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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!
  

 

New Executive Search in Process to

Identify Next DCR Chamber President

In January, DCR Chamber President, Ruthe Batulis, announced her resignation effective April 1, 2013.  Michele Engdahl, DCR Board Chair, has formed a Search Committee to identify Ruthe's replacement and the Committee members include:

 

Michele Engdahl, Chair, Thomson Reuters

Allen Glynn, KLC Financial, Inc.

Gary Huusko, Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer, P.A.

Roz Peterson, Cerron Properties

Phil Stalboerger, Faegre Baker Daniels

Scott Swenson, Home Federal Bank

 

The Committee has created a position profile and it is now posted. You can see it 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, March 12th at 8:00am
MRCI Worksource
15191 Boulder Court, Rosemount
  
Wednesday, March 13th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber Office
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, March 13th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
  
Thursday, March 14th at 8:00am
Rasmussen College
3500 Federal Drive, Eagan
  
Thursday, March 14th at 11:00am
Lost Spur Golf and Event Center
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan
  
Tuesday, March 19th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30am
The Steeple Center
14375 South Robert Trail, Rosemount
  
Thursday, March 21st at 7:30am
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Parkway, Eagan
  
Friday, March 22nd at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Tuesday, March 26th at 7:30am
West Saint Paul City Hall
1616 Humboldt Avenue, West Saint Paul
  
Wednesday, March 27th at 7:30am
Farmington City Hall
340 3rd Street, Farmington
 
Wednesday, March 27th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, March 28th at 8:00am
IMAX Theater
12000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley
 
Wednesday, March 27th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, March 28th at 7:30am
Hilton Garden Inn
1975 Rahncliff Court, Eagan
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!  
  
Baskets on Occasion, Eagan
  
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
We invite you to attend these ribbon cuttings to support
your fellow Chamber members!
  
Tuesday, March 12th at 4:00pm
The Joint
1380 Duckwood Drive, Suite 102, Eagan  
  
Wednesday, March 13th at 5:15pm
Hampton Inn Eagan
3000 Eagandale Place, Eagan
  
Thursday, April 18th at 4:00pm
Bellacu Acupuncture Health Clinic
1200 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 375, Mendota Heights
  
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

THIS WEEK- REGISTER TODAY! 

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 this great opportunity to take your personal and professional lives to the next level, register today!

Womens conference logo

 

Health Care Exchange 

The DCR Chamber supports a Minnesota developed Health Care Exchange that provides choice, competition and innovation in health insurance products.  We support the goal of health care reform to enhance health care coverage. We are concerned changes under the Affordable Health Care Act  will add costs without value by adding to the growing burden of taxes and assessments.

 

Contact our Eagan Rep. Laurie Halverson at 651-296-4128 or email her at [email protected] and THANK her for her difficult vote to remove the "active purchaser provision" in House File 5!

 

   

DCR Chamber Hosts State of the City Events

The DCR Chamber invites you to attend the following State of the City Addresses.  This is a great opportunity to hear the successes of the last year and hear what the future will bring for the community where you live, work or play.  Mark your calendars for your State of the City Address!

Rosemount-  March 20th at 7:30am at The Steeple Center

Eagan-  March 21st at 7:30am at Eagan Community Center

West Saint Paul-  March 26th at 7:30am at City Hall

Farmington- March 27th at 7:30am at City Hall

 

 

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!  

 

 

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
  

Dayton Drops Much-Criticized Business Sales Tax Plan  

As reported by the Star Tribune, Governor Dayton is dramatically retooling his budget proposal and will scrap his heavily criticized tax on businesses services. Read more here.

  

 

The City of Eagan Lodges Complaint Against Comcast

Spurred on by the complaints of upset residents, the City of Eagan has opted to send a complaint regarding Comcast's business practices to Eagan's Congressional delegation.  Read more on Patch.

 

 

Child Care Union Fight is Back at the Capitol

Last year the DCR Chamber has opposed Family Home Day Care Unionization.  The Star Tribune announced this week the "Child care union fight is back at Minnesota Capitol." Click here to read more.

 
 
Invest in Early Childhood Education
Join business and civic leaders to learn about an exciting new program the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District is offering parents to give them the tools they need to teach their children from birth to 5 years so they will arrive in kindergarten ready to learn.  The free After Hours event will be held Tuesday, March 19, 4:30pm - 6:30pm at Morgan's at the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn (14201 Nicollet Avenue South, Burnsville).  Click here to learn more.

 

 

Jon O'Malley Speaks at DCR Chamber Breakfast With Champions

Jon O'Malley, Head Coach at YouProfit Business Coaching, spoke to DCR Chamber members at the Breakfast With Champions on Thursday. During his presentation, Jon stressed the importance in "remembering to work on your business, not just in your business" and gave attendees the tips and tricks on how to do just that.

6 key areas to focus on to better your business:

  1. Inner Game- You need to be constantly educating yourself, focusing on something spiritual, exercising and goal setting to reach that next level.
  2. Niche- Find something that sets you apart and makes you different from your competition.
  3. Mastery- Master the fundamentals of time and financial management.
  4. Team- Show appreciation for your employees and help them see your vision and goals for the company.
  5. Multiple Focused Streams- Once you have a solid foundation in place, seek out other ways to add another line of income to your business.
  6. Repetition and results- After you feel you have everything in place and things are going well, look into expanding to another location or starting a new business.

Jon showed how to increase your revenues by 39% and net profits by 290% simply by making small improvements in the 7 drivers of growth and profits below:

  1. Number of prospects
  2. Conversion rate
  3. Retention %
  4. Average $ Sales
  5. Number of Transactions
  6. Gross Margin
  7. Overhead

If you are interested in learning more about how you can take your business to that next level and grow your profits, contact Jon O'Malley at 651-275-8999. It's time for you take charge of your business and set yourself up for a successful future. 

 

 

Tell the Governor on March 13:

You can't be pro-jobs and anti-business!

By David C. Olson, Minnesota Chamber
 

Gov. Mark Dayton's proposed budget has put Minnesota in the national headlines, and that's not good. He proposes huge increases in taxes and spending with little reform in either. Policy-makers across the nation are seizing the opportunity to make a pitch to Minnesota businesses.


Rep. Erik Severson, a Duluth native now serving in the Wisconsin Legislature, fired one of the first salvos with a press release inviting companies to cross the border. Many may scoff at his open letter to Minnesota businesses, calling it premature and nothing more than a publicity stunt. But the underlying message cannot be lost: Minnesota can expect more serious efforts to lure businesses away if the governor's anti-jobs measures are passed.

Rest assured, many are watching closely to see what happens.

From a Wall Street Journal editorial: "Washington may be a tax reform wasteland, but out in the states the action is hot and heavy. ... This state reform trend is a rare bright spot in the current high-tax era, and it will further sharpen the contrast in economic policies between GOP reform Governors and the union-dominated high-tax models of California, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and now Minnesota, where Governor Mark Dayton proposed a huge tax hike. Let the policy competition begin."

From Fox News:  "A Florida Republican congressman is welcoming to his home state Minnesota residents who migrate south to escape the Midwest's notoriously cold, harsh winters -- now that their governor is trying to impose a so-called snowbird tax on them. 'Dear Governor Mark Dayton,' Rep. Trey Radel wrote. '...  As a Floridian, I am overjoyed to hear about your plan to raise taxes on Minnesotans, most especially the so-called snowbirds. Your proposal gives us a chance to shine here in the Sunshine State.'"

In fact, I was personally approached by Florida Gov. Rick Scott during a meeting with my colleagues from around the country. He told me matter-of-factly, "I hope Governor Dayton's menu of tax increases passes."

A day doesn't pass that business owners don't share their alarm over the governor's measures. We hear your concerns loud and clear and are working full-time to underscore your priorities with policy-makers.

There is no substitute, however, for business owners and managers bringing your message directly to those who make the decisions that impact your daily operations. We make it easy on March 13 at our 20th annual Business Day at the Capitol. The governor will be on hand to address the luncheon and field questions; then we'll transport you to the Capitol for prearranged visits with your legislators. Scott Wine, chairman and CEO of Polaris Industries, will deliver the keynote address.

Please join us for what traditionally is the largest business lobbying day at the Capitol. A record-breaking attendance is more important than ever this year.

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

 

 

A New Design for Education

Please enjoy this video developed in part by ISD192 Farmington School District and Jay Haugen, Superintendent.  Give us your thoughts!

Click here to view the video.

 

 

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! 
 

The Eagan and Lakeville Resource Center is excited to announce the return of their 4th Annual Empty Bowls on Thursday, March 21st from 11:00am - 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church's Fellowship Hall (3930 Rahn Road, Eagan).  This year they will have 10 fantastic art pieces for their ART10 drawing including blown glass, fabric art, a set of pottery, jewelry and more.  Interested in volunteering at Empty Bowls?  Click here to choose your time slot.  For more information, please contact Nancy Wester at [email protected]

 

 

Join the Recycling Revolution!  Dakota County, along with other Metro counties, is partnering with KARE 11 television on the Great Green Challenge - a challenge to encourage local businesses to recycle more.  Beginning, or improving, a recycling program can boost the bottom line and enhance a company's image.  Business leaders can start by taking the recycling pledge at RethinkRecycling.com, and gain immediate recognition for their commitment. Free technical assistance is also available from Dakota County. Visit www.dakotacounty.us and search "business recycling" to learn more. Remember to check out the Great Green Challenge television segments at KARE 11's website for tips and ideas to recycle more.  If your organization or workplace is ready to start or improve recycling, join the recycling revolution today!

 

 

Congratulations to the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn for being listed as Trip Advisor's number one hotel in the Twin Cities area.  Read more here.

 

 

Simley High School has a new program called Career Discovery.  The purpose of this class is for Juniors and Seniors to learn about various careers within local businesses along with the education, experience, and expectations required in these careers. In order to have a firsthand look at the businesses, the Career Discovery class, with permission from the businesses, tours local businesses and meets with various employees at the business. We are seeking businesses that are able to have high school students tour their facility and speak to the students about the various career opportunities available in that particular industry. A group of 10 students and 1 teacher would arrive to the business around 9:50 AM and leave at 10:50 AM. I am currently scheduling for Trimester 3 business tours during March, April, and May. If you are interested, please contact me, Kim Sievert-DiSanto, at [email protected] or 651-306-7131.

  
 

Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights is having a 9th grade Career Fair on April 17th from 7:40 AM - 10:20 AM. We are asking for local business participation. Why 9th graders for a Career Fair? Many students are only aware of careers that family and friends have. So many of our youth still are not aware of the numerous career opportunities available to them, and the Career Fair is one format to present them with a variety of careers and career information. Participants provide career information to students - education and experience required for their career, employer expectations, info on day to day activities in that particular career, why people choose that career, frustrations and joys with that career, etc.. Also, photos and/or hands on activities work well with 9th graders. Please make a difference by sharing your knowledge and experience at the Simley High School 9th grade Career Fair. For more information, contact Kim Sievert-DiSanto, Simley High School Work Experience Coordinator, at [email protected] or 651-306-7131.

 

 

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]

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

Conference Direct

PO Box 241298, Apple Valley

952.484.9529

Contact: Marilyne Bouteiller

www.conferencedirect.com

Meeting Planning

 

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

 

The Joint... The Chiropractic Place

1380 Duckwood Drive, Suite 102, Eagan

651.964.1010

Contact: Robb Quinlan

www.thejoint.com

Chiropractic

 

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

 

Landberg Law Office

16576 Flagstaff Avenue West, Rosemount

952.891.5751

Contact: Kevin Landberg

Collections/Attorney

 

Midwest Dental Eagan

1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 200, Eagan

651.454.4771

Contact: Elaine Stemper

www.midwest-dental.com

Dental Clinic 

 

ProSign Branding Solutions

4101 Nicols Road, Suite 107, Eagan

651.203.4151

Contact: Carolyn Sampson

www.prosignbranding.com

Signs, Banners, Flags, Displays

 

Randall Clegg

100 River Ridge Court, Burnsville

952.707.2001

Contact: Randall Clegg

www.isd191.org

Education

 

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists

546 White Pine Way, Eagan

651.470.2883

Contact: Becky Mosbrucker

www.bmosbrucker.myrandf.com

Skin Care

 

Sherwin Williams

1295 Town Centre Drive, Eagan

651.454.1030

Contact: Mike Gutknecht

www.sherwinwilliams.com

Paint Store

 

Sherwin Williams

2020 Cliff Road, Eagan

651.454.6660

Contact: Dan Osiecki

www.sherwinwilliams.com

Paint Store

 

The Virtual Desk

18896 Embers Avenue, Farmington

612.554.6627

Contact: Cris Gerster

www.thevirtualdesk.com

Virtual Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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