February 2013 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2013 - Vol. 44, Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE...

Leadership P2 - Article by Cathy Haukedahl P3 - Q & A: Ambassador of the Year P3 - Ambassador Updates P4 - Article by Pat MulQueeny P4 - Sponsorship Corner

Community Building P5 - Update Eden Prairie Schools

Public Policy P6 - Article by David Olson

Networking P7 P7 P7 P8-

Recognition Committee Article by Sammi Dummel Article by Brianna Tollefson February 2013 Calendar

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Valentine Vixens

General Membership Lunch

Thursday, February 14th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM @ Brunswick Zone

Topic: Obamacare Thursday, February 21st 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM @ Olympic Hills

Join us for the 5th Annual Valentine Vixens Event at Brunswick Zone! This will be our February Women’s Networking event.

This event has it all - networking, a delicious lunch, pampering, massages and fun items that you can buy! Our exhibitors include: • • • • • • • • • •

Bouari Clinic - Eden Prairie Check Engine Express Encore Consignment HealthSource Chiropractic Healthy Training, LLC Jockey Person2Person My White Giraffe PROP Shop Silpada Venture Photography

Join us for this important

February General Membership Luncheon where we will hear from Terry Moore with Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC! Terry is going to talk about the ins and the outs of Obamacare and what you need to know.

Don’t miss out on any of the fun- sign up today!

Terry Moore advises business clients from a variety of industries, with a concentration in the broadcasting and healthcare industries.

His practice taps heavily on his experience in negotiations, the broadcast industry and as an entrepreneur himself. Terry advises companies in a broad range of areas, including contract negotiations, sale and acquisition of businesses, employment matters, real estate, regulatory matters, and many other areas. Don’t miss out on this informative luncheon!

LOCATION: Brunswick Zone, 122000 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie

LOCATION: Olympic Hills, 10625 Mount Curve Road, Eden Prairie

COST: $25 for Members/$40 for Non-Members

COST: $25 for Members / $40 Non-Members

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

Silver Sponsor

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THANK YOU to our 2013 Annual Sponsors!

General Sponsor

Generall Sponsor S

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YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

Leadership Heart Health Month for Your Business

By Cathy Haukedahl, 2013 Chamber Board Chair Flagship Bank

How healthy is the heart of your busi-

ness? Are you staying on track with your business strategic plan? Is your social media marketing plan performing? How is the fiscal cliff affecting your business? Facebook and Twitter on your bucket list for 2013?

To confirm my promise to you of branding the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce the “Go-To” Chamber for business, I’m very excited to announce the:

held at the new Radisson Blu Hotel at the Mall of America!!

Sending my best wishes for a heart healthy February Cathy Haukedahl

Cathy Haukedahl is the 2013 Board Chair for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to contact Cathy regarding the Eden Prairie Chamber, she can be reached at 952-944-6050.

1st Annual Eden Prairie Business Conference The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Eden Prairie to offer a Business Conference, Wednesday afternoon, June 19th at Eden Prairie City Hall. For $35, you’ll participate in panel discussions from Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce experts who will discuss and answer your questions about business tax, networking, social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, sales performance, legal issues, heath & wellness, financial planning, investments, business banking, lines of credit, marketing and branding.

We’ll hear from a keynote speaker and end our day with the biggest after hour networking event of the year.

There are over 4,000+ businesses in Eden Prairie. Our business conference is open to ALL businesses in Eden Prairie. However, as a “value add” to your Chamber membership, you MUST be an Eden Prairie Chamber Member to serve as a panel expert. We are limiting the conference to the first 100 participants and opening the after hours networking event to all 4,000+ Eden Prairie businesses. Please watch for Chamber email updates for more information about becoming a panel expert, participant or sponsor of this event.

So exciting! Please save the date: Saturday, October 26, 2013. Your Eden Prairie Chamber Gala will be

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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 Q & A: Ambassador of the Year for 2012: Steve Bowman with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air!!!

For 2012, the “Ambassador of the Year” is Steve Bowman, with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air! EPC: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Steve: I have lived in the Minneapolis area all of my 54 years! I went to South High School and earned an Associate’s degree in Sales & Marketing at Normandale Community College. My first sales job was in direct sales, selling a photo program. I then sold seafood for a while. After that, I worked as an installer at a garage door company. In the mid 80’s I landed a job at an appliance repair company where I also learned how to service furnaces and air conditioners.

EPC: Tell us about your role at Tiger.

Steve: I have been with Tiger for 9 ½ years now, first as a technician and installer, then as the company grew I was able to take advantage of my sales background and moved into my current position as the Comfort Consultant. I came to Tiger because the owner shared my belief that the customer should come first and quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of profit. It is my job to find a heating and air conditioning system which is the best match for your home and budget, design the sheet metal, prepare the rebate forms & the documents the customer will need to claim their tax credits. I appreciate the great people at Tiger who are dedicated to making sure the job is done right the first time. Our customer surveys are showing an overall customer satisfaction rating of 97%!

EPC: What is your favorite part about being an Ambassador for the EPC? Steve: I enjoy meeting the new members & hearing about their businesses. Through the mentor program I enjoy working with the new members and help them grow with the Chamber. This committee is made up of a group of the greatest people I have ever met. They are all eager to help each other and their fellow Chamber members. Sammi Dummel on staff with the Chamber does a fantastic job of setting up and coordinating the various Ambassador events.

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

Steve: The more involved you are with the Chamber the more you will benefit from it! Check the Chamber website and look at the “Events” calendar. I started with Business@Breakfast and after hours events which remain my favorites. Usually there are several Ambassadors there, just look for our nametags and let us know you are new. We are always happy to help! Since I became active in the Chamber our business has grown so much we moved to a new facility last spring.

EPC: Tell us some more interesting things about you.

Steve: I have lived in my current home in Savage for 22 years now. My wife, Lisa and I recently celebrated our 29th anniversary and have two wonderful sons. My older son has a tremendous mechanical ability and has earned a full time position at four wheel drive shop. My younger son is very athletic. He made the All Conference team his junior year on the Burnsville football team and was named the team captain for 2014. Hopefully we will be playing Eden Prairie for the State Championship next fall! He also plays lacrosse and basketball. I am very proud of both of them! In the warmer months I like to get out of town with our camper as much as possible or relax by my Koi pond.

Ambassador Updates from January 2013!

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 January of 2013! You can find the photos of the visits on our website.

ApplianceSmart Tiffany Olson, Marketing Manager 14675 Martin Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-356-3322 www.ApplianceSmart.com

AirMaxx Trampoline Park, LLC Mike Balfanz, Owner 7000 Washington Avenue Eden Prairie, MN 55344 320-290-3410 www.AirMaxxTrampolinePark.com

Link to Life Stacey Stelter, Instructor 14255 Valley View Road, #203 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-250-3928 www.LinkToLifeCPR.com

My White Giraffe Janelle Carlyle, Owner 8560 Mission Hills Lane Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-949-0875 www.MyWhiteGiraffe.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 Have Your Voice Heard

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

As a member of the Eden Prairie Cham-

ber, there are a number of ways to have your business voice heard on issues at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber’s Government Committee is focused on being the voice of our local businesses. The committee discusses issues, brings in guest speakers and recommends positions on issues to our Board of Directors. Top issues discussed include the proposed Southwest LRT line, education issues, taxes and other government regulations. The committee typically meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m.

In the coming months, the Chamber will be hosting programs with our elected officials and publishing updates from our State elected officials in the Chamber newsletter. If you have questions for our city council members, State Representative or Senator or Federal officials, please submit those to us at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.

Business Development Committee Hears from Local Businesses The Chamber’s Business Development Committee conducts face-to-face Grow MN meetings with local businesses to find out how we can help them, what are the issues and government policies that are impacting their business. Grow MN is a state wide program from the Minnesota Chamber that the Eden Prairie Everyone’s got Chamber partners on in getting 25 visits coman answer... pleted each year. The committee looks for ways to help businesses or connect them to resources they can utilize.

If you would like to schedule a visit (which will also give your business additional visibility in future Chamber newsletters), then please send an e-mail to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.

Sponsorship Corner ~ JANUARY ~ Ambassador Lunch Sponsor (All Year)

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

General Membership Luncheon

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

BusinessConnection 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.

Connect online: www.mnbizconnect.com

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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 of the laptop computers at the high school this spring.

With the start of a new year, Eden Prairie Schools continues

to focus on initiatives that will directly benefit students. Here are some of the highlights happening in Eden Prairie Schools: •

At its organizational meeting in early January, the Eden Prairie School board elected officers for 2013. The officers are the same as last year and include: - Ranee Jacobus, chair - John Estall, vice chair - Holly Parker, clerk - Chuck Mueller, treasurer

•

Work on the district’s draft strategic plan is in high gear.

In late November, the core planning team – comprised of 25 parents, staff members and community members – developed the draft strategic plan. In early January, the draft plan was handed off to the action planning teams and the measurement team. There are five action planning teams, one for each of the strategies included in the draft plan.

The purpose of the action planning teams is to develop specific action steps to be implemented for each strategy. The purpose of the measurement team is to develop tools and metrics to measure progress as the plan is implemented.

Both the action planning teams and the measurement team will finalize their work in March. The draft plan and other materials will be finalized by the core planning team in April and presented to the board in May. More information about the district’s strategic planning process is included on the district’s website at www.edenpr.org.

•

Since the announcement of the long-term roll out plan of i-Learn@EP in late November by Superintendent Curt Tryggestad, many steps have been taken to begin the implementation of the initiative. The first major action step was a pilot program at Central Middle School. In early December, students on the Amber Team received an iPad that will be theirs for the duration of the school year. The purpose of the pilot was to receive initial feedback on the use of the devices before the school-wide launch of iPads for all CMS students in late January. The other significant action step was the decision to roll out MacBook Air laptop computers for all Eden Prairie High School students for the 2013-2014 school year. Each teacher at the high school will receive a MacBook Air computer in the coming weeks to begin using. The district is also considering a pilot roll out

•

Sarah Wilhite, an EPHS senior, has been named the Gatorade Minnesota Volleyball Player of the year. This is the second consecutive year that she has received this recognition.

The Gatorade Player of the Year award honors top high school student athletes in 12 varsity sports for their athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.

The Gatorade high school sports leadership team works in partnership with USA Today high school sports, along with top sport-specific experts and veteran prep sports journalists.

•

As part of its transition to a policy governance model, the Eden Prairie School Board sought input from its “owners,” which are defined as Eden Prairie residents and taxpayers, on the “ends” policies that are an essential part of the policy governance model. The ends policies indicate the results that the board is seeking from the school system. The board has developed a draft of the ends policies and wanted input from the public on the draft. The board conducted two community meetings and an online survey to solicit input.

The input from the survey and public sessions will be summarized and used by the board to finalize the ends policies.

•

Two Eden Prairie Schools teachers have been named as “Exceptional Teachers” by TIES, a state-wide education technology collaborative, for their use of technology in their classrooms. Allison Grajkowske is a math teacher at EPHS, and Gretchen Kleinsasser teaches fourth grade at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion. Teachers around the state are nominated by their peers for this recognition.

Grajkowske has been teaching at the high school for seven years. Kleinsasser is in her fourth year with the district. The two received their awards from Brenda Cassellius, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education.

We are now accepting Charles DeBono Volunteer of the Year Nominations!!!

Nominations are due Friday, March 29th You can find the form inserted into this newsletter

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 Advancing Our 2013 Agenda: United for Jobs By: David Olson, President / www.mnchamber.com Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Candidates of all political stripes

and backgrounds ran in this year’s election on an agenda of jobs and how they are going to build the economy. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and assist. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our statewide network of local chamber partners know what it takes to keep and create private-sector jobs.

Minnesotans face a dramatically different political landscape at the State Capitol. A single political party controls the executive and legislative branches for the first time in 22 years. That said, we are confident that no newly elected legislator wants to harm the economy or stall the recovery.

Our six legislative priorities are focused on strengthening the business environment and improving the lives of all Minnesotans:

at a slowing rate while costs are increasing. Our population is graying; more Minnesotans are demanding government services while there are fewer workers to pay taxes to provide the services.

Above all, policy-makers must understand that we live in a global economy. Companies pay close attention to costs and regulations for doing business in other states and nations when deciding whether to locate and/or expand operations in Minnesota.

The new circumstances require that Minnesota be innovative and forward-looking in our solutions if we are to maintain a vibrant economy. We encourage all business owners and managers to contact your legislators and underscore how important their decisions are to your ability to provide jobs in Minnesota.

Education/workforce development: Strengthen our education and workforce development systems at every point in the pipeline if Minnesota is to distinguish itself as the skilled workforce state.

Spending/taxes: Reform the spending system to have long-term fiscal stability by making spending decisions based on statewide priorities and measurable outcomes. Improve the tax system with a focus on keeping and growing jobs in Minnesota in our increasingly competitive global economy.

Health: Implement a health insurance exchange that ensures quality health care at a good value.

Energy: Restructure electric rates so all customers are paying for the actual cost of service.

Environment/natural resources: Implement additional efficiencies in environmental review systems at state agencies while still protecting our natural resources.

Elections: Move the primary election from August to June so challengers and incumbents compete on a level playing field.

Minnesota is facing a new set of demographics. We have one of the widest achievement gaps in the country between whites and minorities, and an increasing number of Minnesota students are on the wrong side of the gap. State revenues are growing

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

Networking EPC Recognition Committee Update By: Mike Jessop, Chair of the Recognition Committee Bux Back

Thanks for taking a moment to read about what is happening with the

EPC Recognition committee in 2013. Our primary responsibility is to obtain nominations and determine the winners of the following awards: • • • • •

Charles DeBono Volunteer Appreciation Award - Due: Friday, March 29th Small Business Person of the Year The Athena Award The Dr. Jean L. Harris Scholarship The Golden Apple, Student Citizenship and Post-Secondary Scholarships

2012 Volunteer of the Year Winner, Randy Royse pictured above with Ms. DeBono.

As we look to improve upon the great track record set forth by the Chamber with these awards we are seeking your help in bringing forward more nominations. We would also like to recruit more members to our committee, especially those with ties to our local educational institutions. So, if you are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, please get in touch! As always we are also on the lookout for speakers for our luncheons and any input you may have regarding our existing or new awards.

It’s Not Goodbye...It’s See You Later!

I

f you haven’t already heard, my fiance and I are moving to the great state of Indiana at the beginning of February! I wanted to take a minute to say “see you later” and express my gratitude.

I have been very blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity to work here at the Eden Prairie Chamber. I have met some of the most helpful and amazing people. In my opinion, this Chamber definitely has “one-up” on the other Chambers in the area!

I have the best co-workers, they are fun, nice and are like a family. I have the best volunteers, they have all been so sweet and made my job really easy. I was able to grow professionally and improve on my skills. Seriously, what more could a girl ask for?!

I want to THANK YOU for making my experience at the Chamber such a great one! I am sad to go but would love to connect with you on LinkedIn, if we haven’t already - look me up. So for now...thank you and see you later!

Hello: Welcome Brianna Tollefson!

Everyone welcome Brianna, the newest

edition to our staff! She will be taking over as the Marketing & Communications Manager.

Brianna graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. She is a social media enthusiast and has enjoyed creating promotional and marketing materials in her previous positions. During college she was a member of AmeriCorps and trained volunteers to feed the greater Mankato area. Throughout her college career she was also an active member of the Marketing Club and Public Relations Student Society of America.

She grew up in Apple Valley and is excited to work close to home. In her free time she loves to watch sports and her favorite team is the Minnesota Twins. She enjoys learning new things and plays co-rec softball with friends in the Summer.

She is very excited to start her journey as the new Marketing and Communications Manager for the EPC.

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 2013 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

4

5

6

7

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

7:30 AM - Business Development Committee @ EPC

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

11

12

8

7:30 AM - Breakfast Networking @ Fairview Hospital & a chance to win the Chamber Jackpot

13

14

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

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

15

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Valentine Vixen Event @ Brunswick Zone *Newsletter ads due to EPC

18

19

20

7:30 AM - Government Committee Meeting @ EPC

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

21

22

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, General Membership Luncheon - Obamacare @Olympic Hills

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

*Newsletter inserts due to EPC

25

26

27

28

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

4:30 - 6:00 PM - After Hours Expo at Brunswick Zone & a chance to win the Chamber Jackpot!

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