Education Updates from MN School Board Association
Kirk Schneidawind has served as the executive director of the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) since July 2013. Kirk originally joined MSBA in 1999, working in governmental relations and policy development divisions.
Also, Kirk is the secretary of the Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus and the secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota School Boards Association Insurance Trust.
Kirk was recently elected by his school board association executive director peers to chair and lead the Organization of State Association Executive Directors (OSAED).
Kirk received his bachelor’s degree in history at Iowa State University, and his Master’s Degree and school superintendent licensure from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Mrinalni Iyer and Kevin Gao, 2019-2020 EP AM Rotary Interns
Marketing Presentation for the EP AM Rotary
On September 1st, the 2019-2020 EP AM Rotary interns, Mrinalni Iyer and Kevin Gao, shared their presentation on a new marketing plan and announced an update to the EP AM Rotary website.
Kevin announced that a new website for the EP AM club is in the final stages of development on the third party site, Wix. The new website's purpose is to increase the user-friendliness and the efficiency of information for prospective and current members, and to reach new members. The goal is to have the website strengthen the EP AM Rotary brand and make it more well known in the Eden Prairie community.
Kevin also discussed the Digital Marketing Plan where the main objectives are to: increase community awareness, promote to potential members, and increase membership. The interns plan on using the social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to market the EP AM club more effectively to adults of all ages. The new interns are preparing to teach the rotarians on how to use social media effectively to promote the EP AM club.
Mrinalni presented her research on women and people of color and shared her suggestions on how to bring more diversity to the EP AM club. Based on her research, she suggested promotional ideas targeting women such as more service projects and rebranding the women’s meetings. For people of color, she suggested more volunteer events in schools, family oriented events, tutoring and scholarships, and sending ambassadors to Asian Associations.
Announcements
Irene Kelly will hold a brainstorm session on Wednesday Sept. 9, to discuss possible fundraising opportunities. Interested Rotarians can reach out to Irene Kelly via email.
Jane McGinty announced a Women’s Social Event on September 24. The venue will be at the Eden Prairie Pavilion at Round Lake. All are welcome and bring your own beverage.
Nathan Nyren gave an update on candidate forums for the election candidates. They will be held on September 22nd, October 6th, and October 20th. Each session will have different candidates, and there will be a Q&A session. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the candidates! Please contact Nathan Nyren with any questions.
Praf announced the first hybrid meeting will be held on September 15th. The meeting will be onsite at Bearpath and on Zoom. More information will be coming soon on how to register for the meetings and following safety protocols. Members, please send in your engagement forms as soon as possible; some chairs are still looking for help in their committees.
Holly Link announced that Sophia Rizzo was approved for membership at the board meeting, and will be inducted on Sept. 15.
Spotlight on Aaron Casper
Aaron Casper was born in St. Paul, MN, and grew up in Oconomowoc, WI. Aaron graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a BA in Political Science. He has also attended classes from Minnesota State University, Mankato to earn his financial planning certificate to help in his role as an insurance consultant and advisor. Aaron worked for Philip Morris for 3 years as a territory sales manager after college. He has worked for the National Insurance Services for 22 years as an employee benefits consultant specializing in health/dental insurance and retiree benefits. Aaron is married to his wife, Lisa, and has four kids: Cecilia, Carmen, Camille, and Chase. Aaron has been a general aviation pilot since 2005 and served at the Eden Prairie Fire Dept 10 years. Aaron’s family started Operation Christmas Child over 10 years ago, packing shoeboxes for kids. Aaron was elected to the EP School Board last fall and enjoys being involved with school. Aaron is a Packer fan and loves hunting, fishing, golfing and being outdoors.
Happy Fives
Elaine Larabee was happy to visit her oldest daughter, Andrea, this past weekend. Andrea works as a human resource manager at a small dairy plant in Turlock, California for Land O’ Lakes. Elaine is proud of her daughter for working hard and doing her best to stay safe in a county where the COVID-19 outbreak has been one of the worst in CA.
Patrick Donohue is proud of his son, Ryan, an incoming freshman at EPHS, for making the varsity high school soccer team. Patrick was happy to say that Ryan scored a goal during his first game last Thursday.
Their generous support helps sponsor all that our club does in our community and around the world! This includes the Above and Beyond Awards Dinner, the Golden Eagle Awards, the Ethics Lunch and STRIVE scholarships and much more. Interested in becoming a Rotary Sponsor? Click here
On September 1st, the 2019-2020 EP AM Rotary interns, Mrinalni Iyer and Kevin Gao, shared their presentation on a new marketing plan and announced an update to the EP AM Rotary website.
Mrinalni presented her research on women and people of color and shared her suggestions on how to bring more diversity to the EP AM club. Based on her research, she suggested promotional ideas targeting women such as more service projects and rebranding the women’s meetings. For people of color, she suggested more volunteer events in schools, family oriented events, tutoring and scholarships, and sending ambassadors to Asian Associations.
Aaron Casper was born in St. Paul, MN, and grew up in Oconomowoc, WI. Aaron graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a BA in Political Science. He has also attended classes from Minnesota State University, Mankato to earn his financial planning certificate to help in his role as an insurance consultant and advisor. Aaron worked for Philip Morris for 3 years as a territory sales manager after college. He has worked for the National Insurance Services for 22 years as an employee benefits consultant specializing in health/dental insurance and retiree benefits. Aaron is married to his wife, Lisa, and has four kids: Cecilia, Carmen, Camille, and Chase. Aaron has been a general aviation pilot since 2005 and served at the Eden Prairie Fire Dept 10 years. Aaron’s family started Operation Christmas Child over 10 years ago, packing shoeboxes for kids. Aaron was elected to the EP School Board last fall and enjoys being involved with school. Aaron is a Packer fan and loves hunting, fishing, golfing and being outdoors.
