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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!

 

DCR Chamber Seeking Membership Services Manager

The DCR Chamber is currently looking to hire a Membership Services Manager. The Membership Services Manager is responsible for the sales of new memberships within the DCR Chamber as well as retention of existing members. This position implements strategic direction for the organization's growth within the membership area. The Membership Services Director will develop and direct the annual planning within the department relating to membership growth, membership retention and expansion of the Chamber's BundleUp!. The position reports directly to the Chamber's president.  For more information on this position, click here. 

DCR Chamber Events Calendar    
Tuesday, September 24th at 7:30am
Argosy University
1515 Central Parkway, Eagan
 
Wednesday, September 25th at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, September 25th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, September 26th at 7:30am
Holiday Inn Express
1950 Rahncliff Court, Eagan
  
Tuesday, October 1st at 8:00am
AAA Auto Salvage, Inc.
2871 - 160th Street West, Rosemount
 
Wednesday, October 2nd at 4:30pm
Coca-Cola Refreshments
2750 Eagandale Boulevard, Eagan
  
Thursday, October 3rd at 8:00am
FASTSIGNS
1354 Mendota Heights Road, Inver Grove Heights
  
Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30am
Rosemount City Hall
2875 145th Street West, Rosemount
  
Wednesday, October 9th at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, October 9th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
  
Thursday, October 10th at 8:00am
Minnwest Bank
1150 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
  
Tuesday, October 15th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, October 16th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, October 17th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Tuesday, October 22nd at 4:30pm
Hope Glen Farm
10276 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove
 
Wednesday, October 23rd at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, October 23rd at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, October 24th at 7:30am
Argosy University
1515 Central Parkway, Eagan
  
Friday, October 29th at 7:30am
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
  
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!      
The Higher Brain Living�, Mendota Heights Center
    
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
We invite you to attend these ribbon cuttings to support
your fellow Chamber members!
  
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 jannoni@dcrchamber.com 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!         
  

Confused About Health Care?  We Are Too!

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce brings together a panel of experts for an informational health care discussion and to answer many of your employer-related questions. Learn more about legislative policies affecting employer decisions; changes to the health care delivery system; access, readiness and potential impact on premiums; and the nuts and bolts of implementation.

Our morning discussion will be facilitated by Phil Stalboerger, Faegre, Baker, Daniels, and panelists include Representative Laurie Halverson; Lin Nelson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota; Thomas Hoffman, Prime Therapeutics; Joan Kohl, Gallagher Benefit Systems; and Beth Krehbiel, Fairview Ridges.

Human resource managers and employee benefit personnel should attend, along with business owners and managers and anyone interested in finding out more about the Health Care Reform Act and its implications.

Join us on Tuesday, September 24th from 7:30am to 10:30am at Argosy University (1515 Central Parkway, Eagan).

Cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members; $35 for non-members. Investment includes breakfast and program.  To register, contact Jessy at 651.288.9202 or jannoni@dcrchamber.com or register online here.

 

 

2013 DCR Chamber Business Excellence Awards

Save the Date & Nominate a Business

Please join us for the 2013 DCR Chamber Business Excellence Awards Celebration on November 21, 2013 from 7:30am - 9:00am. We will be honoring businesses that exhibit innovation, growth and leadership within the Dakota County Region. This annual award celebration will be at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center located at 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan.  To nominate a business to receive an award at this year's celebration, please review and complete this application.  More details to be announced.

 

2013 County Wide Chamber

Small Business Expo and Business After Hours

Join us at the 2013 County Wide Chamber Small Business Expo and Business After Hours on Thursday, November 14th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Mendakota Country Club (2075 Mendakota Road, Mendota Heights) to network with other chamber members from Dakota County. This event includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and exhibits by members from each of the participating chambers.

 

The cost to reserve an 8' table is $150, which includes table skirting and electricity. The fee for a free standing display is $150, which includes electricity. The fee for a � 8' table is $90, which includes table skirting and electricity. Please specify if you have a floor display or if you need electricity for your booth. Each vendor is asked to provide their own signage. To reserve your space, please return this form to Jessy Annoni by email at jannoni@dcrchamber.com or by fax at 651.452.8978 by Friday, October 25th. Space is limited!

 

  

Opportunities to Promote Your Business

The DCR Chamber is looking for member's to host future networking events. Hosting an event like "Why Not Wednesday" Business After Hours, Coffee Break, Farmington Brew HaHa, and The Rosemount Connection are a great way to bring customers into your business. Limited availability. If you are interested in hosting one of these events or would like more information, please contact Jessy at 651.288.9202 or jannoni@dcrchamber.com.

 

 

DCR Chamber Internship Opportunity
Do you know anyone who would be interested in interning at the DCR Chamber this summer?  We are looking for someone with experience in customer service.  For more information, contact Vicki Stute at 651.288.9201 or vstute@dcrchamber.com
 
 
Looking for a Lead/Referral Networking Group?  Join ChamberNet Two! 
The ChamberNet Two group operates as a lead/referral networking group that utilizes a non-competing core of business people to build relationships and generate additional business leads for one another.  Currently, the ChamberNet Two group, which meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7:30am - 8:45am, is seeking more active members to join the group.  For more information, contact Jason Madson at 651.405.2000 or jason.madson@hfsb.com.  
   

 

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 jannoni@dcrchamber.com.  This is a great resource for our members to use! 

 News You Should Know 

Legislative Breakfast Series

What's your top issue challenging the growth and expansion of your business? Taxes? Increased Business Regulations? Health Care? Minimum Wage Increases? Transportation? Education and Skilled Workforce? Immigration Reform?

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce introduces the 2013-14 Legislative Breakfast Series. In preparation of the upcoming legislative session, the Chamber offers real-time information and resources on a number of issues important to your business. These breakfasts are designed for business community members to hear first-hand from lawmakers and industry experts on how legislation within all levels of government will affect their businesses' bottom line, job creation, growth and expansion. Members can also communicate their concerns, comments and questions.

The Series offers members a total ten programs held on the third Friday of each month, October 2013 through June 2014 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at The Commons on Marice in Eagan. Fees are $25 per event or purchase a Series pass for $200 and save. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet and the program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.

For further information or to obtain sponsorship information, please contact Vicki Stute at 651.228.9201.

Tentative schedule of program topics with speakers to be announced. (Subject to change)

October 18 - Education Policy and Local School District 196 Levy Referendum

November 15 - Minimum Wage

December 20 - The Un-Session?

January 17 - The Economics of 2014

February 21 - 2014 Legislative Preview

March 21 - Congressional Updates

April 18 - Transportation for the Future

May 16 - Minnesota's Competitive Advantages

June 20 - Legislative Wrap-Up: How did your business fare?

  

  

Thank You to Our Retiring Board Members

The DCR Chamber is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  This September we have 3 Board members who will be retiring.  Rob Armfield, TDS, has been on our board for 9 years.  Carol Keyes, CHESS: Complete Health Environmental and Safety Services, served on our board for 3 years.  Greg Konat, DARTS, volunteered on our board for 5 years.  We thank all three of you for your years of service and have greatly appreciated your leadership!
  

  

Continued Efforts to Repeal the B2B Tax

The Legislature met in Special Session on Monday, September 9 and approved legislation to provide $4.5 million from the general fund to fulfill the state and local government match requirements for Federal FEMA disaster assistance.  The disaster relief was funded by reducing the previous appropriations for past disasters where funds were still available on the bottom line. 

  

Although a repeal of the warehouse and storage sales tax was not on the agenda for the Special Session, it was still a part of the debate and discussion.  In the House and Senate, 17 bills were introduced by both Democrats and Republicans to repeal the tax; and the issue was raised during the debate on the House and Senate Floors. 

Representative Laurie Halverson (DFL, Eagan) introduced H.F. 6 which provides a delay of the effective date and repeal of the warehouse sales tax.  The repeal would be funded through a budget surplus after the school shift is repaid.  This bill was co-authored by Representative Joe Atkins (DFL, Inver Grove Heights) and Representative Shannon Savick (DFL, Wells).  Additionally, many other Dakota County legislators authored or co-authored bills in the Special Session which repeal the warehouse sales tax:  Senator Schmit, Senator Hall, Senator Thompson, Representative McNamara, Representative Wills, Representative Mack, and Representative Garofalo.

The Chamber's Warehouse and Storage Tax will continue its' efforts to repeal the tax.  We encourage you to reach out to your legislators on this important B2B issue. 

  
  
Eagan Businesses Have New Tool To
Invest in Energy Efficiency Improvements
The City of Eagan has entered into a partnership with the Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA) to offer a new form of financing to business property owners for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.
 
The program makes Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans now available within the city. PACE creates another financing option besides traditional bank loans for a business property owner interested in energy improvements. It creates a voluntary special assessment, typically up to 15 years, that is added to the business owner's property tax bill. The interest rate is set for the term of the loan and is typically below the market rate. SPPA issues and sells bonds purchased by private market capital investors to fund the energy efficient improvements.
 
"We are tremendously excited to have this new financing tool for Eagan businesses wanting to do their part to make their locations cleaner and greener, and to have an experienced partner like the SPPA to professionally manage the improvement program," says Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. The Eagan City Council approved the program August 6 on the recommendation of the City's Energy & Environment Advisory Commission, which researched and first raised the initiative.
 
Typical energy improvements include more efficient lighting, motors, heating and air conditioning, windows, insulation, solar, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal electric, geothermal heat pumps, and geothermal direct-use. An individual PACE project cannot exceed 10 percent of the property's assessed value.
 
Business property owners interested in the program are encouraged to contact Peter Klein, the Port Authority's vice president of finance at (651) 204-6211 or by email to pmk@sppa.com. SPPA acts on the City of Eagan's behalf to review, underwrite and manage the improvement loans. The City acts as the intermediary collecting the loan repayments via the special property tax assessments.
 
For those companies in Eagan in the Xcel Energy gas or electric territories, businesses may also qualify for the Trillion BTU program, which structures property owner's payments to be less than corresponding energy savings. The SPPA is available immediately to work with interested property owners and have contractor contacts, if needed.
 
Eagan is among only four Minnesota cities recognized in 2012 as having taken the most steps to implement energy use reductions and best practices. Eagan was lauded as part of the GreenStep Cities program for accomplishing 20 of 28 best practices, so far, in sustainability by the League of Minnesota Cities.
  
  
New Rules on Hiring of Veterans and Individuals With Disabilities  
Two new rules that impact employers in hiring of veterans and individuals with disabilities have been announced under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation ActThe VEVRAA rule requires contractors to establish an annual hiring benchmark, either based on the national percentage of veterans in the workforce (currently 8%), or based on the best available data and factors unique to their establishments.  Additionally, the Section 503 rule establishes a 7% utilization goal for the employment of individuals with disabilities.  Read more about the Final Rules on the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at VEVRAA Rule and 503 Rule
  
  
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!   

 

MTM, Inc. announced that they have hired Phil Stalboerger as their Vice President of Public Affairs.  In this role, Phil will concentrate on managing MTM's government relations efforts around the country to ensure current and prospective clients are well-educated and aware of the issues they face for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and home and community based services programs.  He will play an important role in developing key relationships and strategies for new business prospects; bringing continued job growth to MTM's operating areas by identifying grant opportunities; and identifying solutions for addressing healthcare access.  Phil will join MTM on October 7 and will based out of the company's Saint Paul, Minnesota office. 

 

 

GR Promotions would like to invite you to their Brandexpo and Customer Appreciation event on Tuesday, October 15th from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn (14201 Nicollet Avenue South, Burnsville).  There will be 60+ vendors showing the latest in promotional products and business branding ideas, prize drawings and refreshments.  To learn more or sign up online, visit http://vsales.vernoncompany.com/grpromotionsbrandexpo.

 

 

Fairview Ridges Hospital thinks you deserve a Ladies' night out! Join them for a free health event for women of all ages on Thursday, September 26th from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center (12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville).  Activities will include: presentations from Fairview Ridges Hospital and partner physicians, free health screenings, information on women's health issues, learn about and register for mammograms, free chair massages, tips on healthy diet and fitness, food, prize drawings and MORE!  To register, visit www.fairview.org/burnsvilleladiesnight.com or call 612.672.7272.

 

 

Flint Hills Resources and four other Minnesota companies have donated goods and services to help complete a new athletic complex in Rosemount.  The five companies worked together to donate all of the materials and labor necessary to pave parking lots for the new facility, which is located a couple miles southwest of the Pine Bend refinery.  The City of Rosemount plans to build a variety of athletic fields at the site to meet the growing demand for sports-related green space in the city.

 

The donations, totaling nearly $80,000 in value, were accepted last night by the Rosemount City Council.  Below is a complete list of the participating companies, the materials and services to be provided, and the estimated donation value from each company.  Paving work on the parking lot is expected to begin tomorrow. 

  • Flint Hills Resources:  Liquid asphalt for parking lot ($57,000)
  • Pine Bend Paving:  Parking lot paving ($12,000)
  • Barton Sand & Gravel:  Asphalt mixing ($10,000)
  • Kane Transport:  Oil transportation ($800)

The athletic facility is located at the intersection of Akron Avenue and Bonaire Path.  Flint Hills donated the 57-acre property to the City in 2007.  That donation was valued at $2.7 million.

 

 

Cerron Commercial Properties is pleased to offer a new listing to the commercial real estate market. A great medical clinic office space available for lease in Lakeville, featuring 4,448 SF, in the same building as Lakeville Family Dental.  Call Roz Peterson for a showing at 952.469.9444 and see the website for more details on this listing at www.cerron.com.

 

 

As part of an ongoing effort to encourage individuals and families to stay healthy, the YMCA in Eagan will be hosting the Y Warrior Fitness Challenge on Saturday, October 12th. Teams of four will compete in six fitness challenges laid out on an obstacle course. Team divisions will include adults, youth, and families; all fitness levels are welcome. Registration is $25 per team, with each team member receiving a t-shirt and finisher's medal, and winning teams receiving additional recognition. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m., with the race heats, DJ, and entertainment running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members will also have the opportunity to participate as judges for the first Y-Staff Chili Cook Off. Employees of the Eagan Y will provide batches of their top chili recipes; for $1 individuals will be allowed to sample each chili and place a vote for their favorite. This event is open to the community and all ages are welcome. Learn more and register for the Y Warrior Challenge online at http://give.ymcatwincities.org/YWarrior.

 

 

Want to get more Internet bang for your business buck? A free informational seminar is being held by the City of Eagan and the three telecommunications providers on the new AccessEagan fiber optic network in Eagan. The session is particularly appropriate for those businesses located in central and northern Eagan as well as in Cedar Grove along the 16-mile AccessEagan route. The seminar will be held first thing in the morning, Wednesday, September 25th, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway. Seminar topics include why higher speed fiber broadband connections are important to your business, why it is important to think about in route redundancy and the cost to your business if your data connections are severed, and understanding why your business may want or need to go to the Cloud. To RSVP to this important free event, email info@accesseagan.com 

September 23, 2013
Weekly Update Sponsor
  
In This Issue
Events Calendar
Advertising
Action Central
News You Should Know
Business Briefing
New Members
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
1642 Diffley Road, Eagan
651.312.9769
Contact:  Natalie Okonek
Bank
 
BrightStar Care
2414 East 117th Street, Burnsville
612.435.7390
Contact:  Shannon Klemann
Home Health Care
 
Comcast Business
10 River Park Plaza, Saint Paul
1.800.391.3000
Contact:  Michael Petrulo
Telecommunications/Internet Provider
 

Edina Realty

1519 Central Parkway, Suite 100, Eagan

651.686.2108

Contact:  Deb Grimme

www.homesintwincities.com

Residential Real Estate

 

Hope Glen Farm, LLC.

10276 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove

612.751.0300

Contact: Michael Bushilla

www.hopeglenfarm.com

Wedding & Event Venue

 

Re/Max Results- Homes of Minnesota

3348 Sherman Court, Suite 102, Eagan

612.584.9799

Contact:  Aaron Like

www.homesofminnesota.com

Real Estate Services

 

St. Croix Promotions & Retail

7874 12th Avenue South, Bloomington

952.854.9202

Contact: mark Marcellus

www.scpromo.com

Promotional Products

 

Ultimate Fleet Repair

920 Aldrin Drive, Eagan

651.454.8775

Contact: Kim Zarbo

www.ultimatefleetrepair.com

Automobile Repair

 

Winters Pediatric Dentistry

3410 151st Street West, Rosemount

651.322.5788

Contact:  Kerry Winters, DDS

www.winterspd.com

Pediatric Dentistry  

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Jessy Annoni 

Communications and Events Manager

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

jannoni@dcrchamber.com

651.288.9202