org

“Not Your Average Joe’s” Recap!

L to R: Pat MulQueeny (EPC), Joe Stoebner (AVI Systems), Tracy Schwalbe (Brunswick Zone), Joe Reilly (Payroll Control Systems)

Pictured above: Post Secondary Scholarship Winner, Ashley Schneider (second from the left). CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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

PAGE 7

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 2012 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday 3

Tuesday 4

Wednesday

Thursday

5

6

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

7:30 AM - Business Development Meeting @ EPC

11:30 AM- Ambassador Committee Mtg. @ EPC Office

Friday 7 8:00 - 11:00 AM - Trade Summit at Olympic Hills

3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Meeting @ EPC * Newsletter ads due to EPC

10

11

12

13

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

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Board Retreat

14

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Women’s Networking Lunch - Fashion Show @ Interlachen with other Chambers 4:30 - 6:00 PM - Fusion Holiday 4:30 - 6:00 PM- After Hours at Party at Brunswick Zone Dreamworld Studios

17

18

19

7:30 AM - Government Committee Meeting @ EPC

24

25 EPC OFFICE CLOSED

20

21

27

28

No B@B- Holiday!

26 EPC OFFICE CLOSED

*Newsletter inserts due to EPC

NO B@B Happy Holiday’s!

31 5...4....3....2....1.....

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