June2014

JUNE 2014 - Vol. 45, Issue 6 IN THIS ISSUE...

Luncheon with the Vikings June 27, 2014 from 11:30-1PM

Leadership P2- Article by Nicole Middendorf P3 - Article By Jeff Holds P4 -Welcome New Members P5 -Welcome New Members

Community Building P6- EP School District

Networking P7- Ambassador Updates

You won't want to miss this "State of the Vikings" presentation, so mark you calendar now & RSVP! We'll enjoy lunch at the Vikings practice facility and hear the latest news from a coach, Vikings executive on the team, newly drafted players and the new stadium! We will also get a tour of the facility -- YES, that includes the LOCKER ROOM; plus a chance to kick a football or try your arm at throwing a football on the practice field! To top off this special lunch, the Vikings will have a few door prizes to give away.

LOCATION: Winter Park, 9520 Viking Drive, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 COST: $25 for Chamber Members and $40 for Non-Members

Business After Hours at SpringHill Suites by Marriott June 5 from 4:30-6PM Follow us on Social Media! epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

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

Join us for a sneak peak at the newly remodeled SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel. There will be a great opportunity for networking, enjoying complimentary beverages and appetizers, door prizes, plus a chance to tour the hotel. You won’t want to miss it...RSVP today!

LOCATION: 11552 Leona Road, Eden Prairie COST: FREE for Chamber Members; $10 for Non-Chamber Members

Mark Your Calendar!

Girl’s Gone Golfin’ - August 25, 2014 Chamber Gala - Fire & Ice - October 25, 2014 THANK YOU to our 2014 Annual Sponsors!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor’s

Silver Sponsor’s

Bronze Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Leadership Market Like a Rockstar

By Nicole N. Middendorf, CDFA - Prosperwell Financial

Marketing, I believe, is the life blood of your business. Marketing is the cornerstone of your success.

The first thing you need is to figure out your end goal. Set goals for yourself so you have something to work towards. It is important to not only focus on the present, but also into the future. In order to achieve these goals, make sure that you know what your strengths and weaknesses are and focus on your strengths.

Once you have set your goals, you want to develop a marketing plan. It is important to have a niche. You want to find a market that you target and you become an expert in. You cannot know everything which is why it is important to develop a focus for your practice. Plus, if you are an expert in an area you eventually will be sought out by qualified prospects. You also want to make sure you have a focus with your marketing plan and set realistic expectations. After you do these things to develop a marketing plan, you want to figure out how you will achieve this. Brainstorm ideas of what ways you will achieve these goals you have set for yourself. Once you develop a plan, create a time line of when you are going to implement them.

To have true marketing, it is important to have activity in each of one of the following areas. At our company we actively focus on having activity in all of these areas all the time and also evaluate regularly on how well we are doing each of these: •Advertising – Products, Community Involvement, Sponsorships, Volunteering, Networking, Public Speaking •Public Outreach – Seminars, Sponsorships, Charity •Direct Communication – Thank you cards, Mailing, Newsletter, Social Media •Industry Leadership – Chambers, Board Member •Media Relations – Columnist, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, YouTube •Events – Expos, workshops, client appreciation Another great way to market yourself is to develop a system to thank those that give you referrals. You would be surprised how doing this simple thing can help you brand yourself and get a positive reputation with others. It is the small things that can make a lasting impression.

Also, make sure that you utilize technology. Google your companies name and see how many places you can be found online. Having a website and using social media is an easy way to get your name out there. When people hear your name from your marketing efforts, chances are they will try to find your contact information online if they do not already know it. So, if you don’t have a website, get one. Not only is it a great way to get your name out there, but it is something that can help your clients and prospects. By having useful information, articles and resource links on the website, you can help educate them. It is also a great way to advertise the events and seminars that you are putting on in the community. Make sure you include a picture of yourself and your biography as well.

Social media can be a great tool in marketing. Just make sure that you are utilizing it correctly. LinkedIn is to gain a professional network whereas Facebook is best used to prospect and connect with clients. Make sure that you keep your personal and business social media pages separate.

With all of these ideas, persistence is the key to success. Marketing and developing your brand take time, it is not something that can be done overnight. We believe in the WOW effect, which is going out of your way to really “wow” your best clients randomly throughout the year. Develop your marketing plan and stick to it. Go out and “wow” your clients.

For more helpful business articles please check out our BRAND NEW Business Resource Center at www.epchamber.org/resources You are also able to submit your own business articles for everyone to read!

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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 Prior Lake, MN - POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “Connections,” 11455 Viking Dr. #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Leadership Minnesota Golf By: Jeff Holds Phoenix Technology Solutions, LLC Several years back, each spring 3 of my friends and I would head out for a golf trip in March to kick off the impending golf season. We have survived South Carolina, Orlando, Palm Springs (barely), and Arizona over those years. Our plan was usually to play 2 days of 36 holes each day and one day of 18 then head home. It always seemed like we are trying to get one more round in…like 90 holes of golf in 3 days isn’t enough. But, we still pushed for that second round on Sunday and race for the airport. I have always felt that the 3 days of 36 holes each day was never a good use of time to start the season out correctly. There’s nothing like grooving bad habits right out of the shoot and thinking that for some odd reason that 4-5 months off has improved your golf game. Well, we do it anyway and head home not wanting to touch a golf club for another 4 to 6 weeks or so. At least until the blisters and aches started to subside. I always thought that just maybe the anticipation of the first 18 holes can be suppressed just enough so that we could spend the first half day on the driving range or in a group lesson to knock off the rust just so we could start out the season on the right foot. Maybe someday we will figure it out.

Minneapolis has more golfers per capita than any other city in the U.S. (according to 50states.com) Several years back, this was quite apparent at the PGA Championship at Hazeltine 2009 as well as the prior year at The US Women’s Open at Interlachen. Even Tiger Woods, the world’s most well known sports figure, commented on how large the crowds were at Hazeltine National before and during the PGA Championship rounds. So, what is the attraction? Why do we enjoy playing 36 holes a day or attending Major golf tournaments or just playing 9 holes over the lunch hour? I think the easy answer is that it is different for everyone. Some of us have grown up playing the game, some have just started last week while others keep saying they want to learn but don’t know where to start. Whatever golf level you are at, the basic premise of the game holds true for all who play; we are trying to improve our golf skills while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Yes, there are other ancillary benefits like spending time with friends and family, competition, exercise, and probably my favorite is showing appreciation to our clients. These are all great reasons to enjoy one of Minnesota’s best attractions wrapped around the beautiful landscape of this state.

June 2nd marks the annual Eden Prairie Chamber Golf Tournament at Bearpath Golf Course. We have another exciting sold out event scheduled for all who have signed up. This annual outing is not only about meeting other members in the chamber but a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. There are great hole games sponsored by your fellow chamber members and excellent awards to make the day a blast. Come be a part of Minnesota’s culture and enjoy a round of golf with your friends and colleagues.

See you at the course.

THANK YOU TO THE DONORS WHO SUPPORTED THE 2013-2014 EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER STUDENT MEMBERS!

Zane Birky Edward Jones Investments

David Hurley ClearPath Financial Partners If you would like to donate or sponsor a student member for the 2014-2015 school year, please contact EPC President Pat MulQueeny at (952) 944-2830 or pat.mulqueeny@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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New Members April 2014 American Family- Tracie Larson Agency Tracie Larson 5100 Edina Industrial Blvd #205 Edina, MN, 55439 tlarson1@amfam.com 952-831-0200 Angie Jones Healthy Families Angie Jones 8824 Cottonwood Lane Eden Prairie, MN, 55347 612-385-1212 Angie@AJHealthyFamilies.com www.AJHealthyFamilies.com Brown & Bigelow Inc. George L. Harper III 6451 Kurtz Lane Eden Prairie, MN, 55346 gharper@brownandbigelow.com 612-414-5452 www.brownandbigelow.com

Cox Insurance Adam Dawson 1639 Larpenteur Avenue West St.Paul, MN, 55133 Adam@coxins.net 651-647-0001 www.coxins.net EcoxPress Courier Services Jim Allen 9889 Frederick Place #55 Eden Prairie, MN, 55347 jallen@ecoxpress.com 952-217-0846 www.ecoxpress.com

Celebrating 25 Years

Carver-Scott Humane Society Bruce Kranig P.O. Box 215 Chaska, MN, 55318 bkranig@carverscotths.org 952-368-3553 www.carverscotths.org Cavalry Carpet Cleaners James Nemchik 17837 South Shore Lane West Eden Prairie, MN, 55346 james@cavalrycarpetcleaners.com 952-949-2940 www.cavalrycarpetcleaners.com

Ellenor Whitty 12310 Singletree Lane #2214 Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 rew@EllenorWhitty.com 281-300-0015 Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Deb Newton 1107 Hazeltine Blvd.#300 Chaska, MN dnewton@hazelden.org 952-679-2920 www.hazelden.org Healthy Living Chiropractic, LLC Jessica Donaldson drjessica@healthylivingchiropractic.com 6545 Flying Cloud Drive Suite #100 Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 952-944-2300 www.healthylivingchiropractic.com

Ceiling America International Anis Ghariani 8161 33rd Avenue South Unit #503W Bloomington, MN, 55425 anis.ghariani@ceilingamericainternational.com 507-216-5151

Insperity Chris Rosenlund 8500 Normandale Lake Blvd. #150 Bloomington, MN,55437 chris.rosenlund@insperity.com 952-960-5300 www.insperity.com

CMIT Solutions of the Twin Cities SW David Charbonneau dcharbonneau@cmitsolutions.com 15406 Minnetonka Industrial Road Minnetonka, MN, 55345 612-844-1149 www.cmitsolution.com/twin-cities-sw

It Works!

Theresa Lucito 2874 Clover Ridge Drive Chaska, MN, 55318 dr.Theresa.itworks@gmail.com 763-772-5260 www.DrTheresa.myitworks.com

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

New Members April 2014

James H. Gilbert Law Group Beverly Aho 12700 Anderson Lakes Pkwy Eden Prairie, MN, 55344-7652 bjaho@lawgilbert.com 952-767-0167 www.jgilbertlawgroup.com

Sunrise Exteriors Inc. Noel Nemitz 15612 Hwy #7 #237 Mtka, MN, 55345 sunriseexteriorsmn@gmail.com 612-333-1195 www.sunrise-exteriors.com

LTR Digital Group Pat Devine 7825 Washington Avenue S. #500 Bloomington, MN, 55439 pdevine@ltrdigital.com 952-943-3997 www.ltrdigitalgroup.com

Tim Hoeben Agency, Inc. Freedon Insurance Tim Hoeben 205 Lewis Street South #105 Shakopee, MN, 55379 tim@freedominsagent.com 952-246-4646

Mr.Handyman of Chanhassen/Chaska/Shakopee Jeff Starn 551 W. 78th Street #213 Chanhassen, MN, 55317 jeff.starn@mrhandyman.com 952-937-6225 Pinstripes Amanda Brown 3849 Gallagher Drive Edina, MN, 55435 amanda@pinstripes.com 651-333-0434 www.pinstripes.com Pixel Napalm Romeo Azar 275 Market Street #C15 Mpls, MN, 55405 romeo@pixelnapalm.com 612-961-2197 www.pixelnapalm.com Showhomes Minneapolis Karen Galler 6585 Edenvale Blvd. #180 Eden Prairie, MN, 55436 kgaller@showhomes.com 952-818-5055 www.showhomesminneapolis.com Shrewd HR, LLC Elizabeth Jayanti 8761 Amherst Lane Eden Prairie, MN, 55346 liz@shrewdhr.com 952-334-8193

W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital, LLC Shawn Paige 15322 Galaxie Avenue #203 Apple Valley, MN, 55124 shawn.paige@wjbradley.com 612-269-8569 Walgreens David Hansen Mgr.05080@store.walgreens.com 10180 Hennepin Towne Rd. Eden Prairie, MN, 55347 952-941-8666 Walgreens Mike Perry Mgr.06280@store.walgreens.com 16395 Wagner Way Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 952-937-2934 Walgreens Elizabeth Ryan Mgr.12044@store.walgreens.com 8240 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 952-252-1112 Web.com Zev Kujolic 7825 Washington Avenue #500 Eden Prairie, MN, 55439 zkujolic@web.com 612-227-1806 www.leads.com

www.shrewdhr.com

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Community Building Update from the Eden Prairie School District

By Eden Prairie Schools We appreciate the opportunity to share information about our district in the monthly editions of the chamber newsletter. We give you a glimpse into the district each month, but invite you to visit the district’s website at www. edenpr.org for more information. You can also follow us and like us! The district is using social media as another means to provide updates, information and shout-outs to students and staff who are doing great things. Follow us on Twitter @EPS272 and like us on Facebook at Eden Prairie Schools. Here are a few things happening in your school district: EPHS Senior Selected as a Presidential Scholar – Eden Prairie High School Senior Amy Tan has been selected as a Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Students are selected through a process that identifies the top performers on national tests, and a set of materials that these identified students submit including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of students. One young man and one young woman are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, up to 15 students are chosen at large.

Levy Adjustments Will Reduce Tax Impact of Operating Levy Increase – Along with options for amounts of an operating levy increase and ballot structure for the November 2014 referendum election, the district administration has presented information on some changes in district levies that will reduce the tax impact of any increase in the district’s operating levy. There are several different board-approved tax levies that generate revenue for the district along with the voter-approved operating levy. Beginning in 2015-2016, the district will see a significant decrease in its debt service levy. This is the levy that is used to pay off previously approved bond issues. This levy decrease, accompanied by a change in how the district generates revenue for its alternative facilities projects, will reduce the tax impact of any levy increase. (Funds from the alternative facilities levy are used to maintain district facilities including such things as roof replacement, parking lot repair and other maintenance issues.) As an example, let’s say the district proposed a levy increase of $750 per pupil. The tax impact for a $750 per pupil increase on a $325,000 home is $287 per year. However, with the decrease in the debt service levy and changes in how the district would fund alternative facilities projects, the net tax increase will be $137 per year. In other words, a $750 per pupil increase that should cost the owners of a $325,000 home $287 per year will be $137 per year. More information on the proposed operating levy will be shared in the coming weeks.

Board Approves 2014-2015 Operating Capital Budget – Earlier this spring, the Eden Prairie School Board approved the operating capital budget for the 2014-2015 school year. The capital budget is generally approved before the entire budget to allow time for the planning and implementation of projects for the 2014-2015 school year. The district’s total operating capital budget for next year is about $3.3 million. The largest items in the budget are $800,000 for digital and other curriculum resources and $620,000 for bus purchase replacement. In addition, each school in the district receives an allocation for equipment or small repair and remodel projects. The district uses funding from the alternative facilities levy for larger repair projects to district facilities such as roof repair and replacement, parking lot repair and replacement, air handling repair and replacement, and other significant maintenance projects. Funds from the voter approved capital projects levy for technology are available to fund the cost of technology needs including the student devices for the i-Learn@EP program. Funds remaining in bond proceeds will be used to upgrade elementary school buildings for security purposes.

Sixth Grade Teacher Selected as a Heinemann Fellow – Lisa Birno, sixth grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary, was recently chosen as one of 10 educators from around the nation to become a Heinemann Fellow. Lisa was chosen from a nationwide application and selection process, and will serve as an ambassador for Forest Hills and the district. As a Heinemann Fellow, Lisa will be required to conduct a research project and present her findings at scheduled gatherings, as well as write at least two short articles for the Digital Campus Reference Library.

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

Networking 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.

Wealth Financial Long Term Care Insurance

Long Term Care Insurance Brian Emswiler 952-937-9127 15830 Venture Lane Eden Prairie, MN be@ltcadv.com

WEALTH Financial Consultants, Inc. Caroline Emswiler 952-294-4921 15830 Venture Lane Eden Prairie, MN cee@wealthfinancial.net Jardin Magico

Krueger & Juelich, PLLC

Krueger & Juelich, PLLC Sherri Krueger 952-373-8564 601 Carlson Parkway Suite 1050 Minnetonka, MN skrueger@kruegerjuelichlaw.com

Jardin Magico Natalie Standridge-Lopez 952-974-4365 14200 Martin Drive Eden Prairie, MN www.jardinmagico.com

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

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JUNE 2014 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday 2

Tuesday 3

Chamber Golf Tournament

Wednesday

Thursday

4

5

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast

8:30-9:30AM - Business Development Committee Meeting

Friday 6

4:30-6PM - After Hours @ SpringHill Suites by Marriott

9

16

23

10

11

12

7:30-8:30AM :Government Committee Meeting

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast

7:30AM - Board Meeting

17

18

19

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast

Chamber office closed - Statewide Chamber Conference

25

26

24

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast

13

20

27 11:30AM- 1PM Vikings Luncheon @ Winter Park

30

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