2012 June Newsletter

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MISSION: The Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce will serve as the advocate, resource and leader for its members and the business community by

- delivering networking and marketing opportunities - assisting economic development

- influencing public policy - providing member education - and promoting tourism.

Welcome to the Lakeville Chamber Newsletter

June 2012

SAVE THE DATES

June 27

TWINS DAY OUT

11:00 am bus departure from Carbone's Pizza

1:10 pm first pitch

$50 per ticket

4:30-6:30 After Hours at Carbone's

July 19

TREASURE ISLAND CASINO DINNER CRUISE
5:00 pm bus departure

6:00 - 8:00 dinner cruise

$20 per person

($10 donated to our Chamber food drive)

6th Annual Chamber

FOOD DRIVE

June 18-Aug 10

These are some difficult times, so please join the Lakeville Chamber's efforts to collect food and have some fun!

All donations benefit

360 Communities and Lakeville Resource Center.

Friendly competition with prizes for the business

that collects:

- most pounds of food; and

- most pounds of food per employee.

July 19 is the mid-point party with a dinner cruise at Treasure Island Casino

in which proceeds from ticket sales go to the food drive.

Finally, we will celebrate the success on August 28 at the the 8th Annual Lakeville Chamber Twins Night as the Twins take on the Seattle Mariners.

LINK TO LAKEVILLE CHAMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CONGRATULATIONS LAKEVILLE
HOSPITALITY STAR EMPLOYEES!

RISING STAR AWARD

Alex Rios, Comfort Inn

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Mona Abraham, AmericInn

EVERY DAY HERO

Lynn Dilley, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

Awards sponsored by the Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Summer Special

50% SAVINGS

YOUR AD HERE

reserve this space for the next three months for only $90 (what a fabulous deal -

only $30 per month)

includes website link

MEMBER TO MEMBER NEWS

Happy anniversary to Lakeview Bank for celebrating 8 years in Lakeville!

Congratulations to Dakota Electric Association for 75 years in business!

Lakeville hotel packages include

discounts to:

Valleyfair

Mall of America

MN Zoo

Renaissance Festival

Elko Speedway

and more!

Find out more about our
HOT DEALS at www.VisitLakeville.org

and LIKE us on Facebook!

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS

SSF Deals LLC
Charles Gerk
21021 Heron Way, Suite 107
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-236-9880

USA Lamp & Ballast
Recycling, Inc
Steve Kimmel
7650 215th Street W
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-469-1060

Genpak LLC
Mary Lockwood
8235 220th Street W
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-881-8673

Ponytail Xpress
Susan Flannigan
12265 210th Street W
Lakeville, MN 55044
952-290-6206

Northfield Hospital & Clinic
Scott Richardson
2000 North Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
507-646-1000

CONGRATS
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Pizza Ranch Lakeville

2012

Board of Directors

President

Karen Wentworth

Hobo, Inc./Chemquist Inc.

Vice President

Shelia Longie

Document Destruction/Shred Right

Second Vice President

Bob Curtis

Farmers Insurance

Past President

Bruce Rydeen

Cerron Commercial Properties

Secretary

Glenn Starfield

Express Employment Professionals

Officers

Dean Simon, Ace Hardware & Paint

Dick Dahl, MOM Brands

Kristina Murto, Ensemble Creative
& Marketing

Jamie Dahlen, Holiday Inn & Suites

Mike Puppe, Lakeview Bank

Darrell Mullenbach, CliftonLarsonAllen

Emily Fox Williams, Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A.

Mike Bischel, Bischel Builidng Inc.

Ex-officio

Steve Mielke, City of Lakeville

Dr. Lisa Snyder, Lakeville ISD 194

Chamber Staff

Todd Bornhauser

Executive Director

Jeanne Marie Hutter

Director of Marketing,Tourism & Communications

Linda Rynda

Director of Membership Services

Michele Shea

Accountant, Administrative Coordinator

www.LakevilleChamber.org

Jeanne 2009

www.VisitLakeville.org

LAKEVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
19950 Dodd Blvd. Suite 101 Lakeville, MN 55044

952.469.2020

FAX: 952.469.2028

info@lakevillechamber.org

FROM THE EXECS DESK

By Todd Bornhauser, Lakeville Chamber Executive Director

It is hard to believe it is the end of June and the year is half over. We have accomplished so much these past 6 months, but have an overflowing plate for the remainder of 2012.

So far this year, the Chamber has implemented a new data management system and rolled out a new website. While we still have a few minor items to get resolved, we have received an overwhelming positive response to the changes made. The new system allows members to control their own data and make changes when needed. Please take advantage of the enhanced listing option on the website prior to July 31st to take advantage of the $100 per year guarantee. This allows you to add your logo, pictures, video, expanded character listing, job listings and offer hot deal coupons! Look for the Chamber to host informational training sessions during the month of July so you can maximize the potential of the site.

The Chamber had another successful Landscape & Home/Consumer Showcase Expo in March at Lakeville North High. This is the only full-scale business expo geared to area residents done in Lakeville. While beautiful spring weather lowered attendance slightly, our vendors commented on the ability to interact with interested customers and the increase in qualified leads they were able to generate from the show. If you have not participated in the past, you need to put this event on your calendar for 2013! This is a low cost way of reaching residents who utilize your goods and services.

The success of our annual Golf Classic in May boasted a sell out with 148 golfers and sponsors interacting with golfers at every hole - the first time we have sold out the event in 4 years! This is an excellent opportunity to interact with managers/owners/decision makers in a casual environment to promote your business.

From monthly networking events like our morning business brews, networking after hours, South of the River business expo, to the numerous marketing opportunities like the membership directory, weekly e-blasts, calendar of events, New Resident Mailing Pacs and monthly newsletters, there are always opportunities to promote your business each and every day.

So, what is on the calendar for the rest of the year? How about the Business Food Drive, Lakeville Chamber Twins Night, scheduled morning business brews and networking after hours, monthly luncheons including the State of the City and the Holiday social, Lakeville map advertising project, Lakeville Chamber Foundation bowling tournament, Fall Gala, Candidate forums for city council, mayor, school board and state legislative candidates, review and input on the city's CIP and budget proposals, Dakota County Business After Hours, and the Chamber's strategic planning retreat to name a few.

We take pride in our office that over the past 10 years we have increased the size of the Chamber from 200 to 400+ members, doubled the number of major events, increased the number of networking events, expanded fourfold the number of marketing opportunities available for members, and increased our advocacy presence. And all with only adding one part time position during that time. However, we have never lost sight that this is YOUR chamber, we are here to serve OUR members, and we need YOUR input to continue to improve and strengthen the Chamber for a growing and vibrant business community.

We are well on our way, and this is YOUR invitation to join us in making the Lakeville Area Chamber the premier chamber in Dakota County, the metro area, and in the state!

SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT

By Karen Wentworth, 2012 Chamber President

In May, I had the opportunity and privilege to attend the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Summit held in Washington DC. Chamber member Ken Wentworth of Hobo Inc/Chemquest Inc. and Lakeville Chamber Exec Todd Bornhauser also attended.

The conference speakers presented a variety of topics including the status of the economy, and utilizing social media to promote one's business. Our group had the opportunity to meet with our senators and congressional staff.

Business promotion was an emphasized topic at the summit. In our case, this would be the promotion of our own businesses and/or the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce such as "how do we accomplish this effectively?" and "how do we capture the attention of potential customers and/or potential members?" Whether it was updating and revamping a website or jumping into social media (i.e. Facebook or Twitter), we must be willing to try new avenues to attract and retain customers/members.

One way that the Lakeville Chamber has tried new things is through our new website which allows our members to update and promote their businesses, promote "hot deals" and post job openings and have links to their own websites.

Our next step is to venture into the uncharted world of social media. This goal may seem easy for some, but for others like myself, Facebook and other social media are tools of our children and they present a challenge. Despite this hesitation, the Chamber will look at these medias and determine the best course of action to remain prudent in communication.

In the meantime, we will continue to promote and support our member businesses by patronizing fellow members. We have an initiative in place for staff, board members and ambassadors to carry Chamber "business" cards when making purchases. Extra cards are available for members if you wish to help us make a "presence".

Lastly, we will also be promoting the Chamber and member businesses on July 7th during the Pan-O-Prog parade when we team up with students form LSHS DECA - our future Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce Members - to hand out cards and candy to Lakeville residents.

Have a safe and prosperous summer!

Sincerely,

Karen Wentworth, 2012 Lakeville Chamber President

Hobo Inc. / Chemquest Inc.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS/PUBLIC POLICY
By Todd Bornhauser, Lakeville Chamber Executive Director

Minnesota School of Business Conducts Surveys on Behalf of the Lakeville Area Chamber

The Minnesota School of Business has conducted two different surveys on behalf of the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce over the past 6 months. Thomas Hilla with the school and staff, have coordinated with two classes in the development of a project resulting in implementation of our business survey. Students conducted the survey, working with a set of questions developed and approved by a task force of the Public Policy Committee. Although the survey is not statistically valid due to the limited responses from business owners and manager, it does give a very broad perspective of the mood and opinions of the business community. Below is a recap of the two surveys.

I. The first survey, conducted in the spring of 2012, surveyed 18 businesses:

What was the primary reason you located your business in Lakeville?

* Growing community that presents opportunities. (top answer)

* Knew the area, price of land, family in the area.

Do you own or rent/lease the building?
* 50% own their building, 50% lease their building

Does your business have plans to expand or renovate in the next one to three years?

* 3 business said yes, 15 businesses said no

Are there any conditions under which you would relocate your business to another city?

* 7 of 16 businesses said they would consider moving out of Lakeville

1. if locations became bad

2. taxes increase

3. cost of rent increases

How many individuals do you employ at your Lakeville location? Full time/part time

* 300+ employees - 1

* 50+ employees - 1

* Mostly PT but under 25 total - 2

* 11-50 full time employees - 4

* Under 10 full time employees - 10

Has your business been impacted by traffic congestion/construction in the past 2 years?

* 3 - Yes - Cedar Avenue project

* 14 - No

What do you consider the best approach to transportation?

* 6 - Lane Expansion

* 1 - Improvement of Street and Highways

* 3 - Buses

* 2 - Lane expansion and buses

* 4 - No answer

When you consider the property taxes you pay and the quality of city services you receive, are they equal?

* 8 - Yes

* 9 - No (taxes keep increasing/property taxes are too high)

Do you think that the City of Lakeville listens to local business owners opinions?

* 14 - Yes

* 6 - No - (city is difficult to deal with, sometimes they listen, too political)

Overall, do you think things in Lakeville are headed in the right direction?

* 10 - Yes

* 3 - No (city too involved in city looks, businesses are too separated)

What improvements would you like to see improve with the Lakeville city services?

* Intersection on I-35

* More big business, restaurants, and stores

* Bad parking, running out of spaces in areas

* Less employees - too many workers standing around at projects

* Improve business turnover rates downtown

* Fix highway 70

* Police could be friendlier

Are there any ordinances and/or regulations that limit ability to do business in Lakeville?

* 17 - No

* 1 - Yes - Issues with signage outside of businesses/parking ordinances

Is the quality and timeliness of the streets maintained such as snow plowing satisfactory?

* 17 - Yes

* 1 - No

Do you feel like crime has increased, decreased or stayed the same?

* 13 - Stayed the same

* 3 - Increased

* 2 - Decreased

Have you had any concerns with your business being located in Lakeville?

* 16 - No

* 1 - Yes

Is you business a current member of the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce?
* 15 - Yes - feel it is important to belong, Chamber promotes businesses
* 3 - No

II. The second survey was complete in June, surveyed 10 businesses:

How long has your business been at its current location?

* 1 - 1 year and under

* 3 - 1-5 years

* 3 - 5 to 10 year

* 3 - 10-20 years

Why did you choose to put your business in Lakeville?

* Lakeville is a prime business location

* Key demographic

* Growing community

Do you think property taxes are proportionate to the services you receive from the city?

* 3 - Yes

* 1 - No

* 6 - Unsure, no answer

Do you think the City of Lakeville listens to local business owners' opinions?

* 6 - Yes

* 1 - No

* 3 - sometimes

Do you feel like crime has increased, decreased or stayed the same?

* 7 - Stayed the same

* 2 - Decreased

* 1 Increased - increase in shoplifting - increase in traffic violations

Are there any ordinances/regulations that limit your ability to do business in Lakeville?

* 8 - No

* 2 - Yes - complaints about advertising ordinance

Have you ever considered relocating your business?

* All business said they have never considered relocating their business

* Numerous have considered expanding their business in Lakeville.

Has traffic and construction affected your business in Lakeville?

* 6 - No

* 4 - Yes Construction has caused their business to slow down

Higher traffic flow has caused better business

Construction has influenced their business for the better

A transit bus top near their location could benefit their business

Number of Employees

* 5 - 1 to 10 employees

* 3 - 10 to 20 employees

* 2 - 20+ employees

Current member of the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce

* 9 - Yes (networking, helped the business to grow, good affiliation)

* 1 - No

Where do we go from here? The Chamber and the Minnesota School of Business would like to continue to survey Lakeville area businesses. We are planning a written survey that would ask more in-depth questions concerning business expansion and the overall business environment. We are also looking into using electronic surveys, and follow up telephone conversations.

We thank all of the business who have taken the time to participate in these surveys. In the future, we ask the businesses that receive a request from the Minnesota School of Business or the Chamber of Commerce to take the time to participate. This is your opportunity to express your opinions and help shape the direction and issues that the Chamber advocates on your behalf. Please be assured that the Chamber does not know who has responded, just that we need more businesses to do so.

Please contact the Chamber office at 952-469-2020 if you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation of the results of the survey.

BUSINESS EDUCATION COMMITTEE UPDATE
by Chair Bob Fink, Northfield Hospital

Even though school is out for the summer, our Business Education Committee is hard at work. At our next meeting on June 20th (7:30 in the administrative offices of Lakeville North High School if you wish to join us), we will be preparing welcome information for all new staff and teachers of the ISD-194 Lakeville school district to be distributed in August by the committee.

Our teacher appreciation breakfasts will begin again in September. All elementary schools, high schools, early childhood education and the area learning center will be visited during throughout the school year.

The Chamber Foundation's annual bowling event will be held at Brunswick Zone XL on September 18th. SAVE THE DATE. This is great FUN and proceeds from this event support our committee and other Chamber programs related to education.

Planning is now underway for the annual Career Jamboree which will be held at Lakeville South High School on November 5, 2012. Another SAVE THE DATE!

All chamber members are invited to join our Committee!

Please contact Linda Rynda, Members Services Director at the Chamber office if you are interested in joining the team.

AROUND TOWN

By Adam Kienberger, City of Lakeville - Economic Development Specialist

Adam K This feature provides updates on new and expanding business developments in Lakeville. If you have questions on business development in the City, please call Adam Kienberger at

952-985-4425.

Project Updates

Genpak Moves Production Lines

to Lakeville

Genpak is completing work on the former Berry Plastics plant located at 8235 220th Street. The City recently issued a building permit to allow the company to construct a small addition on the north side of the existing building for a paint mixing room. Several of the production lines have been moved from Bloomington and are up and running in Lakeville. The remaining production lines will move and begin operation in Lakeville by the end of August.

Roffe Container Purchases Facility in Lakeville

Roffe Container is expanding its Moorhead-based business to Lakeville. Roffe Container describes their business as an "extrusion blow molding company providing quality containers to the dairy, water, juice, honey, and industrial markets in the Midwest." The company purchased the former Genpak facility on Hamburg Avenue in the Airlake Industrial Park and plans on moving into the 46,000-square-foot building early this fall.

Lakeville Unemployment Rate Declines

Lakeville continues to experience low unemployment with its second most favorable rate since 2008. As of April, 2012 Lakeville's unemployment rate was at 4.5%. This compares to an unemployment rate of 4.9% in Dakota County, 5.2% for the State of Minnesota, and 7.7% nationally. This economic indicator is one more reason Lakeville is "Positioned to Thrive."

Building Permit Update

The City issued building permits with a total valuation of $38,132,171 through May. This compares to a total valuation of $22,362,980 through May of 2011. The City issued commercial and industrial permits with a total valuation of $3,157,500 through May compared to a total valuation of $3,694,500 during the same period in 2011.

The City has also issued permits for 93 single-family homes through May with a total valuation of $27,018,000. This compares to 44 single-family home permits through May of 2011 with a total valuation of $13,096,000.

These updates along with other business news and information can be found on the City's website at www.lakevillebusiness.com.

FROM THE MINNESOTA CHAMBER By: David Olson, President

CELEBRATE THE 4th - HIRE A VETERAN

Independence Day is fast approaching. As we fly our flags, it's an appropriate time to honor those individuals who have fought for and preserved our American freedoms. Minnesotans can especially be proud of our military men and women.

Many of us have witnessed "welcome home" parades for the returning members of our armed forces. And though it's a "feel good" moment for veterans, the limelight can quickly fade as they face the realities of returning to civilian life - often with the prospect of no gainful employment. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce encourages all employers to give veterans the gift of lasting independence.

The fact is that Minnesota veterans are unemployed; that's cause for concern. The national jobless rate for veterans from the post-9/11 Gulf War is 9.2 percent, according to latest statistics. The good news is that the number has dropped about a percent since the beginning of the year. The bad news is that veterans' unemployment is still appreciably higher than Minnesota's overall jobless rate of 5.6 percent.

Minnesota has been especially proactive in supporting returning veterans and their families through the Yellow Ribbon campaign. Through this designation, communities commit to creating a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers to assist members of armed forces. The first Minnesota community was proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon city in 2008; more than 100 are expected to be on board by the end of this year.

The state of Minnesota has made it particularly easy for employers to connect with veterans by following three steps: 1. Post your available job on www.MinnesotaWorks.net and label it "veteran friendly." 2. Visit your nearest Minnesota Workforce Center at ww.positivelyminnesota.com and contact a veterans employment representative; let him or her know you want to hire a veteran. 3/ Connect with your local Yellow Ribbon Network to find service members who may be looking for a new opportunity; find your network at www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.

The Minnesota Chamber, as a strong supporter of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, advocated for veterans at the 2012 Legislature. Employers now have the right under the letter of the law to express a hiring preference for all veterans, and spouses of veterans who have died or have a service-related disability.

It's also clear that veterans, on their own merit, are deserving of jobs. The shortage of qualified workers has been well documented in Minnesota. Veterans present a bright spot in that regard. Members of the Guard and Reserve offer ideal employee traits. Their performance in the service depends on being "on time, all the time" with a focus on responsibility and professionalism. Their worldwide service gives them an appreciation of the competition that employers face in the global marketplace. And they can be counted on for their leadership.

We salute the men and women of our armed forces and welcome them into our workplaces.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.