The Weekly Biz Buzz
February 2, 2015
NEW CHAMBER PROGRAM:
Executive & Business Owner's Roundtable

The Shakopee Chamber is excited to announce a new program for 2015, the Executive & Business Owner's Roundtable!  The Executive & Business Owner's Roundtable provides a structured, confidential and trusting environment for executives and business owners to give and receive the benefit of their experiences to help resolve business challenges.  Participation in this group allows leaders to make better strategic decisions, focus on "the right things," improve communication and build long-term relationships.

Meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Chamber office.  
 
Click here to learn more about the Executive & Business Owner's Roundtable.
Events
REGISTER TODAY!

Join the Shakopee Chamber  at the Reds, Whites and Brews event on March 13, 2015 at Canterbury Park.  Grab your all access pass to taste some of the greatest wines, beers and bites.  Tantalize your taste buds as you sample a variety of great wines and beers from your local liquor stores and brewery.

Bid on unique experience packages in the auction, enjoy live entertainment by Tim Mahoney and get your silly on in our interactive photo booth!

General admission tickets are $45 per person in advance or $50 at the door.  VIP tickets are $75 per person, limited availability. VIP tickets include a pre-party from 6:00pm - 7:00pm with 2 glasses of wine or beer, food and a private concert with Tim Mahoney.  Click here to register online or contact the Chamber office at 952.445.1660.
 
 Sponsorship opportunities available.  Click here or contact Jessy at 952.445.1660 or jannoni@shakopee.org for more information on how you can get involved in this fun event!
Events Calendar
  
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2

3

7:30am

ChamberNet 

4

7:30am

Legislative Breakfast: State of the City Address 

5

7:30am

ChamberNet 

6
9

10

7:30am

ChamberNet 

11

11:30am

Business Builder Luncheon: The LEADERSHIP Connection 

12

7:30am

ChamberNet 

13
16

17

7:30am

ChamberNet

18 

19

7:30am

ChamberNet 

20
23

24

7:30am

 ChamberNet 

25

7:30am

ShakopeeConnect: The Happy Hour Effect

 

10:00am

Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Shelly's Creations 

26

7:30am

ChamberNet 

27
Economic Development
New Interactive Map Highlighting Shakopee Development

Curious about that new building under construction or why crews are tearing up a street?  The City has a new interactive projects map to highlight current commercial and residential development projects, as well as ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Click here to view the map!
Main Street Update
Battle of the Brushes
Calling all creative-types!  Main Street Shakopee Design Team seeks teams to compete in the Battle of the Brushes, a mural design competition!  Teams select a mural theme, develop a design and paint a wall mural during a live painting battle!  The top three winning murals will receive prize packages.  Designs from the event will be incorporated into a mural at Holmes Street Pedestrian tunnel in downtown Shakopee.  Click here for more information.
Public Policy
Join us March 3 for Business Day NOT at the Capitol
By: Bill Blazar, Interim President of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
 
Gov. Mark Dayton has released his budget for the next two years, signaling once again that he has little interest in making progress on Minnesota's competitiveness. The statewide business community needs to send a united message to the governor and legislators: Use the state's projected $1 billion surplus to reduce some of our uncompetitive business taxes.

March 3 is the perfect opportunity. Please join the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our local chamber partners for our annual Business Day NOT at the Capitol.

There's a twist to our event this year. The State Capitol is under construction, so we are bringing the lawmakers to you. All activities will be at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront. We promise a new format and new opportunities.

Nothing makes a better impression on our elected officials than hearing firsthand from their constituents. Business Day NOT at the Capitol is the perfect venue to learn the latest about issues that affect your bottom line and deliver a personal message to policy decision-makers. Let legislators know how decisions at the Capitol affect your ability to grow in Minnesota and compete in the global economy.

Morning and luncheon keynote speakers will energize you for the afternoon. The event is also a chance to:
  • Network with your peers from across Minnesota.
  • Rally with your recognized region of the state.
  • Quiz key legislators on hot topics from education to transportation to environment.

Minnesota is enjoying some of its best economic times in recent years with a projected surplus of more than $1 billion for the next two-year budget cycle, growing to $3 billion for the following two years. The governor's budget, unfortunately, missed the opportunity to provide tax relief. He used the majority of the surplus to lock in long-term, permanent spending, raising taxes on some employers, and increasing fees.

His recommendations are disappointing and shortsighted. Businesses and individuals absorbed a series of tax increases in 2013 that topped $2 billion. Budget surpluses in 2013 and 2014 - in the billions of dollars - clearly present a chance to make Minnesota businesses more competitive and ensure more investment is made in our state.

Attend Business Day NOT at the Capitol and send the message: This is not the time to raise taxes again. Use this opportunity to ease some of the cost burdens on employers to best position Minnesota in a changing and growing economy.

As one employer, your voice can be a whisper. Combine it with hundreds of others, and your voice becomes a roar. Your voice makes a difference. We look forward to seeing you March 3.

 

SHAKOPEE CHAMBER MEMBERS - Interested in attending Business Day NOT at the Capitol?  Contact Angie Whitcomb at 952.445.1660. 
School Board Accepts Preference for Expanded High School

The Shakopee School Board on Monday took the first step in authorizing a $102.5 million bond referendum that would fund a 1,600-student addition to Shakopee High School. The board's action came after voters strongly rejected a referendum in March that would have established a second high school, so the district would have two smaller schools. The two-school referendum was voted down by a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent.

Click here to read more.
2015 State of the City Address
Hear from Mayor Tabke About the Future of Shakopee
  
The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for this month's Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, February 4th from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Knights Event Center (1760 East 4th Avenue, Shakopee) for the annual State of the City Address.  Mayor Brad Tabke will be providing us with an update on the city, areas of focus, challenges facing Shakopee and much more.

Investment: $25 per person (member discount) or $35 per person (regular rate), includes breakfast

Please join us for this informational and interactive meeting. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and learn about what you can expect for your community in the upcoming year.  Register online or RSVP to Jessy Annoni at 952.445.1660 or jannoni@shakopee.org.
Membership
Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Trosen Land Surveying
Another New Business in Downtown Shakopee!

The Shakopee Chamber celebrated the ribbon cutting of Trosen Land Surveying in downtown Shakopee!  We are excited to have Trosen Land Surveying as a part of our community and wish them great success.  Learn more about Trosen Land Surveying at www.trosenlandsurveying.com. 
New Member Announcement
Welcome to the Shakopee Chamber!

Finish Line Wellness
Contact: Britny Wiest
4401 Egan Drive, Savage
952.746.4162
Chiropractor

 

Thrivent Financial

Contact: Eric Menge

701 Xenia Avenue South, Suite 550, Golden Valley

763.746.3167

www.thrivent.com

Financial Services 
MACVB Silent Auction Open!

The Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB) is a not-for-profit organization that provides member bureaus with legislative information, continuing education and public recognition of the tourism and convention industry in Minnesota. MACVB is a united voice dedicated to the needs of destination marketing organizations and helps to develop the state's tourism industry by providing industry education and leadership. The proceeds from this Silent Auction supports MACVB, enabling the organization to fulfill its mission.

Click here to check out what great items they have to offer!
Member and Community News
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
 
The Scott County Historical Society invites you to Archaeology: The Minnesota River Bridge Dig presentation on February 19th... more information here.
 
Thrivent Financial Keystone Group invites you to "Shop SMARTER," a workshop to teach you how to properly navigate the grocery store, on February 24th... read more.
 
The Scott County Historical Society invites you to Funky 70's Fashion: Ladies' Night In on February 12th... click here for more information.
  
Fish Fest Minnesota, a fishing show for Twin Cities anglers is coming to the Canterbury Park event center February 13-15... read more.
 
Wiggle Your Toes invites you to attend their Winter Charity Event helping amputees heal, recover and flourish on February 6th... more information here.
  

*Interested in seeing your business news in the Weekly Biz Buzz? Submit your press releases to Jessy Annoni at jannoni@shakopee.org.
Jessy Annoni
Events and Communications Director
Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau
1801 East County Road 101
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone:  952.445.1660
Give us a call today!