Sept. 2011 Newsletter

CONNECTIONS September 2011 - Vol 42, Issue 9

Governor’s Luncheon

IN THIS ISSUE...

Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton

Leadership

Wednesday, September 14th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

P2- Message from Pat MulQueeny P2- Ambassadors of the Month P3- Ambassador Updates

We are very excited to announce that Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton, will be speaking at our Governor’s Luncheon! Join us and hear the latest updates on the budget, the shutdown, setting priorities and other hot topics in Minnesota.

Public Policy P4- Article by Thomas Donohue

Community Building P5- Spotlight on a Member Minnesota Vikings Football

Networking P6P6P7P7P7P8-

Article by Mike Stanton New Member List Sponsorship Corner Sneak Peak- October Event Event Rewind August 2011 Calendar

epchamber2 Follow us on Twitter!

Mark Dayton is Minnesota’s 40th Governor. He was born in Minneapolis and raised in a house in Long Lake, where his father still lives today. He has two grown sons, Eric (29) and Andrew (26), and lives in St. Paul with his two German Shepherds, Mesabi and Wanamingo (Mingo). He graduated, cum laude, from Yale University, where he also played Division I hockey.

After college, Mark taught ninth grade general science for two years in a New York City public school. He still tells how it was the toughest job he ever had! It was here where he realized the terrible injustice that his students had so little, while he had been given so much; and he decided that he would devote his life to improving social equality and economic opportunity for all Americans.

For most of the past 34 years, Mark has served Minnesotans, as Commissioner of the Minnesota Departments of Energy and Economic Development, as State Auditor, and as United States Senator.

He has worked throughout our state to help businesses locate or expand and create jobs, to improve local government services, to better fund our public schools, to support our servicemen and women, to help Minnesotans get the health care they need, and in many other ways to make a better Minnesota. Currently, Mark serves on the Executive Committee of the National Governor’s Association.

This event will sell out fast, so place your RSVP today!

LOCATION: Olympic Hills, 10625 Mount Curve Road in Eden Prairie

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COST: $35 for Chamber Members & their guests / $60 non-Chamber members

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V our YouTube Visit CChannel “EPChamber2” Visit our Discussions Blog epchamber2.blogspot.com

A special THANK YOU to our 2011 Annual Sponsors!

RASMUSSEN Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

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YOUR CONNECTION TO BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

General Sponsor

Leadership A Message from the President

By Pat MulQueeny, President Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Partners with City on Business Survey

International Trips

The Eden Prairie Chamber recently partnered with the

The Chamber recently announced one of its three up-

City of Eden Prairie on its business survey that wrapped up at the end of July. The Chamber contributed $5,000 to help pay for the services of a firm to complete 350 phone interviews with business owners in Eden Prairie.

coming international trips – an Alaskan Cruise set for June 15 of 2012. The Chamber is very excited to be partnering with long time Chamber member – CruiseOne. The trip includes Ports of Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Ketchikan and disembarking in Vancouver. Chamber members, guests and residents alike are all invited to participate.

The purpose of our efforts with this once every three year survey is tied to our strategic plan. We want to gain valuable insight into what our local business owners see as issues, find out how their businesses are doing and to get insight into opportunities for the Chamber to help them be successful. We will use this information in our goals to provide relevant programs, become a hub to connect all industries and sizes of business and become desirable to a more diverse membership base. We will update our members in greater detail once we have the chance to thoroughly review the results.

Additional trips that are being considered include Spain, Germany and a return trip to Ireland in 2013. To be added to our e-mail list for international trips, please e-mail us your information to adminj@epchamber.org.

Ambassadors of the Month- July In July, we had SEVEN outstanding Ambassadors who have qualified for the Ambassador of the Month! Great job everyone, keep it up! Next time you see these individuals, be sure to give them a pat on the back for a job well done.

Carrie Dolinar ProStaff, 952-975-0106 carrie.dolinar@prostaff.com www.prostaff.com

Tom Hanske

Hampton Inn, 952-942-9000 becky.reilly@hilton.com www.minneapolisedenprairie.hamptoninn.com

Adam Weinblatt Liberty Mutual, 763-543-4344 adam.weinblatt@libertymutual.com www.libertymutual.com/adamweinblatt

Randy Royse

Beacon Bank, 952-937-2450 thanske@beaconbank.com www.beaconbank.com

Wells Fargo Advisors, 952-897-4990 randy.royse@wfadvisors.com

Mike Sitek

Craig Ramsey ProIntroNet, 612-867-3337 craig.ramsey@gmail.com

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Becky Reilly

Handyman Matters, 952-836-6326 Mike.Sitek@HandymanMatters.com www.handymanmatters.com/twin-cities

“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 veryy busyy Ambassadors visited in August! g •

BuxBack Minnesota Mike Jessop mike.jessop@buxback.com 952-261-9965 www.buxback.com

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Chanticlear Pizza Ryan Elsner 8397 Columbine Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-252-2222 www.chanticlearpizza.com

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Farmers Insurance Group David Krelitz 6420 Flying Cloud Drive, # 103 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-255-9682

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Parallel Technologies Dale Klein 7667 Equitable Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-920-7185 www.ptnet.com

•

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Rasmussen College in Minnesota Jeff Brosz 4400 West 78th Street, Floor 6 Bloomington, MN 55435 952-545-2000 www.rasmussen.edu

Visit our Facebook page (Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce) or our website: www.epchamber.org/Photo_Gallary.asp for more photos!

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 Another “Pivot” Back to Jobs

By Thomas J. Donohue President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Guest Article

Now that a debt ceiling and deficit reduction agreement has been reached, the White House and Congress have announced, once again, that they are pivoting back to jobs. Refocusing attention on Americans’ highest priority is welcome as long as it is real. Good intentions and great speeches are nice but they don’t produce paychecks for the more than 16% of our fellow citizens who are unemployed or underemployed. Long-term reforms to boost our nation’s competitiveness and set us on a course of robust economic growth and job creation are essential. But jobless Americans want to know how and where they can find work now, not later! They deserve some real answers and fast action.

Here are five steps officials in Washington should take immediately to spur faster hiring in America’s private sector. These actions will not increase the deficit. Instead, they will reduce the deficit by expanding the ranks of employed taxpayers, thus thinning the ranks of those who are dependent on government support.

1. Ratify Pending Free Trade Agreements With Colombia, Korea, and Panama. Free trade agreements (FTAs) with these dynamic economies were negotiated years ago; yet, they’ve languished. If they are passed, they will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. If they aren’t, we’ll lose 380,000 jobs to our competitors that have cut their own deals with these countries. Let’s get these agreements done already.

2. Unlock Our Domestic Energy Resources. We’ve got plenty of our own energy resources, and allowing American industry to get them will create jobs, increase government revenues, enhance our national security, and release us from the grip of some unfriendly governments. By some estimates, increasing access to American energy resources could create an additional $150 billion in federal and state revenue and add more than 500,000 jobs. Expanding the development of domestic natural gas will continue to drive gas prices down and bring manufacturing back to the United States.

3. Green-Light Transportation and Energy Infrastructure Projects. Congress and the administration should immediately end the impasse that has suspended Federal Aviation Administration funding, jeopardizing hundreds of important projects and idling some 70,000 construction workers. Lawmakers must also reauthorize the nation’s

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core highway program and its existing dedicated funding source, which will support transportation improvements in every corner of the country without increasing the deficit.

Opening up the infrastructure sector to tens of billions of dollars in private investment—which can be done through some simple, specific changes in rules, liability, and financial incentives—could create substantial numbers of new jobs. And by quickly acting to approve the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline connecting Canada to U.S. refineries in Texas, the administration could generate some 250,000 jobs and $20 billion of investment in the United States.

4. Speed Up Permitting and Provide Immediate Regulatory Certainty. Small and large businesses alike have cited regulatory roadblocks and fears about what government regulators will do to them next as the most significant obstacles to new hiring. The administration should act to immediately reform the nationwide permitting process. Rigorous reviews are fine. But speed them up, do them once, and stop letting the lawyers gum up the whole process. Reform permitting, and you will quickly see a burst of new economic activity and job creation. It’s also critical to revisit current regulatory proposals that would kill thousands of jobs with no proven benefits to offset this hurt. EPA’s proposed new ozone standards are a prime example, especially since these standards were just strengthened several years ago and the nation’s workers and businesses are still absorbing the costs.

5. Put the Welcome Mat Back Out for Tourists and Travelers. This is a “clean,” small business-centered sector that already accounts for $700 billion in revenues and 7.4 million American jobs. We can create untold numbers of new jobs, businesses, and government tax revenue as well as boost exports (since foreign tourism expenditures count as such) if we we’d stop shooting ourselves in the foot. We need to reform and revise visa, travel, and other discouraging policies that have sent a message to travelers that says “go somewhere else.” Let’s cut the hassle factor and vigorously promote America’s extraordinary destinations just as other countries do.

We have more job-creating ideas. Others do as well. Let’s act on these five. Let’s add to the list. Let’s stop only talking and start some serious doing!

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

Community Building SPOTLIGHT ON A CHAMBER MEMBER: Q & A Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC-- Chamber Member since 1981 We had the opporutnity to connect with Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC in Eden Prairie. 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.

Minnesota Vikings (Vikings): Founded on January 28, 1960, the Minnesota Vikings have since become one of the most recognizable organizations in the State and throughout the Upper Midwest. The storied franchise celebrated its 50th season in 2010, and over the last 50 years has been a top performing NFL team. Beginning with the first game in 1961, the Vikings have won 425 regular season games, made 26 playoff appearances and played in four Super Bowls. Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, Minnesota has the fourth-most wins (361) and the third-most home wins (214) of any team.

The Vikings are led by Chairman Zygi Wilf and President Mark Wilf, brothers who took ownership of the franchise in 2005 along with their cousin Leonard Wilf, Vikings Vice Chair, and three other limited partners. Head Coach Leslie Frazier enters his first year as the team’s locker room leader after serving as interim head coach for the final six games of the 2010 season. Outside of players and coaches, the Vikings have approximately 100 employees. Departments such as sales and marketing, public relations, operations, and many others work closely together to ensure success of the franchise.

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

Vikings: The focus of the Vikings is to win World Championships and to create a first class organization that competes and operates consistently with core values in mind. Since the Wilf family became owners in 2005, the Vikings commitment to civic leadership and investment has grown significantly and now includes annual playground builds at elementary schools, partnerships with the U of M on communitybased health programs and funding grants, and childhood immunizations to uninsured and medically-underserved children and families in the Twin Cities. The team also donates tens of thousands of dollars worth of autographed items and tickets each year.

The Vikings Children’s Fund (VCF) serves as the primary funding mechanism of the team’s non-profit community involvement. The VCF is a means for members of the organization and their families to focus their support on helping children. The VCF has assisted over 300 childrelated organizations across Vikings country and has donated nearly $9 million since its inception in 1978.

The increased pledge from Vikings ownership has reverberated throughout the organization, as 2010 marked the fourth consecutive year that every player on the 53-man roster participated in the team’s community outreach efforts. Players, coaches and staff continue to volunteer countless hours to a wide range of non-profit organizations, and the team makes significant contributions to numerous charitable causes throughout the State’s businesses.

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

Vikings: Being a member of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years is a great source of pride for the Vikings. The relationship has allowed staff within the organization to remain connected to not only the community in which they work but also the neighborhood in which many of them live. The Vikings have been long-time believers in and supporters of the Eden Prairie Chamber and several other chambers of commerce, including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. We value the Chamber’s leadership on public policy initiatives and your representation and voice for business interests. We also appreciate the opportunity to network with the Chamber’s members, who typically are the most active and community-minded of all of our State’s businesses.

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

Vikings: Under the leadership of Frazier and veteran playmakers like Jared Allen, Donovan McNabb, Adrian Peterson and Steve Hutchinson, the Vikings are poised for an exciting season in 2011. The team’s nucleus of nine Pro Bowlers coupled with the 10 draft picks from the 2011 NFL Draft gives the organization a chance to pursue its third NFC North championship in the last four years.

This year is also critical for the Vikings new stadium efforts. Last May the Vikings and Ramsey County agreed on a partnership to build a new stadium on the former Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) property in Arden Hills. With just 10 games remaining on the team’s current lease at the Metrodome, the Vikings are working with State leaders on the project that will support thousands of jobs, provide significant economic activity and result in a state-of-the-art, publicly-owned facility that will benefit the community and the region.

Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC is located at 9520 Viking Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

(952) 828-6500

www.vikings.com

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

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Networking Why We Value Associations

By Mike Stanton, Membership Director Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce

There are many things that are uniquely American inventions such as jazz music, baseball and jeans (thanks Levi Strauss!).

Also with American cultural DNA, is the idea that America is the land of opportunity and that anyone can succeed regardless of your pursuits. This has produced another profoundly uniquely American trait; that is the desire to be part of successful volunteer associations, like the Chamber of Commerce. Interestingly, if you were to travel to many parts of the world you would find little activity regarding various business associations.

I have friends from around the world and I’m told by them that associations exist, but on a very limited basis. It seems that Americans like to connect with each other, after all aren’t Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Myspace American constructs? I believe that as American’s we value social and professional networks because like minded folks value banding together for a “winning” cause! How does this relate to you

and your affiliation with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce? Good question! We want you to be connected with the fastest growing, most dynamic group of business professionals and we need your help to accomplish this.

Next month, on September 22nd we will be hosting our biannual “Taste the Chamber” event at Buca Di Beppo in Eden Prairie. This is your opportunity to help grow our organization and bring in new energy and business opportunities (new members bring both!). Tell two or three business friends about how the Chamber can benefit their business and invite them to the free luncheon, then go to the website and register.

There will be limited seating, so register today! Now more than ever, we need to connect with each other and support our local business people. With your help, we look forward to a great turnout next month. See you there!

Visit our website to RSVP for Taste: http://epchamber.org/diary/diary_view.asp?id=660

Welcome the Following New Members & Add Them to Your Directory!

CLX Delivery

Olympus Ventures LLC

13775 Chestnut Drive #223 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Mark Larsen, President Category: Courier/Delivery Service www.CLXDelivery.com (612) 454-9589

8500 Normandale Lake Blvd #1750 Minneapolis, MN 55347 Theresa Elveru, Vice President Category: Commercial Real Estate (952) 324-8900

Farmers Insurance Group

Search Marketing Wizards

6420 Flying Cloud Drive #103 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 David Krelitz, Agent Category: Insurance Agencies/Companies (952) 255-9682

Nine Mile Communications, Inc. 7475 Flying Cloud Drive #225 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Rob Cabitto, President Category: Communications www.ninemilecommunications.com (952) 454-0290

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Victory Automotive Services, Inc. 1010 Osborne Road NE Fridley, MN 55432 Jordan Cozatt, Business Development Manager Category: Auto Repair www.victoryautoservice.com (763) 786-6920

2613 Cloverfield Circle Chaska, MN 55318 Shikha Bagchi, Principal Consultant Category: Internet Marketing www.search-marketing-wizards.com (952) 448-3806

Signall 88 of Minneapolis 4248 Brookside Avenue St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Mike Olson, President Category: Security Services www.signal88.com (612) 799-4840

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

Networking SNEAK PEAK – Mark Your Calendars for October 26 Microsoft Event

THANK YOU to our Sponsors: July & August!

Ambassador Lunch Sponsors

www.goumbria.com 952-374-6464

www.redmoonchinesecafe.com 952-941-6556

General Membership Luncheon Sponsor (August)

www.mbc.org 888-GIVE-BLD

For more information on how to become a luncheon sponsor, please contact Pat MulQueeny: Office: (952) 944-2530 Email: pat.mulqueeny@epchamber.org

Great exposure for your business for a great deal!!!

The Eden Prairie and Bloomington Chambers of Commerce are pleased to announce their partnership with Microsoft on a Cloud Technology Summit.

Mark your calendars for this amazing program; it will be on Wednesday, October 26, from 11:00 – 1:15 at the Mall of America in the Great Room.

Businesses are looking for the newest and best technology for their companies that will help them gain a competitive edge.

Today, Cloud Technology is leading the way and opening doors for businesses in ways never before imagined.

Presenting the Keynote is Microsoft’s own Kevin Remde, Sr. IT Pro Evangelist – Microsoft Corporation. A prolific blogger, Kevin shares his thoughts, ideas and tips on his “Full of I.T.” blog. He also contributes to, and moderates, the TechNet Forum IT Manager discussion, posts screencast demos and interviews on TechNet Edge, and presents live TechNet Events.

Kevin is an engaging speaker and webcaster who has landed several times on Microsoft’s top 10 webcast list and has delivered many top-scoring TechNet events and webcasts. Outside of Microsoft, Kevin has formerly held positions such as software engineer, information systems professional and information systems manager. He loves sharing helpful new solutions and technologies with his IT peers.

Our emcee for the event is Fox 9 News Anchor, Jeff Passolt! Be sure to RSVP today!

LINKS TO LOOK AT: Full of IT Blog: http://blogs.technet.com/kevinremde

TechNet Forum: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/itmanager/

TechNet Edge: http://edge.technet.com TechNet Events: http://www.technetevents.com/KevinRemde

Healthcare Discussed at Chamber Luncheon Chamber members were treated to an in-depth look at today’s healthcare and also what tomorrow’s might look like.

Bob Stevens, President and CEO of Ridgeview Medical Center, gave the members an update on their services and the new Two Twelve Medical Center that handles emergency and urgent care only, located in Chaska. Bob’s comments addressed our current system, which pays by procedures performed versus outcomes. It also has the potential for redundancy due to the lack of electronic records. Bob shared numerous stories and examples of issues in our health system. He illustrated that Medicare reimbursements to hospitals typically are only 29 cents on the dollar

and the remaining costs need to be covered elsewhere. The sponsor of the luncheon was Memorial Blood Centers.

What a great event! Pictured Below: Our sponsors from Memorial Blood Centers with our speaker, Bob Stevens and Pat MulQueeny, EP Chamber President.

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

SEPTEMBER 2011 - EPC Calendar of Events Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1

Friday 2

4:30 PM- Fusion Social Outing, Mini Golf & Lion’s Tap

5 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

6 7 11:30 AM- Ambassador Mtg. 7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ at EPC Breakfast

7:30-9:30 AM- Board Mtg at EPC

13

15

16

22

23 * Newsletter inserts due to Chamber by 12 PM

EPC CLOSED! 12 * Newsletter ads due to the Chamber

19

14 7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, Noontime Networking at Healthy Training

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, Governor’s Luncheon at Olympic Hills

20

21 7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast

7:30 AM- Government Committee Mtg at EPC 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, Fusion Monthly Meeting at Star Bank

26 2:00 PM- Girls Gone Golfin’, Women’s Networking Golf Event at Bent Creek

27

28

8

9

11:00 AM- 1:00 PM, Women’s Networking Luncheon at Community Center- Cambria Room

11:30 AM- 1:00 PM, Taste the Chamber at Buca Di Beppo in EP

29

30

7:30- 8:30 AM, Business@ Breakfast 7:30 AM- Business Development Mtg. at EPC 3:30 PM- Recognition Committee Meeting at EPC

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

Save the date for this year’s Gala event....

Bourbon Street Ball Saturday, November 12, 2011