CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THANK YOU 2017 ANNUAL SPONSORS! BUSINESS INVESTOR
Vol. 48, Issue 2 | February 2017
WOMEN’S NETWORKING BUSINESS EXPO The annual Women’s Networking Business Expo is back for 2017! If you are introverted, extroverted, new to networking, new to the Eden Prairie Chamber, not a member of the Chamber and/or love to meet great people without sounding salesy — this is the event for you!
SILVER SPONSORS
Join Judy Zimmer, Executive Coach, personal branding expert and CEO of Coachology.us, for an interactive and fun Judy Zimmer CEO, Coachology.us presentation that will focus on how to meet new people and celebrate the brand that makes each person unique. We’ll explore five key aspects of personal branding that will help you to remember what is unique about others and their business. You’ll walk away with tips and techniques and new connections based on authenticity, trust and fun and you will leave with a fresh new perspective on networking in 2017! Plus, browse the many interactive exhibitor tables prior to the presentation and engage with a variety of member businesses.
BRONZE SPONSOR
If you’d like to display your unique products and services for the Business Expo attendees as an exhibitor, please find the registration form at epchamber.org/events. asp or email Sarah at sarah.ober@epchamber.org. DATE: Thursday, February 9, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Olympic Hills Golf Club (10625 Mt Curve Rd, Eden Prairie)
Zane Birky
Thank you to the 2017 Women’s Networking Annual Sponsor:
COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
Connect with the Chamber
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“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
YOUR CONNECTION TO THE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969
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LEADERSHIP
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A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Alan Wallner President, W Creative A vision and call to action for 2017 and beyond The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce leverages its position in the community to be the voice of local business. The Chamber is pro-business and works continuously to maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, our membership and the business community at large. One of our goals for 2017 is to increase the Chamber’s influence at local, state and federal levels and to actively work to set the legislative agenda for the marketplace in order to secure a vibrant future for business in the Southwestern metro area. The Chamber is committed to making the organization the best it can be through an emphasis on leadership and excellence. This commitment to leadership and excellence comes from not only the Chamber Board of Directors, president and staff, but also the membership. As we engage initiatives and begin to gear up for 2017 and beyond, we are asking for help from the Chamber’s membership. To build and grow the Chamber to be one of the most influential chambers in Minnesota, we need to have a stronger voice and greater connection with all businesses in the metro area. In mid-February, we are kicking off the Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event that is focused on increasing the Eden Prairie Chamber membership, and as a result, position the Chamber as a stronger and more widely engaged organization driven by leaders focused on building strong businesses in the local community. We are asking Chamber members to take 5 minutes and reach out to another business they do business with and share with them some of the great reasons why they joined the Chamber. Ask them to be a part of this initiative and create new opportunities that will strengthen their business in 2017 and years to come. Let’s work together to make the Chamber a highly valued resource of expertise and leadership in the greater Minnesota business community. Let’s continue to support the tradition of strong, resourceful programming with a focus on community and business development. Let’s collaborate with other business leaders to build the vision of a strong business community. This week, take a moment and reach out to another local business and let them know why you value the Eden Prairie Chamber and ask them to be part of growing the Chamber into becoming one of the most influential chambers in Minnesota. The first step in turning a vision into reality is making the commitment to take that first step. Please watch for Chamber email updates for more information about the Chamber Membership Event on February 14, 15, and 16. If you would like more information or to take part in the Chamber Membership Event, please contact Pat MulQueeny at (952) 944-2830 or pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the Chamber President By: Pat MulQueeny President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Partnerships and Opportunities The Eden Prairie Chamber prides itself on providing great programs and opportunities for our businesses to make connections, increase sales and build their business. One of the key ways we do this is through our programs and partnerships. We are continuing our B.E.E.R. (Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers) partnership with quarterly programs. This year’s theme is “Navigating Troubled Business Waters” and each program will highlight a business issue or opportunity that will help you now, and in the future. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the topic will be focused on workforce. Our speaker is former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, who currently serves as CEO and President of the Minneapolis Foundation. Also, mark your calendars for the second annual Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit set for Friday, May 19th at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bloomington. The Eden Prairie Chamber launched this event in 2016 to help businesses and their future leaders gain skills and an understanding of business issues – and to provide a space for collaboration between future leaders of a variety of industries. Last year’s event drew over 200 young professionals from the Twin Cities metro and neighboring states, and this year’s event is expected to come close to doubling that number. This year’s theme is “Diversity and Inclusion” and will be weaved throughout the speakers and programs that day. For more information, go to tcypsummit.com or call the Chamber at (952) 944-2830 for registration and sponsorship information. Metro Survey Results In December 2016, the Eden Prairie Chamber asked its members to participate in a metrowide business survey as part of the Metropolitan Advocacy Coalition of Chambers. Our Chamber has championed this effort, were pleased to see it happen and for us to report the results.
• Economy –an overwhelming majority of our respondents believe that the economy is heading in the right direction. This view is stronger the more local the level, with many expecting to see an increase in revenues and nearly 90% are expecting the size of their workforce to remain the same or increase. • Workforce Regulations – Businesses across the Twin Cities are concerned about individual cities passing new regulations to govern scheduling employees, the amount of safe and sick time provided and minimum wage requirements above the State level. More than 70% of businesses believe ordinances related to scheduling and paid safe and sick leave will have a negative impact on their business. Close to 80% of Eden Prairie businesses that responded already have benefit programs in place for their workforce that is designed for their specific industry and employees. • Metro sales tax – Just over 60% of Eden Prairie businesses that responded oppose additional sales tax increases to support transit funding. If a sales tax is increased for this, 65% of our respondents believe that voters should have to approve the plan. • Future challenges – workforce issues and specifically the cost of labor and access to skilled workforce topped the list for our businesses, followed closely by health care costs and the cost of complying with local and state regulations. Join us for Business Day at the Capitol We encourage our members to participate in Business Day at the Capitol on March 8th starting at 10:45 a.m. This program, coordinated by the Minnesota Chamber, brings hundreds of statewide business leaders together to meet our elected officials and discuss the top business issues for Minnesota. Information and registration for this program can be found at mnchamber.com. If you plan to attend, please e-mail pat.mulqueeny@ epchamber.org so we can coordinate our Eden Prairie business group.
“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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LOOKING BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER DECEMBER WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp
Legislative Luncheon Join the Eden Prairie Chamber as we kick off the 2017 legislative session with State Representative Jenifer Loon, State Senator Steve Cwodzinski and State Representative Laurie Pryor. We will be discussing the issues most important to local businesses in the upcoming legislative session. We will hear from newly elected Senator Steve Cwodzinski and Representative Laurie Pryor and Representative Jenifer Loon, who is in her fifth term. DATE: Friday, February 3, 11:30 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn (6330 Point Chase, Eden Prairie) COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
Legislative Breakfast with TwinWest We are partnering with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce for a Legislative Breakfast on February 10. This particular event in the series welcomes the 2017 Legislative Leadership made up of Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt and House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman. The leaders will discuss their caucuses’ priorities for the 2017 session. DATE: Friday, February 10, 7:30 - 9 AM LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton-Minneapolis Park Place (1500 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park) COST: $35 for members, $55 for non-members
Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast is a great program for companies that depend on one-on-one interactions or referrals. Attendees get the opportunity to present a 30-45 second commercial about their business and all attendees enjoy a 15-20 minute presentation by a featured presenter. Plus, there’s plenty of time for networking before and after the program so be sure to arrive by 7:15 a.m. February 8: Laura Meister is an Independent Herbalife distributor in Eden Prairie. For the past 10 years, Laura has utilized Herbalife as a vehicle to help people create positive habits. Through the years, she has learned a few insights to some elusive questions: Why is it so hard to create a habit for something I love to do? How quickly can I change a habit? What can I do to make sure I stick to a new habit? Whether it be creating a new eating habit, exercise routine, or business building activity, habits are tough creatures to figure out! We’ll spend some time February 8th discovering the how and the why! February 22: Stacey Steen’s experience growing businesses first evolved through her volunteer endeavors, freelancing, and now entrepreneurship with People Centered Marketing. Stacey has a passion for the helping fields. These include health, children, social services and education. Face-to-face marketing is the most direct way to get a message across. Relationships open the door for partnerships and one good DATE: Wednesday, February 8 - Laura Meister Wednesday, February 22 - Stacey Steen LOCATION: Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC (8050 W 78th St, Edina) COST: $12 for members, $17 for non-members
Thank you to our 2017 Business@Breakfast sponsor:
NETWORKING
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After Hours Join us for the first After Hours of the year hosted by Keller Williams Commercial and Keller Williams Elite - The Guild Group! Enjoy complimentary appetizers and nonalcoholic beverages provided by CRAVE, one complimentary alcoholic beverage, numerous door prizes and a goodie bag from all of the hosts. Learn more about the Keller Williams team and how they can serve you while you mingle with fellow members of the Chamber. Attendees are welcome to start arriving any time after 4 PM to meet the representatives with Keller Williams Commercial and The Guild Group, and to check-out the new CRAVE restaurant in Eden Prairie. DATE: Thursday, February 23, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: CRAVE (8251 Flying Cloud Dr #3010, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for nonmembers
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event 2017 Over 100 members in 2 days. Are you up for the challenge? The Chamber is excited to announce a brand-new program for 2017: Go All in with the Chamber! Go All In with the Chamber is a community-wide membership event focused on growing the impact and influence of the Chamber and our membership. Our volunteers will utilize their network of business connections to help grow the influence and impact of the Chamber. With new members comes new opportunities for networking for our current members, and new resources for the Chamber to better serve you. We are setting our sights high—with a goal of 100 new members in just two days! How can you help? Start the buzz. Talk to your clients and colleagues who are not already members of the Chamber about why you joined the Chamber and how it has served you and your business. Tell them that this event is coming up and that it is a GREAT time to join! Let us know who you reach out to, and how we can follow-up with them. Volunteer. Many of our volunteers will be contacted directly. If you haven’t been contacted yet but still want to be a part of this event, please call the Chamber at (952) 944-2830 and we will find a spot that best fits your strengths and interests. Donate. Would you like to get your product in front of our dozens of volunteers? Donate or sponsor refreshments or snacks for our generous volunteers as they work. If you have any questions about Go All In with the Chamber, please call the Chamber office at (952) 944-2830.
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: EVENTSIN INDECEMBER JANUARY LOOKINGBACK: BACK: EVENTS EVENTS LOOKING INDECEMBER Missed an event?
You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/
Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast kicked-off for the year on January 11, featuring a presentation by Dominic DesMarais on how he fits the right mortgage loan for the client’s financial life and goals at any stage of life. B@B on January 25 featured Lonny Gulden, the Twin Cities LinkedIn guru. Lonny gave attendees tips and tricks to utilizing LinkedIn to build your bran and to find people in your target audience. Business@Breakfast is the Chamber’s regular networking event that is ideal for companies that depend on one-on-one interaction and referrals. If you are looking to tackle your sales and networking goals for the new year, start at B@B! Check out the online calendar at epchamber.org/events.asp to register for the next Business@Breakfast.
State of the City Luncheon The Chamber’s annual State of the City Luncheon was January 19 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest. Attendees gathered an overall snapshot of what’s happening and what’s to come for Eden Prairie. First, Chamber President Pat MulQueeny gave updates on the business community and the issues most important for 2017. Eden Prairie Schools Superintendent Curt Tryggestad then provided an update on their Designing Pathways program and possible challenges the schools will face in 2017. Finally, Eden Prairie City Manager Rick Getschow shared the great progress our city made in 2016, including the recognition from Money Magazine that noted Eden Prairie as the #2 best place to live, as well as the projections and exciting growth opportunities we have for 2017. Thank you to our luncheon sponsors Comcast Business and Xcel Energy for your continued support of our business community. And thank you to our Balloon Sponsor Anagram Balloons for making our event pop with their balloon bouquets. Don’t miss the next great Chamber event! Keep up-to-date on everything coming up at epchamber.org/events.asp
www.epchamber.org
New Members
MEMBERSHIP Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Welcome to the Chamber! Aflac 5810 W 78th Street, #210 Edina, MN 55439 (320) 293-2183 www.aflac.com ChiroFit Health and Wellness 7114 Shady Oak Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 943-2404 www.chirofithealth.com Chanhassen Chiropractic 7800 Market Boulevard Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 934-4500 www.chanhassenchiro.com
ChiroFit
ProfitPlus Account Management
Snap Fitness Eden Prairie 8767 Columbine Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 944-7627 www.snapfitness.com/edenprairie Trinity Exteriors 4204 Park Glen Road St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 920-9520 www.trinityexteriorsinc.com
CRAVE
Clearent 8016 Telegraph Road Bloomington, MN 55438 (612) 940-8357 www.clearent.com Brain Balance 4745 County Road 101 Minnetonka, MN 55345 (952) 582-4290 www.brainbalance.com L & M Associates, LTD 10907 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 944-7576 www.l-m.com
Ascent Audiology and Hearing
Ambassador of the Month
Steve Bowman Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air
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.
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
FEBRUARY 2017 - Calendar of Events Monday 30
Tuesday 31
Wednesday 1
Golf Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM, Chamber Scandinavia Trip Info Mtg 5 - 6 PM, Chamber office
6
Thursday
Friday
2
3
Public Policy Committee Meeting 7:30 - 9 AM Chamber office
Legislative Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM Hilton Garden Inn
7
8
9
10
Ambassador Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
Women’s Networking Business Expo 11 AM - 1 PM Olympic Hills Golf Club
Legislative Breakfast 7:30 - 9 AM, Doubletree Chamber 202 8 - 9 AM, Chamber office
13
14
15
16
17
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED 12 - 5 PM
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event
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21
22
23
24
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
After Hours with Keller Williams 4:30 - 6 PM CRAVE Eden Prairie
1
2
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
President’s Day
27
28 Golf Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM Chamber office
3
Public Policy Committee Meeting 7:30 - 9 AM Chamber office
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!