CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THANK YOU 2017 ANNUAL SPONSORS! BUSINESS INVESTOR
Vol. 48, Issue 1 | January 2017
STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON The annual State of the City luncheon is back for 2017! Start your new year with updates from all aspects of Eden Prairie.
GOLD SPONSOR
City Manager Rick Getschow
SILVER SPONSORS
Superintendent Curt Tryggestad
Connect with the Chamber
And as always, enjoy plenty of time for networking with your fellow members to start 2017 with new leads and new connections. DATE: Thursday, January 19, 11 AM - 1 PM
BRONZE SPONSOR
Zane Birky
Join us to hear from Eden Prairie Chamber President, Pat MulQueeny, with an update of the state of the Eden Prairie business community; Superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools, Dr. Curt Tryggestad, on what issues the schools will face in 2017; and Rick Getschow, City Manager of the City of Eden Prairie, on the progress made in 2016 as well as the projections and expectations for 2017 for the city of Eden Prairie.
Chamber President Pat MulQueeny
“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest (5801 Opus Pkwy, Minnetonka) COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
@EPChamber
“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
YOUR CONNECTION TO THE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969
@EPChamber
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Alan Wallner Vice President Marketing, Health e(fx) It is my honor and privilege to act as the Chairman of the Board as we enter 2017, a year that is sure to be full of anticipation, changes and opportunities. And it is with gratitude that I first mention the Chamber’s 2016 Board of Directors and Staff. They did an amazing job engaging the Chamber’s strategic plan and setting new standards that raised the value of what the Chamber does for businesses and the community. This year, we will continue on this journey of meeting new challenges, recognizing new opportunities and leveraging new insights to make the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce a leader for community prosperity and one of the best advocates for business in the western suburbs and Minnesota. As a member, there are many great programs and initiatives you can be a part of to get the most out of your membership. The beginning of a new year is a great time to get involved and stay engaged with an organization that leverages change and creates opportunities. In my experiences and involvement with the Chamber, I have found that the time I put into volunteering, the exposure to all the great experiences the Chamber has to offer and the friendships I have gained have far exceeded my expectations. From the Home and Garden show to the Eden Prairie Chamber Gala, Business @ Breakfast to After Hours events, luncheons to golf tournaments, legislative breakfasts to the annual meeting, the Chamber is a thriving organization that starts with you. The vision of the Chamber is “To ensure prosperity in our community by promoting commerce, and by enhancing our members’ business success through leadership, advocacy and growth opportunities.” I want to thank last year’s Board Chair Katie Misukanis for her unwavering leadership in 2016 to lay a solid foundation for future initiatives and accomplishments! I want to thank Pat MulQueeny for his dedication and commitment to the strategic plan and continued forward motion. Thank you to Audrianna Schenck, Sarah Ober and Lori Brown for their support and hard work to help make our Chamber what it is today. Lastly, I want to thank you, our members, for your support and participation. We will continue to rely on you for your commitment, participation and leadership as we strive to attain the Chamber’s vision. As always, we welcome your insights and feedback; feel free to reach out to me, a member on the Board of Directors or a Chamber staff member and let us know how we are doing. Take some time and get familiar with the Chamber’s strategic plan, I think you’ll like what you see. We have a few exciting initiatives kicking off this year and some that we will revitalize and take to a new level of participation and value. So check out the calendar of events, attend, get involved, share ideas, build relationships and watch change turn into opportunities. To help start the new year and put it in a forward motion, I’ll share one of my favorite quotes: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” - R. Buckminster Fuller
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the Chamber President By: Pat MulQueeny President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce New Year, New Opportunities, Changes As we begin a New Year, the Chamber is continuing its focus on achieving the aggressive goals of our strategic plan—Lead. Advocate. Prosper. We have many changes in the works and our biggest opportunity is our membership event—“Go all in with the Chamber”. This membership event will be like nothing else we have done or seen. In its simplest description, we will have over 100 businesses join as new members in a two-day period! But this event is so much more than that. It will highlight the importance of the work, services and resources the Chamber brings to the business community, and the overall community. It will showcase the strength of our organization and our members in a way that has not been done before. We will engage with over 100 volunteers in this event, and at the end of it, celebrate the success and efforts of our local businesses and bring new resources and opportunities to our membership. Other changes We know that change is always happening and that if you read articles or books on change, people react differently to change—some positive and some more reserved. Our goal with the changes we are making is to provide the best value and opportunities for our members. We will continue to evaluate our programs and look to provide the best return on investment for our members and the broader business community. We are changing our primary networking program, Business@Breakfast, to increase the networking opportunities, lead exchanges and training that will be offered in 2017. The program will be held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Hellmuth and Johnson’s conference room. Opportunities will include speakers who will provide information and business tips on key tools like LinkedIn, social media channels, sales techniques and building your business network. Members will have the chance to give 15-20 minute presentations on their business and share their keys to success so others can learn from them. I invite all our members who are looking to build their business networks, learn new skills and who want to proactively find new business and clients, to join us on Wednesday, January 11th at 7:30 a.m. to hear from Dominic DesMarais, Branch Manager for Fairway Independent Mortgage. Dominic focuses on communication with his clients and business partners and will share his business insight and expertise. With any of our changes, new programs or initiatives, we welcome your input. Please either e-mail me at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org or call our offices at 952-944-2830 to share your thoughts or suggestions.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Ready to make an impact in the Chamber in 2017? Annual Sponsorships are still available. Get your business in front of the entire membership in a big way. Contact Audrianna at audrianna.schenck or (952) 944-2830 to find the one that best fits your goals.
“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
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER DECEMBER WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JANUARY? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp
Business@Breakfast Join us as we kick-off a brand new year of Business@Breakfast! With the new year, comes new changes to this staple program. We will be moving B@B to the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (November and December excluded). But don’t worry, B@B will still feature the same great networking opportunities that our members have enjoyed for years. Come prepared with a stack of business cards and a 30-45 second commercial about your business to share. We will also still feature a 15-20 minute presenter at the end of every Business@Breakfast. To kick-off the new year, we are featuring two dynamic presenters in January. January 11: Dominic DesMarais is a Branch Manager for Fairway Independent Mortgage. Dominic focuses on communication with his clients and business partners. This is why he created his own mortgage practice without having the encumbrances of owning a mortgage company. His focus is to fit the right mortgage loan for the client’s financial life and goals. Come learn business insight and expertise from Dominic DesMarais at the first B@B in 2017! January 25: Lonny Gulden is the Twin Cities LinkedIn Guru. He works with consultants, the selfemployed and businesses on how to leverage LinkedIn for lead generation, increased corporate visibility, social selling and revenue generation. He also teaches job seekers how to use LinkedIn to accelerate their job searches through dynamic profiles, personal branding and effective messaging. Come learn how to best leverage LinkedIn for you and your business goals at Business@Breakfast on January 25. DATE: Wednesday, January 11 - Dominic DesMarais Wednesday, January 25 - Lonny Gulden 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:
Committee Meetings Have you been thinking about getting more involved in the Chamber in 2017? Consider attending a committee meeting to see if they would be a good fit for you and your goals: Public Policy Committee: Thursday, January 5, 7:30 - 9 AM Focuses: Legislative, transportation and business advocacy issues Workforce Development Committee: Thursday, January 19, 8 - 9 AM Focuses: Talent attraction, strategic community partnerships, higher education initiatives Golf Committee: Tuesday, January 31, 11:30 AM - 1 PM Focuses: Sponsorships and partnerships for Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament, event logistics, silent and live auction items Ambassador Committee: January 10, 10 AM - 1 PM Focuses: Mentorship and welcome of new members, ribbon cuttings, site visits TCYP Summit Board of Directors: January 17, 11:30 AM - 1 PM Focuses: Planning all aspects of the annual Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
Go All In with the Chamber Membership Event 2017 Over 100 members in 2 days. Are you up for the challenge? With the new year, comes new opportunities for the Chamber. 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. We are hoping to recruit as many new members to the Chamber as possible in just TWO days! 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. This will be a large-scale event with lofty goals and a whole lot of enthusiasm. 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! 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. We are very excited for this brand-new and very promising event. It is going to significantly enhance the Chamber’s resources to be able to better serve you. If you have any questions about Go All In with the Chamber, please call the Chamber office at (952) 944-2830.
Office Closures
Please note: The Chamber office will be closed February 13-16 and from 12-5 PM on Friday, February 17 for Go All In with the Chamber. We apologize for any inconvenience.
MEMBERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: IN DECEMBER DECEMBER LOOKING BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: EVENTS INDECEMBER Missed an event?
You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/
Beers with B.E.E.R.S. 2016 The ever-popular Beers with B.E.E.R.S. event was Dec. 1 at Brunswick Zone in Eden Prairie. Over 100 members of five chambers gathered to sample beers from seven local breweries and distilleries to vote for the “Best Chamber Beer.” Congratulations to Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery on their winning brew, Runway Red Ale. Thank you to our sponsors: The Tomato Vine, Pinstripes and Tempo Investment Advisors, Inc.
Women’s Networking Chop & Sip After Hours The Women’s Networking Committee introduced a brand-new event for the holiday season this year: a Chop & Sip After Hours. Attendees teamed up to whip up some simple recipes perfect for upcoming holiday gatherings, all led by Owner and Head Chef of The Tomato Vine, Abby Randall. A special thank you to Abby for leading the women through this fun event and to Warehouse Winery for donating wine for the evening. It has been a great year of Women’s Networking events and we are looking forward to more interactive, informational and fun networking events in 2017! If you are looking to get more involved with this group in 2017, please contact Sarah at sarah.ober@epchamber.org to learn more.
Annual Meeting 2016 The Chamber’s Annual Meeting luncheon was December 15 at Bearpath Golf & Country Club. We looked back on strides made in 2016, and looked forward to our strategic goals for 2017. We also recognized Benjamin Adams of Primrose School, recipient of the Excellence in Education 2016 Award, and Rosie and Alan Wallner, recipients of the Charles DeBono 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Award. Thank you all for your selfless service in the Chamber and community! We also heard from Doug Loon, President of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on the upcoming legislative session and the issues most important to businesses.
MEMBERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE The Ambassador Committee is the face of the Chamber in the community. One of their primary responsibilities is to welcome new members to the Chamber and community. To do this, they serve as mentors to new members—they are a resource to answer questions, give advice or insight or just to be a friendly face in the membership. They also welcome new members by attending ribbon cutting ceremonies and site visits. They are the first to learn about the new businesses joining the Chamber and likely some of the first fellow members our new members meet. In addition, they consistently attend Chamber programs and serve as greeters at many of them. If you are looking to jump in and meet as many new and existing members as possible, this is the committee for you. If you’d like to learn more or attend a meeting to see how this committee functions first-hand, please contact Audrianna at audrianna.schenck@epchamber.org or at (952) 9442830. Thank you for all you do, Ambassadors!
New Members Welcome to the Chamber! Twin City Group 4500 Park Glen Road, #400 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 924-6922 www.twincitygroup.com Cadence Chiropractic 6409 City West Parkway, #105 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 855-7656 www.cadencechiromn.com Kona Grill 11997 Singletree Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 941-3262 www.konagrill.com LeaderOne Financial Corporation 10400 Viking Drive, #100 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (612) 315-2831 www.brianpotratz.com
Weichert Realtors 9820 Sky Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (952) 484-4759 www.wradvantage.com Smart Choice MRI 13000 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (877) 862-9801 www.smartchoicemri.com
Ambassador of the Month
Sarah Cheesman Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools 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
JANUARY 2017 - Calendar of Events Monday 2
Tuesday 3
Wednesday 4
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
9
16
Thursday 5
Friday 6
Public Policy Committee Meeting 7:30 - 9 AM
10
11
Ambassador Committee Meeting 10 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
17
18
12
13
19
20
Workforce Development Committee Mtg 8 -9 AM State of the City Luncheon 11 AM -1 PM Minneapolis Marriott SW
23
24
25
26
27
2
3
Public Policy Committee Meeting 7:30 - 9 AM
Legislative Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM Hilton Garden Inn
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson Ambassador Mtg 1:30-2:45 PM
30
31 Golf Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Chamber office
1
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!