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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