September 2016 newsletter

CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THANK YOU 2016 Annual Sponsors!

SILVER SPONSOR

Vol. 47, Issue 9 | September 2016

HEALTH CARE FORUM: AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Affordable Care Act & Health Insurance: Plans, costs, options: What businesses need to know Learn about the current state of health care insurance for sole proprietors and businesses—and strategies for cost savings and navigating the ever-changing insurance market in Minnesota.

BRONZE SPONSORS

Thank you to our luncheon sponsor:

There will be information directly for sole proprietors, small businesses and large businesses on strategies for cost savings and the current options available for each.

This forum will feature discussions with Tim Boys (Boys & Tyler Financial Group, Inc.), John Cleveland (The Cleveland Company) and Allison Manno (Health e(fx)). Read our speakers full bios and register on the Chamber website at epchamber.org/events.asp.

DATE: Wednesday, September 14, 11:30 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel (5601 West 78th St, Bloomington) COST: $30 for members, $60 for non-members

GENERAL SPONSOR

Connect with the Chamber

“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

@EPChamber2

“Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce”

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SINCE 1969

@EPChamber

LEADERSHIP

epchamber.org

A Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors By: Katie Misukanis, M.P.A. Government Relations Director, Rasmussen College The 4th of July was just yesterday and now I am buying tickets to head to the Great Minnesota Get Together. Where did summer go?

Did you start June off with goals you wanted to reach or things you wanted to accomplish? Do you own a business and are looking at the remaining quarter of the year? The Eden Prairie Chamber is doing the same thing!

The Board recently held a retreat to look at the goals set out by the Strategic Plan—what we have accomplished and what we still want to set into motion for the future. We are still in planning mode, so we welcome ideas and input.

This past month, we kicked-off our robust series of Public Policy events that are planned through the balance of 2016. We collaborated with the TwinWest and Bloomington Chamber to host a debate between the two candidates for the 3rd Congressional District: Congressman Erik Paulsen and State Senator Terri Bonoff. The event was sold out and provided great candor and insight into the two candidates.

In September, we are hosting a forum on the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts small to mid-size companies. Come learn strategies for cost savings and navigating the ever-changing insurance market in Minnesota.

Watch the Chamber calendar for a lunch with our state legislative candidates as well as discussion on what the Eden Prairie Chamber’s public policy platform and agenda should be.

This election is important. Policy decisions that impact each and every one of you will be made in January at all levels of Government—we encourage you to stay informed.

Keep up to date on what the Chamber is doing, what events might be of interest to you, and where #FlatPat is by following our website, liking our Facebook page, attending an event, and marking your calendar for our biggest and best Gala yet: Purple Reign at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 15th.

Time is running out!

The Chamber’s annual Gala is Saturday, October 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The 2016 theme is “Purple Reign” and is presented by the Minnesota Vikings. We will be celebrating all that makes Minnesota great—from the people, the stars, the food, the products and, of course, businesses like yours.

Don’t miss your chance to get inside the brand-new home of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoy a special night out with your fellow business leaders. Get your tickets online at epchamber.org or call the office at (952) 944-2830.

epchamber.org

LEADERSHIP

A Message from the President By: Pat MulQueeny, IOM President, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce Election and Issues Engagement The Eden Prairie Chamber continues to discuss issues that will impact our businesses with our elected officials. This is part of our strategic plan – “grow the influence of the Eden Prairie business community through proactive advocacy and thoughtful public policy initiatives.” We have a number of items to highlight and share this month as election season heats up.

The Chamber has been discussing the impacts of the Affordable Care Act on our local businesses—in particular, businesses that are being strained by costs and options. Discussions have included the major increases in prices, insurance plans going away, carriers leaving the market and plans that are no longer seen as an employee benefit, but are the best the company can offer.

I recently moderated a small group discussion with Congressman Paulsen on the issue of the Affordable Care Act and in particular, the health insurance tax that if re-instated, will increase prices even more. It was frustrating, to say the least, when business owners would share their stories of cost increases, the discussions they would have with employees and the one-on-one meetings with some employees who were fearful of the increased costs and how they would get by. Businesses need to continue to be in the discussions of our health care and insurance plans moving forward and changes need to be made to provide quality plans at an affordable price.

The Chamber is holding a very important lunch program on these issues on Wednesday, Sept. 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The entire presentation and discussion is on health insurance and how businesses can evaluate their plans, be sure they are in compliance and what they should plan for in the future. To learn more or to register for this program, please either call our office at (952) 944-2830 or go to our website at epchamber.org.

Congressional Debate Sold Out The Third Congressional District Debate between Congressman Paulsen and his challenger State Senator Terri Bonoff on August 17 was sold out! Over 200 people attended the debate to hear from the two candidates, along with local media outlets on hand to highlight this kick-off to the election season.

Questions focused on business issues such as the Affordable Care Act, regulations, taxes and candidates’ voting records. KSTP’s Tom Hauser moderated the program and if you missed it, you can catch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0uMafbCmOI. As the election season hits its full stride, we continue to encourage our members to be engaged and involved. Find out where the candidates stand on the issues impacting your business and make your voice heard this November!

“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 SEPTEMBER? To register for these events and more, log on to epchamber.org/events.asp

After Hours at The Well Chiropractic Join us for an After Hours networking event to celebrate the grand opening of the Well Chiropractic. Take a tour of the clinic and network with others while enjoying complimentary appetizers. Be sure to stay for the chance to win a great door prize! The Well Chiropractic will be accepting non-perishable food items for donation to PROP at this event. The celebration will also include a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome The Well Chiropractic to their space.

DATE: Thursday, September 8, 4:30 - 6 PM LOCATION: The Well Chiropractic (966 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members

E.P.C.: Explore the Possibilities with the Chamber Do you know a business who would thrive in the Chamber? Are you eager to share your success within the Chamber with colleagues or professional contacts? Could you use a little extra cash?

Then the E.P.C. breakfast is for you!

Join us for a breakfast to share the benefits of the Chamber with non-members. We will go through basic benefits of a Chamber membership and serve a delicious breakfast.

This will be the LAST opportunity to earn $100 cash for every referral who joins the Chamber.

Invite as many colleagues as connections as you want and earn yourself a nice summer bonus!

DATE: Thursday, September 15, 7:30 - 9 AM LOCATION: Bent Creek Golf Club (14490 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members who bring a guest and first-time guests

Lunch & Learn: Preparing for Tax Season During this Lunch and Learn, Eric will share how planning for taxes can benefit anyone, while giving some small business bookkeeping and recordkeeping tips, a Tax Deduction Finder, and information on how Eric R. Nelson CPA, LLC, can be a resource to Chamber members. During this lunch hour, learn how taxes can be fun and exciting!

Lunch & Learn events are an opportunity to learn something new that will benefit you and your business over the lunch hour. Learn from your fellow members as you enjoy your lunch out of the office and bring business cards because there’s always time for networking. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide beverages.

DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 11:45 AM - 1 PM LOCATION: Chamber office (11455 Viking Dr, #270, Eden Prairie) COST: FREE for members, $15 for non-members

www.epchamber.org

NETWORKING

SPOTLIGHT: STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Although he may introduce himself as an intern, Brennan McCarthy is no stranger to the Eden Prairie Chamber.

McCarthy with Flat Pat

McCarthy was a student member of the Chamber during the 2012-2013 school year, when he was a senior at Eden Prairie High School.

Every year, the Eden Prairie Chamber invites high school seniors from Eden Prairie High School to apply for the Student Membership Program. As the first Chamber in the nation to offer this unique opportunity for students, this program helps young entrepreneurs and business people learn how to network, engage, do business, and even dress properly in the “real world.” In fact, our success has resulted in other chambers duplicating this model.

Brennan McCarthy is a perfect example of this success.

McCarthy applied for a student membership after hearing Chamber President Pat MulQueeny speak in his business class.

“I thought it would a good experience to connect with local business owners,” McCarthy said.

As part of his student membership, McCarthy was assigned a mentor within the Chamber to help him navigate the Chamber’s many programs and effectively network with the members. McCarthy was assigned Kieth Schultz, Chamber Ambassador and Community Ambassador with Sharper Management.

“I liked that because without that mentor, I would not have known how to best connect with the members,” McCarthy said.

Based on strength identifying tests taken in his business class at Eden Prairie High School, McCarthy thought finance might be a good fit for him.

Did you know?

Schultz connected McCarthy with Troy Noor, then a sole proprietor practicing financial planning.

McCarthy was able to sit down with Noor for a few hours and discuss a career path in finance.

But that wouldn’t be the end of that connection.

Just two years later, following McCarthy’s freshman year at the University of St. Thomas, he knew he wanted to make the most of the summer months and start gaining real-world experience in his field of study—finance. He recalled his connection to Noor through the Chamber and reached out asking if he could provide any assistance for the summer.

“I started contacting people that did financial planning. But it’s hard to get ahold of those people, they’re very busy. But Troy did get back to me and said he may need some help for the summer,” McCarthy recalled.

He spent the summer of 2014 helping build Boulevard Wealth Management, gaining hands-on experience and making new connections within the Chamber.

Since then, McCarthy has worked as an intern for Boulevard Wealth during the summer of 2015, during the school year 2015-2016 and is now wrapping up his third summer.

McCarthy credits a lot of his current success to the Chamber Student Program and hopes to encourage and inspire other Eden Prairie High School students to also apply for and take advantage of all the program has to offer.

“I would definitely recommend the student membership program to anyone,” he said.

To learn more about the Eden Prairie Chamber’s Student Membership Program and how to get involved, log on to the Chamber website at epchamber.org/Student_Membership.asp. If you would like to volunteer to serve as a mentor for our 2016-2017 student members, please contact Pat at pat. mulqueeny@epchamber.org.

The Eden Prairie Chamber’s annual Gala benefits the Student Membership program to support our future business leaders like Brennan McCarthy. Join us for the 2016 Gala at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 15 by calling the Chamber office at (952) 944-2830 or by logging on to the Chamber website at epchamber.org.

MEMBERSHIP

www.epchamber.org

LOOKING BACK: EVENTS IN AUGUST

LOOKINGBACK: BACK: EVENTS EVENTS IN LOOKING INDECEMBER DECEMBER Missed an event?

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

After Hours with CellOnly - Verizon Wireless CellOnly - Verizon Wireless retailer hosted an After Hours on July 26. We enjoyed appetizers and refreshments, product demos, time to network and some free giveaways including a Bluetooth LG Tone headset. Flat Pat even came out to join in on the fun!

Guest Day at B@B Guest Day at B@B is always a great way to start a Wednesday. We met many guests and shared with them the many benefits of Business@Breakfast through the Chamber. Thank you to Hellmuth & Johnson for the use of their space!

After Hours with Farmers Insurance and Regus

Third Congressional District Debate

Farmers Insurance and Regus hosted a great After Hours on August 11. We enjoyed complimentary appetizers and refreshments, time for networking and lots of door prizes including an Amazon Kindle Fire and an Echo bluetooth speaker. And of course, Flat Pat made an appearance.

We collaborated with the Bloomington and TwinWest Chambers to host the first Third Congressional District debate between Congressman Erik Paulsen and State Senator Terri Bonoff on August 17. Over 200 attendees heard the candidates discuss issues that are most important for local business leaders, including health care, taxes and regulations.

www.epchamber.org

MEMBERSHIP

New Members

Site Visits & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Welcome to the Chamber!

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 17352 Frondell Court Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (612) 206-2717 www.peteroseproductions.com Arbonne International 4924 38th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417 (505) 259-7932 http://elizabethsummers.arbonne.com Fieldstone Architecture & Engineering 6500 City West Parkway, #300 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (612) 607-0115 www.fieldstoneae.com

PROP Food Shelf

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest

Sherwin Williams 8240 Commonwealth Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 943-1070 http://www.sherwin-williams.com/

Star Tribune

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

Future Concepts Studio + Spa

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

SEPTEMBER 2016 - Calendar of Events Monday 29

Tuesday 30

Wednesday 31

Thursday

Friday

1

2

7

8

9

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

After Hours: The Well Chiropractic 4:30 -6 PM The Well Chiropractic

13

14

15

Scandinavia Trip Informational Meeting 5 - 6 PM Chamber office

Business@Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM

E.P.C. Breakfast 7:30 - 9 AM Bent Creek Golf Club

20

21

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

5

6

CHAMBER OFFICE CLOSED

12

19

16

ACA Health Care Forum 11:30 AM - 1 PM

22

23

29

30

Lunch & Learn: Preparing for Business@Breakfast Tax Season 7:30 - 8:30 AM 11:45 AM - 1 PM Tavern 4 & 5 Chamber office

26

27

28 Business@Breakfast 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!