January 2012 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS January 2012 - Vol 43, Issue 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

IN THIS ISSUE...

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

Public Policy

Women’s Networking Luncheon

State of the City Luncheon

Thursday, January 12th, 2012 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Thursday, January 19th, 2012 from 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

Kick off 2012 with our growing Women’s Networking group! This month’s topic is about shopping smarter.

P4- Article by David Olson P4- Sponsorship Corner

Community Building P5- Article by Addie Whelan P5- Key Dates for 2012

Networking P6P7P7P8-

Start your 2012 Membership off right & attend a Chamber event!

Upcoming Events Article by Pat MulQueeny Committee Information January 2012 Calendar

Come out for our first luncheon of the year.

We will hear from Stacy Klone, with KitchenWerks! She will talk about how to make the most of your grocery dollars, how to pick the freshest produce, tips for storing items so they last in your refrigerator, and what to avoid in the supermarkets.

Klone is certified by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). In addition, as a ServSafe certified professional she teaches proper food handling, selection and storage.

epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 6330 Point Chase in Eden Prairie

Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber”

Nearly 100 people are expected to attend our annual tradition of bringing business, city and education leaders together.

Join us to hear Chamber President, Pat MulQueeny, on an update of the state of the Eden Prairie business community; interim Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools, Jon McBroom, on what issues the schools will face this h year; and d Rick Getschow, City Manager, of the City of Eden Prairie on the progress made in 2011 as well as the projections and expectations for 2012. This will be a great event, don’t miss it!

Location: The Garden Room of Eden Prairie, located at 8080 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie.

Cost: $25 for Chamber Members and their guests / $40 for non-Members.

Cost: $25 for Chamber Members & their guests / $40 for Non-Chamber Members.

V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2”

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Join the Discussion! epchamber2.blogspot.com

A special THANK YOU to our 2012 Annual Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

General Sponsor

Leadership A Chamber Vision for 2012

By Glenn Schwartz, 2012 Chamber Board Chair Glenn J. Schwartz, Attorney at Law It is truly an honor to begin my term as the 2012 Board Chairman of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

I came to Eden Prairie after practicing law in Ohio for over a quarter of a century. I graduated from Miami University (not the one in Florida) and I received my law degree, cum laude, from the Ohio State University, a Big 10 school. In the spirit of “Minnesota nice,” most of my friends and colleagues have not held my graduation from OSU against me. Maybe it is because my wife, Lenore, is Minnesota born and raised.

attended by 5,527 participants, we cannot be satisfied that this is enough.

In 2003, I sold my Law Practice in Ohio and started a new one in Minnesota. I learned immediately that you must network if you want to build a law practice. I joined the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. At my very first event, an Ambassador greeted me, introduced me to many other members and made me feel engaged and welcome. Because of that experience, I decided to join the Ambassador Committee and I was privileged to serve as the chairman of that committee for 2008 and 2009.

2. To assess the Chamber’s programming and to improve the quality and focus of these programs

Make no mistake about it; the Eden Prairie Chamber is the undisputed champion of networking in our fine city!

But many members expect much more as their return on investment for their Chamber membership. Even though in 2010, the Chamber conducted 125 programs that were

In 2012, the Chamber will review, examine and assess all programs. We will need the input and perspective of all members to understand how to improve the Chamber’s programming. Your Chamber has three essential goals for 2012: 1. To increase the awareness of the Chamber and its mission in the business community

3. To maximize the return on investment for all Chamber members I will do my best to have the Chamber accomplish each of these goals. It will require the continued efforts of our dedicated staff and the involvement of each of you, our amazing members. I am extremely excited to be a member of the Chamber team in this capacity next year and with this team in place, I know the Chamber will have another successful year in 2012.

Ambassador of the Month: December 2011 Becky Reilly, Hampton Inn Becky Reilly has been in the hotel hospitality business for over 10 years and has worked for Hampton Inns by Hilton for 6 of those years. “I love working at Hampton, the brand culture is great! Having “Hamptonality”, being professional and personable, is the key to our success. We really do care for and take care of our guests.”

Becky was recently recognized for her sales efforts by being one of seven nominees for a Hilton Worldwide Sales award. “It was a great honor to have been nominated when you think that Hampton has over 1,700 hotels …I didn’t win, maybe next year!”

The Hampton Inn Eden Prairie has been an Eden Prairie Chamber member for over 20 years. Becky has been an Ambassador for over a year. “The Eden Prairie Chamber Ambassadors are a good fit for me; we welcome new members and help them find ways the Chamber can help their business… very hospitable!”

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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 Ambassador Updates 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 very busy Ambassadors visited during November & December of 2011!

NEW MEMBERS: Famous Dave’s- Eden Prairie Gregg Rosenburg 590 Prairie Center Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-941-5849 www.famousdaves.com Schmoe Chiropractic Clinic, LLC Jeremy Schmoe 6805 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-833-3038 www.schmoechiropractic.com

Dave’s, December 5th Famous Dave’s

C Seelye Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, LLC Kristanne Seelye 8759 Knollwood Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-607-0219 www.seelyeacupuncture.com Tom James Rebecca Garsys 2523 Wayzata Blvd #100 Minneapolis, MN 55405 701-361-6964 www.tomjames.com

RESTAURANTS: Are you interested in being an Ambassador Lunch Sponsor for 2012?!

Contact Sammi for more details and/or to sign up!

952-944-2830 samantha.dummel@epchamber.org

Schmoe Chiropractic, No v. 30th

re, ure ctu nct pun Acup Seellye A S 6th ber cem De

Tom James, Decem ber 6th

THANK YOU AMBASSADORS! You have all done such an amazing job this past year. You have visited businesses, a ended ribbon cu ings & mentored 56 new members over the last year! We want to thank you for all of your time and effor s that you put for h in 2011. We hope that 2012 will be just as (if not more) successf l! Keep up the good work! ~EPC Staff

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 Minnesota Losing Its Edge in Energy Costs

By David C. Olson Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

The Minnesota Chamber supports diversified technology for electricity generation. At the same time, ratepayers should know the costs of each technology. To that end, residential, industrial and commercial customers for the first time have information on the rate impact of Minnesota’s renewable energy mandates.

A 2007 state law – one of the most aggressive in the nation – requires that utilities generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025; Xcel Energy must produce 30 percent by 2020. The Minnesota Chamber subsequently lobbied for, and the Legislature passed and Governor Dayton signed in 2011, a requirement that utilities calculate the cost of compliance. Fourteen utilities filed their first reports in October and will provide updates every two years as part of their integrated resource plans.

The analysis showed a mixed impact. At one end, Xcel Energy reported wind energy to be cost-competitive with other generation. At the other extreme, utilities locked into longterm purchase agreements for wind power reported higher ratepayer costs due to current low natural gas rates. For example, the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency reported it is spending between $10 million and $11 million more per year, which equals about 5 percent of the agency’s annual revenue.

Utilities used very different methodologies for measuring the rate impact. That could also explain the big differences in estimated impact. One goal of the discussion triggered by these reports – and in turn the Public Utilities Commission consideration of them – should be to agree on a methodology for use by all utilities.

The reports will generate a long overdue debate on the net cost or net saving from the renewable energy standard. The

www.redmoonchinesecafe.com 952-941-6556

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dialogue would have been productive had it occurred before the legislation became law. That said, it’s better we have the conversation now than later.

To view the filings, go to https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/ EFiling/edockets/searchDocuments.do?method=showeDo cketsSearch&showEdocket=true&userType=public. Then choose the year 11 and number 852, which will show the full list of filings.

The discussion cannot end here, however. Energy policy must be inclusive of all generation technologies including the two biggest sources. Coal plants today generate about 60 percent of the electricity that supplies Minnesota businesses and homes. Nuclear power supplies another approximately 25 percent.

Yet, under existing law, Minnesota cannot even consider additional nuclear- or coal-powered generation. Removing those bans is at the forefront of the Minnesota Chamber’s energy initiatives for the 2012 Legislature. It’s impractical – indeed, shortsighted – for policy-makers to believe that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar can stand equal to the capacity of round-the-clock operations of nuclear and coal plants.

Policy-makers must not lose sight of the critical role of energy in the development and growth of Minnesota’s economy.

The goal must be reliable electricity at competitive rates and with renewable technologies. If the current policy can’t deliver, then we must find a new path.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www. mnchamber.com.

A big THANK YOU to our Ambassador Lunch Sponsors in December 2011!

www.goumbria.com 952-374-6464

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

Community Building From the Eyes of a EPC Student Member

By Addie Whelan EPC Student Member 2011/2012 “When you walk into the room, you can only be with one other student member.” “Just find some nice people and sit down.”

“You’ll be surprised at how welcome you will feel!”

These are all statements that Mrs. Brettingen shared with the student members before our first Chamber event. All of the student members seemed terrified. We were expected to walk into a room of people we didn’t know, and talk to them about our futures? What happens if they just looked at us and walked away?

I personally didn’t even know if I was dressed right for the occasion! As Kallie, another student member, and I walked into the room, we had no idea what to expect. But right away, a current Chamber member, Mr. Brian Kelly, walked up to us and asked us about our interests. We chatted nervously until the time was called to sit down and begin the presentation.

Where were we supposed to sit? Were we supposed to just pick somewhere to sit with people who might not want us to sit with them? Luckily, our friend Mr. Kelly rescued us. After inviting us to sit at his table with people he knew, we found the rest of the event a lot less scary. The entire table was extremely friendly and relieved the pressure that was there before we came into the event.

I learned that no matter what the situation is, there are always people willing to make you feel right at home. The experience was much better than I had even hoped. Honoring the ATHENA winner, plus meeting with professionals who could potentially give me career advice; made for an all around amazing experience. It turns out, telling people you barely know about your future plans, isn’t that scary after all! We look forward to meeting all of you in the near future! * Our Student Member program was started in 2006 and gave 20 area high school students a very unique opportunityto participate in business programs as members of the Chamber. This program continues to be very successful!

As a Chamber member you can support / contribute to this program or become a program sponsor for $500. Please contact us for more details at 952-944-2830.

Key Dates for 2012!

• March 10 - Spain Trip Departs

• March 17 - Home & Garden Show

• June 15 - Alaska Cruise Departs

• July 31 - Golf Tournament - Olympic Hills Golf Club

• August - ChamberFest

• September - Taste the Chamber

• October 27 - Annual Gala Event - HazelƟne NaƟonal Golf Club

Check out our website for more informaƟon on all of our events!!!

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

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Networking Dale Carnegie Event!!!

Thursday, January 26th from 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Please join us at our special Dale Carnegie event! We will hear from Matt Norman, who is President of Dale Carnegie Training in the North Central States. During his time at Dale Carnegie, Matt has worked on many projects for companies in healthcare, law, manufacturing, IT and professional services. Matt has trained sales leaders all over the world on coaching and developing their salespeople, coached physicians and clinical staff on leadership and teaming skills, helped commercial bankers to sell and differentiate their services and has trained attorneys and engineers with marketing and business development skills.

Since graduating from Boston College, where he majored in Finance and Spanish, Matt has worked as a Consultant for Accenture and as a Product Manager at CCBN.com, during which CCBN.com was named one of the INC 500 Fastest Growing Companies. He also worked as a Director at Thomson Reuters. He is an Eden Prairie High School Graduate. As the third generation in his family to be working for Dale Carnegie Training, Matt has been recognized four times as one of the Top 10 Sales Managers. He also has been honored as the Top Sales Manager in the World.

Location: Bent Creek, 14490 Valley View Road in Eden Prairie Cost: $20 for Chamber Members and their guests / $35 for Non-Chamber Members.

First After hours of 2012!!! @ Redstone American Grill

@ Santorni w/Business Connections

Tuesday, January 10th; from 4:30 - 6 PM

Thursday, January 26th; from 4:30 - 6 PM

Join us for an AŌer Hours event at Redstone! They have a great space for smaller events, so come and check it out! We will have informal networking, complimentary appeƟzers and a cash bar with happy hour drink prices!!! See you there!

Join us for an AŌer Hours event hosted by Business ConnecƟons at Santorini’s in Eden Prairie! At this event, we will have informal networking, appeƟzers, cash bar and a door prize drawing!!! Be there....

LOCATION: Redstone is located at 8000 Eden Road in Eden Prairie.

LOCATION: Santorini is located at 13000 Technology Drive in Eden Prairie.

COST: FREE for Chamber Members & their guests / $5 for Non-Chamber Members.

Cost: FREE for Chamber Members & their guests / $5 for Non-Chamber Members.

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

Networking Committees Provide Networking & Skill Building

By Pat MulQueeny; President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce As Chamber members, you and your staff have the opportunity to serve on any of the Chamber’s various committees. Here are just a few reasons why a committee might be a good fit for you in 2012: •

Networking: By participating on a committee you get to know the other committee members very well and build strong relationships with them. In addition, through the committees’ activities (meetings, programs, events etc.) you get the chance to meet other business people in the Eden Prairie area and build your network!

•

Skills: Through the work of our committees, our volunteers get the chance to build better communication skills, presentations, planning, marketing and more. Many of our committee members will work on Chamber projects/programs and help with the planning – skills that will help them in their current jobs.

•

Better understanding of Eden Prairie: Want your employees to know more about the business community and political landscape of the Eden Prairie area? Our committees provide great insight into both! Whether it is visiting local businesses and discussing what their issues and opportunities are to meeting with elected officials, Chamber committees provide you access!

Please review the committee listings on this page and pass along the information to your employees as well. We look forward to your participation in 2012!

Committee Opportunities: (Please see the insert enclosed for more details) Ambassadors Committee- A good option for Chamber Members who have been around a while or new Members who want to be very active. The Ambassadors are the “goodwill representatives” of the Chamber.

Business Development Committee- The goal is to foster a positive, healthy environment that encourages new business growth & development.

Fusion (Young Professionals)- The Fusion networking group is comprised of emerging leaders who are newer to the business world or to their professions.

Gala Committee- The committee is formed to develop and execute a plan for the event. Members can join just to be a part of the brainstorming process, or they may take on bigger action roles.

Golf Committee- This committee develops and executes a plan for the event that will meet Chamber objectives. They also help staff the event where needed.

Government Committee- This committee discusses these issues and then helps communicate positions to local metro and state officials.

Membership Growth Committee- This committee helps meet Chamber recruitment objectives for prospective and new members through visits, orientations and developing the prospective member database.

Recognition Committee- The objective is to identify exceptional programs and individuals in the educational and business systems through the recognition and scholarship awards of the Chamber. This committee is also responsible for finding speakers at select lunches.

Women’s Networking Group- Not a committee, this group meets each month to hear from a featured speaker on a pre-determined topic.

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

JANUARY 2012 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday 2

Tuesday 3

EPC Office Closed!

Thursday

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

7:30 AM- Business Development Committee Meeting

Friday 6

11:30 AM- Ambassador Committee Mtg. at EPC Office 3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Meeting @EPC

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Wednesday

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7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony- Bring Your Best Ideas

7:30 AM- Board Meeting

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11:00 AM - 1:00 PM- Women’s Networking Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn

4:30 - 6:00 PM, After Hours at Redstone American Grill *Newsletter Ads due to Chamber

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7:30 AM- Government Committee Meeting

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

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11:30 AM- 1:00 PM- State of the City Luncheon @ The Garden Room

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

*Newsletter Inserts due to Chamber by 4 PM

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

7:30 - 9:30 AM, Dale Carnegie Event at Bent Creek

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4:30 - 6:00 PM, After Hours hosted by Business Connections @ Santorini

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