CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Vol. 48, Issue 5 | May 2017
Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit
Friday, May 19 | 7:30 AM - 5 PM | Radisson Blu Hotel at Mall of America 2017 Theme: Diversity & Inclusion This annual Summit gathers hundreds of young professionals from throughout the Midwest for a day of limitless growth and development. Now in its second year, the Summit features new opportunities including a panel discussion in the afternoon featuring several local business and community leaders and a networking happy hour to close the day. Read more about our speakers and see the full schedule at tcypsummit.com.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Mike McKinley
Mike has the experience and expertise that people in business need to succeed. From his history as a teenage entrepreneur which led to leadership positions in manufacturing, retail, radio, television, and ownership of a multimillion dollar publishing house, professional speaking, and consulting business. During our breakfast keynote, Mike will help us understand our role as a leader - how do we become an education driven organization, deal with change, and motivate others and ourselves.
Greg Cunningham
BRONZE SPONSOR
Greg Cunningham is Vice President of Global Inclusion and Diversity for U.S. Bank. His career has been dedicated to driving brand differentiation through cultural leadership. He currently serves as CoChair of the United Negro College Fund’s Minnesota campaign His expertise on and accomplishments in diversity and inclusion in the workplace has been featured in national and regional media outlets including Fortune magazine, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Uptown Magazine and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
NEW GROUP RATE!
Don’t pick and choose who to send. Purchase four or more tickets, get them at early bird pricing at $150/ticket! Individual tickets are now $175. Email Lori at lori.brown@epchamber.org to take advantage of this rate.
Zane Birky
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LEADERSHIP
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS By: Alan Wallner President, W Creative Lead. Advocate. Prosper. No matter where you are in your career, the position you hold in your business or the company you work for, leadership applies to all of us. To be successful, it comes down to how well you can rally people — be it friends, coworkers or partners — around a mission. If you think about it, any great mission is successful because of the people who make it happen; it is impossible to fulfill on a mission by yourself. The mistake is, many people think leadership skills are only for people who are in positions of power like politicians and CEOs. They’re not. These skills apply to everyone, no matter where you are in your life. We are all leaders, you don’t have to be running your own company, creating a startup or head up a division in a company. You can be an employee or part of a team and be a leader. Your ability to use your mind to not just help yourself but to impact people around you, your community and the world, in a favorable way, creates momentum that can achieve any mission. People who spark positivity, happiness, vision and growth in others can mold a better community and, as a result, a better world. Great leaders in history engaged teams with a shared vision; and that vision brought groups of people together to create change in the world. Those leaders tapped into people in a way that inspired them with a mission and a vision. How do you attract people to a common vision? “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” — Simon Sinek
If you have time, there is a great Ted Talk by Simon Sinek titled How Great Leaders Inspire Action (ted. com search: Simon Sinek). A mission gives you your why. People care about why you do what you do and rarely care about what you do. Understand the why of what you do and make that your calling for people to join or decide to use your product or services. Appeal to the “why.” When working with our clients, we work with them to develop their brand manifesto. They leverage their brand manifesto to communicate why they do what they do, their mission. Through a list of 10 to 25 “We Believe” statements, we help them build the foundation for their mission. Many of these statements communicate the good outcomes they desire for their clients, the community and the positive impact they believe they can have on our world. Incredible things happen when you seek the underlying emotion behind a mission. Interestingly, there seems to be a common theme. In some form, one or more of these words are included in why companies do what they do: growth, happiness, meaning or abundance. These four words are also what individuals seek in life and become a way in which to connect and attract individuals to rally behind your mission. By appealing to people’s emotional sense of mission, you connect with what people really care about. This is how you lead people to rally behind a mission and build momentum to achieve the mission for the good of members, community and ultimately the world. The key is that it must deliver positively for all involved. Next time you are in the Chamber office, ask for a copy of the Strategic Plan, get familiar with why the Chamber is doing what it is doing. You’ll get a sense of the greater mission of ensuring prosperity for the community and the desire to enhance each member’s success through leadership, advocacy and growth opportunities. Imagine what we can do together.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER PRESIDENT By: Pat MulQueeny President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Investment in your Companies Future Employers want great employees who are goal-driven, engaged, focused and involved in their community. In order to reap the benefits of those great qualities, businesses need to turn their attention to opportunities that take little time, but provide long-term benefits. Businesses need to think about tomorrow’s leaders and what they can do to help their current employees gain valuable information, skills and a network of contacts that will help them be successful now and in the future. When the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce created the Twin Cities Young Professional Summit, it was out of a desire to help businesses provide these types of opportunities for young professionals of area employers. In 2016, over 200 young professionals from five states attended the event to learn from our keynote and breakout speakers, share experiences, and build their networks. The May 19th Summit will be even bigger with topics ranging from leadership skills, communicating across generations, being a mindful manager and more—all centered around the 2017 theme: “Diversity & Inclusion.” Our keynote speakers, Greg Cunningham, Vice President of Global Inclusion and Diversity for U.S. Bank and Mike McKinley, Entrepreneur and Professional Speaker, will provide unmatched insight from their experiences, knowledge, skills and expertise to help YP’s be successful in their unique field and position. Check out the full line-up of speakers at TCYPSummit.com – the investment today will pay dividends in your future leaders of tomorrow. Public Policy Issues to Keep your Eye On We are very pleased that both the House and Senate have passed the Uniform State Labor Standards Act (Pre-emption) and this critical business bill will go to conference committee before moving on to the Governor’s office where it is uncertain if he will signit or not. This legislation would prevent local units of government from imposing their own rules and regulations on businesses like Minneapolis and St. Paul did around paid time off, or discussions on minimum wage etc. We do ask our members to contact the
Governor’s office either by phone call or e-mail and ask for him to sign this legislation. His office can be contacted at 651-201-3400 or e-mail through his website at mn.gov/ governor. SWLRT Chamber members received a very timely update from the Chair of the Metropolitan Council, Adam Duininck at the April 20 General Membership Luncheon. Chair Duininck started his comments focused on the Southwest LRT project and said even though the project is on the bubble, he is confident they will get the funding for the project. The Met Council does have a couple of items to get done before they can submit the full application to the FTA including agreements with the railroads. He highlighted discussion that has taken place around the President’s budget that did not include funds for the grant program that transit projects like SWLRT receive funds from and the questions that have been raised on these. He stated that the conversations at the federal level show bi-partisan support for transit projects and the funding program. SWLRT construction could start later this year with an open date of 2021. At the state level, Chair Duininck ultimately sees the Governor and Legislature coming to an agreement to get a transportation bill completed. He did urge our businesses to continue to contact our Senators and House of Representative members to get a transportation bill completed. In terms of Governance of the Met Council, Chair Duininck touched on the discussion around reorganizing how the Met Council members are determined, including staggering the terms, more input from elected officials and other options that have been discussed.
“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
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LOOKINGBACK: BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING INDECEMBER DECEMBER
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINNESOTA CHAMBER PRESIDENT By: Doug Loon President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Minnesota Chamber advocates for uniform labor laws Minnesota business owners and managers already have their hands full when it comes to complying with state and federal workplace regulations. Now imagine if you are tasked with facing two, three, four or more distinctive sets of local laws dictating private sector employee wages and benefits. A disturbing trend is emerging in Minnesota. Minneapolis and St. Paul have passed ordinances scheduled to go into effect July 1 that require businesses to provide paid sick time. The specifics of the mandates are different in each city. In Duluth, a task force is studying the issue and scheduled to make its recommendation in November. It’s only a matter of time before the movement comes to a city near you. That’s why the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our local chamber partners are pursuing passage of the Uniform State Labor Standards Act at the Legislature. The law would explicitly preempt local governments from enacting their own their minimum wage laws and mandates on businesses including predictive scheduling and paid sick and safe time. An important next step in our efforts occurred last week with Senate passage of a bill. The House passed its version in March. A conference committee will work through the slight differences in the bills and send it to Governor Dayton. The governor has expressed reservations with the bill, but he not gone so far as to say he’ll veto it. In similar fashion, legislative leaders have said they are not interested in sending the governor a bill that he will automatically reject. Against that backdrop, we are hopeful that consensus can be reached.
To be clear, we do not believe government at any level should dictate private sector employee benefits. However, the only thing worse than state government demanding one size fits all mandates is for local governments to do so. Consider the fact that Minnesota has 853 cities and 87 counties. A patchwork of local laws would be an administrative nightmare for employers, especially those with operations in multiple locations. Todays’ worker shortage is front and center across all industry sectors in all corners of the state. Minnesota’s unemployment rate dropped another notch to 3.8 percent in March compared with the national rate of 4.5 percent. The statistics already demand that employers voluntarily offer expanded wages and benefits to attract and retain employees, and they’re doing so. The question of local control has surfaced in the debate. The Minnesota Chamber and our partners generally support keeping decision making close to the people. Our system of government values local control in certain policy areas such as issuance of zoning approvals and assessment of property taxes. In other areas, though, Minnesota has realized the benefits of statewide consistency. Look no further than areas such as the criminal code; consumer protection laws; banking, insurance and securities regulations; and occupational licensing. We enthusiastically support and encourage employers to provide employees with paid options for providing care to their families. Flexibility is the key. It’s a far better approach to have employers sit down with employees to develop policies that work for individual workplaces. This approach recognizes the uniqueness of each workplace. Imposing a one size fits all mandate replaces creativity and flexibility with a straightjacket.
NETWORKING
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CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS As we bring you updates to the Minnesota legislature, consider contacting your local legislators and voicing your thoughts as a local business leader. Let’s all advocate to make Eden Prairie a great place to work and open a business! Senator Steve Cwodzinski DFL – District 48 (651) 296-1314 Email Senator Cwodzinski at www.senate.mn/members Senator Melissa Franzen DFL – District 49 (651) 296-6238 Email Senator Franzen at www.senate.mn/members Representative Jenifer Loon R – District 48B (651) 296-7449 rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn
STOPSE! PLEA READ
Representative Laurie Pryor DFL – District 48A (651) 296-3964 rep.laurie.pryor@house.mn Representative Paul Rosenthal DFL – District 49B (651) 296-7803 rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn
The Chamber is going GREEN! The Chamber is going green with our monthly newsletters!
We will be transitioning to an electronic version of this monthly newsletter starting in July. The newsletter will come straight to your inbox on the first of every month, and will always be available at epchamber.org. It will, of course, continue to feature the same great Chamber information and announcements that you will need to take full advantage of your membership. If you would still like to receive a printed copy to your office at the beginning of every month, please email Lori Brown at lori.brown@epchamber.org.
NETWORKING
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MAY? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp
Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast is a great program for companies that depend on one-on-one interactions or referrals. Attendees get the opportunity to present a 30-second commercial about their business and all attendees enjoy a 15-20 minute presentation by a featured presenter. Plus, there’s plenty of time for networking before and after the program, so be sure to arrive by 7:15 a.m. with a stack of business cards. DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 7:30 - 8:30 AM - Mark Rigby Wednesday, May 24, 7:30 - 8:30 AM - Dale Brose LOCATION: Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC (8050 W 78th St) COST: $12 for members, $17 for non-members
Thank you to our 2017 Business@Breakfast sponsor:
After Hours with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air Come enjoy Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air’s brand new showroom at a networking After Hours event! There will be complimentary appetizers and beverages to enjoy and many doorprizes up for grabs. Third place prize will be a $50 gift card to CRAVE, second place will be a Wi-Fi thermostat (including standard installation) and first place will be a 49” 4k Smart TV! Free refreshments, great prizes and plenty of time to mingle and network - why miss it? DATE: Thursday, May 16, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air (12448 Plaza Drive, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
B.E.E.R. Luncheon Because business knows no boundaries, the Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers of Commerce host multi-chamber B.E.E.R. events throughout the year. The B.E.E.R. theme for 2017 is “Navigating Today’s Troubled Water.” Join us as William A. Blazar, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Business Development at the Minnesota Chamber, discusses what this means for economic development in today’s business community. Mr. Blazar is Senior Vice President of public affairs and business development at the Minnesota Chamber. In that capacity, he is responsible for the Chamber’s policy and political programs. He also directs Grow Minnesota!, the Chamber’s statewide business retention and assistance program. Mr. Blazar will report on current Twin Cities economic conditions; the state policies that are now of greatest concern to the region’s businesses; and, how they are being addressed by the 2017 Legislature. His comments will draw from hundreds of recent one-on-one visits with Twin Cities businesses completed by the Minnesota Chamber’s Grow Minnesota! program. You’ll leave this meeting knowing how the region’s economy is likely to perform this year; what the MN Chamber recommends state policy makers do to improve it; and, whether or not legislators and the Governor will act this year. DATE: Wednesday, May 17, 11AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Hilton Minneapolis-Airport/Mall of America (3800 American Blvd, Bloomington) COST: $35 for members, $45 for non-members Don’t miss the next great Chamber event! Keep up-to-date on everything coming up at epchamber.org/events.asp
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NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the Chamber! Harris Communications 15155 Technology Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 974-4749 www.harriscomm.com Window and Garage Floor Outfitters 12605 Creek View Avenue Savage, MN 55378 (952) 908-9801 www.garageflooroutfitters.com
MEMBERSHIP Full Circle Financial 12800 Whitewater Drive, #100 Minnetonka, MN 55343 (952) 444-3097 www.makesmartdecisions.com Twin Cities Orthopedics 12982 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 456-7470 www.TCOmn.com
SITE VISITS & RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES
Epic Event Rental 14650 Martin Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 944-6916 www.epicrentalmn.com Barrington Townhomes Association 5360 Barrington Way Excelsior, MN 55331 (952) 922-5575
Aflac
Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx 600 Hennepin Avenue, #300 Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 673-1643 www.minnesotatimberwolves.com AirBroom Minnesota Furnace and Fireplace 6975 Washington Avenue South Edina, MN 55439 (952) 545-2254 www.airbroomminnesota.com Do Good Events 5901 Cedar Lake Road St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (612) 293-9420 www.dogoodevents.com Peaceful Valley Montessori Academy 18295 Cascade Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (763) 208-7581 www.peacefulvalleymontessori.org
Trinity Exteriors
Ambassador of the Month
Marcie McCarthy
West Metro Meeting and Training Center 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.
This is a publication of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
11455 Viking Dr, #270 Eden Prairie, MN 55344
P: (952) 944-2830 F: (952) 944-0229
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PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE, MN USPS#729770
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - MAY 2017 Monday 1
Tuesday 2
Wednesday 3
Thursday 4
Friday 5
Public Policy Committee Meeting 7:30 - 9 AM Chamber office
8
15
22
9
10
11
12
Ambassador Committee Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM Chamber office
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
16
17
18
19
After Hours with Tiger B.E.E.R. Luncheon Plumbing, Heating & Air 11 AM - 1 PM 4:30 - 6 PM Hilton Airport/MOA Tiger Plumbing Heating & Air
Workforce Development Meeting 8 - 9 AM Chamber office
TCYP Summit 2017
23
25
26
1
2
24 Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
29
30
31
Public Policy Committee Meeting, 7:30 - 9 AM GML 11:30 AM - 1 PM
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!