CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Vol. 47, Issue 10 | October 2016
THANK YOU 2016 ANNUAL SPONSORS!
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE?
SILVER SPONSOR
As we near election season, it’s important for the local business community to get engaged and informed. These new elected officials will be making key decisions on critical issues that could greatly affect your business. Join us for a forum to meet the candidates of the Minnesota Legislature:
BRONZE SPONSORS
Senate 48: Senator David Hann (GOP, incumbent), Steve Cwodzinski (DFL, challenger) House District 48A: Laurie Pryor (DFL), Mary Shapiro (GOP) House District 48B: Ben Sherlock (DFL, challenger), Representative Jenifer Loon (GOP, incumbent) The candidates will be discussing the issues most important to local business owners and leaders including transportation, health care, business mandates and regulations and more. The discussion will be moderated by Mary Lahammer, TPT - Almanac. Feel prepared in November by engaging in discussion with these candidates. Your registration includes lunch. To submit a question for consideration for the candidates, please email Pat at pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org.
GENERAL SPONSOR
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 11 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Brunswick Zone XL (12200 Singletree Ln, Eden Prairie) COST: $30 for members, $40 for non-members
Connect with the Chamber
“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
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“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”
YOUR CONNECTION TO THE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969
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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 Fall is here. There is that hint of bonfire in the air, and you may be unpacking sweaters and jackets to prepare for the winter ahead. As you run your business and day-to-day activities, you may be beginning strategic planning for 2017 or putting plans in motion to hit your year-end goals. The Chamber has been doing the same thing. We are continuing to work on our strategic plan and put activities and programs into place that meets your needs and help you reach your goals. As you look to 2017, we hope you consider joining a committee, attending the Home, Landscape and Garden Expo or sending members of your staff to the Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit—all occurring in the first half of 2017! As we look forward to a new year we do not want to overlook that there is still work left to do in 2016. The last quarter of the year can be exciting and fast. We have many Chamber programs that can semlessly compliment your own day-to-day activities and long-term goals. We encourage you to hurry up and buy your 2016 Purple Reign Gala tickets and experience U.S. Bank Stadium as we are very excited by this unique opportunity. In line with one of our three strategic goals, we are looking to enhance our Public Policy and Advocacy work. We recently co-hosted a debate between Congressman Erik Paulsen and State Senator Terri Bonoff that was well attended and well-covered in the media. If you missed this event, you can see a video of the debate on the Chamber website under the “Chamber News” section. In addition, we also hosted a forum on the Affordable Care Act on September 14 and will continue to explore ways to promote your policy needs and concerns to our elected officials. Looking ahead, we are hosting a Candidate Forum on October 6th with our state legislative candidates. We hope you will join us to feel prepared and informed to make your voting decisions in November. It is truly a pleasure to serve the Eden Prairie Chamber and community. I encourage you all to think of ways to utilize your membership to promote you and your business.
WHAT YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS ARE SAYING
“I was approached about membership by a representative from the Eden Prairie Chamber. My initial thoughts were: ”What the heck is a chamber?” As a business owner, I was just trying to build my company and didn’t think I had time for another meeting. I am not a networker by profession and found this daunting. I went to a Business@Breakfast meeting and was hooked. I attend regularly and get to other events as I can. I found the Chamber to be collaborative rather than competitive. Because I know many of these professionals very well now, I can refer with confidence. In fact, I look to the Chamber first when I need professional services. I highly recommend the Eden Prairie Chamber to help grow your business and connect with the community at large.” - Christine Rowland, Owner, Pioneer Estates
epchamber.org
LEADERSHIP
A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Workforce of the Future As part of the Chamber’s strategic plan, we are working on issues that impact workforce talent and attraction for our businesses. Through discussions and surveys of our members, many cannot find the employees they need, and many see this trend continuing into the future. The Chamber has been working with our schools on ways to connect businesses with students in a way that is meaningful in providing information, building skills and offering job shadow opportunities. By doing so, we are helping our business community promote the jobs and careers that students can pursue after graduation and invest in the future of their company and industry. There are two very specific programs the Chamber is working on right now in relation to this strategic goal. First, we are launching the 11th year of offering the Student Membership program to 20 high school seniors at Eden Prairie High School. As the first Chamber in the nation to offer this program, it is very unique and beneficial for students. The program provides students complete access to the Chamber— including its programs and members. The program officially kicks off on September 23 for the 2016-2017 school year. In the coming months, you will see our student members at networking programs, luncheons, committee meetings and more. When you meet these student members, please be sure to discuss their future plans with them—what careers are they interested in? What are they doing after graduation (college, work etc.)? And if you can help them with a job shadow or business project, please do so. We have seen some great connections between our businesses and our student members over the years and we would love to see even more of these for the upcoming group of students. You will see many of these student members at the upcoming Chamber Gala on October 15. You will see students helping with our registration tables, silent auction, games and end-of-night checkout. The gala is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser, and the proceeds from the event support our programs and help fund our workforce initiatives. The other important event in supporting our workforce development goals is the annual Career Fair at Eden Prairie High School on October 25th. This program gives area businesses the chance to engage students in grades 9-12 at the high school. Businesses can host a booth during the Career Fair and share what the company does, the jobs and careers available and help the students identify how they can pursue these careers after they graduate. We have a wide variety of businesses that participate, ranging in industry from manufacturing, technology to professional services. All businesses and industries are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in having an exhibitor table at the Career Fair, please call Lori Brown at our offices at (952) 944-2830.
“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 OCTOBER? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp
Candidate Forum: District 49 and 50 Please join the Eden Prairie and Bloomington Chambers of Commerce and the candidates for District 49 and District 50 of the Minnesota Senate and District 49B, District 50A, and District 50B of the Minnesota House of Representatives for an informative meeting and opportunity to hear from each of them. Candidates attending: District 49: Senator Melisa Franzen, Mike Legman District 50: Senator Melissa H. Wiklund, Kirsten Johnson Disctrict 49B: Representative Paul Rosenthal, Max Rymer District 50A: Representative Linda Slocum, Tim Johnson District 50B: Representative Chad Anderson, Andrew Carlson DATE: Wednesday, October 19, 7:30 - 9:30 AM LOCATION: Embassy Suites by Hilton Bloomington (2800 American Boulevard West) COST: $20 for members, $40 for non-members
Chamber 202: Maximize your Membership Join us for an informational meeting and learn how to maximize your Chamber membership! Whether you are a newer Chamber member 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 on how to get involved, define the programs and benefits and show you how to navigate our website. Coffee and light snacks will be served. DATE: Friday, October 21, 8 - 9 AM LOCATION: Chamber office (11455 Viking Dr, #270, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members
Eden Prairie High School Career Fair Eden Prairie High School invites community business leaders to share their expertise and advice with thousands of high school students as they discern their career path. Chat with students as they browse company’s display tables. Share information about your career path or education or any internships or apprenticeships available through your company. Demonstrate your commitment to the wider community and the early development of your future industry leaders and participate in this annual event! To participate, see the form inserted in this newsletter. DATE: Tuesday, October 25, 9 - 11 AM LOCATION: Eden Prairie High School (17185 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie)
www.epchamber.org
NETWORKING
SPOTLIGHT: STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Guest Day at Business@Breakfast Business@Breakfast (B@B) is the chamber’s only weekly networking group. It is a great opportunity for businesses that depend on referrals and one-on-one interaction as every week there is time for one-on-one networking in addition to a chance for every participant to stand-up and give a 60-second commercial about their business. Guest Day at Business@Breakfast invites all members and nonmembers 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. DATE: Wednesday, October 26, 7:30 - 8:30 AM LOCATION: Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC (8050 West 78th Street, Edina) COST: $10 for members and non-members
SPOTLIGHT: STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM S.W.E.EP. Expo The annual S.W.E.EP. Expo is back - and bigger than ever! Join the SouthWest Metro, Waconia, Excelsior and Eden Prairie Chambers for an After Hours and business expo event at Oak Ridge Hotel and Conference Center. Browse exhibitor tables, enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar, all while you mingle with members of four different Chambers. We are almost sold out on exhibitor tables. To reserve yours, please use the form inserted in this publication and return to the Chamber ASAP. To register to attend, please visit the Chamber website. DATE: Thursday, October 27, 4:30 - 6:30 PM LOCATION: Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center (1 Oak Ridge Drive, Chaska) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN’S NETWORKING The annual Ladies on the Links Golf Tournament presented by Wings Financial Credit Union was Monday, August 29 at Bent Creek Golf Club in Eden Prairie. Over 35 women joined us on the course for a fun 9-hole game of golf, followed by a dinner and After Hours program complete with business exhibitor tables for attendees to browse. Thank you to our hole sponsors: Aerotek, Anchor Bank, Champps, CRAVE Catering, Edward Jones - Sean Picht, Global View Capital, MedExpress Urgent Care, Pinstripes and Wings Financial Credit Union. And thank you to our After Hours exhibitors: Envy Skin Clinic, Future Concepts Studio + Spa, Helen and Mark Rigby - Cruise Planners, Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, Pure Barre Eden Prairie, Principal and Rain International. SAVE THE DATE: The next Women’s Networking event is Thursday, November 10 for the annual ATHENA Award presentation. Find the ATHENA nomination form at epchamber.org/News.asp.
MEMBERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
LOOKING BACK: IN DECEMBER SEPTEMBER LOOKING BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING BACK: EVENTS INDECEMBER Missed an event?
You can see all of the pictures and additional information on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdenPrairieChamber/
We hosted the latest B.E.E.R. (Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield Chambers of Commerce) on August 31. We learned about dynamic, visionary leadership and effective goal seting within a team environment from Erik Therwanger, Founder of Think GREAT. Thank you to our luncheon sponsors: Olympic Hills Golf Club, RBCU, Think Mutual Bank and Xcel Energy.
B.E.E.R. Luncheon: Think GREAT
After Hours at The Well Chiropractic We celebrated the grand opening of The Well Chiropractic in Eden Prairie on September 8. The Well shared their vision for educating and empowering as many families as possible to make informed decisions about their health. We enjoyed hearing more about their mission in making Eden Prairie an even healthier place to live.
ACA Health Care Luncheon
E.P.C.: Explore the Possibilities with the Chamber
Our September General Membership Luncheon focused on the Affordable Care Act and health care options for our local businesses. The presentation, led by Timothy Boys (Boys & Tyler Financial Group) and John Cleveland (The Cleveland Company), included strategies for cost savings and the current options and requirements in place for the businesses. Thank you to our luncheon sponsor, MedExpress Urgent Care.
We shared the endless ways your business can succeed when you partner with the Chamber at E.P.C. on September 15 at Bent Creek Golf Club. The event included time for our members and guests to network, for members to share personal insights into leveraging the Chamber for your business and how the Chamber staff is ready to serve your business. Welcome to all new members!
www.epchamber.org
MEMBERSHIP
New Members
Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Welcome to the Chamber! Newtech Medical Limited 19067 Vogel Farm Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (866) 670-8646 www.newtech-medical.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bloomington 7770 Johnson Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55435 (952) 893-9999 www.hiexpress/mspbloomington.com Minnesota Water 2495 Maplewood Drive #310 Maplewood, MN 55109 (612) 699-2837 www.minnesotawater.com AT&T - Eden Prairie 590 Prairie Center Drive #100 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 942-2048 www.att.com/stores/minnesota/eden-prairie/2080
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!
Pete Rose Productions
MedExpress Urgent Care
National American University 10901 Red Circle Drive #150 Minnetonka, MN 55343 (952) 562-4200 www.national.edu Styles & Statements 365 Walnut Lane Apple Valley, MN 55124 (612) 599-0613 www.stylesandstatements.com Tradition Capital Bank 7601 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (952) 806-6792 www.traditioncapitalbank.com DogWatch of the Twin Cities 17001 Valley Rd Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (612) 562-8608 www.dogwatchtc.com
The Well Chiropractic
Ambassador of the Month
Lesley Fahey
Rain International 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
www.epchamber.org
PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE, MN USPS#729770
OCTOBER 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday 3
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Tuesday 4
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Wednesday
Thursday
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Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
Candidate Forum 11 AM - 1 PM Hilton Garden Inn
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Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
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Friday 7
14 Reminder: Purple Reign Gala is October 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium
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Candidate Forum 7:30 - 9:30 AM
21 Chamber 202 8 - 9 AM Chamber office
Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM
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EP High School Career Fair 9 AM - 11 AM Eden Prairie High School
GUEST DAY - Business@ Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM Hellmuth & Johnson
S.W.E.EP. Expo 4:30 - 6:30 PM Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center
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Business@Breakfast: Cultivating Connections Series 7:30 - 8:30 AM Tavern 4 & 5
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!