Coalition9 Community News - September 2026

Founder Message

Hi C9 Community + Friends!

There's a distinct shift in energy this time of year. The kids are back in school, the calendars are filling up again, and everyone is putting their business brains back in their heads after a summer of vacations, time off, and soaking up the season. Fall has always felt like a second New Year to me—a natural moment to refocus, reconnect, and get intentional about the months ahead.

Last month, we were a proud sponsor of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's Best Places to Work Awards. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the Twin Cities companies setting the bar for great culture, and it was great to represent Coalition9 with the C9ers who came out. Recap and photos are below.

Speaking of MSPBJ, The Power of Nine Podcast is back with an all-new episode—I sat down with their President and Publisher, Whitney-Lehr Koening, for a conversation I think you'll really enjoy.

I'm also thrilled that our C9 Gives Foundation's Project Ascent Mentorship Program is celebrating eight mentor connections! It's been inspiring to watch these relationships take shape. We're still looking for mentees, so if you or someone you know could benefit from a mentor, you'll find details on signing up in this edition of the C9 Community News.

Looking ahead, our next C9 Well event, "Planning the Next Chapter: Wealth, Care, and Legacy," is on September 29th. C9 Members get priority registration through September 13, and we'll open it to general admission on September 14th. Then, save the date for our C9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard on October 10th—our chance to say thank you to this incredible community. It's a fantastic place to enjoy a crisp autumn day with friends and family, and the email invitation will land in your inbox soon. I hope to see you there!

One last thing: get ready to refresh your wardrobe for the cooler weather. Our C9 Fall Pop-Up Store runs September 23rd through October 7th. Subscribe to our email list so you'll know the moment it goes live.

Here's to a happy fall full of new connections and fresh momentum.

Cheers,

Aaron Eggert
Coalition9 Community Leader + Founder

Member Highlights

THE POWER OF NINE PODCAST

Meet some of our Members and Community Supporters on The Power of Nine Podcast.

We’re back from summer break! Give the latest episode a listen:

Episode 110:
Beyond the Headlines
Whitney-Lehr Koening | Watch on YouTube

Here’s what’s coming up next:

September 17, 2026: Matt Norman - CEO at Dale Carnegie North Central US and Co-Founder of Four Corners Exploration

October 1, 2026: Greg Alexander - Founder of Fab Four Labs

October 15, 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

COALITION9 ON YOUTUBE

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 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
Twin Cities Startup Week is September 14-18, 2026. Learn more
C9 Member Steven Schoenberger announced that he will be speaking at The Alternative Board’s (TAB) “How To Run Your Business Without It Running You” event hosted at C9 Community Supporter Seiler Law in Minneapolis on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. At this business owners breakfast, you’ll learn the top factors that hold businesses back and walk away with at least one actionable strategy for your company. Email Steven with questions. Learn more + register
C9 Member Mike Kennedy announced the next "Cyber on Tap" event, Ostra Security's free monthly networking series co-hosted by Optimize Cyber, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:30 PM at Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis. The series brings together IT leaders, business owners, and cybersecurity professionals from across the Twin Cities. Hosted at a local brewery each month, Cyber on Tap helps attendees build connections, exchange ideas, and stay informed on today's evolving threat landscape. Each event includes complimentary food and drinks and casual networking with local business and technology leaders. Whether you're an Ostra client or simply exploring, Mike would love to have you join. 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 facilitator Beth Elliott is launching Founders Founding monthly Work Zones on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Twin Cities Startup Week (September 14-18). Built for founders tired of figuring it out alone, the Work Zone is where you bring what has you stuck and work through it alongside other founders and trusted experts. Come ready to roll up your sleeves and make progress on your business in real time. Email Beth with questions. 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
C9 Community Supporter Insperity announced they're hosting a Lunch & Learn, "Reducing Financial Stress in the Workplace," on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at their Bloomington headquarters. The session features Chris Lambert, a seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader with an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. As Co-Founder and CEO of Advanze, Chris helps organizations understand, measure, and reduce the impact of financial stress. You'll learn how financial stress affects employees and organizations alike, and leave with practical strategies to help your team thrive personally and professionally. Learn more + register
C9 Member Susan Haugen announced that Scouts Talent is sponsoring "The Purpose Pursuit with Amanda Brinkman" on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 1:30 to 5:30 PM at the Guthrie Theater's McGuire Proscenium Stage in Minneapolis. This gathering explores the purpose of mentorship and the impact we can have when we intentionally support others' growth. Brinkman will open the day by sharing a year of research and stories on purpose and mentorship. The event is for anyone who has wrestled with purpose, meaning, identity, and the shifts we feel as the seasons of life change. Tickets start at $72. Learn more + register
What if your print operation could produce more, move faster, and improve profitability—with fewer manual touchpoints? C9 Member Douglas Daninger from Metro Sales Inc. invites you to join Ricoh at PRINTING United 2026, a the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV September 23–25, 2026, to see how integrated production print solutions, workflow automation, software, and services can help streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and turn capacity into growth. Visit booth #N6169 for practical ideas, live solutions, and expert guidance tailored to your business. If you’re attending, book a time to meet with their team HERE. Can’t attend? Connect with C9 member Doug Daninger at 612-798-1235. Learn more
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!
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 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

September C9 Well Event - Planning the Next Chapter: Wealth, Care, and Legacy

C9 Well Event - Planning the Next Chapter: Wealth, Care, and Legacy
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 8:00 to 10:45 AM
Location: Innovative Office Solutions Showroom at International Market Square in Minneapolis

As leaders and entrepreneurs, we spend years building resilient businesses, scaling operations, and planning thoughtful exits. Yet, how often do we apply that same strategic rigor to our personal futures and the long-term care for ourselves and our loved ones?

Join Coalition9 for a high-impact morning designed to bridge personal well-being and business strategy. Moderated by C9 facilitator Tim Flemming, this panel brings together top experts across wealth management, estate law, and health care to help you proactively navigate life's next stages.

Featured Panelists:

Kelly Pedersen | Founder, CAISSA Wealth Strategies – Financial longevity and strategic wealth preservation
Karl Tsuchiya | Estate Attorney, Hellmuth & Johnson – Legacy planning, healthcare directives, guardianship, and legal protections for aging adults
Joshua Wert | Owner, English Rose Suites – Specialized residential care and memory support navigation
Alan Turkus | Owner, Interim Healthcare – In-home care options, healthcare navigation, and family support

This high-impact morning bridges personal well-being and business strategy. You will gain practical clarity on managing complex life transitions, protecting family assets, and making informed decisions before critical moments force your hand. Following the panel, connect directly with peers in small group breakout sessions to digest key takeaways and address real-world scenarios.

C9 Members receive priority registration through September 13, 2026. Open for general admission on September 14, 2026.

Preregistration is required. Limited to 70 attendees.

LEARN MORE

EVENT PARTNERS

C9 WELL EVENT SERIES PARTNER

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!

Event Recap: Coalition9 at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Awards Event

Coalition9 was proud to sponsor the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 2026 Best Places to Work Awards last month at CHS Field. It was an amazing afternoon celebrating the Twin Cities' top 65 businesses setting the standard for exceptional company culture. Recognition like this is rooted in what a company's own people experience every day, and that's a culture worth celebrating.

Sponsoring the event was a chance to do what we love most: building relationships, making connections, and supporting the business community we care so deeply about.

Congratulations to all the 2026 honorees (here’s the full list), including 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 (John Naughtin, Chris Dardis, Kathy Robideau, Kevin Vig)

We're grateful to everyone from the C9 Community who joined us to represent Coalition9.

Thanks to MSPBJ for all you do for the Twin Cities business community and for being such a great partner and C9 Community Supporter.

And no outing to CHS Field is complete without a visit from Mudonna—who was totally into our C9 gear and our articles in the MSPBJ! Give them a read:

The Power of Nine: How Coalition9 Is Changing Business Nine Leaders at a Time | April 2026

C9 Gives: Meet the Foundation Supporting Minnesota's Emerging Businesses and Entrepreneurs | August 2026

C9 Annual Signature Experience - Connect + Clarify What Deserves Your Attention

What deserves your attention?

For most of us, that question gets buried under the daily demands of personal and professional life. The C9 Annual Signature Experience is a chance to step back from the noise, connect with fellow C9ers, and get clear about what deserves your attention.

C9 Annual Signature Experience
Capitol Reef National Park Hiking + Canyoneering in Boulder, UT
May 4–7, 2027

Join Coalition9 and Four Corners Exploration for a signature experience that's about far more than hiking and canyoneering. It's a chance to put yourself in an environment that leads to meaningful connections with fellow C9ers—and to come away more grounded and focused on what matters most.

Yes, you'll traverse stunning desert terrain, travel through surreal rock formations, and take in panoramic views in one of America's most secluded landscapes, Capitol Reef National Park. But the real journey is the one that strengthens our community, deepens our purpose, and reconnects you with your priorities.

Limited to 10 participants. A $1,000 nonrefundable deposit is due to reserve your spot.

Registration closes November 1, 2026.

TELL ME MORE

Connect with our C9 Signature Experience Partner, Four Corners Exploration, to be added to the priority registration list:

SIGN UP FOR THE C9 SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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.

COALITION9 EVENTS

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

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