Vol. 47, Issue 3 | March 2016
THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors! SILVER SPONSOR
WOMEN’S NETWORK BREAKFAST: MAXIMIZE YOUR RESOURCES “I am bombarded with donation, volunteer and sponsorship requests... how do I know what is worth my time, money and energy?
How do I sort through countless requests to best maximize my resources?”
BRONZE SPONSORS
Do you face multiple requests for donations, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities? Sure, all could potentially generate great visibility for you and your business, but how do you prioritize where to spend dollars, time and energy? Are any of these opportunities tax deductible? Come learn from experts on the topic and get your questions answered while enjoying a hot breakfast and making new business contacts.
DATE: Tues, March 15 8 - 9:30 AM LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest 5801 Opus Pkwy, Minnetonka COST: $25 for members, $50 for non-members
The event panel includes: – Mark Grap
– Nicole Middendorf
– Pat MulQueeny
– Shannon McDonough
Director of Community Development, WELLS FARGO
President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Founder, Nicole Middendorf Foundation Shareholder, Fafinski Mark & Johnson, P.A.
Thank you to our Women’s Network program sponsors:
GENERAL SPONSOR
Follow us on Social Media!
In this issue...
• • A Message from the Chair of the Board: Spring time at the Chamber • A request from MNDOT • A Message from the President: Partnerships • Programming and networking events in March Like us on Facebook at “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
• Home, Landscape and Garden Expo • Looking Ahead: Events in April • Looking Back: Events in February • New Members • Ribbon cuttings and site visits • 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 College The Groundhog did not see his shadow, St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, the days are getting longer and another rite of Spring is upon us, the 14th Annual Home, Landscape, and Garden Expo! We hope you will join us on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. The show is free to attend and attracts over 1,500 people from the Chamber and community all focused on home improvement. There will be a wide-variety of exhibitors in attendance ready to offer advice on all of your upcoming home and landscape projects. A sample of exhibitors includes The Garden by the Woods, Xcel Energy, The Mustard Seed Landscape & Garden Center and Bachman’s. This is an amazing event that allows you to think about home upgrades, renovations; seminars for the do it yourselfer out there too. This is a family friendly event, so bring the kids and unleash their creative side. The Chamber is excited to be working closely with our partners on the strategic plan, too. The Board is engaged in setting goals and timelines for executing on the plan. We have engaged with the Mayor, City Manager, and Representative Loon. We invite you to attend a Public Policy meeting, attend the Legislative Luncheon on March 3rd, sit with us at the MN Chamber Legislative Session Priorities Dinner on March 8th, or be a Business Liaison at MN Chamber Business Day at the Capitol on March 30th. We look forward to seeing you and your staff at upcoming events!
A request from the MN Department of Transportation Do you travel along Highway 169? MNDOT wants to hear from you! Initiated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Scott County and the Metropolitan Council, the purpose of the study is to evaluate cost-effective options for improving transit and reducing congestion on Highway 169 between Shakopee and Golden Valley. How to help: • Complete the online survey • Share the survey with your neighbors, coworkers, community, and business owners who travel on Hwy 169 • Check out the public involvement schedule for upcoming events • Want MNDOT to visit your workplace? Have an event you’d like MNDOT to attend? Let them know! Complete the survey by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hwy169 *All participants who complete this survey will have a chance to win one of two $25 VISA gift cards.
YOU’RE READING THIS.
Next time, make sure it’s your ad. Welcome to the new full-color version of the Eden Prairie Chamber newsletter! We are excited to offer our members extended advertising opportunities with full-color printing. Grab your fellow members attention with a colorful, grabbing message in an upcoming print of the newsletter. For pricing and availability, please contact Sarah at sarah.ober@epchamber.org or by calling (952) 944-2830.
LEADERSHIP
epchamber.org
A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Politics and Partnerships As part of the Chamber’s strategic plan, the Chamber has been actively working on key components of our efforts in 2016 and in particular around public policy issues and partnerships. We recently had Representative Jenifer Loon attend our Public Policy Committee meeting to discuss issues with the upcoming 2016 Minnesota Legislative Session. Major issues this year will include transportation, tax relief (we hope), and the budget surplus. Items to watch – will there be a push to increase the gas tax and/or increase the metro sales tax to add dollars into transportation and transit? Will the SWLRT line receive state dollars to move the project forward? Our committee discussed with Representative Loon issues that included state pension fund, workforce training, housing, healthcare costs and MNSURE, pre-emptive bill on wages and benefits at the local level (prevent local units of government in creating their own wages/benefit requirements on businesses), universal pre-K and benefit extension for iron range workers. Good questions were raised including, “Why not work to have iron range workers move to the Twin Cities where jobs are located?” If you are interested in receiving e-mail updates on public policy issues, or want to serve on the Public Policy committee, please send an e-mail to pat.mulqueeny@ epchamber.org to be added to our list. Partnerships The Chamber continues to work with numerous other organizations and Chambers to provide great connections and information to our membership. Most recently we partnered with the TwinWest Chamber on their Legislative Breakfast held on February 12. We heard from the leadership of the House and Senate and what they are focused on for the upcoming session. Discussion got lively at this program and in particular on taxes, transportation and business mandates. Takeaways were to look for a gas tax and/or local sales tax increase for transportation coming from the Senate while the House will look for transportation dollars from the current surplus and using tax dollars collected on car parts and other car related revenues to be used for their transportation plan. Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit – April 29th Another partnership program the Chamber created for 2016 is the inaugural TCYP Summit. We are providing a half-day of training and seminars for young professionals to utilize to gain new skills and ideas from two keynote addresses and six break-out sessions. Session topics include how to properly network, developing your personal brand and engaging your passion into the workplace. There’s something for everybody—no matter your industry or current professional goals. Members should look to send their young professionals to this event to develop their workforce and ensure their future success. We already have 11 sponsors and numerous Chambers from across the Twin Cities partnering with us – don’t miss it! Learn more and register at www.tcypsummit.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 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 MARCH? Legislative Luncheon
DATE: Thurs, March 3 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Join us for an informational lunch event featuring updates from Senator David Hann, Representative Jenifer Loon, Senator Melisa Franzen and Representative Yvonne Selcer. Our panel will be sharing a preview of what Eden Prairie business owners and residents can expect in the next legislative session.
LOCATION: Grace Church
9301 Eden Prairie Road
COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members
After Hours at Ace Tax Financial Ace Tax & Financial welcomes Eden Prairie Chamber members to their offices for a ribbon cutting ceremony and After Hours event on March 9th. Ace Tax & Financial provides complete tax preparation, tax review and analysis, and financial services aimed at seniors who are near or in retirement. They welcome all Chamber Members to tour our office, enjoy complimentary appetizers, network with fellow members, and the chance to win some great prizes.
DATE: Wed, March 9 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Ace Tax Financial
7800 Equitable Drive, #220 COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
B.E.E.R. Luncheon: Can Finding Your Purpose Keep You Healthy? It’s a well-known school of thought that following your heart and finding your purpose in life leads to greater happiness, but did you know that it also makes you healthier? Twin Cities Magazine Editor Dale Kurschner will be moderating a discussion between several healthcare experts in the Twin Cities at the March B.E.E.R. luncheon. Learn about the health benefits and long-term effects of establishing a positive outlook and purposeful outlook on life. The discussion will include insight from Fairview Health, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives.
DATE: Wed, March 23 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Edina Country Club 5100 Wooddale Ave, Edina COST: $35 for members, $55 for non-members
Thank you to our B.E.E.R. sponsors:
Noontime Networking: The Tomato Vine Join us for a noontime networking event at The Tomato Vine in Eden Prairie! There will be complimentary appetizers and, as always, opportunities for networking. The Tomato Vine offers healthy food available for delivery or pickup each week. Serving Southwest Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, they are also a fresh and creative catering outfit. The Tomato Vine sources locally grown organic produce whenever possible. All poultry and meat products are also raised on organic farms right here in Minnesota.
DATE: Thurs, March 31 11:30 AM - 1 PM
LOCATION: The Tomato Vine 7134 Shady Oak Rd COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
Come check out their catering and lunch cafe services at this networking event!
www.epchamber.org
NETWORKING
Kick off the spring season and your upcoming home projects at the ‘Everything Spring’ expo for tips on landscaping, remodeling, DIY projects and more! The 14th annual Home, Landscape & Garden “Everything Spring Expo” is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Over 100 exhibitors will be present to lend advice and insider tips on all of your upcoming spring projects—from maintaining gardens, updating exterior and interior coverings, designing new landscaping, building additions and more. In addition to the dozens of exhibitors attendees can browse, there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Kid’s Corner will feature craft projects including potting, button-making and bird feeder construction. Exhibitors will present seminars all throughout the expo, ranging in topics from home improvement, to landscaping and overall lifestyle trends and tips. The Grace Café in the church will be open for snacks and beverages during the event. Simply by browsing the expo, attendees will be eligible for door prize drawings all throughout the expo. In addition, this year’s expo features new special prize drawings, including two $250 cash drawings at 10:55 a.m. and 2 p.m. “Attendees must be present to win, but if they can’t stay for the entire day, they can keep an eye on the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, as the winners will be announced on that page twenty minutes prior to the deadline to pick-up the pize at the event. You won’t want to miss these free giveaways to help fund your spring projects,” said Pat MulQueeny, President of the Eden Prairie Chamber. Grace Church is located at 9301 Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie. For more information on this event and more, visit epchamber.org. THANK YOU EVENT SPOSNORS:
SAVE THE DATE: EVENTS IN APRIL April 6, 13, 20, 27: Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM, Tavern 4 & 5 Eden Prairie April 14: E.P.C.: Explore Possibilities with the Chamber 3:30 - 5 PM, Green Acres, 14150 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie Invite your fellow business contacts to learn about the many benefits of a Chamber membership! This event is FREE for guests that have not attended a similar membership event previously and for Chamber members who bring an interested guest. April 29: Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit 7:30 AM - 1 PM, Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
Learn more about the inaugural summit in Pat MulQueeny’s article on pg. 3 or at tcypsummit.com.
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER FEBRUARY 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/
Valentine Vixens
We gathered on Feb. 4 for the annual Valentine Vixens women’s business expo. Our featured presenter was Stacy Drake, Founder of and Lead Stylist for Styles & Statements. We partnered with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 12 for a legislative breakfast. The panel included Senator Terri Bonoff, Senator David Hann, Representative Paul Thissen and Representative Kurt Daudt.
General Membership Luncheon: Super Bowl LII
We met at Bearpath on Feb. 18 for a general membership luncheon to discuss plans for Super Bowl LII and how Chamber businesses can get involved.
MEMBERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
New Members
Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Welcome to the Chamber! Van Wagenen Financial Service 6483 City West Parkway Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 833-9175 www.vanwagenen.com Coldwell Banker Burnet – Snyder 7550 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55345 (612) 816-4962 www.sallysnyderhomes.com Allegra of Eden Prairie 7141 Shady Oak Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 835-2720 www.allegraep.com
North Memorial Health Care
ServPro
Ace Tax and Financial 7800 Equitable Drive, Suite 220 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 999-4760 www.acetaxandfinancial.com ECA Marketing, Inc 7800 Equitable Drive, Suite 200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 941-9710 www.ecamarketing.com Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation 17535 Alcove Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (612) 759-3384 www.shreyardixitmemorialfoundation.org West Metro Meeting and Training Center 10955 Bren Road East Minnetonka, MN 55343 (952) 224-3855 www.westmetromeeting.com Black Cat Promotions 10199 Kissell Street Circle Pines, MN 55014 (763) 634-1536
Healthy Living Chiropractic, LLC
DE Studios
Ambassador of the Month 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.
Rick Jensen
Jensen, Richard L. Law Offices
MARCH 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday
Tuesday 1
7
14
21
Wednesday
Friday
2
3
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
Legislative Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM Grace Church, Eden Prairie
8
9
10
11
Public Policy Committee Mtg 7:30 - 8:30 AM Chamber office
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM, Tavern 4 & 5
4
15
16
17
18
Women’s Network Breakfast 8 - 9:30 AM Minneapolis Marriott SW
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
22
23
24
Business@Breakfast
International trips informational meeting 5 - 6 PM Chamber office
After Hours at Ace Tax Financial 4:30 - 6 PM, Ace Tax Financial 7800 Equitable Dr #220
7:30-8:30 AM, Tavern 4 & 5
B.E.E.R. Luncheon 11 AM - 1 PM, Edina Country Club
28
Thursday
Saturday, March 19
Home, Landscape and Garden Expo
29
30
31
New York trip informational meeting 5 - 6 PM Chamber office
Business@Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
Noontime Networking 11:30 AM - 1 PM The Tomato Vine
25
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!