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Vol. 47, Issue 2 | February 2016

THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors!

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON: SUPER BOWL LII With Super Bowl L nearly behind us, the Chamber is setting its sights on Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium—and the many opportunities it could bring to the Eden Prairie business community.

SILVER SPONSOR

We are excited to welcome Andrea Mokros, Vice President of Communications for the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, to our February 18th General Membership Luncheon.

BRONZE SPONSORS

Interested in increasing your visibility in the Chamber for 2016? Annual sponsorships are still available! Contact Audrianna at (952) 944-2830 or audrianna. schenck@ epchamber.org if interested.

Although Mokros is a long-time Minnesota resident, her career just recently brought her back to the Twin Cities. Until she began her role with the Super Bowl Committee in September 2015, she served as a special assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Planning for First Lady Michelle Obama. She directed Obama’s initiatives including the “Let’s Move” campaign, according to the Star Tribune. Mokros also has a strong background in Minnesota politics. She has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Dayton, Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Klobuchar and Communications Director in the State Senate. She has even ran her own firm, Mokros Strategies, developing speeches and providing event and communications management and strategic communciation plans for clients. Mokros, along with the rest of the Super Bowl LII Committee, has been tasked with planning 52 weeks of celebration leading to Super Bowl LII in 2018. They invite residents and all the visitors the area will welcome to celebrate the “Bold North.” Mokros will be speaking at our February General Membership Luncheon to share more about the committee’s plans and how the Eden Prairie Chamber and local community can be involved. Come help us put a spotlight on Eden Prairie for the expected millions of visitors and world-wide audience during Super Bowl LII.

Learn more at mnsuperbowl.com

DATE: February 18, 11:30 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Bearpath Golf & Country Club, 18100 Bearpath Trail COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members Like us on Facebook at “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

Join our Linkedin group “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

LEADERSHIP

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A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Katie Misukanis, M.P.A. Government Relations Director, Rasmussen College

on a few things.

As we enter February and celebrate Cupid’s day, honor our Presidents, and look to stay heart healthy, I encourage all of you as Chamber members to reflect

First, how much do you love your job, the Eden Prairie Community and Chamber? As you reflect on that question, think about how much more you might love your job or Chamber if you attended the Valentine Vixens event and networked- expanding your client list or joined the Public Policy Committee to advocate for issues that impact your business? Those are just two ways you could add value to your job and Chamber experience and help you love both more! Second, are you your own boss, do you work for someone else- what is your mission, your strategic vision? Are you maximizing your time and honoring those goals? If you think you can do more to grow your business and honor your goals, think about attending our Business@Breakfast on Wednesday mornings or attend an After Hours event—as a

Chamber member, you have access to 500 businesses! Take advantage of that. Third, what is the state of you and your business? Are both as healthy as they can be? At the State of City General Membership Luncheon, we learned about the City’s new and improved Community Center- have you thought about meeting a business connection for a walk on the track- grow your business and help your heart? Think outside the box for ways to nurture yourself and your business and utilize your Chamber membership. I encourage all of you to attend the General Membership Meeting in February to learn how you can participate in Super Bowl activities leading up to the 2018 event; join us on February 12th for a Legislative Breakfast to hear from a panel of legislative leaders, held in coordination with the TwinWest Chamber; and mark your calendars for the inaugural Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit on April 29th! Stay warm and I hope to see you at a Chamber event soon!

A Message from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce By: Doug Loon President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Small businesses across Minnesota have become the target of lawsuits alleging violations of disability laws. These actions of one attorney forced many businesses to pay thousands of dollars in settlement demands, and at least a few have closed their doors. The lawsuits have surfaced in numerous communities including Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, Shakopee, Minneapolis, St. Paul and White Bear Lake. More than 120 lawsuits have been filed in the past two years. Make no mistake, the Minnesota Chamber and our members want their businesses to be fully accessible to their customers and to comply with federal and state disability laws. Providing access for disabled customers is simply good for business. However, the lawsuits appear to have the primary goal of lining the pockets of attorneys versus improving access. Read the entire article at http://www.mnchamberexecutives.com.

LEADERSHIP

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A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce If you have attended our last two luncheon programs – our Annual Meeting or the recent 2016 State of the City Address, you have heard me discuss our strategic plan on how we put a lot of resources and effort in developing this plan to serve our members. Through survey feedback, roundtable discussions, focus groups and the work of our Board of Directors, we are very pleased and excited by the outcome and the three goals we are focusing on: 1. Grow the influence of the Eden Prairie business community through proactive advocacy and thoughtful public policy initiatives. 2. Strengthen the organization and ensure growth through bold leadership. 3. Ensure the future prosperity of the Eden Prairie marketplace. In the coming months, you will read more about each of these goals and the work the Chamber is doing. This month, I want to provide an update on Goal #1. The Chamber has a Public Policy Committee that meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber. Our goal is to be sure we have a strong group of business owners, decision makers and those that represent their business on policy issues be part of this group. This committee discusses issues and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors to take action on these issues. At our January Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved our support of the 2016 Minnesota Chamber Federation Priorities (Eden Prairie is a member of this statewide group of nearly 50 Chambers). These include: 1. ENACT MEANINGFUL BUSINESS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: Minnesota businesses property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Tax burdens on some properties are more than 90% higher than the national average and more than 200% higher than in neighboring states. 2. TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT: We support passage of a 10 year, comprehensive transportation funding package that provides increased investment in the state’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure. This package should provide long-term, sustained investment that will enable the state to maintain our vital transportation infrastructure and provide for strategic enhancements. The state should use the

General Fund revenues generated from the statewide sales tax on auto parts and rental cars to fund increased investment in our transportation system; augment any new investment through an increased focus on efficient use of resources; use Trunk Highway bonding to help finance projects in the state’s road and bridge system and General Obligation bonding to support local road and bridge, transit way, port, rail, airport, and other transportation infrastructure projects across the state. 3. WAGE AND BENEFIT MANDATE PREEMPTION: Counties, cities, and townships should not be able to enact their own local minimum wage ordinances or benefit mandates as it will disrupt the state employment market and impede hiring practices and job growth. We oppose the annual minimum wage automatic inflation index that begins in 2018, and believe the Legislature must remove the inflator from current law. 4. MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT MODIFICATION (ADA): The Minnesota Chamber Federation seeks to change the Minnesota Human Rights Act so that before a plaintiff can sue a business for a disability access violation, the plaintiff must serve that business with notice of the alleged violations. The notice must identify the nature of each alleged violation with specificity and give the business at least 90 days to begin to remedy the violation. A business should have up to one year from the date of notice to fix alleged violations that cannot be reasonably fixed in 90 days – i.e. structural changes or changes to a historic building. A plaintiff may only sue if the business fails to remedy the violation within the 90-day or one-year period, whichever timeline applies given the nature of the alleged violations. Please see Doug Loon’s article for more information (left). We look to provide additional updates on these issues, as well as others in the coming months. If you are interested in serving on the Public Policy Committee, or would like to be added to e-mails that will update members on specific policy issues, please send me an e-mail to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org. I look forward to updating you on our successes in 2016 and beyond!

“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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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY? Valentine Vixens We are excited to celebrate our 8th annual Women’s Network event: Valentine Vixens. There will be exhibitor tables to explore, plenty of time to network and make new connections, a plated lunch and speaker. Come pamper yourself at this popular event! We will hear from Stacy Drake, Founder and Lead Stylist for Styles & Statements. Stacy will be addressing some of women’s most common fashion dilemmas and providing easy tips to freshen up your wardrobe and personal style.

DATE: Thursday, Feb 4 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest 5801 Opus Parkway COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members

Thank you to our Women’s Network Luncheon sponsors:

Legislative Breakfast with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce We are partnering with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce for a legislative breakfast on Friday, February 12. DATE: Friday, Feb 12 Each breakfast unites compelling, well-known speakers and state 7:30 - 9 AM legislators with business leaders from across the Twin Cities. The series strikes a balance between public policy and intriguing dialogue, while presenting the opportunity to develop strong relationships with LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton-Minneapolis legislators and public officials. Park Place Legislative Panel includes: 1500 Park Place Blvd, - Senator Terri Bonoff (sitting in for Senate Majority Leader, Tom St. Louis Park Bakk) - Senator David Hann (Senate Minority Leader) COST: $30 for members, - Representative Paul Thissen (Minority Leader, Minnesota House $60 for non-members of Representatives) - Representative Kurt Daudt (Speaker of the House) Sponsorships for this event are still available. Please contact Pat MulQueeny at (952) 944-2830 if interested.

Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast is the Chamber’s only weekly networking event. It is a great opportunity for businesses that rely on referrals and personal connections as each attendee has the opportunity to present a 60-second infomercial about their business and referrals that would be beneficial for them. Come prepared with 35-40 business cards and an appetite-breakfast typically includes fresh fruit, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs and bacon.

DATE: February 3, 10, 17 and 24 LOCATION: Tavern 4 & 5 16396 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie COST: $12 for members, $17 for non-members

NETWORKING

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SAVE THE DATE: EVENTS IN MARCH Thursday, March 3: Women’s Network Luncheon - TBA 11:30 - 1 PM, Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Saturday, March 19: Home, Landscape and Garden Expo 9 AM - 3 PM, Grace Church March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM, Tavern 4 & 5

ANNOUNCING: The Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit 2016 The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the inaugural Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit on April 29, 2016 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest. This event will bring together young professionals between the ages of 20-40 from all over the area. Throughout the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from speakers who will focus on topics of self growth, team dynamics and more. The theme for 2016 is “Insight for Impact.” The event will open with the first keynote speaker of the day will be Stevie Ray, Executive Director of Stevie Ray’s Improv Company and regular business journal columnist. Stevie will be teaching attendees new skills of net”working” the room—about how to make contact, not just get contacts. Attendees will then have the opportunity to attend two breakout sessions, each with a choice of three speakers. The summit will wrap up with the final keynote speaker, Angie Bastian, Founder and namesake of BOOMCHICKAPOP®. Angie will share how she went from selling popcorn at local events to being one of the fastest-growing natural popcorn brands on the market. You do not want to miss the event of the year for young professionals. Registration and sponsorships are now open!

www.tcypsummit.com

Erik Therwanger Founder, Think GREAT

Jack Stahlmann Corporate Speaker

Stevie Ray Executive Director, Stevie Ray’s Improv Company

Like us at “TCYP Summit”

Laura Meister Owner, SaFire Nutrition

Kit Welchlin Former CEO, Communication Strategist

NETWORKING

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LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER JANUARY LOOKING BACK:EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: EVENTS IN DECEMBER Missed an event?

You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/

State of the City Luncheon

City Manager Rick Getschow, Chamber President Pat MulQueeny and Eden Prairie School District Superintendent Curt Tryggestad.

After Hours at Anchor Bank We celebrated the opening of a new Anchor Bank location in Eden Prairie with an After Hours event on Jan 21. Mayor Tyra-Lukens and Anchor Bank CEO Carl Jones pictured below.

www.epchamber.org

RECAP: State of the City 2016

MEMBERSHIP Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

We gathered on January 21 for our annual State of the City Luncheon. We looked back on the successes and challenges we faced in 2015, and we discussed the opportunities ahead in 2016. We heard from Eden Prairie Chamber President Pat MulQueeny, School District Superintendent Curt Tryggestad and City Manager Rick Getschow. Chamber President Pat MulQueeny shared results from the Chamberâ€™s annual survey. The survey was sent to the primary contact for every Chamber member. Below are a few key highlights from those survey results and presentation:

Jesse Godzala and the Godzala/Brenny TeamEdina Realty

Net income in 2015 compared to 2014:

Down more than 10% Down 1-10% About the same Up 1-10% Up over 10%

0% 12% 21% 28% 39%

In 2016, we expect our sales to:

Decline Stay about even Grow

3% 16% 81%

How satisfied were you with your Chamber membership in 2015? (1 is not at all satisfied, 5 is extremely satisfied):

1 2 3 4 5

2% 3% 8% 41% 46%

On a scale of 1-5, how likely are you to recommend a business to join the Chamber? (1 is would not recommend, 5 is highly recommend):

1 2 3 4 5

5% 0% 10% 21% 64%

Keep an eye on the Chamber website for the full

presentation.

First Community Mortgage

Did you know? If you refer a business to the Chamber and they join, you receive $100 in cash in appreciation!

Ambassador of the Month 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. Januaryâ€™s Ambassador of the Month was:

Roberta Fernandez

The FARE Hypnosis Center

FEBRUARY 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday 1

Tuesday 2

Wednesday

Thursday