May 2016 Newsletter

Vol. 47, Issue 5 | May 2016

THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors!

SILVER SPONSOR

PROGRESSIVE NETWORKING LUNCHEON What is progressive networking?

It’s easy to fall into a routine of simply going through the motions of networking.

You give your pitch, collect business cards, and hope that a lasting connection will result. Has this routine become tiresome and unproductive for you? Have you ever wondered why the connections aren’t lasting? This event is for you.

It’s time to change up the way we network with a progressive networking luncheon presented by the Eden Prairie and TwinWest Chambers of Commerce.

During this event, our event facilitator Sarah Kinkeade, Vice President and Bank Manager for Anchor Bank, will share tips on the best practices of networking during a three-course meal. To start each new course, however, you will relocate to a new table so you can implement that tip with new contacts. You will learn the latest in best practices for future networking situations, greatly expand your business network and enjoy a plated lunch with this partnership luncheon.

This event is back by popular demand—don’t miss it!

BRONZE SPONSORS

DATE: Thursday, May 12, 11:30 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, Minnetonka COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members Thank you to our 2016 Women’s Network sponsors:

GENERAL SPONSOR

Follow us on Social Media!

Like us on Facebook at “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

Follow us on Twitter @EPChamber2

Join our Linkedin group “Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

LEADERSHIP

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A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Katie Misukanis, M.P.A. Government Relations Director, Rasmussen College Our membership never ceases to amaze me! As we start to embrace the best part of being a Minnesotan—the summer of course—I want to update you on the amazing work of you, the members and, of course, Pat and his wonderful staff.

We had another outstanding Home and Garden Show with great exhibitors and attendance. We already have several exhibitors signed up for next year, so please consider contacting Audrianna if you are interested in a spot for the March 18, 2017 show. By the time you read this, we will have launched our inaugural Young Professional Summit and are headed into the Golf Tournament at Bearpath on June 6th—make sure you are signed up for this wonderful event.

We also want you to get excited for the fall, an equally great time to be a Minnesotan! We have our Gala, Purple Reign, taking place during the inaugural season at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Public Policy Committee is hard at work as well as we prepare for November and the elections. Mark your calendars for a lunch and learn on how to purposefully engage with your local on May 26th. We are also looking for unique and meaningful ways to help you, our members, get in front of candidates at the local, state, and federal level, whether through debates, surveys, or informal meet and greets- we want to be your source for information, so watch for updates here! We are dedicated to you and being a value add to your organization- please reach out with ideas!

From the Business Resource Center The Business Resource Center is a collaborative blog for Chamber members to share their expertise with fellow members and the community when seeking goods and services. Log on to the Chamber website to learn from your fellow members and to share your own expertise!

Spring is Here, is your Flood Insurance ready?

By: Aaron Nicklay, Farmer’s Insurance Flood insurance for businesses and commercial property, whether you own or rent your space, is just as important as it is for private homeowners…and in some cases even more important because the potential financial losses incurred in a workplace flood loss can easily be more than any private homeowner might experience because of the value of the products and equipment that your commercial location may have.

A commercial kitchen is thousands of dollars more expensive than the average person’s home kitchen, and that is just the value of the appliances.

Unfortunately, Flood coverage is frequently overlooked when purchasing a business owners policy because like private residence Flood policies, the commercial flood policy must be purchased separately, and not all insurance agents are licensed to sell flood insurance, so it’s not always top of the mind when a business owner is shopping for insurance.

Read the full article and more at http://www. epchamber.org/Resources/ and submit your own to be featured next month!

LEADERSHIP

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A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Legislature Reviewing More Mandates for Business This is probably not the headline our members want to see but, as the Minnesota Legislature heads into its final month of work, there is a bill moving forward in the Senate that mandates paid time off that must be provided for employees and would impose an additional payroll tax. As with every year, the final weeks typically hold the most activity—this year is no different. Look for a transportation and tax bill to move in the next few weeks and as business owners and staff members, please stay active and engaged.

An e-mail and/or phone call to our elected officials can help them understand how a proposed bill will help or hurt your business.

Here are the elected officials that represent Eden Prairie: David Hann (R) State Senator Senate District 48 (651) 296-1749, sen.david.hann@senate.mn Yvonne Selcer (DFL) State Representative House District 48A (651) 296-3964 rep.yvonne.selcer@house.mn Jenifer Loon (R) State Representative House District 48B (651) 296-5813, rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn

of this process, we are hosting a FREE Lunch and Learn program to help you and your employees be engaged in the legislative process and the upcoming elections. Join us on May 26 at the Chamber offices for this informational and free event over the lunch hour. Register on the Chamber website at epchamber.org/events.asp.

Finally, golf season is here and if you have not registered for the Chamber’s golf event, time is running out. The annual fundraiser is being held at Bearpath Golf and Country Club on Monday, June 6th. To register, use the registration form found on our website or call the office at (952) 944-2830. We hope you will join us and the 120+ golfers for this amazing event!

Reflections on Prince We at the Chamber are saddened by the tragic passing of Prince. He was a valued member and strong proponent of the west metro community.

We want to let our members know that our Gala theme and entertainment will remain as previously announced. The Gala will celebrate all that makes Minnesota great—including Prince.

Melissa Franzen (DFL) State Senator Senate District 49 (651) 296-6238, sen.melisa.franzen@senate.mn Paul Rosenthal (DFL) State Representative House District 49B (651) 296-7803, rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn Additionally, this is an election year and in a few short months, all Minnesota Senate and Representative seats will be up for election. As part “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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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MAY? After Hours at Wings of the North Come celebrate the grand opening of the Wings of the North Museum which features three award-winning aircrafts with a networking event.

This grand opening ceremony will feature complimentary appetizers, margaritas (it is Cinco de Mayo, after all!), beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Wings of the North will be drawing names for prizes including two four-packs of tickets to AirExpo 2016 and a ride in a World War II AT-6 Texan airplane—to be taken immediately if weather allows. It is recommended that women wear pants and no high heels if they hope to win this ride. Museum guides will be on hand to answer questions on the artifacts in the museum. Guests can arrive as early as 4 p.m. to start walking through the museum.

Please enter the airport at Gate H (one mile west of Flying Cloud Drive on Pioneer Trail).

DATE: Thursday, May 5, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Wings of the North, 14801 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members

Business@Breakfast GUEST DAY Business@Breakfast is the Chamber’s only weekly networking event. Guest Day at Business@Breakfast invites all members and non-members to attend Business@Breakfast at a discounted rate. If you are a regular B@B attendee, it is a great opportunity to share the success you’ve found with this event with a colleague, client or friend who is a non-member. If you’ve never attended, Guest Day is a great day to start.

Come see why B@B continues to be a consistently beneficial event for our members. Attendees should come prepared with a stack of business cards and with a 60-second introduction about their business.

DATE: Wednesday, May 11, 7:30 - 8:30 AM LOCATION: Hellmuth & Johnson, 8050 West 78th St, Edina COST: $10 for members & non-members

Chamber 202: Maximize your Membership Join us for an informational meeting & learn how to Maximize your Chamber Membership! Whether you are newer Chamber member in the last two years, or just haven’t been engaged in Chamber activities, come hear about the benefits and opportunities that are open to you, your company and your employees. We will offer you step-by-step instructions of how to get involved, define the programs and benefits and show you how to navigate our website.

DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 8 - 9 AM LOCATION: Chamber office, 11455 Viking Dr, #270 COST: FREE for members

www.epchamber.org

NETWORKING

After Hours with Pure Barre and Rain International Join us for a healthy After Hours event at Pure Barre in Eden Prairie, hosted by Pure Barre and Rain International. Come learn more about Pure Barre classes and Rain International products that can make you can help you reach your health and fitness goals.

This event will feature food from the Raining Healthy collection from Rain International, beer, wine and nonalcoholic refreshments. Pure Barre will be giving away a one-month free membership and offering exclusive class pricing to those who attend, and Rain International will be giving away two 1-week trial packs of Rain Soul. There’s lots to win so don’t miss it!

DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: Pure Barre, 582 Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members

B.E.E.R. Luncheon: The Art and Politics of Making it OK to be Pro-Business Join us for our upcoming B.E.E.R. luncheon as we hear from Charlie Weaver, Executive Director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, a non-profit, non-partisan public policy organization composed of 115 chief executive officers representing Minnesota’s leading employers.

Prior to joining the Partnership in November 2003, Weaver served as Chief of Staff for Governor Tim Pawlenty during his first year in office. As former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Weaver led a diverse department of 1,900 employees and managed an annual department budget of over $254 million.

From September 11, 2001 through November 2002, Weaver established and led Minnesota’s Office of Homeland Security. His public service career started with his election in 1988 to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he served until 1998 as Assistant Minority Leader. Create connections and expand your reach in the business community as you network with members of the Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers of Commerce.

Thank you to our B.E.E.R. sponsors:

DATE: Wednesday, May 25, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Bachman’s, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis COST: $35 for members, $55 for non-members

Lunch & Learn: Advocacy Join us for a Lunch & Learn event led by Katie Misukanis, Government Relations Director for Rasmussen College and Chair of the Eden Prairie Chamber Board of Directors, to learn more about how your business can engage in public policy and the legislative process. In her current role, Katie acts as a liaison for the college to local and state legislators in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Kansas. She also served as Chair of the Wisconsin Council for Independent Education and the Minnesota Career College Association. Katie will cover the importance of building relationships, the tools to build those relationships, and how to continue to understand the legislative process. Be prepared for elections in 2016 and come spend your lunch hour at the Chamber.

DATE: Thursday, May 26, 11:45 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Chamber office, 11455 Viking Dr, #270 COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members

NETWORKING

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LOOKING BACK: EVENTS INDECEMBER APRIL LOOKING BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: INDECEMBER Missed an event?

You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/

General Membership Luncheon: MnDOT

We gathered for a General Membership Luncheon on April 12 and heard from John Griffith, West Area Manager for the Metro District, MnDOT about the upcoming Hwy-169 closures and how it will affect area businesses. We also presented two scholarships to the selected Eden Prairie High School seniors, as chosen by our Recognition Committee: Kayla Dainsberg, STEM Scholarship and Kenneth Han, Business & Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Thank you to our luncheon sponsors, Commuter Services and Comcast.

Noontime Networking at The Tomato Vine Thank you for hosting a great networking event!

E.P.C.: Explore the Possibilities with the Chamber

Members and non-members gathered on April 14 for E.P.C.: Explore the Possibilities with the Chamber to learn more about the many benefits of a Chamber membership including networking and partnerships, advocacy, increased visibility and leadership opportunities. We enjoyed appetizers, desserts provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes and an open bar at Green Acres event facility in Eden Prairie. Thank you to all who came out and invited a guest to learn more about the Chamber!

www.epchamber.org

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

Congratulations!

Welcome to the Chamber!

Congratulations to all of our members who were nominated for or won a Southwest Magazine Best of 2016 award! It is an incredible honor and we are very proud to have you all a part of our Chamber community. Here’s a list of winners from the Eden Prairie Chamber:

Comfort Inn Eden Prairie 7740 Flying Cloud Dr Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 942-9000 www.choicehotels.com/mn132 Trust Security 7624 Metro Blvd, #145 Edina, MN 55439 (952) 914-9300 www.trustsecuritymn.com

Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Congratulations to these Chamber members who recently celebrated an opening or re-location.

Thank you for letting the Chamber be a part of your celebration!

West Metro Meeting and Training Center

Best Bakery Nothing Bundt Cakes Best Tavern/Bar Tavern 4 & 5 Best Breakfast The Original Pancake House Best Landscape Designer/Architect The Mustard Seed Garden Center Best Senior Living Residence Summit Place Senior Campus Best Orthodontic Clinic Ovation Orthodontics Best Medspa Envy Skin Clinic Best Florist Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden Editor’s PickBest Customer Service Tea Source

Keller Williams Realty - Eden Prairie

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.

Lesley Fahey Rain International

MAY 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday 2

Tuesday 3

9

10

16

17

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

4

5

6

Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5

After Hours at Wings of the North 4:30 -6 PM Wings of the North

11

12

GUEST DAY at Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson

Progressive Networking Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

18

19

20

27

13

Chamber 202: Maximize your Business@Breakfast Membership 7:30 - 8:30 AM 8 - 9 AM Tavern 4 & 5 Chamber office

23

30 CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED

24

25

26

After Hours with Pure Barre and Rain International 4:30 - 6 PM Pure Barre, Eden Prairie

Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM

Lunch & Learn: Advocacy 11:45 AM -1 PM Chamber office

31

1

B.E.E.R. Luncheon 11 AM - 1 PM

2

3

Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5

MEMORIAL DAY

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