February 2012 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2012 - Vol. 43, Issue 2

4th Annual Valentine Vixens Event

IN THIS ISSUE...

A Women’s Networking Luncheon with a TWIST! Thursday, February 9th, 2012 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Leadership P2- Article by Glenn Schwartz P2- Board Member: Dr. Stephen West P3- Ambassador of the Year P3- Board of Directors

Some of our exhibitors include: Prosperwell Financial, Encore Consignment Boutique, Check Engine Express, Tom James, HealthSource, Clothes Mentor, Prop Shop, Healthy Training and MORE!

Public Policy P4- Article by David Olson P4- Sponsorship Corner

Community Building P5- Spotlight: Thomson Reuters

Join us at Brunswick Zone, located at 12200 Singletree Lane in Eden Prairie. You can register now for this event by calling the Chamber office (952) 944-2830 or by registering on our website! We hope to see you there!

Interested in sponsoring a General Memberhship or a Women’s Networking Luncheon?

Networking P6P6P7P7P8-

T

he Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Group invites you to the 4th Annual Valentine Vixens event! Pamper yourself with cash and carry items, massages, a delicious lunch and networking with many other professional women!

Advertising Opportunities Article by Pat MulQueeny New Members Home & Garden Show Info February 2012 Calendar epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

We are looking for luncheon sponsors for the 2012 schedule! by many people. There are several different options available.

General Membership Luncheon Sponsor (3 options): •

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Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”

• Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber”

Main Sponsor ($500): Display table and you can place materials in tables in the room; One page insert in our newsletter OR two 4” x 5” E-blast ads; Two complimentary registrations; 3-5 Minute speech about your business; Recognized as sponsor at the event, in our newsletter and listed in promotions.

Supporting Sponsor ($250): Display table and you can place materials in tables in the room; One complimentary registration; Recognized as sponsor at the event, in our newsletter and listed in promotions.

Display Table ($100): Display table and recognized as sponsor at the event.

Women’s Networking Luncheon (1 option): •

V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2” Join the Discussion! epchamber2.blogspot.com

K YOU N A H T 2 r 201 to ou onsors! al Sp Annu

This is a great way to get noticed

Main Sponsor ($200): Display table and you can place materials in tables in the room; One complimentary registration; Recognized as sponsor at the event, in our newsletter and listed in promotions.

Contact us by phone at (952) 944-2830 or by email at adminj@epchamber.org for more information and to select your luncheon today!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor Valley Staffing, Inc. Quality Placements, Excellent Service

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

General Sponsor

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

General Sponsor

Leadership Our Kids are Terrific!

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

Many members may not be aware that the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce was the first Chamber in the country to establish a membership group for students. This group consists of senior students from Eden Prairie High School. “Student Members” are invited to attend certain Chamber events without charge, to afford them the opportunity to be exposed to prominent and active members of the business community. Certainly, the students benefit from the experience and information they receive.

However, I think that our Chamber receives an even greater benefit from these students. If you have attended the Chamber’s Gala event or the Everything Spring Home & Garden Expo, then you have seen our Student Members hard at work. They put in many long hours to assist our Chamber committees and staff with the presentation of these events. The students give their time and effort, with great enthusiasm and energy. These events are enriched by their contributions.

exposure to the adult business world. Addie Whelan, a student member, wrote about these concerns in her article in the January newsletter. Kudos to our member, Brian Kelly, for his effort in making our student members feel welcome.

The important part of her article is that we, the members, be aware of the contributions of these fine young adults. We need to go out of our way to show our gratitude and appreciation for their service. When we see our student members working at a Chamber event we need to show them our appreciation. It is more important that we make them feel welcome and that we let them know that they are an important part of the Chamber.

One of the reasons that Eden Prairie has been selected as one of the finest cities to live in America is the strength of the unique partnership between the Chamber, the schools and the city. The Student Membership Program is a big component of that partnership. We are well advised to foster and nurture the program and to make it a positive and enriching experience for the students. After all, they will be our future members!

Initially, the students feel nervous and intimidated by this early

Meet one of our newest Board Members- Dr. Stephen West!

Dr. West has an extensive background in public education. He has site and district experience, having served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in four school districts. His teaching and leadership experience encompasses high school, middle school and elementary school levels. For the past year, he has served as Executive Director of Educational Services in the Eden Prairie Public Schools. Prior to serving in Eden Prairie, Dr. West was Principal at Richfield High School for the Richfield Public Schools, a K-12 district. In addition, Dr. West has been an adjunct professor for the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota system for a number of years, specializing in leadership, and student management within the classroom.

Dr. West earned his Bachelor’s degrees from Moorhead State University and his Master’s and his Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University. Dr. West has been married for 13 years and currently lives in Eden Prairie. He has two young daughters who are in 5th and 3rd grade in the Eden Prairie public school system and keep him very busy. The golden retriever Gracie rounds out his family.

Dr. West enjoys reading, traveling, sporting events, and spending time smoking a good cigar. Here are some words from Dr. West: “My reason for becoming a member of the Board was to continue to grow the relationship between the school district and the business community. This growing relationship is a very logical development and a good use of resources. It’s part of the business community’s interest in growing a strong workforce. As many have said before me ‘So go the schools, so goes the community.’ The reason people typically move into a school district or out is because of the quality of the schools. If you are in a business community and you want your businesses to thrive, your role in my opinion is to be supportive of the schools.”

Thank you Dr. West and welcome to the 2012 Board of Directors!

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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 EPC 2012 Board of Directors

2011 Ambassador of the Year: Barb Lyons, Sign*A*Rama

Our Ambassadors receive points for attending ribbon cuttings, site visits and other events throughout the year. The Ambassador with the most points at the end of the year is recognized. Congratulations to our 2011 Ambassador of the Year winner, Barb Lyons! Let’s find more about Barb!

The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce organization is overseen by a Board of Directors. The Board is composed of Chamber Member business representatives who volunteer their time to ensure that the Chamber is able to support the Eden Prairie business community in the best way possible.

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Glen Schwartz (2012 Board Chair) Glenn J. Schwartz, Attorney at Law / (952) 943-3955

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Gus Anchondo Walmart / (952) 829-9040

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Patrick Bernal SUPERVALU, INC / (952) 294-7269

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Jeff Brosz Rasmussen College / (952) 545-2000

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Cecilia Cervantes Hennepin Technical College / (763) 488-2414

Tell us about your role at Sign*A*Rama…

My role at Sign*A*Rama is Sales & Marketing. I meet with potential customers, either through networking events (my favorite part) or go out cold calling in Eden Prairie and surrounding areas. In the office, I help put together the quotes for the clients.

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Allan Giese Chair, Membership Growth Committee / (612) 819-3086

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Cathy Haukedahl (2013 Board Chair) Flagship Bank / (952) 944-6050

What is your favorite part about being an Ambassador for the EPC? My favorite parts of being an Ambassador is to meet the new members, check out their location and find out how, we as Ambassadors, can help them grow with new client contacts.

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Jeff Holds Phoenix Technology Solutions, LLC / (952) 943-1632

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Mic Klaith (2012 Board Treasurer) Beacon Bank / (952) 401-2285

What advice would you give to members who don’t know how to make the most of their membership?

New members are assigned an Ambassador mentor (another favorite part). We are there to help answer any questions they might have or direct them to the proper person or company and invite them to events and introduce them to the wonderful people that belong to the EP Chamber.

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Bill McReavy Jr. Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels / (612) 377-2203

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Clarence Nunn GE Fleet Services / (952) 828-1000

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Michelle Swanson Xcel Energy / (952) 829-4504

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Stephen West EP Independent School District 272 / (952) 975-7141

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Bryan Zimmerman Allied Waste Services / (952) 941-8394

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

I co-own Sign*A*Rama-EP with my husband Lee. I reside in Delano on a hobby farm with Lee, my daughter, long hair Chihuahua Lucy (4 pounds), Barn/House cat “Miss Kitty”, and three lovely Morgan Mares.

Barb Lyons (Left) at an After Hours (2011)

Tell us some more interesting things about you!

Something that you might not know about me, is that I have just learned to knit my first pair of socks and will finish my second pair soon. I also enjoy spending time in the barn with the horses.

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 Grow Minnesota! Bolsters Chamber’s Efforts

By David C. Olson Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

The Minnesota Chamber works year-round to enhance the overall environment for business and job growth in Minnesota.

Our mission has been supported the past nine years through Grow Minnesota!; our private-sector economic development program aimed at retaining and creating Minnesota jobs.

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Make business costs more affordable – Initiatives include restructuring electric rates so they reflect the cost of serving each specific customer, implementing a state health insurance exchange, and leading the discussion on tax reform.

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Ensure fairness in state rules and regulations – Initiatives include creating a permit advocate for large private-sector economic development projects as well as advocating for legal and regulatory reform.

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Be innovative and entrepreneurial in delivering government services – Initiatives include leading local and state government service redesign, supporting priority and outcomesbased budgeting and aligning public-sector compensation systems with the private sector.

“Tomorrow’s Workforce” is the theme of Grow Minnesota!’s 2010-2011 program year. The annual report will be released in January on our website at www.mnchamber.com.

This year’s findings echo a theme heard in several circles. Many companies are struggling to find workers in this challenging economy. When they do find workers, the individuals often lack the right skills.

Grow Minnesota!, in partnership with nearly 60 local chambers of commerce, including Eden Prairie, and private economic development organizations, had another impressive year. More than 400 business volunteers assisted chamber staff in conducting nearly 1,000 conversations with owners or top management of companies across the state. Twenty-three percent were revisits of companies from previous years.

The successes achieved would not be possible without the participation and contributions of our local partners.

The visits provide the “eyes and ears” on the changes and, hopefully, growth at almost 1,000 Minnesota businesses. Grow Minnesota! is earning a reputation for connecting individual businesses with necessary private and public resources to address their specific challenges. This past year the program provided one-on-one assistance to 122 firms that resulted in protecting 4,900 jobs.

Equally important, Grow Minnesota! business visits provide important feedback on what’s working and not working in state public policy, especially those policies that affect the development of the state’s economy and job growth. The Minnesota Chamber uses information gleaned from business owners and managers to bolster our agenda at the Capitol. This year’s visits reinforce our top priorities for 2012: •

Develop the best talent for our workforce – Chamber initiatives include improving K-12 teacher evaluation and aligning higher education with workforce needs.

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The Minnesota Chamber truly has a two-pronged strategy for building the state’s economy. We’re still working to strengthen the statewide business climate. Plus, we’re rolling up our sleeves to help companies one at a time. We’re seeing results on both fronts. If your company would like a visit from Grow Minnesota!, please contact the Eden Prairie Chamber offices at 952944-2830 or Bill Blazar, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, senior vice president of public affairs and business development, at bblazar@mnchamber.com.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.

~ SPONSORSHIP CORNER ~ Women’s Networking Luncheon: Jan. 12th

(763) 231-9500 / www.prosperwell.com

State of the City Luncheon: Jan. 19th

(763) 231-9500

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

Community Building SPOTLIGHT ON A CHAMBER MEMBER: Q & A Thomson Reuters, Chamber member since 2007 We had the opporunity to spend a little time with Rick King at Thomson Reuters, one of our 2012 Annual Sponsors! Rick is the Chief Operating Officer, Technology at Thomson Reuters. Below are some questions we asked to get to know Thomson Reuters and their business a little bit more.

Eden Prairie Chamber (EPC): Please tell us a little bit about your business.

Thomson Reuters (TR): Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people (over 7,000 in Eagan) and operates in over 100 countries.

EPC: What are some key aspects of your business that you take special pride in?

TR: Thomson Reuters is a unique organization built on producing products and services with the highest degree of quality – something we take great pride in. Of course, we know that our success wouldn’t be possible without our incredibly sophisticated Technology organization. We employ the brightest technologists to develop and research the best products on the market today.

From software to hardware and infrastructure to data centers, we are literally built on technology.

EPC: What is it about the Chamber that has lead you to be a member and an annual sponsor?

TR: The Eden Prairie Chamber is absolutely committed to serving local businesses (both large and small) to succeed. While businesses like ours may employ large numbers of people, we know that small businesses are the backbone for the Minnesota economy. As one of the 530 area businesses represented by the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, we are confident the EPCC’s vision of promoting commerce, enhancing your members’ business success through leadership, partnership and growth opportunities is a perfect match. We also have over 80 employees that live in EP. EPC: Final question, what are some positives that you are looking for in 2012- 2013?

TR: We, along with so many others who’ve seen our businesses shaped by the economic climate, are excited to see the market making a positive shift – and our customers are responding. Thomson Reuters is making significant investments in research and development to make our products stronger and more efficient than ever. One key area of focus is in our mobile products – providing access to our signature services literally when you need it. Learn more about our business at www.ThomsonReuters.com Thomson Reuters is located at 610 Opperman Drive, D5-N429, Eagan, MN 55123 (651) 848-7819 www.ThomsonReuters.com

Charles DeBono Volunteer of the Year Nominations are Available... DUE: Friday, February 24th by 4:00 PM This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions by volunteering in the Eden Prarie Chamber of Commerce and in the community. Do you know someone who fits that description?!

If so, visit our website at www.epchamber.org/News.asp?DocID=245 and print a nomination form today!

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

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Networking Famous Dave Anderson Wows Audience

Advertising Opportunities

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

The founder of Famous Dave’s restaurants, Dave Anderson, received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his presentation to the Chamber members at our recent luncheon.

One of the first comments he made was that he is a strong advocate of joining chambers of commerce for his business and he tells others to do the same. You make strong business connections and build a network that can’t be beat.

with the EP Chamber!

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Press Releases/Job Opps. (FREE!)

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Member2Member Discount (FREE!)

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E-blast Ads ($75- $100) - $85 Ad (8.5” wide x 5” tall)- NEW PRICE! - $100 Ad (8.5”wide x 5” tall)- Solo ad on Wednesdays- NEW!

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Website Banner Ads (call for pricing)

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Upgrade Your Online Directory Listing ($50-$300 / year)

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Newsletter Inserts ($150)

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Newsletter Ads ($150-$305)

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Purchase Mailing Labels ($125-$225)

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Host an After Hours Event ($200)

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Host a Noontime or Breakfast Networking Event ($150)

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Rent the EPC Conference Room ($25/hr)

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Sponsor a General Membership Lunch - Main Sponsor ($500) - Supporting Sponsor ($250) - Display Table Sponsor ($100)

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Sponsor a Women’s Networking Lunch - Main Sponsor ($200)

He also highlighted his top lessons learned: 1. Stand up! Stand out! Get fired up! Don’t hold back, give everything you do your total effort. Energy is everything – the #1 character trait is passion.

He discussed his company and his passion – the same passion that tripled their company stock in a bad economy.

2. You become what you think about all the time.

3. You can’t achieve your greatest dreams being the person you are right now.

He reads 2-3 books a week to increase his knowledge and ideas. He mentioned and recommended Zig Ziglar.

4. Follow your passion.

5. Live everyday creating value.

6. What is your claim to fame? He discussed his first restaurant in Hayward, Wisconsin – a town of 1,800 people and they were serving 4-6,000 people a week!

7. The secrets to all success in life are problems. Do what others won’t do.

He ended his comments by highlighting the beneficial efforts of the chamber and the business people in the room and asked one final question of our group.

“The real strength of America lies in rooms like this! What kind of legacy are you leaving?”

The Chamber has many more great programs and speakers planned for this y year.

Please plan on attending or sending other staff members to these programs.

For a complete list of programs and events, please go to www.epchamber.org.

For more information on any of the above advertising opportunities, please contact Sammi at: 952-944-2830 or at communications@epchamber.org

Famous Dave Anderson (Left), Dave Anderson-Mahoney Anderson LLC (Right)

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

Networking New Members: Add Them to Your Directory!

FamilyMeans- CCCS Suzy Wheeler, Edu. Specialist 1875 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-4840 www.familymeans.org

Key Surgical Inc Ralph Herda, CFO 8101 Wallace Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952- 914-9789 www.keysurgical.com

USA Mobile Drug Testing of Mpls Eric Bensen, President 333 Washington Ave. N. #300 Minneapolis, MN 55401 612-333-1525 www.USAMDT.com/Minneapolis

10th Annual Home, Landscape & Garden

Everything Spring Expo

SATURDAY, MARCH 17th, 2012 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM • Grace Church, Eden Prairie

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Join us at the 10th Annual Eden Prairie “Everything Spring Expo!”

FREE Parking!

FREE Admission!

FREE Seminars!

100+ Exhibitors!

Door Prizes!

Over 1,300 Attendees!

FREE SEMINAR LINE-UP: 9:15 AM / Room A 9:30 AM / Room B 10:00 AM / Room A 10:15 AM / Room B 10:45 AM / Room A 11:00 AM / Room B

2011 Oh What a Year: What to Expect for Your Yard & Plants- The Lawn Ranger

11:30 AM / Room A

Understanding Siding & Windows - Sandau Construction Kitchen Concepts - Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build New Plants for 2012 - The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center Getting Your House Ready to Sell - Edina Realty Kitchen Remodeling & Design - Boyer Building Leaf Covers Pros & Cons- Q&A - Gutter Topper

11:45 AM / Room B

Bring the whole family!

Activities for kids will be provided by: - Animal Display (Lowry Nature Centerfrom 9 AM - Noon) - Kids Seed Potting (The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center) - Crafts (KidCreate Studio) - Crafts (Eden Prairie Art Center)

Water Smart Landscaping - City of Eden Prairie Q&A for Common Yard & Garden Problems - Greenery Schack Landscaping Finding Space - Plekkenpol Builders Garden Inspiration: Where Does It Come From?

- Bachman’s Saving Your Body While Keeping Your Garden Green - HealthSource

12:15 PM / Room A 12:30 PM / Room B 1:00 PM / Room A 1:15 PM / Room B

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

FEBRUARY 2012 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1

2

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

7:30 AM- Business Development Committee Meeting

Friday 3

3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Meeting @EPC

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7

8

9

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

7:30 AM- Board Meeting

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

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11:00 AM - 1:00 PM- 4th Annual Valentine Vixens Event at Brunswick Zone (Women’s Networking) 4:30 - 6:00 PM- After Hours at Eric Nelson, CPA

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14

15

16

17

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM- General Membership Luncheon: Social Media for Business *Newsletter Ads due to Chamber

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21

22

7:30 AM- Government Committee Meeting

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

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24

4:30 - 6:00 PM, After Hours at CHOICE, Inc.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Fusion Meeting at STAR BANK

*Newsletter Inserts due to Chamber by 4 PM

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28

29 7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Gala Committee Meeting at EPC

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