Jason Heintz: The New Scheels Store Coming to Eden Prairie
The manager and person responsible for getting the new Scheels store launched in Eden Prairie, Jason Heintz, was our guest speaker this week. Filling the spot where the Sears store formerly resided at Eden Prairie Center, the new Scheels will be 255,000 square feet, complete with a ferris wheel, deli/sandwich shop, old fashioned candy store, aquarium, and much more. The grand opening date is planned for July 11, 2020. Jason began by giving the club the history of Scheels, which began as a small hardware store in Sabin, MN by
Frederick Scheels in 1902 with money earned from a 3 acre crop of potatoes. Today, Scheels is a major sporting goods retailer with 28 stores in 13 states. Scheels is employee owned, and the 13 th largest ESOP in the nation. They gave back $15 million into local communities last year. They find local people to work in their stores, finding people who are passionate and knowledgeable about their sporting hobbies. Scheels boasts one of the best return policies of any retailer, and offers a price match if a customer finds a lower price somewhere else. Scheels has already become a corporate sponsor of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club, and provided the raffle prizes for our WinterFest fundraiser.
Frederick Scheels in 1902 with money earned from a 3 acre crop of potatoes. Today, Scheels is a major sporting goods retailer with 28 stores in 13 states. Scheels is employee owned, and the 13 th largest ESOP in the nation. They gave back $15 million into local communities last year. They find local people to work in their stores, finding people who are passionate and knowledgeable about their sporting hobbies. Scheels boasts one of the best return policies of any retailer, and offers a price match if a customer finds a lower price somewhere else. Scheels has already become a corporate sponsor of the Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club, and provided the raffle prizes for our WinterFest fundraiser.
Announcements
- Ricky, one of our RYE students, is participating in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics. Please support Ricky with a donation to this worthy cause.
- Bob Starr explained to the club a new program in which Members can support our foundation with a donation of money from your IRA or securities. Consider putting the EP AM Rotary Foundation in your will or include it in your estate plan. See Bob or Kevin Kraemer for more information.
- Roger Jorgensen explained the meaning of the pins given to Paul Harris fellows, and then awarded 5 of them to current recipients—Prafulla Vegunta, Kevin Kraemer, Kelly Salwei, Robb Hiller, and Jenifer Loon. Congratulations!
- Holly Link and Jenifer Loon shared two fundraising ideas with the club. Holly discussed a potential food event at the restaurants at SWStation, with music and possible wine tasting on a patio area. Jenifer talked about a home brewing contest where people can sample and vote on their favorite. If you have an interest in working on a committee to develop these ideas, please contact Holly, Jenifer or Irene Kelly.
Spotlight on Nathan Nyren
Nathan is one of the newest members of our Rotary Club. Now in his mid-30’s, Nathan grew up in Siren, WI,-- a small town where his graduating class was 30 people. He attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire which is where he met his wife, Amy. They don’t have children yet, but wanted to find a way to become more involved in the community. They happened upon an old article about needing host families for Rotary Youth Exchange students and pursued the idea. After connecting with Jane McGinty, she really “sold” Rotary and both Nathan and Amy are hooked! Nathan worked for Hennepin County as the coordinator for housing stability, helping those who are homeless. Nathan is enjoying being a member of our club and loved the WinterFest event. He offered this thanks to Bev Aho for organizing. A few club members were excited to know that another Packer fan has joined us, but Nathan assured us he loves the Twins, too.
Happy Fines
- President John Crudele celebrated his birthday with an outing to the Horse and Hunt Club. Aaron Casper and son Chase attended and had a wonderful time—best day ever for Chase (or at least since his birthday Rotary boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka).
- Grandpa Roger Jorgensen is enthralled with grandson Miles, who is 3 ½ months old, giggling and smiling. He also has mastered the sous vide method of cooking.
- Dan O’Brien offered $20 in thanks for those who helped with WinterFest. Dan was the architect for the new building at Starring Lake where the event was located. Dan is now off to Florida for 3 months. See you next spring, Dan!
- Mark Weber thanked our friends from Scheels for their very generous gift cards which they donated as the prizes for our WinterFest raffle. Scheels employees also volunteer in the community (including Meals on Wheels delivery)—way to really “walk the walk!”
- Jane McGinty thanked Irene Kelly for hosting a Rotary women’s gathering last week. .
Visitors
Ricky Arteiro - RYE Student
Tim Conners - Prospective Member
Bob Jasperson - Prospective Member
Judy Jasperson - Prospective Member
Tom Poul - Prospective Member
Jack Kuehn - Burnsville Club
Kevin Gao and Kayla Keddie - Student Interns