January 2014

December 2013 - Vol. 45, Issue 1 IN THIS ISSUE...

Leadership P2- Article by Pat MulQueeny P3 - Article By Jeff Holds P4 - Ambassador Updates P5- Ambassador of the Year

Leadership P6- EP School district

Annual State of the City Luncheon Thursday, January 23rd from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at The Garden Room

Nearly 100 people are expected to attend our annual tradition of bringing our business, city and education leaders together. Join us to hear Eden Prairie Chamber President, Pat MulQueeny, with an update of the state of the Eden Prairie business community; Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools, Curt Tryggestad, on what issues the schools will face this year; and Rick Getschow, City Manager of the City of Eden Prairie, on the progress made in 2013 as well as the projections and expectations for 2014.

Community Building P7- Join a Committee!

Pat MulQueeny Eden Prairie Chamber

Rick Getschow City of Eden Prairie epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber” Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber” V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2” Join the Discussion! epchamber2.blogspot.com

Curt Tryggestad Eden Prairie Schools

LOCATION: Join us at The Garden Room of Eden Prairie, located at 8080 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie.

COST: The cost to attend is $25 for Chamber Members and their guests or $40 for non-Members.

RSVP: Phone: 952-944-2830 / Email: adminj@epchamber.org / Please note the 11:00 Registration and networking time. Program will begin at 11:50AM. Sponsorships and exhibitor tables are still available- Call the Chamber office for more information at (952) 944-2830.

Sponsored by:

THANK YOU to our 2013 Annual Sponsors!

Generall Sponsor

Gold Sponsor General Sponsor

Silver Sponsor’s

Bronze Sponsor

Leadership New Year – What are your Goals and Resolutions?

By: Pat MulQueeny, President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Welcome 2014! New Year’s should be looked at with excitement and a renewed energy in everything you do. Yes – goals and resolutions are part of this, but perhaps it is simply changing the calendar to encourage us to review our accomplishments from last year and start fresh in 2014.

The Chamber and your goals: I would encourage you to set goals for your company and the Chamber as well. Let’s look at 5 top ways to utilize your membership for 2014: 5.

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Join a Committee - being a part of a committee can help your grow leadership skills, gain valu able insights and gain a new networking group Use the Member2Member discounts to save yourself some money and gain a new vendor Get involved in the Chamber’s initiative on workforce skills – perhaps mentor a student, speak to classes at the school or hold a tour at your place of business Don’t wait for customers – go get them! Market your business through the numerous advertis ing opportunities the Chamber offers – e-blasts, newsletter, websites plus numerous sponsor ships Network – as many have said – you get out of the Chamber what you put in – plan to attend programs in 2014. Breakfasts, luncheons and after hours all give you the opportunity to net work and promote your business – take advantage of the 120 events and programs that are offered!

We want to thank our Board Members who are leaving the Board and did a great job helping our Chamber grow and be impactful. They are: Jeff Brosz, Benchmark Learning Mic Klaith, Beacon Bank (Treasurer) Allan Giese, Bedrock Motors Nicole Santelman, Minnesota Vikings Glenn Schwartz, Attorney at Law (past Board Chair) Bryan Zimmerman, Republic Services Our Board of Directors and all our Committee Members have done a great job in making our 2013 very successful and setting our organization up for a great 2014 as well. Thank you all for being involved.

We also want to recognize the passing of Richard Feerick. Richard was Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 1978 and stayed active until just a few years ago. He was a character – and someone that was very involved in politics and the community. He will be missed.

As the New Year starts and time keeps moving on, take advantage of your opportunities and ask for help when you need it. Our staff is here to help you and we are an e-mail or a phone call away – 952-944-2830.

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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 Meet your 2014 EPC Board Chair, Jeff Holds!

By: Jeff Holds Phoenix Technology Solutions, LLC

Welcome to a new and exciting year with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. As a member, we should all take great pride in our membership to the largest single city chamber in the metro. This feat does not come easily and is the result of the outstanding member businesses in and around the city of Eden Prairie. We are also the 8th largest Chamber in the metro with over 525 member businesses touting steady growth each year. Let’s continue to get involved, invite new members and make Eden Prairie the best community in the metro to live, work, and play.

All great feats are not possible without the great support of our chamber staff and board. They have done an outstanding job this past year supporting our events and fueling our growth. Help me specifically thank Cathy Haukedahl for her tireless hard work as your 2013 Board Chair. Her passion has continued the fire necessary to move this chamber in such a great direction. We look forward to seeing Cathy’s great smile and welcoming embrace as we move into 2014. Great Job Cathy!

As your new Board Chair, I want to thank our members for the honor to serve the chamber and community this year. I look forward to the continued growth and initiatives the chamber has enjoyed in the past. We will continue to add new programs and review others that need to be revitalized hoping to continue in our strong traditions.

Every great chamber’s success is built upon the relationship between the member businesses, city hall and an outstanding school district. We will be working on a new Workforce initiative this year in conjunction with the Eden Prairie Schools. Our goal is to identify the business needs in our community and work with the schools to help educate our future employees and business owners. We feel that investing in the education of our future will help our community in boundless ways.

So, if you are new to the chamber, welcome! If you have been a member for many years, thank you!

Let’s all make a commitment this year to get involved. Select a committee and help us continue our growth in 2014. I wish you all a fantastic prosperous year.

Do you want your ad to be seen in 2014? Advertise with us!

We have a variety of inexpensive ways for you to advertise your business: Newsletter Ads & Inserts, E-blast Ads, Website Press Releases, Job Postings and MORE! Contact Brianna at (952) 944-2830 or at communications@epchamber.org

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

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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 2013!

Nothing Bundt Cakes Jill Tullemans 8435 Joiner Way Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-239-3131 www.nothingbundtcakes.com Jamison Optical Pei Ling Jamison 7912 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-934-2084 www.jamisonoptical.com

Red Moon Chinese Cafe

Michales & Barbosa F Famiilly L Law

Michales & Barbosa Family Law Chase Andersen 10400 Viking Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-767-3330 www.michaleslaw.com Red Moon Cafe- Remodel Diana Cox 582 Prairie Center Dr # 200 Minneapolis, MN 55405 952-941-6556 www.redmoonchinesecafe.com

Greyy Cloud Studio

Jamison Op ptical

Grey Cloud Studio Paul Lampland 651-332-0198 www.greycloudstudio.com Kitchenwerks Stacy Klone 763-228-8607 www.kitchenwerks.org

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Aerotek- New Location Nathan Ries 6640 Shady Oak Rd #200 Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 952-853-9899 nries@aerotek.com

Aerotek

Kitchenwerks

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

Leadership

THANK YOU AMBASSADORS! You have all done such an amazing job this past year. You have visited businesses, attended ribbon cuttings & mentored many new members over the last year! We want to thank you for all of your time and efforts that you put forth in 2013. We hope that 2014 will be just as (if not more) successful! Keep up the good work! ~EPC Staff

2013 Ambassador of the Year: Steve Bowman, Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air!!!

The 2014 Ambassador of the Year is Steve Bowman, with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air! They are an Eden Prairie based full service plumbing, heating and air conditioning company, servicing the Southwest Metro area for 13 years. Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air has experienced rapid growth in the past 2 years at it’s Eden Prairie Location on Singletree Lane. Due to their rapid growth Tiger is looking to expand to a new larger location in Eden Prairie to better serve the community. Steve believes that much of this growth has come from the Eden Prairie Chamber, and he would like to thank the membership for all of their support!

With the cold weather on its way, Steve would like to remind his friends at the Chamber to make sure their furnaces are serviced annually to make sure they are safe and to change their filters regularly. It is also a good idea to turn off the circuit breaker for the air conditioner. Some have heaters in them and the warmth will create an attractive place for mice to spend the winter.

Thank you for all of your hard work Steve and congrats! You deserve it! ~Ambassador Committee & EPC Staff

Valentine Vixens Thursday, February 13, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for the 6th 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 speaker is TBD and will be released in January!

Call or email Brianna to sign-up! We also have room for a few more exhibitor tables- space is limited - secure your spot today! Call (952) 944-2830 or email brianna.cattrysse@epchamber. org.

LOCATION: Brunswick Zone, 122000 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie COST: $25 for Members/$40 for Non-Members

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

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Community Building Update from the Eden Prairie School District

By Eden Prairie Schools Here are a few of the great things happening in Eden Prairie Schools: Board Accepts Financial Audit Report – As part of its November 26 meeting, the Eden Prairie School Board accepted the financial audit report for the year ending June 30, 2013, after hearing a presentation about the audit. Due to stringent administrative oversight of spending and diligent revenue reporting, the year-end results in all funds were favorable to budget. The audit was conducted by Clifton Larson Allen LLP, an independent audit firm hired by the district to complete the annual audit. The summary results from the audit include the following: • • • • •

The auditors noted that the district’s financial statements were fairly stated and issued what is known as a “clean” audit report There were no compliance issues in the auditor’s review of laws, regulations, contracts and grants that could have significant financial implications on the district There were no “significant deficiencies” or “material weaknesses” in the district’s internal financial controls The district complied with all requirements of the major federal programs One finding was reported with respect to compliance with Minnesota statutes; this issue has been addressed by the district and remedied

Mosaic Program to Expand to Grade 6 in Fall – Mosaic, the district’s full-day elementary school program for highly gifted learners, will expand to include grade six students beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. The program began at the start of the 2013-2014 school year for students in grades four and five. The program will be expanded in future years to include students in grades two and three. The program is currently housed at Prairie View and Forest Hills elementary schools. Along with Mosaic, the district continues to offer gifted and talented programs at all elementary schools including KEY, accelerated services, differentiation support and district coordination of services.

Perfect ACT scores – EPHS senior Amy Tan and junior Lindsey Blanshan earned top composite scores of 36 on their recent ACT. Nationally, while the actual number of students earning a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, on average, less than one tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earn a perfect score.

EP Teachers Recognized for Tech Innovation in Classrooms – Eden Prairie teachers Eric Hanson and Brian Strand will receive Exceptional Teacher Awards from TIES, a Minnesota education technology collaborative. They were chosen for recognition based on examples of their leadership, innovation, integration of technology and evidence of strategies impacting student learning and engagement. They will receive their awards on December 17 at the TIES Education Technology Conference in Minneapolis.

Eagles Football Makes History – The EPHS fall sports season ended with a history-making football state championship on November 29. With a 28-7 victory over Rosemount, the Eagles set a record by winning three Class 6A state championships in a row. This was the ninth time, overall, that the Eagles have won a football state championship. Other Eagle athletes also concluded their seasons with impressive performances at the state swim tournament. Senior Kira Zubar is a gold medal swimmer after finishing the 500-yard freestyle in 4:54.78. She placed third in the 200 freestyle with a 1:50.08 finish. Sophomore Bre Thorne brought home two silver medals for a time of 55.48 seconds in the 100 butterfly, and 56.10 in the 100 backstroke. Zubar and Thorne, along with junior Sarah Coolidge and ninth-grader Jennie Novak placed fifth in the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:30.60 – the third fastest time for that relay in EPHS history. Senior Kendal Jacobus and junior April Bockin were named to the Minnesota State High School League Class AA All-Tournament girls’ soccer team. They were selected by a panel of coaches. The team finished its season in a third place tie with Burnsville, 1-1. Sophomore Ashley Brueggeman was named to the MSHSL Class AAA All-Tournament volleyball team, also selected by a panel of coaches. The team ended its season in fourth place. The girls’ cross country team finished in sixth place at state.

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

Get Involved by Volunteering on a Committee!

There are so many different ways that you can get involved in the Chamber! Check out the committees below and let us know if you are interested in learning more or joining.

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Ambassadors Committee: A good option for Chamber Members who have been around a while or new Members who want to be very active. They are the “good will representatives” of the Chamber. They are expected to attend as many events as possible and learn about other Chamber Members and their business needs, as well as to welcome new members & help business representatives connect throughout the Chamber community by attending new member site visits & ribbon cutting events. Meeting Times: the 1st Tuesday of each month at 11:30 AM plus four additional site visits.

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Business Development Committee: The goal is to foster a positive, healthy environment that encourages new business growth & development. Meeting Times: the 1st Thursday of each month at 8:30AM at the Chamber Office.

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Fusion (Young Professionals): This group is not a committee but is comprised of emerging leaders who are newer to the business world or to their professions. The purpose is to share business strategies and professional experiences while building relationships through monthly meetings and social events. Fusion is our only dues-based group. Meeting Times: typically the 3rd Tuesday each month at 11:30 & social events as planned.

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Gala Committee: The Gala is our biggest annual fundraiser. 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. Meeting Times: As needed.

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Golf Committee: The Golf Tournament is one of our biggest annual fundraising events. This committee develops and executes a plan for the event that will meet Chamber objectives. They also help staff the event where needed. Meeting Times: as needed.

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Government Committee: This is a great group for those who are interested in the legislative, transportation and business advocacy issues that affect Eden Prairie and the surrounding areas. This committee discusses these issues and then helps communicate positions to local metro and state officials. They also meet with and influence the people who are forming current policy and future legislation. Meeting Times: the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 AM at the Chamber Office.

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Legacy Committee: Contacts and meets with members not actively engaged with the Chamber and works to help them maximize their membership through Chamber programs, events and marketing opportunities. Meeting Times: As needed.

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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. The chamber hands out seven awards and scholarships throughout the year. Meeting Times: virtual meetings and as needed.

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Women’s Networking Group: Not a committee, this group meets each month to hear from a featured speaker on a pre-determined topic. This is a very fun and outgoing group for women who enjoy networking with other women to grow professionally and develop relationships. Meeting Times: typically the 2nd Thursday of each month from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.

Did you know that we have a young professionals group? 2014 will be the best year yet! Our dues are lower and our topics and speakers are going to be great!

Mission: To help emerging leaders of Eden Prairie businesses grow professionally and personally through networking and education so they may be an integral part of our business community.

Is this group right for me? Fusion is composed of people who are newer to their position, profession or our business community. The age range is roughly 22 to 40, although Fusion is not exclusive to this age group. Participants of Fusion are looking to build relationships, and share business strategies & professional stories in order to prepare themselves as the future leaders of their business community. Through monthly networking meetings and social events, members form both professional and personal connections.

What do my annual dues include? Chamber Member’s only pay an all-inlcusive price of $60 for the year to cover Fusion meeting space, food, and other expenses for our monthly meetings. Social events are typically free to attend, but additional purchases (such as food/beverages) are the responsibility of the individual. We will also be going on a Twin’s Outing at Target Field!(Optional) More information? Contact Brianna at 952-944-2830 or at communications@epchamber.org.

Check out the Fusion insert to see 2014 topics. Fill out the form and send it back!

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

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JANUARY 2014 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

Thursday

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CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED

8:30AM - Business Development Meeting

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

7:30AM - Board Meeting

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Friday 3

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7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony 4:30-6:00 PM - After Hours @ Pioneer Estates

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7:30-9AM :Government Com- 7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ mittee Meeting Breakfast at The Colony 11:00-1PM - State of the City Luncheon @ The Garden Room of Eden Prairie

11:30-1PM @ STAR BANKFusion: Achieve Results in 2014

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24 Maximizing your membership 8-9AM @ Chamber Office

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

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