Coalition9 Community News - October 2026
Founder Message
Happy Fall, C9 Members + Friends!
To kick off this edition of the C9 Community News, I want to make sure that you’ve had a chance to check out our Coalition9 Fall Pop-Up Store—the final day to place an order is TODAY! It’s full of cozy C9 Gear and some pretty cool new accessories. Place your order before we close it out!
The C9 Gives Foundation has a fun volunteer opportunity at Junior Achievement North’s Dream Accelerator later this month on Oct. 30th. We’ll have a team of six volunteers, including ME! (I’m told this is a selling point.) Check out the info and video we’ve included below about the Dream Accelerator. It looks really incredible. I hope you’ll join me! We’d like to get our team locked in by the end of the week.
You can also catch me at the AMA of Minnesota + Fab Four Labs event “Know What’s Next: 2027 - Your Marketing Playbook for the New Year” on Wednesday, Oct. 28th at Mystic Lake Casino. Coalition9 is sponsoring the B2B Marketing breakout session, and I’ll be moderating. C9 Member Darin Lynch is on the panel, so there’s sure to be some shenanigans.
Make sure to save the date for our November SPARK Event, Preparing for 2027, which will be on Wednesday, November 18th at the Huntington Bank Stadium. (A new space!) You can find more details below, and we’ll be sending out the official email invite tomorrow. This event always sells out, so register early. We have opened Event Partner + Supporter opportunities too, so let me know if you’re interested in participating in that capacity.
I hope everyone is enjoying the fall season and has a Happy Halloween! 🎃
Cheers,
Aaron Eggert
Coalition9 Founder + Community Leader
Member Highlights
THE POWER OF NINE PODCAST
Meet some of our Members and Community Supporters on The Power of Nine Podcast.
Episode 111:
Four Corners of Growth
Matt Norman | Watch on YouTube
Episode 112:
The Influencer Formula
Greg Alexander | Watch on YouTube
Here’s what’s coming up next:
October 22, 2026: David Buonfiglio - Founder of Mammoth Sales Solutions
November 5, 2026: Simeon Priest - Founder of Equal Parts Cocktail Company and Guide at Pinnacle Business Guides
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.
C9 TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
MEMBER NEWS
C9 Member Abby Johnson from Trinet announced that they’re hosting the event “Building a Workforce that Performs: The Workforce Intelligence Leaders Need for 2027” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM (happy hour to follow) at Glass House in Minneapolis. The panel will focus on the workforce intelligence leaders will need in the year ahead, including AI, workforce planning, compliance, PFMLA, talent strategy, and the trends shaping the future of work. C9 Member Scott Seiler from Community Supporter Seiler Law is one of the panelists. Plus, enjoy networking with fellow business leaders over food and drinks. Leave with actionable insights and confidence for the year ahead. Learn more + register
C9 Member Greg Alexander from Fab Four Labs announced they are co-presenting the event “Know What’s Next: 2027” with the American Marketing Association of Minnesota (AMA) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:30 AM at Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino in Prior Lake. They’re bringing together brand leaders, marketers, and agency professionals to help you understand what you should be thinking about and planning for as you head into 2027. Coalition9 is the proud sponsor of the B2B Marketing breakout session (more info on that further down in the C9 Community News). Learn more + register
Member Darin Lynch from Irish Titan invites you to Ecomm Forum 2026! Half Ecommerce Conference, Half Irish Fair, Half KISS Concert. Join them at Glass House in Minneapolis on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 12:00 to 7:00 PM for the fun. This event is an exploration of the world of ecommerce best practices, new technology, trends, and applicable information. Includes a host of speakers, panelists, and sponsors who are diving into this vast digital space. Keynote speaker: Kelli Williams, Founder + CEO of Legacy Rising. Learn more + register
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 Logan Hershey from RBC Wealth Management was recently recognized on the 2026 Forbes Best in State Next Gen Wealth Advisor list. Congratulations, Logan! Check out the full list here. Connect with Logan through Email or call 612-214-9343 or 612-965-8218.
C9 Member Angela Harder announced that she recently joined Traction Capital as Chief People Officer and is building a bench of talent for their portfolio companies. She would love to connect with current Integrators, Presidents, and leaders of entrepreneurial, fast-growing organizations. Her role spans due diligence, recruiting for our portfolio companies, and HR advisory, so strong operators sit at the center of everything she does. If that's you, or someone you'd recommend, send Angela a note via Email.
C9 Member Susan Haugen from Scouts Talent announced that they have launched a bookkeeping service! You started your business to build something, not to spend your time bookkeeping. They help small business owners keep their books clean, current, and reliable, from monthly financials and reconciliations to clean up and year-end 1099 prep. The goal isn’t just organized books. It’s a clear picture of your business so you can make your next decision with confidence. Curious if they could help? Email bookkeeping@scoutstalent.com or click here to learn more. Connect with Susan via Email or call 952-484-6947.
C9 Community Supporter Cox Insurance is proud to be recognized as a 2026 Minnesota Family Business Award honoree by Twin Cities Business! Since 1950, Cox Insurance has remained family-led and independent, now guided by the third generation of the Cox family. The recognition celebrates the values that have shaped their business for more than 75 years: putting people first, maintaining high standards of service, and building lasting relationships with their clients, associates, and community. Read the full article here.
Member Katy Burke announced that TeamWomen will host its Empower Gala on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at The Metropolitan in Golden Valley. The gala supports TeamWomen's mission to inspire women and girls to rise together through leadership development, mentoring, and youth empowerment. You'll hear powerful stories from a panel of speakers on how the TeamWomen community has transformed their lives personally and professionally. Additionally, sponsors and partners will showcase their commitment to creating positive change, one woman and one girl at a time. Attendees will enjoy a silent and live auction. Become a sponsor | Contribute to the auction | Learn more about the event + register
C9 Member Rebecca Rizzio from Luminous Talent invites you to Own the Night this Spring 2027. Sponsor an unforgettable experience for employees, clients, and community partners with the original family musical "Philly and the Dreamer" at Artistry Theatre and Visual Arts in Bloomington. The performance is yours–up to 350 premium seats, branded welcome signage, optional pre‑show celebration, and an uplifting, multigenerational musical you will never forget. Options to include activations, food, beverage, and more. Each sponsorship is customizable, reflecting your company’s brand, culture, and community spirit. Email Rebecca or call her at 612-412-8832 with questions and to become a sponsor.
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 Volunteer Opportunity: JA North Dream Accelerator
Inspire students to dream big!
The C9 Gives Foundation is putting together a volunteer team for Junior Achievement North's Dream Accelerator, and we're looking for 5 people to join Aaron Eggert, Coalition9 Founder + Community Leader and Executive Director of the C9 Gives Foundation.
📅 Friday, October 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (training included, 9:00 to 10:00 AM)
📍 Junior Achievement North, 1745 University Ave W, St. Paul
Dream Accelerator is an interactive career-exploration experience. It helps students discover their strengths, explore career paths, and connect their interests to higher education and future careers. As a volunteer, you'll support a small group of students through six hands-on activities focused on self-discovery, goal setting, and career planning.
No prior experience needed. Your lived experience is your greatest expertise, and JA North staff will train you on-site.
Join our team by Friday, October 16!
Here's how:
CLICK HERE for the volunteer hub
Create a VolunteerHub account
Select your reserved Dream Accelerator event
Receive a confirmation email with event details and instructions
This is an amazing opportunity to give back, share your insights, and help shape the next generation of leaders. Hope you can join us!
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!
C9 Fall Pop-Up Store
Last chance to get your cold-weather C9 Gear from the Coalition9 Fall Pop-Up Store!
🍁 Open through Wednesday, October 14, 2026 🍁
Now’s the time to grab some cold-weather clothes + accessories. We'll be switching things up in the spring.
We priced all items below cost so our Members, supporters, and followers can get quality C9 Gear at a high value. You'll find brands such as UNRL and Storm Creek—locally owned small businesses that we're proud to support.
A big THANK YOU to our store partner, C9 Community Supporter Innovative Office Solutions!
SAVE THE DATE: November C9 SPARK Event - Preparing for 2027
C9 SPARK Event - Preparing for 2027
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:00 to 11:00 AM
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
SAVE THE DATE for our annual panel discussion on preparing for the upcoming year—from the economy to human capital + benefits and technology to talent—and everything in-between. 😉
Panelists from Tradition Capital Bank, Insperity, Seiler Law, and Erickson Public Affairs, along with moderator Whitney-Lehr Ray, President + Publisher of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, will help guide us into 2027.
Coffee and light breakfast snacks will be provided.
This event is a C9 Member + 1 guest event and general admission tickets will be available as well.
Watch your inboxes for the official email invite tomorrow! Sign up for our email list if you want to receive the invite.
Preregistration is required. The event is limited to 150 attendees, and we expect to sell out. Register early!
EVENT PARTNER + SUPPORTER OPPORTUNITIES
Amplify your brand to our fiercely loyal Members and followers. We have opened Event Partner + Supporter opportunities for our November C9 SPARK Event, our most popular event of the year! Here’s what’s available:
Event Partners: 4 available for $1,500 each
Event Supporters: 3 of 4 available for $500 each
Interested? Contact Aaron Eggert at aaron@coalition9.com today!
Thanks for your consideration and continued support of our community!
EVENT PARTNERS
EVENT SUPPORTERS
Know What’s Next: 2027 - AMA Minnesota
The American Marketing Association of Minnesota + Fab Four Labs present:
Know What’s Next: 2027 - Your Marketing Playbook for the New Year
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
8:00 to 11:30 AM
Location: Hop House at Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino, 2400 Mystic Lk Blvd, Prior Lake, MN 55372
They’re bringing together brand leaders, marketers, and agency professionals to help you understand what you should be thinking about and planning for as you head into 2027. Featuring a networking breakfast, a keynote presentation from Kurt Schmidt, and choice of breakout sessions.
B2B Marketing
Influencer Marketing
Retail Marketing
Sports Marketing
Coalition9 is the proud sponsor of the B2B Marketing breakout session, with C9 Founder + Community Leader Aaron Eggert moderating and C9 Member Darin Lynch from Irish Titan participating as a panelist. C9 Member Greg Alexander from Fab Four Labs, which is an event co-presenter, will be leading the Influencer Marketing breakout session.
Register today - you won’t want to miss it!
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.
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!
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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 😉.
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