Vol. 47, Issue 1 | January 2016
THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors!
STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON Prepare for the New Year with updates on the greater Eden Prairie community.
SILVER SPONSOR
Join us for the annual State of the City luncheon. This event brings businesses, city and education leaders together to share updates and collaborate on strategies to strengthen the community in the coming year. The presentation will include: 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 City Manager of the City of Eden Prairie Rick Getschow on the progress made in 2015 as well as the projections and expectations for 2016.
BRONZE SPONSORS
DATE: Thursday, January 21, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Olympic Hills Golf Club 10625 Mt Curve Rd, Eden Prairie COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members Call the Chamber office at (952) 944-2830 or visit
epchamber.org/events.asp to register. 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.
Follow us on Social Media!
In this issue...
• • A Message from the Chair of the Board: Opportunities in 2016 • New from the Business Resource Center • A Message from the President: Strategic Plan 2016-2018 Like us on Facebook at “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
• Networking Opportunities in January • Editorial Calendar • Looking Ahead: Events in February • Looking Back: Events in December • New Members • Full Calendar of Events
Follow us on Twitter @EPChamber2
Join our Linkedin group “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Katie Misukanis, M.P.A. Government Relations Director, Rasmussen It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to 2016, a year that will prove to be the best yet at the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s 2015 Board of Directors and Staff worked very hard on a strategic plan to launch the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce higher and the work has only just begun. The Chamber is dedicated to increasing the value you as a member get from your association with the Chamber. We surveyed you, met with you, listened to you, and as a result will be rolling out the plan during lunches, committee meetings, through our website and, of course, the staff and I are always available to answer questions. We see 2016 as a chance to enhance your membership and we encourage you to jump in—attend a lunch, bring a co-worker to a committee meeting, bring your neighbor to the Home and Garden Show to plan their kitchen renovation, invite a client to the golf tournament, watch for election information as you prepare to vote in November, and do not forget to mark your calendars for the Eden
Prairie Chamber Gala on October 15th at U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings. The excitement does not end!!! Eden Prairie is a great place to live, work, and do business. It is a thriving community that is a role model for other cities and all of that starts with you. The Chamber is committed and excited to continue and strengthen our relationships with you, our members, our city and school leaders and our elected officials to ensure that the voice of business is heard loud and clear. In closing, I want to thank Carrie Dolinar, for her pioneering leadership in 2015! I want to thank Pat MulQueeny, Audrianna Schenck, Sarah Ober and Lori Brown for their support and work to make our Chamber what it is. I want to thank you, our member for your support and guidance, we will continue to rely on you for your feedback on our plan and welcome your ideas and input on the events and offerings. I wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2016 and am committed, as the Board Chair to make this the best year yet and expect you to all hold me accountable to that!
From the Business Resource Center Learn from your fellow members
Why the Life Insurance You Get from Your Employer is GREAT! By: Aaron Nicklay, Farmer’s Insurance Life insurance that is provided as part of a benefits package by your employer is a wonderful thing. Typically, they provide coverage equivalent to 1 year of your salary, and they give you the opportunity to buy more, up to around 5 times your annual salary, and at a cost that makes it seem too good to be true. It isn’t, and everyone should buy up to the maximum that you can through your company provided benefits.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind with your company provided life insurance so that you don’t end up without coverage, not enough coverage, or paying too much for the coverage you get... Read the full article and more at http://www.epchamber.org/ Resources/ and submit your own to be featured next month!
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Chamber Highlights Strategic Plan at Annual Meeting As part of the 2015 Annual Meeting luncheon, the chamber highlighted its three-year strategic plan, recapped 2015 and recognized and thanked five businesses that have been in Eden Prairie for decades. Key business leaders and elected officials in attendance were able to hear an update on Minnesota’s economy and workforce issues from Minnesota DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. The Chamber’s 3 year strategic plan is focused on three major areas of emphasis: 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. You will hear more about the Chamber’s strategic plan at events throughout the year, in our Chamber communications and on our website. Our Committees for 2016 will include: Ambassador, Gala, Golf, Public Policy, Workforce Development, Recognition and Super Bowl. Descriptions for each of these committees can be found on the Chamber website under “About the Chamber” and “Join a Committee/Council.”
If you are interested in being involved in our committees, programs, roundtables, initiatives on workforce issues or our efforts on promoting Eden Prairie during the 2018 Super Bowl, please contact our offices at 952-944-2830 or send an e-mail to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org. We look forward to working with our members and stakeholders in 2016 and beyond! 2016 – More Partnership Opportunities As announced at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, we are continuing with our B.E.E.R. partnerships and have added additional opportunities for our members. One of these is with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and the first event is set for Friday, February 12th, from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. and is set to feature the Minnesota House and Senate leaders. This Legislative Breakfast series hosted by the TwinWest Chamber is Minnesota’s premier legislative and political forum. The series strikes a balance between public policy and intriguing dialogue while presenting the opportunity to develop strong relationships with legislators and public officials. Sponsorships are available for this event, contact our office at (952) 944-2830 for cost and details.
FREE VISIBILITY: MEMBER MONDAY Would you like to be featured on the Chamber’s social media pages? Contact Sarah at sarah.ober@epchamber.org to be a part of “Member Monday.” “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
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JANUARY? After Hours at Anchor Bank Come celebrate Anchor Bank’s recent acquisition of Voyager Bank and the opening of their new location in Eden Prairie with an After Hours event. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and cocktails and, as always, great networking.
DATE: Thursday, Jan. 21 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Anchor Bank 775 Prairie Center Dr COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
Business@Breakfast sponsored by WELLS FARGO - EP Village 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. Thank you to our B@B sponsor, WELLS FARGO - Eden Prairie Village
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2016 EDITORIAL CALENDAR
DATE: January 6, 13, 20, and 27 (GUEST DAY) LOCATION: Tavern 4 & 5 16396 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie COST: $12 for members, $10 for members and nonmembers and location moved to Hellmuth & Johnson (8050 West 78th Street , Edina) on Guest Day - January 27!
FEBRUARY: Quick & easy social media tips to grow your online presence MARCH: Spring cleaning for growth (getting your business premises in shape, preparing for growth, time management) APRIL: Green business (sustainability in business practices; easy ways to go green in your office) MAY: Hiring the Millennial generation (what are the advantages? What to expect.)
FREE VISIBILITY FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS! Know a thing or two about one of the topics listed? Write an article for the corresponding newsletter! Please contact Sarah at sarah.ober@ epchamber.org if interested.
www.epchamber.org
NETWORKING
SAVE THE DATE: EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
DATE: Thursday, February 4 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest 5801 Opus Pkwy, Minnetonka COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
Valentine Vixens We are excited to celebrate our 8th annual Women’s Network event: Valentine Vixens. There will be exhibitor tables to explore, a 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. We are looking for fun, interactive exhibitors to be a part of this event. If you are interested in exhibiting at Valentine Vixens, please contact Sarah Ober at sarah.ober@epchamber.org.
Legislative Breakfast with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce DATE: Friday, February 12 7:30 - 9 AM LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton-Minneapolis Park Place 1500 Park Place Blvd, St. Louis Park COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
We are partnering with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce for a legislative breakfast on February 12. Each breakfast unites compelling, well-known speakers and state 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 legislators and public officials. Sponsorships for this event are still available. Please contact Pat MulQueeny at (952) 944-2830 if interested.
Log on to epchamber.org/Events.asp or call the Chamber office at (92) 944-2830 to register for any of these great events!
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER DECEMBER 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/
Beers with B.E.E.R.S. We partnered with the Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and SouthWest Metro Chambers of Commerce for a great networking and beer tasting event on December 3 at Brunswick Zone XL. We crowned Badger Hill Brewing Company’s Traitor IPA the “Best Chamber Beer.”
Wake up with Women’s
City - Chamber After Hours We partnered with the City of Eden Prairie to host an unique After Hours event. We revealed the results of a business survey along with Mayor Tyra-Lukens, City Manager Rick Getschow and members of the City Council.
Our last Women’s Network event of 2015 was a holiday breakfast featuring Kate Lilligren, District Manager for Caribou Coffee.
Made in Eden Prairie: Annual Meeting We met on Thursday, December 17 for our annual meeting. We revealed our strategic plan for 2016-2018, recognized the many successful businesses that have made Eden Prairie their long-term home, listened to a presentation by the MN DEED Commissioner Katie ClarkSieben and awarded the Small Business Person of the Year Award to Vincent Martin of Cundy & Martin, LLC.
www.epchamber.org
New Members
MEMBERSHIP andCutting Ribbon Cutting SiteSite VisitsVisits & Ribbon Ceremonies Ceremonies
Welcome to the Chamber!
Jesse Godzala and the Godzala/ Brenny Team - Edina Realty 8281 West Lake Court Chanhassen, MN 55317 (320) 309-7335 www.chanhassenedina.com
Conference Direct
Right Away, LLC
1200 Singletree Lane Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 746-1204
Case Staffing Solutions
6900 Shady Oak Road, #250 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 322-7393 www.casestaffingsolutions.com
Pure Barre - Eden Prairie
Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping 9627 Anderson Lakes Parkway Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (612) 875-8706 www.extremebodyshaping.com
Ambassador of the Month
The Village Artisan
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. December’s Ambassador of the Month was:
Laura Meister SaFire Nutrition
Master Technology Group
The inaugural Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit Friday, April 29, 2016 Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Contact Audrianna at (952) 944-2830 or audrianna.schenck@epchamber.org to sponsor and be a part of history.
tcypsummit.com
JANUARY 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday 1 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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5
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7
8
14
15
20
21
22
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM
State of the City Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM
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12
13 Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM
18
19
After Hours at Anchor Bank 4:30 - 6 PM
25
26
27
28
29
GUEST DAY B@B Hellmuth&Johnson CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED For statewide conference 11 AM -5 PM
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!