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The Weekly Update
Good Morning From The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce!

 

Greetings!

Keep up-to-date with all the happenings at the DCR Chamber and in your community by reading the Weekly Update every Monday!  Have some great business news that you would like to announce?  Let us know so we can spread the news to the rest of our members!
  
  
Important News - Ruthe Batulis Resigning

In case you missed our email last week, we are sad to report that DCR president, Ruthe Batulis, announced her resignation effective April 1, 2013. Ruthe has been our president for the last eight years and her passion and enthusiasm for the Chamber has benefitted many. She will be missed but we wish her well as she prepares for the next chapter of her career. Michele Engdahl, DCR Board Chair, has formed a Search Committee to identify her replacement and the Committee members include:

 

Michele Engdahl, Chair, Thomson Reuters

Allen Glynn, KLC Financial, Inc.

Roz Peterson, Cerron Properties

Phil Stalboerger, Faegre Baker Daniels

Scott Swenson, Home Federal Bank

 

The Committee will  establish a communications plan to keep members informed as the search moves along. To read the press release distributed last week, click here.

  
  
Check out DCR Chamber's NEWEST music video, Chamber Style!
Chamber Style (Gangnam Style Parody)
Chamber Style (Gangnam Style Parody)
  
  
Don't forget to read the DCR Chamber's Blog on Eagan Patch each week.
Comments and feedback encouraged!
DCR Chamber Events Calendar 
  
Tuesday, February 12th at 8:00am
Rosemount Fire Station #1
2875 145th Street West, Rosemount  
  
Wednesday, February 13th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, February 13th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
  
Thursday, February 14th at 8:00am
The UPS Store
3432 Denmark Avenue, Eagan
  
Tuesday, February 19th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, February 20th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, February 21st at Noon
Guiseppe's
15090 Chippendale Avenue West, Rosemount
  
Thursday, February 21st at 4:30pm
Buck Hill
15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville
 
Wednesday, February 27th  at 7:30am
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
  
Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, February 27th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, February 28th at 7:30am
Hilton Garden Inn
1975 Rahncliff Court, Eagan
  
Thursday, February 28th at 8:00am
Burnsville Performing Arts Center
12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville

Ribbon Cuttings

Opening a new business or remodeling your current business? Let us know and we can schedule a ribbon cutting! It is a great way to advertise your new store and meet a few DCR Chamber members!  

Rosemount Transit Station

 

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

We invite you to attend these ribbon cuttings to support

your fellow Chamber members!  

 

Tuesday, February 26th at 10:00am

Ribbon Cutting at Basket's On Occasion

Basket's On Occasion

1095 Diffley Road, Eagan

 

Call Jessy at 651.288.9202 to schedule yours today!

 

 

Advertise In The Weekly Update   

     

   

   

Advertising Options

New Member Ad - New members can run an advertisement at a discounted rate of 50% off. This advertisement should be business card size. This is a great way for new members to introduce their company to other members of the chamber.  $50 per ad, per week

 

Basic Ad - 545(w) x 245(h) pixel area to advertise your news, event, sale, etc. displayed on weekly update. This ad is typically placed in the middle of the weekly update.  $100 per ad, per week

 

Weekly Update Sponsorship - 545(w) x 245(h) pixel area to advertise your news, event, sale, etc. displayed on weekly update. This ad is typically placed in the middle of the weekly update. Additionally, your company logo and web address will be displayed in the top left corner of the weekly update for quicker access to your website and company information, as well as being noticed instantly by all viewers.  $150 per ad, per week


 

Contact Jessy at [email protected] or 651.288.9202

to reserve your space.

 
Action Central 
This section contains items that may require YOU to take action, such as RSVP'ing for an event!         

 

2013 DCR Chamber WomEn's Conference

REGISTER TODAY FOR EARLY BIRD RATE! 

The DCR Chamber is pleased to announce the return of The 3rd Annual WomEn's Conference on March 14, 2013 at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center!  This event will connect professionals like yourself while enriching your personal and professional lives.  We are proud to feature Jennifer "JJ" Schaidler, nationally recognized business woman, Anne Pryor and Kathleen Crandall, networking and personal branding experts, as our keynote speakers and a panel of local executives "Women to Watch."  Don't miss out on our early bird rate of $129, register today!

Womens conference logo

      

Register TODAY for the Breakfast With Champions!

CALLING ALL BUSINESS OWNERS!

This month's "Breakfast With Champions" speaker is Jon O'Malley on Thursday, February 28th at 7:30am at the Hilton Garden Inn (1975 Rahncliff Court, Eagan)

. Jon works as a Business Coach helping other entrepreneurs accomplish their goals with their businesses. He has helped many business owners build better, more efficient teams, and make better profits while working fewer hours. We are very pleased to have him for this event to teach you and to help you grow your businesses.


The 7 Drivers of Growth and Profits
In this powerful seminar, you'll learn...

  • How to build a business that can run without you
  • How to break the cycle of chaos
  • What very profitable companies do that others don't
  • The 7 Drivers of Growth and Profits

In this seminar, Jon will discuss how most business owners overlook tracking and improving the key areas that directly effect the growth of the business, while placing their focus and attention on other, less significant areas of the business.

Those that attend this seminar can expect to leave with realistic steps and solutions to build a better, more profitable company.

So don't miss out on this key opportunity to take the next steps towards growing your business.  Click here to learn more or register online!

 

 

 Help us Grow the South Metro Young Professionals- Get Involved!

Are you looking to connect with other young professionals like yourself in the metro area? Or are you a business owner who would like to help your Young Professionals expand their network and develop new business relationships?  If so, join the South Metro Young Professionals group!  The South Metro Young Professionals Group (SMYP) is for dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented Young Professionals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s and/or those that are "young" in experience within their current industry. The mission of the South Metro Young Professionals Group is personal and professional development as well as a way to interact socially, exchange ideas, share common interests, learn about the area's business environment, and engage in the community's future. SMYPG currently consists of the Dakota County Regional Chamber members but hope to grow and include members from throughout the South Metro Area. You do NOT need to be a member of the DCR Chamber to participate in this group.  Connect with SMYP on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep updated on upcoming news and events!  Contact Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved!  

 

 

SBA Launches Affordable Care Act Web Page & Blog

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. The new tools will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with information provided by SBA's federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

"The Affordable Care Act provides small business owners with access and opportunity to provide affordable health care options for their employees," said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. "SBA's new Affordable  Care Act web page and blog will serve as a resource for small business owners who want learn more about how to take advantage of these benefits."

 

SBA's new web page, www.sba.gov/healthcare, breaks down the key provisions of the Act based on business size in the following categories: self-employed, fewer than 25 employees, fewer than 50 employees and more than 50 employees.  

 

The blog, entitled Health Care Business Pulse (www.sba.gov/blog), will provide small business owners with continuous updates about the implementation of the Act.

 

 

Did you know?

As a member of the DCR Chamber, you have access to many things on our website.  You can post events, job openings, hot deals, and register online for events that the chamber is hosting.  An online directory of our members is also available for your access.  All you need to do is go to the DCR Chamber Website, click "members only" on the left side, and log in with your company's login information.  If you don't have this information, Jessy can provide it to you, call 651.288.9202 or email [email protected].  This is a great resource for our members to use! 

 

 

Opportunities to Promote Your Business 

The DCR Chamber is looking for member's to host future networking events.  Being a speaker at The Buzz would be a great opportunity for you to share your company's expertise to other members of the community and chamber.  "Why Not Wednesday" Business After Hours, Coffee Break, Farmington Brew HaHa, and The Rosemount Connection are events that would bring customers into your business.  If you are interested in hosting one of these events or would like more information, please contact Jessy at 651.288.9202 or [email protected].

 News You Should Know
 

Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Study Public Open Houses

Two upcoming Public Open Houses regarding the Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Study will be hosted on Tuesday, February 26th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm at Dakota County Northern Service Center (1 Mendota Road West, West Saint Paul, Room 110) and Thursday, February 28th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Neighborhood House (179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, Ferber Room).  Stop by to hear more about the project's progress, learn about the initial alignment routes identified for further study and provide your input on the initial alignments and transportation needs in the corridor.  Click here to learn more.

 

 

Dave Osberg Chosen as New Eagan City Administrator 

Hastings City Administrator Dave Osberg has reached a tentative agreement to become only the second Administrator in Eagan's history, following the retirement of Tom Hedges in February.  A contract is expected to be formally ratified at Eagan's next City Council meeting, February 5.

 

Osberg was chosen from four finalists who interviewed January 17 and 18.

 

"Eagan had four great candidates to select from who are great assets to their respective communities," said Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. "Dave Osberg emerged as our unanimous choice," Maguire said, "because of his sterling and well-recognized track record, and his genuine enthusiasm for taking our community to the next level. His desire is to make Eagan the very best city in America for people to live, work and play. Dave's working familiarity with our community, our Council and our staff, gives us great confidence that he will hit the ground running."

 

"I am extremely honored to be selected as Eagan's next City Administrator," said Osberg. "While leaving Hastings after more than two decades is difficult," Osberg added, "I 'm truly excited about the opportunity to help Eagan prosper as it takes it next steps into the future. I look forward to helping to guide such a well regarded City and responding to the needs and concerns of the community."

 

Osberg, 54, has been Administrator of Hastings since 1989. He's been very active and knowledgeable about Dakota County issues, having chaired the Dakota Communications Center Executive Committee for the combined public safety answering point for 911 calls in the County, including Eagan. He was also a previous co-chair of the High Performance Partnership (HiPP) committee of city managers and mayors working on joint opportunities among the cities in Dakota County.

 

Mr. Osberg has more than 30 year's full-time experience in local government as a former City Manager and City Administrator in the cities of St. James and Waterville, Minnesota, respectively. He interned for the City of Eagan from 1981-82 where he worked for Tom Hedges. Mr. Osberg has a M.A. degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Mankato State University, and a B.A. in Government from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Osberg and his wife of nearly 29 years, Laurie, have four adult children: Mike, 25; Dan, 24; Sarah, 21; and John, 18.

 

Mr. Osberg is expected to begin his Eagan duties March 25, after wrapping up matters in Hastings.
 

  

A Voice for Spending Discipline 

By: David C. Olson, MN Chamber

State finances and the projected $1.1 billion shortfall for the two-year budget cycle beginning July 2013 are certain to dominate the 2013 Legislature. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our statewide chamber federation remain your voice for spending discipline.

 

Our insistence on focusing first on spending reform to close the gap has drawn a challenge from Gov. Mark Dayton. He asks for specifics from those who advocate a cuts-only approach to balancing the budget, asking how they'd pay for additional programs and services.

 

Even before the governor presented his plan for solving the budget gap, new requests for spending were being forwarded:

  • The Governor's Transportation Finance Advisory Committee is seeking a higher gas tax and tab fees to help the state pay for transportation - boost the gas tax to raise more than $15 billion over the next 20 years and increase vehicle registration fees by 10 percent for another $1 billion. The most recent increase in the gas tax, passed as part of the 2008 transportation law, just took effect this past July.
  • The Education Finance Working Group appointed by state Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius presented a wish list that carries an annual price tag of $634 million.
  • Legislative proposals for the new state health insurance exchange include increasing premiums 3.5 percent to cover operating costs.
  • Many public retirement funds are not in balance, and some employee groups are indicating they want the state to fund the difference.

Then came what the governor promoted as a balanced approach to solving the budget, a combination of increasing taxes and reducing spending. His proposed cuts, unfortunately, are dwarfed by significant tax increases of $2.1 billion. For the next two-year budget cycle, he has proposed a 7.6 percent increase in spending - that represents another $1 billion above the already $1.6 billion in projected growth. His $224 million in spending reductions pale in comparison. The Legislature convened on a common theme of helping Minnesota companies remain competitive in this fragile economy; his proposed budget threatens to send jobs out of the state.

 

You can see why a different approach is needed.

 

The Minnesota Chamber is ready to work with the administration and lawmakers to redesign the way services are delivered. We support the administration's outcomes-based budgeting. We look forward to serious legislative debate on spending priorities and results.

 

The governor and the Legislature will be making decisions about state spending and taxes that will have considerable impact on all of us. Our state leaders must not take actions that will place employers at a competitive disadvantage in the national and global economies. Just look what's happening around us.

 

North Dakota Gov, Jack Dalrymple is recommending reducing the top rates of both the individual income tax and corporate rate. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker announced his goal to lower income taxes for the middle class and small business. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed to lower property taxes for all types of properties. South Dakota presents the longstanding challenge with no individual income or corporate tax. In all fairness, there is more to these comparisons, but the important theme is the message they are sending to investors and employers.

 

Minnesota's general-fund revenue for the 2014-15 budget is projected at $35.8 billion. That's up 2.4 percent from the current biennium, without any tax increases. At the same time, state government spending - without any changes - is anticipated to increase by 4.7 percent to $36.9 billion.

 

We're not advocating a "cut" in spending; we're saying let's live within the additional $850 million the state expects to collect in taxes during the next two years and get smarter about how we deliver programs and services now. Minnesotans will be best served if we focus first on ways to make government more efficient before automatically opening the spigot for higher taxes.

 

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce - www.mnchamber.com.  

 

 

Fake Tech Support Calls- BBB Advises Extreme Caution

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is noting an uptick in reports of the "Tech Support" scam. Consumers have contacted the BBB in recent days reporting phone calls from people identifying themselves as computer technicians and telling potential victims they're calling because they've noted issues with their home - or business - computers. The BBB is urging people not to be fooled by these calls, as they are not legitimate and are designed to either solicit credit card numbers or gain remote access to computers, which could lead to personal or financial information being compromised.

"As in most cases, there's a level of plausibility to this scam," said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. "Scammers tell consumers they're calling because of an operating flaw or because they've noticed their computers are running slow. And many older computers do run slow. However, consumers need to know these cold calls are bogus. When you have a computer problem, you call the expert. It's not the other way around."
In many instances of this scam, people report the callers have foreign accents. They also sometimes identify themselves as being with Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, once these scammers are given access to a computer they can install malicious software, steal personal information, take control of the computer remotely or direct customers to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter their credit card information.

The BBB offers these tips to avoid the Tech Support scam:
  • Don't trust cold calls. Remember, computer firms don't call you about a problem - you call them. Also, never give out your personal information over the phone to someone you don't know. If a caller claims there's a problem with your computer, simply hang up.
  • Protect your computer - All computers should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.
  • Find a computer repair firm you can trust. If you are having computer problems or technical issues, visit bbb.org to find a BBB Accredited Business you can depend on.

 

Hot Deals

Check out the Hot Deals section of the DCR Chamber website for new and exciting specials offered by fellow members. Want to add your own Hot Deal? Login to your "Members Only" section here

Business Briefing 
News on what's happening with our members or businesses in the community! 

 

Kick start your 2013 health and fitness goals with Vital Life Chiropractic & Insider Training's "Maximize Your Metabolism" seminar. You will get vital information from this education-centered seminar focusing on metabolism which will provide participants with a personalized look at their health and fitness. Saturday March 16th 10am-12pm at the Eagan Community Center. Speakers include: Dr. Barb Kaiser of Vital Life Chiropractic and Chris Dixon, M.Ed., President of Insider Training, Inc.

 

Vital Life Chiropractic & Insider Training present:

"Maximize your Metabolism"

Saturday, March 16th 2013

10am-12pm

 

Two experts in the field of Health & Wellness:

Dr. Barbara Kaiser, DC, CCWP

"Your body & thyroid"

 

Chris Dixon, M.Ed.

"Nutrition & Metabolism"

"Exercise & Metabolism"

 

$10 / per attendee

Oasis Room Eagan Community Center

 

For more information or to register contact Insider Training at 612-432-1021or email Chris Dixon at [email protected].

 

 

The Better Business Bureau proudly invites you to join business leaders, ethics officers, business students and professors to raise awareness and dialogue about the critical role business ethics plays in today's workplace and global economy at the 2013 Business Ethics Summit on Wednesday, February 20th from 8:00am - 10:30am at the University of Saint Thomas (Minneapolis).  Gain valuable tools and insight on how to create and promote an ethical environment in your business, and network with other leading professionals as we discuss current business ethics challenges, perspectives and solutions to promote a healthy marketplace.  Continuing education ethics credits can be earned for several professions.  Register online at www.BBBSummit.org! Tickets are $25 per person for Chamber Members!
Schedule:
8:00am-  Breakfast and Networking
8:30am-  Welcome / Keynote Speaker
9:00am-  Business Ethics Panel
 
 

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death in the US, and nearly every person can be saved with proper training, early AED use, and emergency rooms with cath labs.  In the majority of SCA deaths, no family history or personal risk factors have been identified as to why it occurred.  Dakota county is blessed with AED's in hundreds of locales, as well as well stocked police and rescue squads.  We also have some of the finest ER's at Fairview Ridges.  The Dakota County Heart-Restart project has been developed to bring "Hands Only" CPR to thousands of residents in the past two years, as CPR can keep someone alive until first responders can arrive.  In a recent Pioneer Press article (1-13-13), Bill Schwartz, Vice President of MRCIWorksource in Rosemount, was featured as the fortunate benefactor of community CPR, AED use by police, and the Ridges ER.  He is one of the less than 5% of the 350,000 SCA victims that survive.  He is willing to come to your place of business and teach a 45 minute "how to" on hands-only CPR.  The life you save may be your co-worker, your family member, or anyone who may fall suddenly from an SCA.  Please call him at 651-423-8912  to talk about your need.

 

 

You expect choices when you buy a home or car.  Shouldn't you have choices when you purchase home and auto insurance?  As an independent insurance agent Mark Bodin, Elfstrum Consulting, would like to offer you the opportunity to review your current coverage and help you discover if you are getting the best rates possible.  He has helped some people save as much as $2000 a year on their home and auto insurance.  Click here for more information.

 

 

Members of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce are invited to participate in the inaugural Eagan High School STEM Career Fair. The fair will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the EHS Student Commons. Chamber members who specialize in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math are encouraged to set up a display and talk informally to students about the exciting career options with a STEM-focused curriculum. The program is hosted by the Eagan High School FIRST Robotics Team 2220.   Students from the District 196 schools and surrounding area robotics teams will gather for two-hours seeking information from local professionals about career preparation, a typical day, job outlook, your own personal career path, and opportunities in STEM-related fields. There is no cost to chamber businesses to display their products and materials. Eagan High School is located at 4185 Braddock Trail. Interested chamber member businesses seeking more information, or to register, should access http://team2220.org/events/upcoming-and-past-events/stem-career-fair/

February 11, 2013
Weekly Update Sponsor
 
 
In This Issue
Events Calendar
Ribbon Cuttings
Advertising
Action Central
News You Should Know
Business Briefing
New Members

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

1590 Thomas Center Drive, Eagan

651.209.9710

Contact: Megan Nelsen

Website

Chiropractic/Massage/Nutrition

  

Grand Hall Studio

217 Oak Street, Farmington

952.807.2417

Contact: Amy Nielsen

www.grandhallstudio.com

Venue/Meeting Space/Dance Ballroom

 

Insurance by Design, LLC.

14041 Burnhaven Drive, Suite 100, Burnsville

952.808.7005

Contact: LuAnn Paulet

www.insurancedesign.net

Insurance Agency

 

Kwik Kopy Business Center

5708 Upper 147th Street West, Suite 108, Apple Valley

952.953.5522

Contact: Mike Maguire

www.kwikkopy116.com

Printing/Graphic Design/Mailing Servies/Marketing

 

Midwest Dental Eagan

1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 200, Eagan

651.454.4771

Contact: Elaine Stemper

www.midwest-dental.com

Dental Clinic 

 

Randall Clegg

100 River Ridge Court, Burnsville

952.707.2001

Contact: Randall Clegg

www.isd191.org

Education

 

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Jessy Annoni 

Communications and Events Manager

Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan

[email protected]

651.288.9202