June 2012 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS JUNE 2012 - Vol. 43, Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE...

Get the Latest Information on MN Economy & Employment Thursday, June 21st from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Biaggi’s

Leadership P2- Article by Glenn Schwartz P2- Sponsorship Corner P3- Ambassador Updates P3- Ambassador of the Month P4- Article by Pat MulQueeny

Community Building P5- Article by EP Schools P5- Message from jo Nelson

Mark Phillips has more than 25 years of leadership in development and finance, including launching new and creative programs for community and economic development, real estate development and business financing. Phillips has led community and economic development organizations in government, private business and the nonprofit sector.

Prior to accepting the governor’s appointment to head the Department of Employment and Economic Development, he was director of business development for Minneapolis-based KrausAnderson Construction Co.

Networking P6- Spotlight: Rasmussen College P6- Veterans Career Fair P7- GML Recap P7- NEW Shop Local Program P8- May 2012 Calendar

Phillips also was director of community and economic development at the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) under Gov. Rudy Perpich, director of development for Duluth-based Minnesota Power, and vice president of Northeast Ventures Corp. in Duluth. The Economic Development Association of Minnesota presented him with its Career Achievement Award.

Phillips is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program within the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

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his month we will hear from Commissioner Mark Phillips! He will be giving us an update on the economy, jobs and where the state sees the business climate heading for Minnesota businesses.

In our recent Survey, we asked our members which they preferred- an electronic only version of the newsletter or the printer version you hold in your hands. If you want to only receive an electronic version of the newlsetter, please send an e-mail to Sammi at communications@epchamber.org and in the subject line, put “Electronic Newsletter Only.”

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Leadership Network Like You Mean It!

By Glenn Schwartz, 2012 Chamber Board Chair Glenn J. Schwartz, Attorney at Law

An article was posted recently in the “Hired” group on the LinkedIn website entitled “How to speak to your strengths.” Stephanie Clark, a resume writer, was asked by one of her clients if she ever worked for the police because of the intensity and depth of her client interview for the preparation of the client’s resume. There is a reason for this need to dig for personal information. I am sharing a true story that illustrates this point.

Years ago, as a young attorney, I rented an apartment on a 400-acre estate that was next door to the apartment occupied by the estate’s groundskeeper, a softspoken man approximately 50 years old. One day he asked me to help him with his resume and application to become the Ohio State Representative of the Jersey Cattlemen’s Association. We worked on the document for days, but I was concerned that with little formal education, only real life dairy experience and a current position as a groundskeeper; his resume was thin and his prospects were not good. While we were brainstorming during our last session he mentioned, almost in passing, that he has also been a Captain in the Canadian Air Force and he wondered if that might be important. I knew it would be, we added it to his resume and he got the position.

The lesson I learned is that we don’t necessarily get to know the people we network with even though we see them repeatedly at Chamber events.

For example, who knew that Dave Lindahl- City Development Director; David Anderson- attorney, Richard Jacobs- auto-repair company owner, and Craig Ramsey- financial planner, were each talented musicians in their own right.

It takes more than a handshake and an exchange of business cards to create a successful business relationship. We all can learn much from our most recent Volunteer of the Year award winner, Randy Royse. Randy takes the time to meet with many new Chamber members on a one-to-one basis to get to Everyone’s got know them better and to understand their business. an answer...

He took the time to meet with me years ago when I was a new Chamber member.

Networking, in great part, is about creating relationships. We need to get to know the person behind the handshake to establish the connection that will create friendships as well as referrals. I discovered that a man that I knew only as a groundskeeper, was also a retired military officer. Think about what you might be missing the next time you meet and greet a Chamber member. Take the time to truly get to know more about that person. Network like you mean it!

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~ SPONSORSHIP CORNER ~ Ambassador Lunch Sponsor:

7922 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie 952-374-6464 www.goumbria.com

General Membership Luncheon (May):

566 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie 952-255-7300 www.associatedbank.com

Interested in sponsoring a General Membership Luncheon, Women’s Networking Luncheon or other Eden Prairie Chamber event? Contact our office at 952-944-2830!

BusinessConnection Your connection to business answers.

...ours will GROW your business.

We know times aren’t easy for Minnesota businesses these days. You need a resource that provides direct and immediate help for all of your important business questions. BusinessConnection is your free, go-to service in Minnesota for any and all business questions. Its purpose is to help Minnesota businesses grow by breaking down barriers, opening doors and answering questions – so you can get back to business.

Connect anytime: www.mnbizconnect.com Call toll-free: 1-888-MINN-BIZ / 1-888-646-6249 Personal assistance is available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. BusinessConnection is a service of Grow Minnesota! and sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, its local chamber partners and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Connect online: www.mnbizconnect.com

“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 May’s Ambassador of the Month: Randy Royse - Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

May’s Ambassador of the Month is Randy Royse!

He has been in the financial industry for over 25 years and a part of the Eden Prairie Chamber and the Ambassadors for 20 of those years!

Throughout the years, he has been the Ambassador Chair twice, and has also served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and helped form a Small Business Committee which has since become a part of another group. He also currently serves as a faciliator for our weekly Business@Breakfast meetings. Randy can often be found helping set-up Chamber events or working as an informal greeter at our luncheons. If you’re an active Chamber member, chances are you’ve met Randy! Congratulations and thank you Randy!!!

Ambassador Updates from the Month of May 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 May of 2012!

Edina Realty - Eden Prairie Lyndon Moquist 11800 Singletree Lane, #401 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-944-7107 www.edenprairie.edinarealty.com

Try Laser Today Folu Gisanri 5832 Lincoln Dr. #104 Edina, MN 55436 612-216-2447 www.trylasertoday.com

Family Focus Chiropractic, LLC Dr. Angela Graper 854 W 78th St #204 Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-474-1949 www.familyfocuschiro.com

The Tully Tube Network & Promotions Christine Tollefson 1308 Fremont Court Burnsville, MN 55306 6 952-935-7325 www.TullyTube.com

Law Office of Christopher S. Sherrill, PLLC Christopher Sherrill 5200 Willson Rd., Suite 150 Edina, MN 55424 612-564-8332 www.sherrillbusinesslaw.com

Edina Realty Eden Prairie

Family Focus Chiropractic, LLC

Mattress Firm Derrick Cox 335 Prairie Center Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-995-0303 www.mattressfirm.com

Mattress Firm

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

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Leadership What Members Are Saying

By Pat MulQueeny, IOM; President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber continually looks for feedback and ideas regarding how we are doing, what our members want to have us provide in terms of programs and services. We just finished our month-end survey of our April programs (a survey for May will be e-mailed to our members in June).

What are Members Saying?

When our members replied that they would recommend other businesses to join the Chamber (97% of our members stated this!) some of their comments included: •

Great networking, vendor resources and business experience

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Everyone is open to networking and meeting new people

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They (Chamber) serve their members by helping set them up for success!

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It has been a great resource for our company

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The spirit of collaboration and partnership for support is really fantastic

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Great way to get to know others in the community

Networking!

Members not only comment on the wealth of opportunities to network and meet other business professionals for sales, find new vendors, interact with elected officials and build peer networks, but have asked for programs on networking and sales.

people and with over 120 programs each year the opportunities are plentiful! Members have ranked learning how to network as a top program they want to attend and we are offering this program for you. On Thursday, August 9th, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. the Chamber is presenting “How to Network at Programs and Events” featuring Stevie Ray. Stevie is a high energy, handson presenter that will have participants out of their seats learning new skills and practicing them at the program! Better yet, the Bloomington Chamber will be joining us so you can double your networking opportunities!

Where else can members network/access business information?

Some of our members have a hard time getting out of their office/place of work and want more opportunities to participate and that is where social media plays a role. The Chamber has a LinkedIn group set-up for Chamber members. This group is designed for sharing business ideas, discussing business issues, networking and learning more about the members of the Chamber.

If you are not in our LinkedIn group, please send us an e-mail or contact Sammi Dummel at communications@epchamber.org.

Additionally, the Chamber’s Facebook page is a great way to get the latest information on Chamber events, tips and lists from Chamber members and the chance to see the latest photos and updates from programs. Simply go to our Facebook page and “Like Us”! Finally, the Chambers YouTube channel is being updated with videos for our members – check it out by searching EPChamber2.

More social media discussion and opportunities are coming in the months ahead so stay tuned for more updates!

Upcoming Programs are response to Member Requests The Chamber has a number of great programs coming up, but two that really respond to the request for help in being better at sales and at networking.

Our next Business Success Seminar is titled “Sales in Today’s Economy” and features Chamber member, Steve Callender, with Effective Learning for Growth. This is a free program that is Friday, June 8th from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. at STAR BANK in Eden Prairie.

Networking Program

Want your ad to be seen? 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 Sammi at 952-944-2830 or at communications@epchamber.org

Members utilize the Chamber to network with other business

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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 Highlights: What’s Happening in Your School District Eden Prairie Schools

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here are always many things happening in Eden Prairie Schools. Here are some of the highlights of what is happening in your school district: •

At the April 24 meeting, the Eden Prairie School Board approved a contract with Curt Tryggestad to serve as the district’s next superintendent. The term of the contract is for three years, beginning on July 1, 2012, and ending on June 30, 2015. The contract includes an annual base salary for each year of the contract. The base salary amounts are $181,500 for 2012-2013; $186,945 for 2013-2014; and $192,553 for 2014-2015. Superintendent salary amounts for other west-metro school districts range from $179,000 to $205,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. Tryggestad is currently the superintendent of LittleEric FallsNelson Community (center)Schools. @ his After Hours event

•

After an extensive search and interview process, Kristopher “Kip” Lynk has been hired as the next principal of Eden Lake Elementary School. Lynk replaces Nan Yurecko, who resigned from the position earlier this year. Lynk is currently the principal at BOLD Elementary School, Bird Island, Minnesota and has held this position since July 2007. He has also been a fifth grade teacher at Dassel-Cokato Middle School, and a sixth grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary School in the Glencoe-Silver Lake Schools. He is also a graduate of Eden Prairie High School.

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At the April 24 board meeting, Superintendent Jon McBroom presented a general summary of proposed budget reductions to address the gap between revenues and expenses of approximately $4.4 million for the 2012-2013 school year. Along with the summary of reductions that totaled about $3.2 million, Superintendent McBroom also recommended that the district use about $1.2 million from the unassigned fund balance to cover the budget gap. In addition to the recommended reductions, Superintendent McBroom also recommended a contingency fund of up to 12 positions to be used to address class sizes that are above the established ratios. Where necessary, teachers will be recalled from unrequested leaves of absence or hired to fill these positions and reduce class sizes before the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

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As part of the district’s continuing efforts to improve communication with parents, Eden Prairie Schools will soon begin using a parent notification system that will allow the district, schools and programs to more effectively communicate with parents. The system, Blackboard Connect, allows messages to be sent to targeted groups using voice messages, email and text messages. Information can be targeted at the school level, grade level, program level and other specific groups making it easier to communicate more pertinent information. The district plans to begin testing the system this spring with full implementation prior to the start of the 2012-2013 school year. While the system will not completely eliminate the use of printed forms of communication, it will allow the district to reduce costs for printing and postage and deliver more information electronically.

For more information about Eden Prairie Schools, visit the district’s website at www.edenpr.org.

A Message from Jo Nelson- Our Newest EPC Staff Member!

Hello! My name is Jo Nelson and I recently joined the Eden Prairie Chamber as the A.R. Specialist.

I come to the Chamber with a background in accounting and sales. I have been a member of several Twin Cities Chambers and am very familiar with the benefits of Chamber membership.

When I’m not at the Chamber I sell real estate with Coldwell Banker Burnet and spend time with my family. My husband, Kyle, and I live in Eden Prairie and have three girls, 25, 24 and 14. The older girls live in the city and we see them often. The youngest is on her way to EPHS in the fall and plays several sports. In my spare time, when not playing taxi mom, I work in my very large vegetable garden, make jelly and wine from our apple tree and grape vines; and belong to my neighborhood book club-sometimes I even read the book! I also volunteer with the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and help on its largest fundraiser, the Taste of Eden Prairie. I look forward to meeting all of you! – Jo

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

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Networking SPOTLIGHT ON A CHAMBER MEMBER: Q & A Rasmussen College; Chamber Member since 2006 We had the opporunity to spend a little time with Rasmussen College. 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.

Rasmussen College: Rasmussen College was founded in 1900 in St. Paul, Minnesota as an innovator in education, bringing practical, career‐focused education to the classroom. Today, the Rasmussen College community includes 22 campuses and more than 40 diverse online degree programs available to students around the globe. While much has changed over the past 110 years, our focus remains the same: our students are our first priority, the employer who hires our graduates continues to be our primary customer, and developing programs that support the constituents we serve remains at the forefront of our Mission.

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

Rasmussen: At Rasmussen College, you’re not the only one investing in you—we also make an investment in you and your success. Through Support+, we provide you with an experienced team of professionals who are dedicated to giving you exceptional academic and technical support at a level customized to meet your needs so you can realize your higher education and career goals. At Rasmussen we strongly believe in supporting our local communities and businesses whether through volunteer hours or placing our graduates to be the next leaders.

EPC: What is it about the Chamber that has led to your being a member?

Rasmussen: It was an easy decision for us to be a part of the Chamber. It provides opportunity to network and develop some of the up and coming leaders of the organization through the many groups and events that are offered.

EPC: Why is it important to you to be an Annual Sponsor for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce?

Rasmussen: Being an Annual Sponsor for the Chamber is an opportunity for us to say thank you to not only the Chamber, but the community for supporting Rasmussen. In addition it allows us to continue to network, brand and build stronger relationships.

EPC: What are some positives that you’re looking forward to in 2012-13?

Rasmussen: A big positive for our organization is heading into the next year of our AcceleratED program. AcceleratED Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program is designed for students with previous college credit who want to transfer that credit, accelerate their degree timeline, and earn their bachelor’s degree at an affordable cost.

Rasmussen College is located at 4400 West 78th Street, Floor 6, Bloomington, MN 55435 (952) 545-2000 www.rasmussen.edu

Veterans Career Fair Hiring a veteran is good business! The Minnesota Vet-

Where: Earle Brown Heritage Center erans Employment Service and the U.S. Department of 6155 Earle Brown Drive Labor want to make recruiting and hiring veterans easy for Brooklyn Center, MN you. As a “Veteran Friendly Employer,” you place a high value on a veteran’s experience with teamwork, leaderWhen: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 ship, integrity and ability to get the job done. For more 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM info visit: www.PositivelyMinnesota.com/Veterans or contact: Char.Morgan@state.mn.us

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

Networking Chamber’s Luncheon Hits New “Summit” The Chamber’s General Membership Luncheon featured the Founder and President of Summit Brewing, Mark Stutrud and was sponsored by Associated Bank – who works with Mark for his company. Mark started his presentation by congratulating the Chamber on having 26 businesses join as new members in the month of April saying that business people need to get together and meet one another. Mark gave his background story – he got his degree in social work and spent the early part of his career life working in the social work field.

Mark concluded his presentation by highlighting that he believes breweries are returning to a more regional approach and that 90% of their consumers are Minnesotans. He invited everyone to come to the brewery for a tour!

Mark Stutrud (L) with our sponsors from Associated Bank

So how does a social worker end up starting a successful brewery in Minnesota? Opportunity and passion – changes in his job, plus his dabbling into home brews gave him the passion to start out and build his own brewery. He took jobs working at breweries to learn the trade and in 1984 started working full time as a brewer and launched Summit in 1986. He highlighted that to get the business going he needed $650,000 of financing and stated that “it seems all of our important decisions are based on insufficient data”. Mark made over 1,000 phone calls to get 20- $10,000 investors. Stubbornness can be a blessing!

In 1986, they sold their first keg of beer and had 5 people working there. Today, they have 50 employees with 18 focused on sales and marketing. They have branched out into social media with their website, Facebook page, and a Twitter account. He highlighted some of their marketing campaigns and efforts.

Student Scholarship Winners- Meg Floersch (L) & Carlin Schulz (R) with Pat MulQueeny

NEW: Chamber’s Shop Local Program!

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he Chamber is starting a Shop Local program for our local restaurant, retailers and other businesses. Here’s how the program will work: The Chamber will work with local employers who want to promote to their employees shopping local and using Chamber member restaurants, retailers and other businesses.

As a retailer in the program, members will be able to participate by providing coupons/discounts/special offers to these employees.

The Chamber will coordinate the number of coupons/discounts/special offers from the retailers and how the local businesses will receive them to give to their employees.

If you are interested in receiving coupons and special offers from local businesses to give to your employees, please send an e-mail to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org with the subject line being “Shop Local”.

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

JUNE 2012 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

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5

6

7

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

7:30 AM- Business Development Committee Meeting

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11:30 AM- Ambassador Committee Mtg. @ EPC Office 3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Mtg. @ EPC Office

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12

4:30 - 6:00 PM- After Hours at Wings of the North w/Suburban Chevrolet

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14

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

7:30 AM- Board Meeting

15

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM- Women’s Networking Luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn

11:30 AM - Gala Committee Meeting @ EPC Office *Newsletter ads due to EPC by 4 PM

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19

20

7:30 AM - Government Committee Meeting @EPC Office

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

4:30 - 6:00 PM - After Hours w/ Alpha Investment Advisors @ Bent Creek

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22

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- General Membership Luncheon @ Biaggi’s

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Fusion Meeting @ STAR BANK (Senator Hann)

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21

*Newsletter inserts due to EPC by 4 PM

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28

29

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!