May 2012 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS MAY 2012 - Vol. 43, Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE...

Leadership P2- Article by Glenn Schwartz P3- Ambassador Updates P3- Ambassador of the Month

Public Policy P4- Article by David Olson

Community Building P5- Article by EP Schools P5- Sponsorship Corner

Networking P6- Article by Pat MulQueeny P6- WNL Sponsorships P7- New Members P7- Upcoming Event Info P7- Rep. Paulsen Presented w/ Award P8- May 2012 Calendar

Women’s High Tea Event

Entrepreneur Luncheon

Thursday, May 10th from 2:30 - 4:00 PM

Thursday, May 17th from 11:30 AM -1:00 PM

The High Tea event is back by popular demand! We will be at the University of Minnesota, Landscape Arboretum in Chaska. We will be hearing from Bill Waddington with Tea Source! Come prepared, we will be looking for the “best hat” and the “best spring outfit.” You won’t want to miss this fun afternoon!

RSVP’s are needed by Tuesday, May 8th.

See you there!

LOCATION: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Blvd, Chaska COST: $30 for EP Chamber Members / $45 for Non-Members

Join us for our Entrepreneur Luncheon where we will hear from Mark Stutrud, the President and Founder of Summit Brewing Company!

Mark has received numerous awards including Business Innovator of the Year, Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Deubner Award for small business excellence in manufacturing.

At this luncheon we will also present our Student Scholarships! Don’t miss it...

RSVP TODAY!

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LOCATION: Bearpath Golf & Country Club, 18100 Bearpath Trail, Eden Prairie.

Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”

COST: $25 for Members & their guests / $40 for non-members.

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Leadership The Chamber’s Resolution in Support of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT)

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

A successful modern system of public transportation is a key component for the success of a business oriented, urban or suburban community. The Chamber’s Government Committee recently concluded its review and assessment of the proposed SWLRT to cross through the city of Eden Prairie. After careful consideration, the committee drafted and submitted a proposed resolution concerning the SWLRT to the Eden Prairie Chamber’s Board of Directors.

The resolution in support, with only minor modification, was passed unanimously by the Board and is stated below: EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESOLUTION ADDRESSING PROPOSED SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT’S ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR CONTINUING PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AND PROJECT REVIEW Whereas, the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project will provide numerous benefits to Eden Prairie’s business community including providing access to jobs, supporting job growth and business expansion, supporting redevelopment, and stimulating economic development in Eden Prairie.

Whereas, SWLRT serves businesses that currently employ 210,000 people and is expected to add an additional 60,000 employees by 2030; and Whereas, the SWLRT is projected to serve 30,000 weekday riders by 2030; and Whereas, The Eden Prairie Chamber and the City of Eden Prairie conducted a statistically accurate survey in 2011 that showed 60% of businesses in Eden Prairie support and 17% are neutral to the general concept of having light rail serve the Eden Prairie area; and Whereas, transit is a key economic driver for businesses and an important consideration for businesses interested in moving to the Twin Cities; and Whereas, the alignment of the SWLRT was designed to serve the businesses and citizens of Eden Prairie; and Whereas, the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce and several businesses, have expressed concerns regarding potential negative impacts of the current proposed route in Eden Prairie for the SWLRT including access to businesses, traffic, at-grade crossings, vibration impacts to equipment, parking, impacts on infrastructure, and safety; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce supports the SWLRT project and urges the City of Eden Prairie to work with the business community and the Metropolitan Council to find amicable solutions to alignment issues that have been raised, and any others that may be identified prior to granting its municipal consent to the project.

Adopted by the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce this 12th day of April, 2012.

Systems of public transportation have been part of the fabric of city life for well over 100 years. I still have the wristwatch that the Youngstown Ohio Transit Authority awarded to my grandfather, Paul, in recognition of his 25 years accident free record as the driver of an electric trolley bus. My father, as a teenager, would hitch a ride on these trolley busses by holding on to the trolley rails while he was on his roller skates. However, he was not awarded for this conduct!

The SWLRT trains are too large and too fast to drag riders along on skates but in so many other ways the SWLRT will represent a great benefit to our community and to the entire southwest corridor.

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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 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 April of 2012!

Farmers Insurance- Aaron Nicklay Aaron Nicklay 4400 West 78th Street, Ste. 110 Bloomington, MN 55435 952-229-5100 www.farmersagent.com/anicklay Fresh Coat Painters Jerry Fancher 9637 Anderson Lakes Pkwy #304 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-386-4367 www.freshcoatedenprairie.com

Fresh Coat Painters

KABYT Reed Daniels 12727 College View Dr #107 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-305-8055 www.kabyt.com Tiger Pumbing, Heating & Air Steve Bowman 12100 Singletree Lane #150 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-942-5748 www.callthetiger.com

KABYT

April Ambassador of the Month: Steve Bowman - Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air

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his month’s Ambassador of the Month is Steve Bowman, with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air! They are an Eden Prairie based full service plumbing, heating and air conditioning company, servicing the Southwest Metro area for 12 years. Because of their continued growth, Tiger recently moved to a new location at 12100 Singletree Lane.

Steve has been an active member of the Chamber for over a year and a member of the Ambassador Committee for four months. Steve likes how well organized, friendly and supportive the Chamber is. He enjoys networking with and building continuing relationships with other Chamber members. As an Ambassador, he looks forward to getting to know the new members, showing them the ropes and helping them get the full advantage of their Chamber of Commerce membership.

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 Chamber, MnSCU – Partners in Forging the ‘Skilled Worker State’

By David C. Olson, President Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

ues its rollercoaster ride, but one theme is common. Employers, whether enjoying good times or bad times are challenged to find skilled workers.

with this data, we can ensure that higher education is delivering the right academic programs and preparing graduates with the skills necessary for the success of Minnesota’s businesses and communities.”

We’re acting on your concerns. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system to gain a better understanding of employers’ current and future workforce needs.

Critical to the success of our effort is the participation of local chambers of commerce and your members to ensure your voices are heard.

Rosenstone, as well as President Eric Kaler, his counterpart at the University of Minnesota, earn high marks for reaching out to the business community. They understand that maintaining a highly skilled and well-educated workforce is essential to a strong Minnesota economy. I’ve witnessed the efforts of MnSCU firsthand as a former president of its Board of Trustees.

The Minnesota Chamber, with support from MnSCU, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and a variety of other organizations, will convene a series of meetings across the state. Our conversations with business and industry representatives are the beginning of a two-step process.

Rosenstone deserves credit for taking these open forums on the road. It’s not without risk. Business leaders will be watching closely to see if higher ed institutions answer their call.

Bottom line, however, these conversations provide an opportunity for Minnesota to distinguish itself as the “skilled worker state.”

The first step is to identify employer needs across the spectrum of the workforce. To that end, we’ll conduct 40 focus groups. Each session will be tailored to a specific industry. The topics are health care, information technology, manufacturing, engineering, energy and transportation. This workforce assessment initiative will engage business leaders in developing precise projections of how many workers, in what sectors, and with what kinds of skills will be needed throughout the state.

We look forward to partnering with MnSCU on this most important project. Please join us around the state, and let us know what it takes to raise Minnesota’s economy to the next level.

Minnesota’s economy contin-

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.

BusinessConnection

To identify the meeting that best serves your needs, and to register, go to www.mnworkforceneeds. eventbrite.com. There is no cost to attend.

The second step is to ensure that the higher end system listens and responds. Information collected at these meetings will be used by MnSCU and other higher ed institutions to examine the range of their curriculum – from certificate and degree programs to worker retraining to custom training.

MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone underscored the importance of the initiative: “Armed

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Everyone’s got an answer...

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

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

~ SPONSORSHIP CORNER ~

Eden Prairie Schools

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Ambassador Lunch Sponsor:

his spring has been a busy time in Eden Prairie Schools. Here are some of the highlights of what is happening in your school district: •

The school board voted unanimously to begin contract negotiations with Curt Tryggestad to become the district’s next superintendent. Tryggestad has been superintendent at Little Falls Community Schools since 2006. His previous administrative positions include superintendent at Nelson @ his After Hours at event Esko Public Schools forEric three years(center) and secondary principal Pine City Public Schools for six years. Tryggestad began his career in education as an instrumental music instructor. The anticipated start date for Tryggestad is July 1, 2012.

•

At its April 10 meeting, the school board approved a motion to continue the implementation of the K-6 transformation that began at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. As a related point to the motion, the administration will continue to work with district staff to make adjustments to the implementation to maximize the learning opportunities offered for all students. The board directed the administration to facilitate the continued study of topics related to the K-6 transformation and make recommendations for the 2012-2013 school year. Topics to be discussed include academic rigor, gifted and talented programming, class size, and enrollment balance across elementary buildings. In addition, the board approved a motion to begin the process of developing a strategic plan for the district. The process will include opportunities for parents, staff and community members to be engaged in the process.

•

As part of its effort to learn more about community attitudes and perspectives, Eden Prairie Schools has recently conducted several surveys and focus group sessions. Three telephone surveys were conducted earlier this winter. Along with a large survey of community residents and parents, surveys were also conducted of families who open enroll into the district and families who chose another school for their children.

The telephone surveys were conducted for the district by Decision Resources, a national polling firm based in Minneapolis. Results from these surveys and the summaries from focus groups are posted on the district’s website, www.edenpr.org, under the “Listening to our Community” feature tab at the top of the front page.

•

The district is currently interviewing candidates for the Eden Lake Principal position. Earlier in the search process, staff and parents had opportunities to participate in focus groups and in an online survey to provide input as to what characteristics they’d like to see in the school’s next principal. The successful candidate will likely begin duties on July 1, 2012.

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

General Membership Luncheon (April):

1900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chaska 952-556-5400 www.hngc.com

9700 France Ave. So., C2101, Bloomington 952-487-8237 www.normandale.mnscu.edu

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

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

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

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Networking Programs Focused on Entrepreneurs

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

Through our annual survey, the Chamber received tremendous feedback from our members. One of the items was focused on programs and speakers – our members highlighted that they wanted to hear from CEO’s and gather valuable information and skills that can help their businesses. We have listened and the Chamber has lined up a tremendous list of speakers for our calendar of programs.

Please mark your calendars for the following: •

Thursday, May 17th – President and Founder of Summit Brewery, Mark Stutrud, will be discussing how his business started out competing against major beer makers and is expanding!

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Thursday, June 21st – Minnesota DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips will be giving us the latest information on Minnesota’s economy and employment trends.

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Thursday, July 12th – A very special luncheon tied in with the Wings of the North Air Expo. We are pleased to have General Dan Cherry and Nguyen Hong My presenting. They were in a dog fight with each other during the Vietnam War, later met each other and are now friends. Please join us for this amazing story and special thank you to Thomson Reuters for their sponsorship.

•

Thursday, August 9th – Stevie Ray is back to help us be better at networking – getting more contacts at events, learning how to maximize your time and work a room at any program. This is a hands-on learning program that anyone can benefit from and the Bloomington Chamber will be joining us as well.

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Thursday, September 20th, Steve Schussler, Founder of the Rainforest Café, will be our presenter. Join us to learn Steve’s amazing stories, how he has chased his dreams and succeeded and what he has planned next!

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Thursday, October 11th, Angie and Dan Bastian began popping kettle corn out of the garage of their Mankato home. Ten years later, Angie’s Kettle Corn distributes its sweet and salty confections in thousands of stores across the country and has over 150 employees. Learn more of how they started this great Minnesota company and what you can learn from them.

If you are interested in sponsoring one of these programs, please either call Pat MulQueeny at 952-944-2830 or email him at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org. As part of your sponsorship, you get to give a 3-5 minute infomercial, place promotional materials at each place setting, have an insert in our newsletter and more!

Available Sponsorship Opportunities for Women’s Networking Luncheons We are also looking for sponsors for our Women’s Networking Luncheon events. To become a Women’s Networking Luncheon sponsor, all you need to do is contact Sammi by phone at 952-944-2830 or by e-mail at communications@epchamber.org.

As a WNL Sponsor, you will receive the following: Display table / Place materials on the tables / One luncheon registration / 3-5 minutes to talk about your business /

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Listed as a sponsor in all of the Chamber’s promotions!!!

To be a WNL Sponsor it is $200. Our events / topics are as follows (topic are subject to change): • May 10th- High Tea Event • June 14th- Generations in the Workforce • Aug. 16th- Women’s Health • Sept. 13th- Personal Safety • Sept. 24th- Women’s Golf Event • Nov. 8th- Women Business Owners Panel • Dec. 6th - Fashion Show

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

Networking New Members!

“Strategies for Success Symposium: Ideas for Successful Business Owners” Friday, May 18th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Edina Realty- Eden Prairie Lyndon Moquist 11800 Singletree Lane, #401 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-944-7107 www.edenprairie.edinarealty.com

Farmers Insurance Agency- A. Nicklay Aaron Nicklay 4400 West 78th Street #110 Bloomington, MN 55437 952-229-5155 www.farmersagent.com/anicklay

Green Acres Steve Schussler 14150 Pioneer Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55437 763-746-3700 www.schusslercreative.com

Home Depot- Eden Prairie Jason Barker 13100 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-949-0982 www.homedepot.com

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

Mister Car Wash Todd Hanson 8280 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-944-0243 www.mistercarwash.com

Topics to Include: • Current Tax Climate/Healthcare Bill/Estate Taxes: What’s the latest?

What has changed? Where are we headed?

• Incapacity Planning: What plans should be in place in if I can’t work?

• Investment Consulting: Where should I put my cash now?

Speakers: Steven Wagner, CPA, Froehling Anderson / Susan T. Peterson, Henningson & Snoxell, Ltd. / Candido Palomarez, Candido, Inc. Location: Froehling Anderson, LTD., 1000 Shelard Pkwy, #400, St. Louis Park Cost: Free for everyone- Lunch provided by Froehling Anderson.

U.S. Chamber Presents Paulsen with Spirit of Enterprise Award In recognition of his strong support in helping to create American jobs Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) was honored today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the organization’s Spirit of Enterprise Award for his work in supporting pro-growth jobs initiatives in the first session of the 112th Congress.

“Our nation’s small businesses are the drivers of innovation, growth, and job creation; it is an honor to receive the Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award this morning,” said Rep. Paulsen.

“Faced with difficult choices and high-stakes politics, these men and women provided America’s business community with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “We honor these members today for having consistently demonstrated their support for America’s job creators.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given out annually to members of Congress based on important business issues outlined in the Chamber publication How They Voted.

The Chamber scored Congress on 16 House votes in 2011, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3% withholding from contractors, and the healthcare law.

Also included in the scoring were votes on the three free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is cochair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus, as well as the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Working Group.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, and for past segments of Erik’s Correspondence Corner, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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

MAY 2012 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ 11:30 AM- Ambassador Commit- Breakfast at The Colony tee Mtg. @ EPC Office 12:30 PM- Golf Committee Meeting @ EPC

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Thursday 3

Friday 4

7:30 AM- Business Development Committee Meeting

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

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

7:30 AM- Board Meeting

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2:30 - 4:00 PM- Women’s Networking High Tea Event @ Arboretum 4:30- 6:00 PM- After Hours @ The Mustard Seed

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7:30 AM- Government Committee Meeting @ EPC

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

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11:30 AM- 1:00 PM- Entrepreneur Luncheon: Mark Stutrud @ Bearpath

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM- Business Success Seminar @ Froehling Anderson

*Newsletter ads due to Chamber by 4 PM

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7:30- 8:30 AM, Speed Networking @ Bent Creek 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM- Fusion Meeting: David St. Peter @ Buca

4:30 - 6:00 PM- After Hours @ Youngstedts *Newsletter inserts due to Chamber by 4 PM

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7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast at The Colony EPC OFFICE CLOSED HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

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