September 2015 - Vol. 46, Issue 9
THANK YOU 2015 Annual Sponsors! PLATINUM Sponsor Eden Prairie Village
CHAMBERFEST 2015 We’d like to thank Premier Jet Center for partnering with us this year to host the Annual Chamberfest at their Flying Cloud Airport hangar! Chamberfest is our annual member appreciation event where we recognize all of our members for the many years they have supported the Chamber. Come enjoy complimentary appetizers, prize drawings and a cash bar courtesy of the Chamber. The event is scheduled for September 10, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!
GOLD Sponsor
SILVER Sponsors
For more information and to register for Chamberfest, please visit our website at www.epchamber.org
THANK YOU
MEMBERS! September 10 4-6 p.m. Premier Jet Center Flying Cloud Airport
Women’s Network Luncheon with the LinkedIn Rockstar The Women’s Network group is hosting a luncheon featuring Mike O’Neil, the “LinkedIn Rockstar,” on Thursday, September 17. Mike is the founder of Integrated Alliances, the world’s first LinkedIn training and services firm. Mike is a sought-after keynote speaker on the topics of LinkedIn, social selling, social media and the future of technology--you definitely don’t want to miss this!
BRONZE Sponsors
Join us on September 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Biaggi’s in Eden Prairie for this exciting opportunity. Open for all to attend!
September 17 11:30 AM - 1 PM Biaggi’s
Follow us on Social Media!
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Thank you to our luncheon sponsor: Look for us on Facebook “Eden Prairie Chamber”
Look for us on LinkedIn “Eden Prairie Chamber”
LEADERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
Message from the Chair Fall is in the Air By Carrie Dolinar, Chair Talencio As we wind down the summer, we notice that the temperatures are getting cooler and the day light is getting shorter. Vacations are a memory and kids are excited to start school. Parents are excited that the regular routine is back in motion. Although the school year starts fresh, business are thinking about what the remainder of the year looks for them. Have goals been met? What needs to be done in order to end the year strong and consider it successful? The Eden Prairie Chamber is thinking the exact same thing. There are many exciting events coming up that we hope you will consider being a part of. First, CHAMBERFEST! This is our annual member appreciation event. Come join us for complimentary appetizers and a cash bar along with many great prizes! Second, Taste the Chamber. This is an opportunity to show case the EPC to learn how it can benefit your business. This is a free lunch if you bring a guest that is interested in checking us out! This lunch emphasizes how to grow your connections, thus, grow your business. More details are on the EPC website. Looking in to the last quarter of the year, don’t forget: the Athena Luncheon and Eden Prairie High School career fair both in October. Also, the Chamber’s biggest event of the year, our Gala in November. You won’t want to miss the Gala 2015: A magical Night with the Stars on Saturday November 7th! Tickets are available for purchase TODAY and our Gala committee is always looking for donated items for the live and silent auctions. Our organization is only as strong as it’s members. Please take advantage of your membership and join us at one (or more) or our upcoming programs. We are all here to help each other succeed and would love to see you. Although we are sad to see summer come to an end, there are plenty of things to look forward to. What will you participate in today?
Business Resource Center Have tips and tricks you’d like to share with fellow Chamber Members? Submit them to our online Business Resource Center and share your expertise along with your contact information epchamber.org/resources “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
LEADERSHIP
www.epchamber.org
Message from the President Do you expect the unexpected? By Pat MulQueeny Chamber President
I recently flew to Montreal for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) convention and their Board meeting (I am serving a second threeyear term). I had planned for my article this month to focus on discussions and program speakers from the convention. Instead, however, I experienced my first airline nightmare story that gave me the inspiration to share my insights and thoughts – in an abbreviated version. Some might say that if you have flown enough without any major incident, then perhaps you are overdue for some headaches—which may have included me at the beginning of this trip For the trip, I was bringing a wide variety of clothes, a number of suits for meetings and evening events, some casual clothes for the small opportunities of free time and workout clothes to try and use the hotel fitness center. Because of this, I only brought a large bag to check – my mistake! Even though it’s summer, this airline disaster story starts like most—with the weather. Flying from MSP to Chicago, once I was checked-in and on the plane, we sat on the runway for over an hour. We then received word of thunderstorms in Chicago that were preventing planes from getting in or out of the airport. We were told we were going back to the gate so we could stretch our legs or grab a bite, but to be ready to board in about an hour or less when weather cleared. This first seemingly minor event began a tailspin of events that I now label “the worst travel experience of my life.” I experienced long lines of passengers trying to determine if should they get back on the flight or stay and try and get re-routed, very unhappy airline employees who only made things worse not better, delayed flights, contradictions in ticketing, lost luggage and final arrival at my hotel at 3:00 a.m.! If I’m looking at the situation from a “glass half full” perspective—what is the wisdom I can draw from these experiences and share with you all? Here are my takeaways:
• In the airlines case, they would say the act that triggered the event was unexpected – weather. I would argue this is not the first, nor the thousandth time weather has caused delays, so why didn’t the airline expect the unexpected? Why only have one person at the gate helping passengers figure out their disrupted plans? Why not get other employees to the gates with tablets in hand and help as many as you can? All I needed to know was if I don’t get on this flight, can you get me to Montreal that night? Or if I get on the flight, will my current connection or a new one get me there? Takeaway #1 - be sure that you are planning ahead for unforeseen problems and have the information and options your customers want and need or risk losing them as a customer. • The frustration I had was only made worse by the employee who was not only unwilling to help, but was rude to everyone who all were in the same position – what should I do? Takeaway #2 Businesses – make sure your employees understand they need to stay calm and be helpful. Make sure they provide your customers the information they need and that they keep a good attitude. Kindness goes a long way! • Now I am not naïve enough to think that the average business faces the immense issues of flying people and luggage and the work in re-routing. Takeaway #3 - Your customers’ expectations are going to be that you can help overcome the issue at hand. And – if you can do that, you can probably count on them staying your customer and sharing their experience. That is the end result we all want – satisfied customers who return again and again. So – are you and your staff expecting the unexpected? What challenges come up at your business that you need to be prepared for? Oh yeah – one more bonus item to my experience, my luggage was lost on my flight home as well!
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
There are so many exciting events coming up in September! Here’s a snapshot of what’s to come:
epchamber.org Visit our website for full details and to register for these great summer networking events!
September 3: Let’s Put BEER on the Map September 10: CHAMBERFEST September 17: LinkedIn Luncheon September 22: Taste the Chamber September 24: After Hours with Eric Nelson, CPA LLC September 30: Guest Day at Business @Breakfast October 2: GML: Made in Eden Prairie October 8: ATHENA Luncheon October 13: EP High School Career Fair
Let’s Put BEER on the Map Join us for another great BEER (BLoomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Richfield) event to get your business on the Google map! The Let’s Put our Cities on the Map program was designed to help strengthen our communities by connecting local businesses and customers so they can easily support each other. Please bring your laptop or tablet and come ready with a Gmail account! This event is being hosted at Bethel University in Bloomington on Thursday, September 3 from 8:30 - 10:30 A.M.
Want to increase your visibility in the Chamber? Enhance our celebrations by donating your promotional products or services! We are now accepting donations for both Chamberfest door prizes and the EPC Gala silent auction. To donate, contact Audri at audrianna.schenck@epchamber.org or call (952) 944-2830
NETWORKING
Taste the Chamber
www.epchamber.org
Are you interested in learning how the Chamber can help grow your business and strengthen your network? Are you passionate about helping others reach their full potential? Do you know someone who would benefit from a Chamber membership? Register to join us at our annual Taste the Chamber event to spread the word about the benefits of a membership with the EP Chamber! This event is FREE for prospective members and current members who bring a prospective member! Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at The Prairie Pub at Brunswick Zone in Eden Prairie.
General Membership Luncheon: Made in EP Join us for a General Membership Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 2 at Bearpath Golf & Country Club in Eden Prairie.as we discuss a variety of econominc development topics with Dr. Same Schulhofer-Wohl. Dr. Schulwofer-Wohl currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Prior to his current role, Dr. Schulhofer-Wohl worked as an Assistant Professor in the Depratment of Economics at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Addairs at Princeton University. Register online at epchamber.org/events or by calling (952) 944-2830).
After Hours with Eric Nelson, CPA LLC Eric R. Nelson, CPA LLC, a professional services firm that specializes in tax planning and preparation, is hosting an After Hours event Thursday, September 24 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. FREE for members, $10 for non-members
Have job openings? Post them with the Chamber!
Did you know that posting open positions with your company is a FREE benefit of your membership? Send your open positions to Sarah at sarah.ober@ epchamber.org to get your job posted on our online job board.
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org
A Look Back on Networking Events in August After Hours at LTD Brewing
August brought a wide vareity of networking events for the Chamber. We enjoyed two After Hours events at LTD Brewing Company in Hopkins and the new lifestyle-inspired apartment complex MartinBlu in Eden Prairie. Watch for the next After Hours event hosted by Eric Nelson, CPA LLC on Thursday, September 24.
After Hours at MartinBlu Apartment Complex
NETWORKING
www.epchamber.org BEER Luncheon with Stevie Ray We had plenty of laughs and learned valuable tips at the BEER Luncheon on August 20. Comedien Stevie Ray gave us insight into how to network more effectively. Catch Stevie Ray as the emcee of our annual Gala on November 7!
Ladies on the Links We had a great afternoon at Bent Creek Golf Club on August 24 for our annual Ladies on the Links golf tournament! Thank you to all of our sponsors, golfers, and Women’s Networking group for hosting!
CHAMBER NEWS
www.epchamber.org
Meet the Chamber Staff Meet the people behind the scenes of the Eden Prairie Chamber
Pat MulQueeny, IOM President Pat MulQueeny grew up in Minnetonka, Minn. He has served thirteen years as the Eden Prairie Chamber President. As President, Pat is responsible for overseeing all activities, programs, staff, services and work with the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Pat’s personal goal in his work with the Chamber is to have all members get the value of their investment in the Chamber and to help members build a stronger business. His favorite events include Chamberfest and Gala because they bring together a wide variety of businesses—large and small. As a born-and-raised Minnesotan, Pat enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. Fun fact about Pat: Pat is a Lifetime Member of the ZZ Top Fan Club!
“I feel very fortunate to be able to serve such a great community and organization.”
Audrianna Schenck
Membership & Events Manager
“All of the events are my favorite for different reasons but it’s the people attending that make the events worth it!”
Please Note!
Audrianna Schenck grew up in Eden Prairie, Minn. She recently celebrated her first year anniversary with the Chamber as the Membership & Events Manager. Audri is responsible for bringing in new members, supporting current members, coordinating all aspects of Chamber events, and managing several Chamber committees. She is always looking for new ways to provide opportunities for networking and growth to help members maximize their membership. When she’s not planning the next Chamber event or meeting with prospective members, Audri loves to spend time with her husband and dog, especially outdoors—hiking, camping, or taking a ride on a four-wheeler. Fun fact about Audri: She is originally from Louisiana and her uncle is a professional chef in New Orleans!
The Chamber office will be closed on Monday, September 7. We apologize for any inconvenience. Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!
CHAMBER NEWS
www.epchamber.org
ATHENA & Small Business Person of the Year Nomination Forms now available! Please fill out the included nomination forms and return to the Chamber office by Friday, September 11! 11455 Viking Drive #270, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Fax: (952) 944-0229
Sarah Ober
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarah Ober grew up in Burnsville, Minn. She is the newest member of the Chamber staff with just a little over a month under her belt as the Marketing and Communications Manager. She is a recent graduate of the College of Saint Benedict with a B.A. in Communication. In her new role, Sarah handles all of the marketing and communications that come from the Chamber--e-Blasts, website, and the monthly newsletter. She also manages all Chamber social media accounts and is transitioning to head several of the Chamber committees. Outside of the office, Sarah also teaches group fitness classes and loves to pursue her lifelong passion of dance. She loves her dogs, her family, country music, and enjoying the Minnesota lake life. Fun fact about Sarah: Sarah got to meet her longtime personal hero Oprah Winfrey on the sidewalk in St. Louis, MO! That moment inspired Sarah to change from a nursing to a communication major in college.
“Every member I have met has been so kind and welcoming. I’m so thankful to be in this role and have the opportunity to contribute to the Chamber’s growth and development.”
Lori Brown Membership Services Coordinator Lori Brown grew up in Edina, Minn. This is her second year with the Chamber as the Membership Services Coordinator. In this role, Lori handles invoicing and payments, the Business@Breakfast weekly event, and assists with any and all events and programs. Lori says that Business@ Breakfast is her favorite of all the Chamber events because the group is always fun and lively—even at 7:30 a.m.! Outside of Chamber events, Lori loves being outdoors with her family--golfing, biking, paddle boarding, and almost any other summer activity. “I love being able to help people make connections through Fun fact about Lori: She and her husband Curtis are starting a new the Chamber and I love working with such a great team.” church and they launch in September!
CHAMBER NEWS
www.epchamber.org
President Pat MulQueeny Re-Appointed to ACCE BOARD The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) announced that Pat MulQueeny, IOM, president of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, was recently re-elected to the association’s board of directors at its convention in Montreal. MulQueeny will be serving a second, three year term. MulQueeny chairs the ACCE Membership Committee, serves on their Finance Committee and was a participant in ACCE’s Horizon Initiative that identified the 8 influences shaping the next decade for Chambers of Commerce. Pat has served as the president of the Eden Prairie Chamber since June of 2002; he has over 20 years of Chamber of Commerce experience and 25 total years of association experience. Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association uniquely serving the professional development needs of individuals managing chambers of commerce throughout the U.S. and Canada. Representing more than 7,000 chamber professionals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staffs through education, trend analysis, benchmarking and best practices. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.
Gala 2015: A Magical Night with the Stars
Minnesota Twins Special Guest
MC Stevie Ray
Magician Matt Dunn
Stevie Ray is excited and ready for the EPC Gala 2015...are you? Metropolitan Club at Target Field Saturday, November 7 Don’t forget prices will increase on September 11 so get your tickets TODAY! Download the order form on our website, call the chamber office, or see included insert for more details on tickets and pricing.
Congratulations to Ambassador of the Month!
Steve Donofrio
9Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness
www.epchamber.org
MEMBERSHIP
Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce welcomes you! New Members Toro Company 4800 Valley Industrial Blvd S Shakopee, MN 55379 (952) 937-3306 www.toro.com Goodwill-Easter Seals MN 553 Fairview Ave N St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 379-5837 www.goodwilleasterseals.org
Freeziac 16532 West 78th Street Eden Prairie, MN 55346 (952) 934-4748 www.freeziac.com
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
FedEx Ground 7 Long Lake Road Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (800) 463-3339 www.fedex.com/us/ground Safety Supplies 9839 W 69th St Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 983-0243 www.safetysuppliesinternational.com Cornerstone Insurance Agency 1700 Stieger Lake Lane #201 Victoria, MN 55386 (952) 448-5028 www.corins.com
Cencup 14946 Overlook Drive Savage, MN 55378 (612) 293-9806 www.cemcup.com
Pure Barre Eden Prairie 582 Prairie Center Drive, #225 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (858) 344-7211 www.purebarre.com/mn-edenprairie Conference Direct 7133 Clinton Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 345-1411 www.conferencedirect.com
DSI - Dick’s Sanitation 20602 Jupiter Path Lakeville, MN 55044 (952) 469-2239 www.dickssanitation.com
PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID PRIOR LAKE MN USPS#729770
SEPTEMBER - EPC Calendar of Events Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2
3
5
Ambassador Site Visit & Meeting 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast by WELLS FARGO 7:30 - 8:30 AM
Let’s Put BEER on the Map Bethel University 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
7
8
9
10
Business@Breakfast by WELLS FARGO 7:30 - 8:30 AM
CHAMBERFEST Premier Jet Center Hanger, Flying Cloud Airport 4 - 6 PM
15
16
17
Fusion: Reach your Goals Star Bank 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast by WELLS FARGO 7:30 - 8:30 AM
Luncheon: LinkedIn and Social Selling Biaggi’s, Eden Prairie 11:30 AM - 1 PM
22
23
24
Taste the Chamber The Prairie Pub at Brunswick Zone 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Business@Breakfast by WELLS FARGO 7:30 - 8:30 AM
After Hours with Eric Nelson Eric R. Nelson, CPA LLC 4:30 - 6 PM
29
30
CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED
Friday 4
11
Labor Day
14
21
28
18
25
Ambassador Site Visit 1:30 - 2:54 PM GUEST DAY Business@Breakfast by WELLS FARGO 7:30 - 8:30 AM
PLEASE RSVP/Cancel FOR ALL EVENTS BY 12 PM THE DAY PRIOR! Visit epchamber.org to view details, pricing or to RSVP today!