July 2011 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS July 2011 - Vol 42, Issue 7

Women’s Networking Group

Leadership P2- Message from President Pat P2- Small Business Person Award P3- Ambassador Update P3- Ambassador of the Month

Public Policy P4- Article by Rep. Jenifer Loon P4- Sponsorship Corner

Community Building P5- Spotlight: GE Capital Fleet Services P5- Golf Tournament Information

Networking P6P6P7P8-

New Member Information June Event Rewind Upcoming Events June 2011 Calendar epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

“Bring a Guest” After Hours!

IN THIS ISSUE...

Tuesday, July 19th from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM This month, we will be having a Women’s Networking After Hours in replace of our monthly luncheon. This is going to be a great event with great networking and be sure to BRING A GUEST! Each person will receive a drink ticket, delicious appetizers and will enjoy some good company! RSVP today and join us for this super fun event, you won’t want to miss it!

LOCATION: Santorini is located at 13000 Technology Dr in Eden Prairie. Don’t forget to invite a guest!

COST: The cost to attend is a special rate of $10 for EVERYONE! Please RSVP at www.epchamber.org or call (952) 944-2830!

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber” Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber” V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2” Visit our Discussions Blog epchamber2.blogspot.com

MORE INFORMATION ON THE WOMEN’S NETWORKING GROUP: The Eden Prairie Chamber’s Women’s Networking Group is an opportunity for women in business to get together and network, hear inspiring presentations and learn from one another. We often find ourselves building stronger connections with fellow members than we would at a normal luncheon due to the intimate settings, our smaller group size and the extended luncheon time frame.

A special THANK YOU to our 2011 Annual Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

General Sponsor

Leadership Getting Involved with the Chamber

By Pat MulQueeny, President Member Involvement As a business association that offers numerous programs throughout the year, we are always looking for the best ways to get our members involved. In fact, as part of our strategic plan, our goal is to get 50% of our members to send their representative(s) to at least four programs each year. This includes our luncheons, breakfast programs, after hours and more.

Pat MulQueeny, IOM Chamber President

As Chamber members we want to remind you that all of your employees are considered members – membership dues are based on employee numbers. This means you can send a variety of people to our programs. For example, when we have elected officials speak, we encourage business owners and those responsible for government and community relations to attend. These same people would be great candidates to serve on the Chamber’s Government Committee as well. Likewise, when we have networking events or programs on how to be a better networker, we encourage sales and marketing people to attend and learn at these programs.

Now that the year is half over, we remind you to maximize your membership benefits by having yourself and your staff involved. In 2011, so far our programs have drawn in over 3,300 people to network, make business connections and help build a strong community.

International Trips Update – Alaskan Cruise As many of you know, each year the Chamber offers a unique community building and business awareness opportunity through international trips. We are working on a fun-filled unique experience for June of 2012 – an Alaskan Cruise. Yes – Alaska is not a foreign country, but we have a great opportunity to work with CruiseOne – a long time Chamber member, in putting together this opportunity. Stay tuned for future information and announcements about this trip!!

Small Business Person of the Year – Martin Larson The Eden Prairie Chamber is pleased to have recognized Martin Larson of Brunswick Zone Eden Prairie as our Small Business Person of the Year Award recipient. We had an amazing group of nominees for the award this year and they included Greg Albrecht from M&A Executive Search, Shane Burgeson and Ann Sangpan from Check Engine Express, Katherine Forrester Wirth with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Jon Kutsch of Auto Source and Todd Warner with Phoenix Technology. We are very pleased that our Recognition Committee selected Martin Larson of Brunswick Zone Eden Prairie as this year’s recipient. Just a few of the accomplishments and work Martin has accomplished: •

Martin has been the General Manager of Brunswick Zone for seven years. He has been instrumental in propelling Brunswick Zone Eden Prairie to a top performer year-after year within the Brunswick Bowling Chain. He has built this success by building a reputation of good service and quality offerings. Banquets and events continue to grow and are a major factor that drives continued operational success.

•

The recent economic downturn impacted Brunswick Zone as it did many businesses, but because of Martin’s community involvement and the organizations community relationships these efforts helped the organization overcome these challenges. In terms of community involvement, Martin is involved in many fundraisers including Crisis Connection, Cancer Research and school fundraisers to name a few. Martin has hosted many local, state and national tournaments for groups, such as Special Olympics and Paralyzed Veterans. Brunswick has received several Executive Awards under Martin’s leadership from the company for being one of the top performing centers in the company.

•

Small Business Person of the Year Recipient, Martin Larson, Stan Gadek, Pat MulQueeny

In terms of jobs and leadership growth, Brunswick Zone has created seven new manager level positions in recent years, they employ 80 employees in the fall and 45 in the summer. They hire dozens of first time job applicants and train and mentor these employees.

The Chamber announced and presented this award at the General Membership Luncheon on June 16 which featured speaker Stan Gadek, President and CEO of Sun Country Airlines. A special thank you to our sponsors Anchor Bank and Comcast Business Class.

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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 good will 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 in June!

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Ribbon cutting at HealthSource Chiropractic- June 17th; Dr. Katie Kearney-Bidwell & Dr. Nicole Lauer

Clearwater Mortgage

•

•

HealthSource Chiropractic

www.huntingtonlearningcenter.com

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7920 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-345-6110 www.healthsourcechiro.com

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Healthy Training, LLC 6585 Edenvale Blvd, #100A Eden Prairie, MN 55346 952-334-4594 www.healthy-training.com

Ribbon cutting at Healthy Training, LLC- June 8th; Ellie Johnson, Owner

Huntington Learning Center 470 W. 78th Street Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-949-1029

6608 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-934-1280 www.theanswerisclear.com

Mitchell Worldwide, LLC 6337 St. John’s Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55346 612-730-6361 www.mitchellworldwide.com

•

Sentry Insurance P.O. Box 44147 Eden Prairie, MN 55346 952-994-6662

Visit our website for photos: www.epchamber.org/Photo_Gallary.asp

Ambassador of the Month- May Mary Dale, Counselor Realty Mary Dale has been in the real estate industry for over 10 years and specializes in residential real estate and new construction. Her background in new construction comes from working with several builders. She enjoys consulting with clients regarding buying, selling, building or remodeling a home. Her approach to real estate is educating the client so they can make an informed decision. She is also a resource for them for any of their real estate needs, like renting their home.

Site visit: Jim Mitchell with Mitchell Worldwide, LLC- June 7th

Site visit: Diana Smith with Sentry Insurance- June 7th

In addition, she is involved in teaching classes through the Eden Prairie Schools - Community Education Program on real estate topics like What Really Sells Your House, Buying Your First Home with Resale in Mind, Short Sales and Foreclosures and Townhome Living and Associations. You will also see her helping her clients stage their home to get it sold and working with the photographer the day of the photo shoot. It is making the pictures memorable, so the house gets more exposure and hits on the internet.

Being a part of the Eden Prairie Chamber has been a great way for Mary to learn about other businesses, network and gain new relationships. She has especially enjoyed being an Ambassador and mentor to new members. As a mentor, she educates them about committees they can join and networking opportunities within the Chamber.

She also enjoys meeting new members at events and introducing them to other members.

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 Budget Work Fills the Headlines

By Jenifer Loon State Representative The 2011 legislative session ended on May 23, but the state’s budget for 2012-13 will not be resolved until a special session is called by the governor.

The Legislature passed a budget which does not raise taxes and lives within the means of $34 billion in anticipated revenue for the upcoming biennium. This spending total is a 6-percent increase in general fund spending over the current budget cycle, allowing us to fund our priorities without increasing taxes. Our budget also holds classrooms, nursing homes and veterans harmless from funding reductions compared with what they currently receive.

Representative Jenifer Loon

Meantime, the governor proposed raising taxes to help spend nearly $2 billion more than the state expects to receive in revenue. This difference in philosophies caused the governor to veto the budget proposal we sent him and negotiations have continued into the summer in an attempt to avert a state shutdown.

While the budget work lingered beyond the regular session, we passed permit reform, alternative pathways to teacher licensure, and some smart strategies to improve government productivity and eliminate waste. I was personally successful in a leading number of job-creation initiatives, including leading the “Surly Bill” to passage. This will allow microbreweries in Minnesota to open on-site taprooms where they could hold tasting events and sell their own beer. This will create many new jobs, boost the hospitality industry and provide a whole new destination-brewery arena for our entrepreneurs.

The Legislature did good work this session. We balanced the budget without raising taxes, cut red tape, and crafted significant reforms in education, health care and the way state government operates. I remain an ardent supporter of reform measures to put us on a more sustainable path, bringing 21st century efficiencies to our government. Simply raising taxes to pay for more spending does nothing to address growth escalation and could leave us in an even more difficult position a couple years from now.

Before we even think about asking taxpayers to contribute more, we need to ask ourselves if we are making the best-possible use of the dollars we already have. What is the taxpayers’ return on investment? The budget proposal we sent the governor gets us pointed in the right direction by planning for tomorrow.

I will continue to work for the long-term prosperity of Minnesota families and a vibrant private sector economy. Thank you for the privilege of serving our great community.

Thank You to our Ambassador Lunch Sponsors!

7922 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344

582 Prairie Center Dr. #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344

www.goumbria.com 952-374-6464

www.redmoonchinesecafe.com 952-941-6556

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

Community Building SPOTLIGHT ON A CHAMBER MEMBER: Q & A GE Fleet Capital Services; Chamber Member since 1978 We had the opporunity to spend a little time with GE Capital Fleet Services. Below are some questions we asked to get to know them and their business a little bit more.

Eden Prairie Chamber (EPC): Please tell us a little bit about your business.

GE Capital Fleet Services (GE): GE Capital Fleet Services, based in Eden Prairie, is a global fleet management company that provides commercial car and truck financing and integrated information management services that help companies save time and money and reduce their impact on the environment. Today, we manage more than 1.6 million vehicles for customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses.

Our tailored solutions address an organization’s vehicle fleet lifecycle -- from business planning and vehicle financing through remarketing -- so our customers get the maximum return on their total fleet investment.

Customers come to us because no other fleet management company can match the depth of GE’s resources, the scope of our experience or the scale of our results.

EPC: What are some key aspects of your business that you take special pride in?

GE: More than 600 of GE Capital Fleet Services’ employees work on our Eden Prairie headquarters campus. We take special pride in helping our customers save money and optimize their fleets to reduce their environmental footprint. In 2010, for example, our fleet experts identified $326 million in cost savings for our customers, and we helped many of them reduce their CO2 emissions through smart vehicle selection and efficiency tools.

EPC: What is it about the Chamber that has lead you to be a member?

GE: At GE, we take pride in the communities where our employees live and work, and because our Fleet Services business is headquartered in Eden Prairie, our Chamber membership is an important part of our community engagement. This year, we’re actively involved with the Chamber through our sponsorship of upcoming Chamber golf and Fourth of July events.

EPC: Final question, what are some positives that you are looking for in 2011- 2012?

GE: GE Capital Fleet Services is looking forward to continued growth and innovation in 2011-12. Our business is playing a key role in GE’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicle technologies in communities around the world. We are planning some exciting announcements about electric vehicles in 2011-12, and we look forward to sharing our work with the Eden Prairie community.

GE Capital Fleet Services is located at Three Capital Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 828-1000 www.gefleet.com

Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce presents the...

Annual Golf Tournamnet Monday, July 25th at Bearpath Golf & Country Club Golfers and silent auction donations are still needed!!!

We are almost SOLD OUT, so sign up TODAY- Please use the registration form enclosed!

W Visit our website or call the Chamber office for more informa on (952) 944-2830!

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

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Networking Welcome the Following New Members & Add Them to Your 2011-2012 Directory!

Encore Consignment Boutique

Clearwater Mortgage 6608 flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Todd Glovrick, Mortgage Banking www.theanswerisclear.com (952) 934-1280

8264 Commonwealth Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Kay Nordbye, Retail Sales www.encorecb.com (952) 944-9290

Kelley Business Law

Complete Nutrition

7825 Washington Avenue #500 Eden Prairie, MN 55439 Shane Kelley www.kelleybuslaw.com (952) 838-5770

8020 Den Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Jason Edwards www.completenutrition.com (952) 746-6095

Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer 16376 Wagner Way Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Patrick Lumby, Wireless Communication & Services www.shockcitycellular.com (952) 224-9287

Zest Catering P.O. Box 292 Chaska, MN 55318 Tara Pittelko, Catering Services www.zestcateringmn.com (952) 451-0224

Document Technology Solutions 9401 James Aveune Bloomington, MN 55431 Brant Marple, Office Equipment Supplies/Printing www.dtsimaging.com (952) 516-7922

2011-2012 Directories are in...stop by our office to pick up your’s today!

June Event Rewind....

We are a very busy Chamber of Commerce! As a part of our strategic plan, we strive to provide high quality programs and events throughout the year. Here is some of what happened last month....

After Hours at Wings of the North w/ Mr. Appliance

Fusion Monthly Meeting, Representative Jenifer Loon

Women’s Networking; Panel: Work/Life Balance Noontime Networking at

Stan Gadek, CEO Sun Country Airlines; June General Membership Luncheon

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

Networking After Hours at the Mustard Seed

Talk About Us!!!

Thursday, July 14th from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Join us for an After Hours event at The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center on July 14th! The Mustard Seed combines ideas, products and services, expertly crafted, into unique landscapes that grow and enhance your lifestyle and property! There will be informal networking, a free meal (including: Italian Sausages Smoked with Fresh Basil, Peppers and Onions, Grilled and Marinated Chicken Skewers, Caprese Pasta Salad, Corn Medallions, Stuffed Bread, Watermelon), a tour and a door prize drawing!!! Don’t miss it!

Do you know someone who’s thinking about joining the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce? Chamber 101 is free membership orientation program held monthly by the Eden Prairie Chamber. This short program includes: •

Overview of the Chamber’s services, committees, events, advertising and sponsorship options and additional value-added programs available

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The chance to network with current Chamber Members and hear their first hand experience

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A complimentary continental breakfast and coffee will be served. Bring your business cards!

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP through this site or contact our office at 952-944-2830. We hope to see you there!

The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center is located at 6055 Hwy 212 in Chaska.

Please RSVP by calling (952) 944-2830 or by visiting our website.

After Hours events have no charge for Chamber members & their guests and are $5 for non-members. See you there!

Our next Chamber 101 meeting will be held on Friday, July 8th at 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM at the Eden Prairie Chamber office (11455 Viking Drive, #200). Invite your friends!

LAST CHANCE: 2011 EP Chamber Trip to China!

AMAZING savings!!! Fee includes roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis and a visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors!

The final payment must be made by July 7th!!!

Included in the $2,699* fee...

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Round-trip international airfare from Minneapolis!

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4 star & 5 star hotel stays

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Airport taxes & roundtrip transfers throughout trip

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3 full meals per day

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English speaking tour guides

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City tours of Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai

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Admission to all tours & attractions

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Discovery Program Guide * Add $500 for a single room supplement * Additional taxes & fees are presently $130

8 day trip JUST $2,699 PER PERSON!* *Single Room Supplement has additional cost

ANYONE IS WELCOME!!

Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. The balance must be paid in full by July 7th, 2011.

Contact Pat MulQueeny by phone at 952-944-2830 or by email at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org The EP Chamber is partnering with Chamber Discoveries to provide this opportunity to anyone who is interested—Chamber member or not, Eden Prairie resident or not!

EPC has offered international group travel since their first trip to China in 2009.

We invite you to learn more about why group travel with a Chamber of Commerce is so beneficial - both to your budget and your travel convenience.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CHAMBER DISCOVERIES

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

JULY 2011 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

4

5

6 NO Business@Breakfast!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

EPC OFFICE CLOSED

11

7

8 7:30 AM- Chamber 101 @ EPC *Ads for Aug. Newsletter due to EPC!

12

13

11:30 AM- Ambassador Mtg @ EPC

7:30 AM- Business@Breakfast at The Colony

14

15

4:30 PM- After Hours @ the Mustard Seed

18

19

20

21

11:30 AM- Gala Meeting @ EPC

11:30 AM- Fusion Mtg. at STAR BANK

7:30 AM- Business@Breakfast at The Colony

22 *Inserts for Aug. Newsletter due to EPC!

4:30 PM- Women’s Networking Group After Hours @ Santorini’s Bring a Guest!

25 CHAMBER ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

26

27

28

29

7:30 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!

Save the date for this year’s Gala event....

Bourbon Street Ball Saturday, November 12, 2011

Please see enclosed document for more details!