Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTIONS May 2011 - Vol 42, Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE...

May’s General Membership Luncheon

Leadership

Thursday, May 19th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

P2 - Message from President P3 - Ambassador Update / AoM

Community Building P4 - Spotlight: Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC P4 - Golden Apple Winners

Join us for our General Membership Luncheon on Thursday, May 19, as we get an update from the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Learn the latest about Flying Cloud Airport, MSP and where our air transportation stands in serving our businesses and community.

Jeffrey W. Hamiel was appointed Executive Director of the Commission in 1985. He holds a doctorate in Public Administration from Hamline University, a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a master of arts degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University.

Public Policy P5 - Article by Senator Hann P5 - March GML Recap P5 - Benefits of the Chamber

Networking P6 - Sales Seminar Information P6 - Sponsorship Corner P7 - Article by Bob Dale P8 - Calendar of Events P8 - Committee Callout

It’s finally Ɵme to get out those trusty golf clubs & start warming up that swing!

Mark Your Calendars: MONDAY, JULY 25TH EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at

BEARPATH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Sponsorship Informa on is now available, contact us today!

Hamiel began his career with the Commission in 1977, becoming its first manager of noise abatement and environmental affairs. He was a pilot in the United States Air Force for more than seven years. Thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve, where he served as Chief Pilot and retired as Squadron Commander of the 96th Airlift Squadron in 1998.

In 2001, Hamiel served as Chair of Airports Council International - North America, Washington, D.C. Hamiel also served for several years as a member of the board and special advisor to Airports Council International - Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, Hamiel is a member and former competition committee co-chair of the American Association of Airport Executives. Hamiel was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003.

This luncheon will be held at Olympic Hills Golf Club, located at 10625 Mount Curve Road in Eden Prairie. The cost to attend is $25 for Chamber Members and their guests or $40 for Non-Members.

2011 Small Business Person of the Year The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes an individual associated with one of its member companies as their Small Business Person of the Year. This award recognizes the individual for the success of the company and the individual’s par cipa on in community affairs.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: • Must be an owner and/or a principal member of the management of a privately held, for profit business enterprise.

• The company must have been in existence for a minimum of three years.

• The company must have fewer than 250 employees.

• The company must be a member in good standing of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION / APPLICATION: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1st at 10:00 AM Please submit via e-mail to samantha.dummel@epchamber.org or mail/deliver to: Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, 11455 Viking Drive, Suite 270, Eden Prairie, MN, 55344 INFORMATION/QUESTIONS: Call (952) 944-2830 or e-mail samantha.dummel@epchamber.org

YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

Leadership International Trips- Great Value

By Pat MulQueeny, IOM Chamber President The Chamber just returned from its fourth international trip with 28 people who visited the Tuscany region of Italy. The trip was fantastic, a great opportunity to see historic sites, buildings, artwork and cities. The Chamber is currently offering a trip leaving on October 14th for China.

Why Chamber trips? Our Chamber has partnered with some national travel groups that work extensively with Chambers across the country. Which provide additional member benefits, the opportunity to see first-hand what other countries have to offer, what businesses are doing in these countries and to build a community network. Many of our travelers have made new friends and gained insight into our own community network of people.

Pat MulQueeny, IOM Chamber President

Value: The trips are a great value. They are affordable and include airfare, lodging, meals and access to great tourist attractions and behind the scenes tours. In Italy we toured a winery, Murano glass blowing facility, a marbel quarry and a spa – plus other interesting information was shared by our guide. The guides and tour buses are included which makes the trip more enjoyable.

Testimonial: “Woody and I want to thank you and the Eden Prairie Chamber for arranging yet another fantastic trip abroad. This was our third trip through the Chamber and each has been unique in many ways. They are all well planned and excellently run. We have no worries, since we are shepherded from the airports, to our buses, to our hotels etc. The Chamber has taken good care of every detail - from the informational meetings to the arrangement of extended trips; from ticketing, to room assignments. We have been privileged to see historical and unique sites which I had never imagined I would see. From the Forbidden City in China, the Cliffs of Mohr in Ireland, to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Tuscany. We have strengthened our relationships with fellow Chamber Members and have come to treasure our times with them.

Our hope is that more Chamber Members would take advantage of this opportunity.

If it would be shared with others in their businesses and utilized more by the members, it would certainly be a benefit for all. I realize there are a multitude of vacation opportunities available to our fellow Chamber Members, but traveling together offers a totally unique opportunity to get better acquainted over a longer period of time. Thank you and the office staff for arranging another wonderful trip. Woody and I certainly look forward to the offering for next year!”

-Lois Walters, Gunnar Electric To learn more about our upcoming trip to China, please visit our website at www.epchamber.org. To be added to our e-mail list for upcoming trips, please e-mail your contact information to pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.

PAGE 2

“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

•

Prairie Ale House 16396 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 949-9700 / www.prairiealehouse.com Aaron Johnson/Rick Lindsay Restaurants

•

Insight Sign and Imaging LLC 9817 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (612) 669-6700 / www.insightsignsandimaging.com Matt Duffy/Robert Eaton Signs & Promotion

•

Underneath It All 7942 Mitchell Road, # 102, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 937-9252 / www.underneathitall.com Lorraine Dressel/Cathy Rieckenberg/Karen Wolfe Retail Sales

•

Prairie Dental Group 6608 Flying Cloud Dr., Ste. #200 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 903-5000 / www.PrairieDental.com Dr. Benjamin Fenger / Caryl Leach Dentists

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

April Ribbon Cuttings & Site Visits!

The Eden Prairie Chamber Ambassadors serve as good will 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 Ambassadors visited in April!

Ambassador of the Month- March Larry Olson, Olson Technology, LLC Larry is a resident of Eden Prairie with his wife Lisa, 8 year old son Gunnar and their two dogs, Sophie and Chase. Their favorite things to do are camping, walking the dogs, going to the Arboretum and just being together as a family.

Blue Horizon Energy Insight Signs & Imaging LLC

A Special “Thanks!” to our Ambassador Lunch Sponsors!

Larry said that being a member of the Chamber, and more specifically an Ambassador, has been invaluable in the growth of his business. Larry loves being an Ambassador because he has the opportunity to meet new Chamber Members, understand what they do and how they can both assist one another in building their businesses.

952-374-6464

Olson Technology is in its third year of business. They are focused on partnering with local business owners to help them understand technology and how it can assist in their business objectives. In addition, they provide computer & network support, repair, installation and upgrades. Olson Technology also provides assistance to residential users or businesses just working out of the home. Clients receive personal one-on-one assistance in a language they can understand. Congratulations and thank you Larry!

952-941-6556

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

PAGE 3

Community Building SPOTLIGHT ON A CHAMBER MEMBER: Q & A Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC; Chamber Member since 2000 We had the opporunity to spend a little time with Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC. 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.

Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC (H & J): Hellmuth & Johnson was founded in 1994 and since that time has grown to become one of Minnesota’s 25 largest law firms. Our expanding practice areas include: real estate, construction law and defects, estate planning, IT and e-commerce, banking, general business, mergers and acquisitions, community association, employment, medical malpractice and personal injury, commercial and business litigation, insurance defense and general litigation.

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

H & J: We are committed to a higher standard of law reflected in the quality of our attorneys and staff, our dedication to exceeding our clients’ expectations and commitment to supporting the community and general public by involvement in service organizations and offering free legal education updates to various industries. This commitment is evident throughout our firm as we see attorneys and staff members actively engaged in these events and community services.

EPC: What is it about the Chamber that has lead you to be a member?

H & J: The Chamber fosters a community-wide support for local businesses – by partnering with the Chamber and member companies, we can get to know these businesses on a first-name-basis, develop relationships and support each other through these difficult economic times.

EPC: Final question, what are some positives that you are looking for in 2011- 2012?

H & J: For our firm, we have positioned ourselves for continued growth in order to better serve our clients and community. We are also looking forward to continued involvement with the Chamber and community members.

Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC is located at 8050 West 78th Street, Edina, MN 55439 (952) 941-4005 www.hjlawfirm.com

Meet Our 2011 Individual Golden Apple Award Winners Becky Duchon Cedar Ridge Elemenary School Becky Duchon is a passionate educator who has dedicated her life to empowering students and families who face extraordinary challenges. Becky is a special education teacher, an autism specialist and a speech and language clinician at Cedar Ridge. She is always looking for different avenues to reach her students and keeping her eyes on the prize of making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you and congratulations Becky!

PAGE 4

Suzanne Fogarty Cedar Ridge Elemenary School Suzanne Fogarty is instrumental in preparing kids for continued success in school by helping them create a genuine passion for life-long learning. She continually makes changes in the classroom to keep the students engaged, makes homework and learning fun and celebrates achievement in fun and unique ways. Mrs. Fogarty genuinely cares for each student and takes the time to really get to know them. Thank you and congratulations Suzanne!

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

Public Policy Update on the State Budget

By Senator David Hann District 42 Both the Minnesota House and Senate recently passed all the budget bills and have begun the conference committee process. This is as early as budget bills have been passed by the legislature in my memory, and should provide sufficient time to reach agreement with the governor before we are required to adjourn on May 23.

Senator David Hann MN Senator District 42

Facing a nearly $5 billion shortfall from the projected increase in spending, most bills showed significant reductions from current levels of spending. However, the two largest budget areas, K-12 Education and Health and Human Services, produced bills that increase spending from current levels by 3.5% and 6% respectively.

The legislative goal was to not simply bring spending in line with existing revenue, although we did do this, but also to enact significant reform. In the K-12 Education bill, we increased the per pupil general aid formula by $50 per year in the next biennium, to also eliminated a number of mandates and provided for two large reforms. The first reform was accomplished by repurposing the Integration Aid formula dollars to provide “literacy incentive aid” to school districts who show success in getting students read at a proficient level by third grade. The second major reform prohibits employee strikes if the district makes a “qualified economic offer” during contract negotiations. This would empower school districts to avoid settling contracts for which they do not have sufficient revenue. The bill also establishes a two-year hard freeze of all compensation for all school district employees so that local school districts will not have to cut back on staff or programs as a result of insufficient funds.

The Health and Human Services budget is perhaps the most challenging budget area in the state due to the large amount of federal money that it spends. Federal tax dollars are returned to the state along with requirements on how those funds must be used. The total HHS budget spends about $20 billion, and about half of those dollars are from federal government disbursements. The federal restrictions make it nearly impossible to design state level programs that save money. Our budget provides a “voucher” for lower income Minnesotans to purchase health insurance in the private market. This structure empowers individuals to make decisions about their health care, which most people agree is a key component in bringing about efficiency and lower costs in health care. It also saves over $600 million from the current state insurance program, but cannot be enacted without federal approval. We hope that Governor Dayton will join with us to obtain relief from burdensome federal mandates. Establishing the principle that health care is a policy matter for states, not the federal government, is a critical step in bringing real reform to our health care system, and assures us that we will have a structure we can afford.

The budget process is not complete. We still need to reach agreement with the governor. But, we have put proposals forward that balance our budget without raising new taxes and offer significant reforms that will hold down the growth in state spending. We hope the governor will agree that fiscal discipline is needed now, not increased burdens on our economy.

March’s General Membership Luncheon

Benefits of Joining the Chamber

In March, we had the honor of having Amy Koch, Senate Majority Leader speak at our General Membership Luncheon!

There are many benefits of joining the Chamber, but here are the TOP TEN reasons to join! Tell your friends!

Above: Area Chamber Presidents (Eden Prairie, Edina, Richfield & Bloomington) with Senate Majority Leader, Amy Koch.

•

Networking

•

Economic Development

•

Community Involvement

•

Credibility

•

Political & Legislative Advocacy

•

Referrals

•

Member Discounts

•

Information

•

Hospitality Liaisons

•

Promotion & Publicity For more information on joining our Chamber, please contact Betsy Schneider at betsy.schneider@epchamber.org or at (952) 944-2830

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

PAGE 5

Networking Join us for a Sales Seminar:

“There is No Science in Selling” May 24th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM The Eden Prairie Chamber is pleased to provide this sales training seminar: “There is No Science in Selling”. We are pleased to have Allan Giese from Suburban Chevrolet and Rich Garvey from Sales Results Fast as our presenters.

In this interactive seminar you will learn and practice how to: •

Develop your 30 second sales introduction to use at networking events that will help you generate more sales.

•

Work in small groups to develop your feature/benefits for your company’s sales introduction.

•

Be able to answer the question “what do you do?” with a concise answer that will help you open more doors and gain more sales.

At the conclusion of this seminar, participants will have developed greater networking skills, have created a 30 second sales introduction and be ready to maximize their networking results.

Who should attend: Sales people, marketers and business owners who want to improve their skills at networking and making new sales connections.

Cost: $25 for Chamber members and their guests, $35 for non-members.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 6330 Point Chase, in Eden Prairie.

Sponsorship is available for this event! $250 sponsorship includes up to 4 registrations, the chance to give a 3-5 minute presentation about your company and recognition through Chamber promotions.

To register, please go to www.epchamber.org or call our office at 952-944-2830.

2011 Annual Sponsors

Thank You April Event Sponsors!

Women’s Network Luncheon:

General Membership Luncheon:

Are you interested in sponsoring an event in the future?

Please contact our office at (952) 944-2830 for more information!

PAGE 6

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

Networking What Is A QR Code & How Can It Help Your Business?

By Bob Dale, Web MarkeƟng Consultant Pro Web Marketers

Bob Dale Pro Web Marketers

These funny little boxes are Quick Response Codes or “QR Codes”. QR Codes look sort of like a barcode but contain far more information. Heavily used in Japan, QR codes can hold hyperlinks, text, videos and a much larger cache of information than traditional barcodes. With ever improving cell phone camera lenses, QR codes can be easily read by many of today’s hottest smart phones. This untapped resource is a potential boon for businesses across the country.

Branded by experts as ‘paper-based hyperlinks’, QR was first used in Japan and is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that allows customers to access information by using a scanner on their mobile phones. Want to give it a try with your Android, iPhone or Blackberry smartphone? Scan the QR Code with this article and you’ll be taken to my mobile website. Use your phone’s bar code reader or download a QR Code app from your phones online app store. Start the app and use your phone’s camera to take a picture of the QR code that is with this article. Sometimes the camera will automatically recognize the code. When the phone recognizes the QR code it will beep and send you to the business website, video, contact info or wherever the business wanted to direct you. How’s that for cool?

The idea is to create an easy link for businesses’ print media. The customer simply scans the QR code which can be on magazine advertisements, business cards or direct mail pieces and once in the phone it will instantly give the customer information about the business such as location, offers and latest deals.

Imagine, being able to introduce an entire catalogue of product information into a small square QR. When a user pulls up your QR with their cell phone, they could be automatically redirected to your catalogue online or watch videos. You could add a QR to your business card to provide a contact with much more information than a standard business card, giving you a leg up on any competition.

When QR’s catch on in full force, they will redirect people to YouTube, Facebook, product reviews, all with a quick and simple scan of the cell phone. This is NOT the future, this is NOW. Use QR now and be a leader in your industry. Bring in customers from the digital age and the curious ones as well.

Be Sure To Add These Newest Members to Your 2010-11 Directory!

Careminders Home Care 7200 France Avenue S., Edina, MN 55435 Mark McDonald; Health Care Services www.careminders.com / (952) 500-8750

HealthSource Chiropractic & Program Rehab 7920 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Dr. Katie Kearney-Bidwell; Chiropractors www.HealthSourceChiro.com / (952) 345-6110

HSA-Home Warranty 7567 Walnut Curve, Chanhassen, MN 55317 Liz Pederson; Real Estate Agencies www.onlinehsa.com / (612) 414-3092

iGroup Financial-Olson 3800 American Blvd. W. #350, Bloomington, MN 55431 Marc Olson; Financial Investment Services/Advisors www.igroupfinancial.com / (952) 446-3324

Kilam Academy 6585 Edenvale Blvd. #180 Eden Prairie, MN 55346 Abdimalik Mohamed; Education & Training (952) 949-1225

Metropolitan Financial Mortgage Company 6419 Lyndale Ave. S., Richfield, MN 55423 Dominic Des Marais, Mortgage Banking (612) 247-8322

Parley Lake Winery, LLP 8350 Parley Lake Road, Waconia, MN 55387 Lindley Deardorff; Restaurants www.parleylakewinery.com / (952) 442-2290

Potbelly Sandwich Shop 2239 Eden Prairie Center Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Robin Sutphen; Restaurants www.potbelly.com / (952) 829-0050

Shapco Printing 524 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Don Johnson; Printing & Promotional Products www.shapcoprinting.com / (612) 375-1150

Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55439 Marilyn Miller; Hotels/Motels www.sheratonbloomington.com / (952) 835-7800

Sun Country Airlines 1300 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Kelsey Dodson-Smith; Aviation www.suncountry.com / (651) 681-3900

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans 701 Xenia Avenue South Golden Valley, MN 55416 Michelle Bunde; Financial Investment Services www.thrivent.com / (612) 481-5891

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

PAGE 7

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 2011 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

2

9

3 11:30 AM- Ambassador Mtg. at EPC

4 7:30 - 8:30 AM- Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

4:30 PM- After Hours at Umbria Pizzeria 10 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM-

3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Mtg. 11 7:30 - 8:30 AM- Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

Women’s Networking Luncheon at Hazeltine w/ SW Metro

16

Wednesday

17 7:30 AM- Government Committee Mtg. at EPC

18 7:30 - 8:30 AM- Business@ Breakfast at The Colony

4:30 PM- After Hours at Hazeltine National Golf Club 23 11:30 AM- Gala Committee Mtg. at EPC

24 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM-Sales Seminar at Hilton Garden Inn

30

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM- Fusion Team Challenge at Brunswick Zone 31

Thursday 5

Friday 6 7:30 AM- Chamber 101 at EPC 8:30 AM- Membership Growth Committee Mtg.

12 13 7:30 - 8:30 AM- Board Meeting 12:00 PM- Ads Due to EPC at EPC for JUNE Newsletter

19 11:30 AM - 1:00 PMGeneral Membership Luncheon at Olympic Hills Golf Club; Award Student Scholarships

25 26 7:30 - 8:30 AM- Business@ Breakfast- Speed Networking at Bent Creek

20 3:00 PM- Inserts for JUNE Newsletter Due to EPC office

27

7:30 - 9:00 AM- Business Development Mtg. at EPC

Memorial Day EPC Office is Closed. Have a safe and fun day!

PLEASE RSVP FOR ALL EVENTS BY 2PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!

Want to get more involved? VOLUNTEER!!!

Several Chamber CommiƩees are acƟvely searching for new members!

If you are looking for ways to get more involved in 2011, try-out a commi ee!! Call us at (952) 944-2830 for more informa on on the following groups... * Ambassadors * Business Development * Gala * Golf * Government * * Membership Growth * Recognition *