Coalition9 Community News - August 2026
Founder Message
Hi C9 Community + Friends!
Hard to believe we're already in August. I've spent as much time as possible up at the family cabin this summer, and a lot of it has involved a fishing rod. We had a few scorchers over the past couple of months, so escaping the stuffy cabin to be on the lake has been essential to cool down. We've gotten to know more of our lake neighbors this year, and it's been a blast developing the relationships in that community.
Turns out that's been the theme for the summer, because our C9 Summer Social at CHS Field last week was all about the same thing: building relationships. Big thanks to our Event Partners and Supporters for making it happen, and to everyone who came out to the ballpark. Oh, and I got to meet Mudonna! Our July C9 Well Walk 'n' Talk at Lone Lake Park was also filled with people making new connections and catching up with friends. Recaps and photos are below.
I've also loved hearing about how many C9 groups have taken their sessions outside this summer or swapped the usual meeting for something more experiential. Boat trips, lunch outings, crew rowing, cabin visits, pottery, indoor rock climbing, and separate groups joining together for workshops—all meaningful ways to bond and grow together.
Looking ahead, we're still finalizing details for our September event, so subscribe to our online calendar for the latest updates. But save the date for our C9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard on October 10th. It's our chance to say thank you to our amazing C9 Members and Community Supporters.
One more thing: fall tends to be when people start planning for the year ahead. If you see joining a peer advisory group in your future, let's talk!
I hope you all enjoy these last few weeks of summer!
Cheers,
Aaron Eggert
Coalition9 Community Leader + Founder
Member Highlights
THE POWER OF NINE PODCAST
The Power of Nine Podcast is on summer break, but we’ll be back with all new episodes after Labor Day!
Here’s what’s coming up:
September 3, 2026: Whitney Lehr Koening - President + Publisher at MSPBJ
September 17, 2026: Matt Norman - CEO at Dale Carnegie North Central US and Co-Founder of Four Corners Exploration
October 1, 2026: Simeon Priest - Founder of Equal Parts Cocktail Company and Guide at Pinnacle Business Guides
October 15, 2026: Greg Alexander - Founder of Fab Four Labs
Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts:
Spotify for Creators | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts
All of our videos, including podcast episodes, event recordings, and everything C9, are now available on our YouTube Channel.
Check it out—and don't forget to subscribe. We would love a review from you as well! We take great pride in the community we’re building, and your reviews have a huge impact on welcoming new listeners.
MEMBER NEWS
C9 Member Reed Robinson from Groove Capital announced that they are hosting an exclusive virtual event built for the Groove Capital community, “From Founder-Led to Fully Scalable: Build Your Sales Engine,” on August 13, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Are you ready to move beyond founder-led sales? Gary Braun, Owner/Founder of Pivotal Advisors, will guide attendees on how to build a Sales Engine that drives consistent, scalable revenue. Learn more + RSVP
C9 Member Mike Jones from EOS Worldwide is hosting a free monthly Traction Mastermind for Visionaries and Integrators running on EOS on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM in Minneapolis. Email Mike with questions. Learn more + register
C9 Member Rebecca Rizzio from Luminous Talent is hosting a private Investor/Sponsor Gathering for Philly and the Dreamer, an original family musical where classic rock meets Broadway storytelling, on Wednesday, August 19 at 5:30 PM at Bell Bank in Minneapolis City Center. The event brings together business leaders, investors, and theater enthusiasts to share the show's vision and introduce a fresh model for developing musical theater. C9 Members interested in attending or in supporting the arts can email Becky directly for details.
C9 Member William Hardcastle from WannaHug invites you to their first community event on September 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Minnehaha Falls Park's Wabun picnic area. Come and spend an afternoon of good conversation with good people. Expect food, games, family entertainment, community partners, and a raffle. At WannaHug's Conversation Corner, attendees are invited to share their stories through three simple questions. Bring a friend, bring family, or come solo. WannaHug is also looking for volunteers and community ambassadors for the event. To RSVP, email William. Learn more
C9 facilitator Robb Breding from Pivotal Advisors announced their free master class, "Plan for Growth: Build Your 2027 Sales Strategy," on September 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Southpoint Office Center–MN CPA Education Center in Bloomington. Many companies approach annual planning by updating last year's targets and asking the sales team to produce more. That's a plan—not necessarily a growth strategy. Led by Steve Hoeft of Pivotal Advisors, this session focuses on building a stronger 2027 sales strategy your team can actually execute, the leadership to move it forward, and practical ways AI can sharpen your decisions. Learn more + register
What if one evening could help transform two nonprofits? C9 Member Andrea McMaster from the Amplify Mission Network invites you to their Amplify AMP Session on September 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM in Edina. Business leaders from across the Twin Cities will come together to help faith-based nonprofits solve real organizational challenges. Share your ideas and connections in small-group brainstorming sessions, then watch your insights create lasting impact. Enjoy dinner, meaningful networking, and the chance to strengthen organizations that are changing lives. Email Andrea with questions or call 657-263-2190. Learn more + register
C9 Members Debbie Stewart and Mike Tonies invite you to support the Carly May Golf Classic, which honors Carly's spirit while strengthening our community's commitment to individuals with Down syndrome. They are seeking silent auction donations and sponsorships to make the September 21st event unforgettable. Your contribution directly funds organizations serving those with Down syndrome at every life stage. Whether you donate an item or sponsor the event, you're investing in inclusion, joy, and meaningful support. Join them in celebrating Carly's legacy. Questions? Email Mike. Learn more + sign up
Attention runners! Joy Collaborative's sensory space, the Joy Zone, will be part of the Twin Cities Marathon this October and will be front and center on the Capital grounds. Joy Zone will be featured in the marathon’s socials and in their database of 150K subscribers. Those interested in volunteering or having their company become a sponsor should give C9 Member Mark Ostrom a call at 612-245-8453 or send him an email. Come and get in the Zone with Joy Collaborative!
C9 Member Reed Robinson from Groove Capital invites you to their Fall Pitch Series on October 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis. Grab your friends and notepad, you’re going to hear startups pitch! You can anticipate startups from a variety of industries, all of which are real investment opportunities. The early-bird discount ends on August 31st, so register here today!
C9 Member Simeon Priest announced that after 25+ years of building businesses, leading teams, and experiencing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship firsthand, he has launched his practice as a Pinnacle Business Guide. He partners with leadership teams to create greater clarity, alignment, and disciplined execution using the Pinnacle Approach. He’s grateful to be part of the Coalition9 community and look forward to helping more organizations navigate their climb toward lasting success. Congrats, Simeon! Email Simeon with questions or call him at 612-309-6236. Learn more
C9 Member Nate Zoellner from C9 Community Supporter Sales Homie has been working hard to fill out their first Sales Squad sales community peer group, aimed to help early-career sales professionals with selling strategies, professional branding, networking, needs and leads, and more. Only 2-3 spots remain! Email Nate if you have questions on the group or if you have any opportunities for sales and development reps on your team. Learn more
Interested in Fractional Sales and Advisory, but don’t want to build it? No problem! Community Supporter Sales Homie has officially launched their Advisor Platform, welcoming in new or seasoned Fractional Sales Advisors, Leaders, and Executives. They are adding partners to their Community across the US (check out their interactive map!) and would love to share their story to anyone looking to enter the fractional and sales consulting space. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to align with a consulting organization. Questions? Get in touch with C9 Member Nate Zoellner.
C9 Member Jay Anderson from Dock & Door Tec announced that they marked 20 years in business this summer. Congratulations on that milestone! They celebrated with their team and recognized the people, customers, and partnerships that have played a role in their journey. As they look back on two decades of growth and lessons learned, they’re proud of what they have built together and excited to continue driving the business forward into the next 20 years. Connect with Emily Daniel via email or call 763-772-2705.
C9 Member James Olsen of C9 Community Supporter Seiler Law would like to share three film/TV projects that he did legal work for. The Gospel According to Bas Rutten is currently available to watch on EWTN+, and keep a look out for UFOs and God and Fight for Life: The Story of Ben Askren, coming sometime in the near future.
Groove Capital shared the GREATER MSP Partnership report, “Betting on the Backers: Why catalyzing angel investment activity is a high-leverage economic growth grant” alongside results from their own first five years. When they started Groove, they believed a new model could improve the age-old problem of capital access for local founders—and they point to the report's data as proof that investing in investor infrastructure produces dramatic returns worth scaling. The report's case rests on a well-established link between venture capital density and GDP growth.
Grants funded early-stage investor infrastructure through investor education, network building, and deal-flow access
Those grants converted curious accredited investors into active startup investors
Groove’s campaign generated $14.5M+ into 115+ startups and activated 63 first-time angels (2023–2025)
Every grant dollar produced 20x+ private capital leverage
Groove notes the model is now being recognized nationally as a replicable approach to growing innovation economies. Read the full report.
Do you have news you want to share? Submit the information through our C9 Member News Form, and we'll be sure to highlight you in future updates! Please note: This is exclusive to C9 Members, facilitators, and Community Supporters. Questions? Contact Brenda Harvieux, C9 Director of Marketing + Communications, at brenda@coalition9.com.
C9 Gives Foundation Project Ascent Mentorship Program
Get Matched with a C9 Gives Foundation Project Ascent Mentor!
Since launching Project Ascent, the C9 Gives Foundation's Mentorship Program, we've been blown away by the response from our community. Now it's time to match them with the entrepreneurs and leaders they're here to support!
If you're an ascending entrepreneur or leader actively building your company, Project Ascent was built for you. Not as a casual coffee connection or an informal arrangement, but as a defined leadership commitment designed to create meaningful progress through focused guidance, accountability, and real-world perspective.
And we know your time is one of your most valuable resources. The entire framework was designed with that in mind:
Each cycle runs for a minimum of 6 months
Your monthly commitment is only about two hours
One 90-minute kickoff session followed by bi-weekly 30-minute check-ins
A structured cadence that keeps momentum going without taking over your calendar. 👍
Project Ascent is run and supported by the C9 Gives Foundation, the philanthropic and community-building arm of Coalition9 dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurs and the broader business ecosystem.
If you're ready to take your leadership to the next level, fill out the Project Ascent Request a Mentor form! Learn more about the program at c9gives.org
Request a C9 Gives Mentor Today!
SAVE THE DATE! October C9 Community Appreciation Event
Coalition9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: LuceLine Orchard in Watertown
Join us for a day of community connection and autumn fun at LuceLine Orchard in Watertown!
This is a casual event to bring the entire C9 Community together for a festive fall day at the orchard. All are welcome—from solo adventurers to families of every size! Dogs are welcome too!
LuceLine offers activities for people of all ages:
Hay Mountains to Climb
Playground
Nature Trail
…and more!
Grill + Pub
Live Music
Hayrides
30-Acre Corn Maze
Farm Animals to Pet + Feed
This event is the true essence of community—we're so excited to bring everyone together at this much-loved Minnesota orchard.
Preregistration is required through Eventbrite and is exclusive to Coalition9 Members, 2026 Community Supporters, 2026 Event Partners + Supporters, and their guests + families.
Stay tuned for the invite!
Coalition9 Is a Proud Shotgun Shell Sponsor of Bauer Design Build’s Annual Clay Shooting Event
Bauer Design Build’s Clay Shooting Event
Benefiting Gilda’s Club MN
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Location: Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake
We will have a team of shooters representing Coalition9 at the event. So if you’re attending, come say “Hi!”
Congratulations to Bauer Design Build on selling out the event, including all of the sponsorships!
Gilda’s Club MN is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps support those in Minnesota impacted by any type of cancer with free social and emotional support, so that no one faces cancer alone.
Coalition9 Is a Proud Sponsor of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Awards Event!
MSPBJ’s Best Places to Work Awards
Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 2:30 to 5:30 PM
Location: CHS Field in St. Paul
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, and special cheers to the C9 Community Members celebrating alongside them:
Courtney Nuness, Chief of Staff at Luminate Bank
Curtis Larson, Owner of Marigold Home Inspections
Blake Pederson-Perovich, General Manager at Marigold Home Inspections
Versique Executive, Professional & Interim Recruiting, C9 Community Supporter
Thanks to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for celebrating the region’s standout workplaces and for being a valued C9 Community Supporter!
NEW DATES CONFIRMED! C9 Annual Signature Experience - Capitol Reef National Park Hiking + Canyoneering
May 4-7, 2027 | Boulder, UT
We are so excited to be partnering with Four Corners Exploration and Coalition9 facilitator Matt Norman on our first ever C9 Annual Signature Experience!
Join us in May 2027 as we explore Boulder, UT! This is more than just a trip; it's a foundational journey to strengthen our community, deepen our purpose, and create an unforgettable experience for the C9 Community.
This unique desert hiking adventure through Capitol Reef National Park is a purposeful journey into one of America's most stunning and secluded landscapes. You'll traverse challenging terrain (hiking difficulty level: moderate), travel overland through surreal rock formations, and summit a peak for panoramic views, all in the company of the C9 Community.
Limited to 10 participants. A $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is due to reserve your spot.
Registration closes November 1, 2026.
Connect with our C9 Signature Experience Partner, Four Corners Exploration, to be added to the priority registration list:
Coalition9 Subscribable Events Calendar
Stay up-to-date on all of our events + gatherings! Our events calendar is powered by AddEvent and supports all major calendar platforms, including Apple, Google, Outlook, Outlook.com (online), Office 365 (online), and Yahoo.
When you subscribe, all Coalition9 events will be synced to your preferred calendar (may take up to 24 hours to populate). You can find directions on how to subscribe on our Events Page.
July Event Recap - C9 Well: Walk ‘n’ Talk
Mind and body wellness doesn't have to be complicated—sometimes it's just showing up, moving, and talking with people who get it.
Thirty C9ers joined us at Lone Lake Park for our C9 Well Walk 'n' Talk event on July 17th. It was a steamy one, that's for sure! But thankfully the wildfire smoke had moved eastward, leaving us with a beautiful morning outdoors in nature.
Small groups of three hit the trails for 45 minutes to over an hour of walking, talking, and building relationships. New friendships, real conversations, and a whole lot of good energy. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
Special thanks to Mike Jones, Certified EOS Implementer, for partnering with us on the C9 Well Event Series! Learn about how he helps entrepreneurs and their leadership teams through EOS here.
August Event Recap - C9 Summer Social at CHS Field
Our C9 Summer Social at CHS Field was everything we hoped it would be! ⚾ On Thursday, August 6, 2026, more than 100 people gathered at the Treasure Island Terrace for a night of St. Paul Saints baseball, good food, and meaningful relationship building.
This was our 5th year hosting this event, and it's become a highlight of the C9 calendar. A casual summer evening with no agenda gives people room to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Thank you to everyone who came out. The terrace was full of laughter, easy conversation, and people genuinely glad to be there together. ❤️
We couldn't pull off events like this without incredible support—we're so grateful to our Event Partners + Supporters and Community Supporters who make it all possible. 👏 Check them out below; these are the people you want in your corner. And don’t miss the pics! 📸 👇
And a big thank you to our team, C9 Experience Coordinator Emily Anderson and C9 Director of Marketing + Communications Brenda Harvieux, whose attention to every detail keeps these events running smoothly.
Event Partners:
AssetHR
Itasca Wealth
Perfection Heating & Air Conditioning
Event Supporters:
Fluid
Mercury Creative Group
Scouts Talent
You can connect with our C9 Community Supporters below in the 2026 C9 Community Supporters section. Having these folks as part of our community makes all the difference for the people and businesses we exist to support through Coalition9.
EVENT PARTNERS
EVENT SUPPORTERS
ICYMI - PQ: Positive Intelligence + Coalition9 Partnership
In Case You Missed It…
Last September, our C9 Well event, Saboteur to Sage: Mastering Your Mindset, was led by Sarah Henning, founder of Shiftive Coaching & Consulting, and Dr. Caroline Cochran, PCC, founder of TransformAble Coaching and Consulting LLC and ARISE Women’s Leadership Collective.
They are partnering with us and offering special pricing to C9 Members and Community Supporters for a few different PQ (Positive Intelligence) programs for individuals and teams.
Watch their YouTube video for more details, and check out their offers by downloading the PDF.
Become a Coalition9 Member!
Now is the perfect time to invest in your growth and development. We're continually building a community of Members who are serious about growth, committed to showing up, and willing to invest in one another for the long term. That's how deep, transformational relationships are built. That's how real evolution happens.
Current Openings + New Groups
We have a few openings in current groups. If you've been considering joining, this is your moment. Let's find the right group for you!
Contact C9 Founder + Community Leader Aaron Eggert at aaron@coalition9.com to learn more about the C9 Member experience and apply online for C9 Membership.
About Coalition9 Membership
Do you want to connect with others who share your mindset? Coalition9 isn't a networking group—it's a business community focused on building long-term relationships with good people like you.
We provide a community where a diversity of experiences in business and life is celebrated. You'll build lasting relationships with fellow Members through authentic conversations and a focus on leading with intentionality. Our memberships are designed to promote interactive learning regardless of what stage you’re at on your journey while connecting you to the resources and people that will help you be your best.
Leadership is lonely. But it doesn't have to be. Build your tribe in the Coalition9 Community!
2026 C9 Community Supporters
PROSPERING LEVEL
THRIVING LEVEL
EVOLVING LEVEL
Cece: Coalition9's Concierge Service
Cece is Coalition9's concierge service. C9 Members can text Cece with questions, current needs, and connection requests, and Cece will take it from there.
Want to learn more about this revolutionary new way to engage with our Members? Visit our Cece page or send us a message. We're saving Cece for Members and Supporters 😉.
Follow Coalition9 on Social Media
If you haven't already, follow Coalition9 on social media! We post fun Coalition9 Community event photos, The Power of Nine Podcast episode releases, C9 Community news, content recommendations, and a bunch of other good stuff.
Changing business nine leaders at a time.™
THE POWER OF NINE™
STAY CONNECTED
SUBSCRIBE TO THE COALITION9 COMMUNITY NEWS
Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Coalition9 Community News, to receive the latest updates, C9 Member news, recent The Power of Nine Podcast episodes, group openings, info on events, and opportunities to connect with the C9 Community.
Copyright © 2026 Coalition9. All rights reserved.