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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 Events Calendar    

  
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
  
Wednesday, October 9th at 4:00pm
Steak America
2400 Cliff Road East, Burnsville
 
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 25th at 7:30am
The Commons on Marice
1380 Marice Drive, Eagan
 
Tuesday, 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!
  
Monday, November 18th at 4:00pm
Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic
1340 Duckwood Drive, 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 Business Excellence Awards

Register & 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 register, please return this form to the DCR Chamber.  To nominate a business to receive an award at this year's celebration, please review and complete this application.  More details to be announced.

 

November 2013 MailPak Advertising

Does your company have any promotions currently running that you would like to announce? Are you hosting an event you would like to invite chamber members to? Or are you simply looking to raise your companies' visibility in the community? If this is the case, the Dakota County Regional Chamber has the perfect opportunity for you to do so, the MailPak! All you need to do is provide us with 500 pre-folded copies of your advertisements (no larger than 8.5 x 11) by November 15, 2013; we will supply the postage and send out this pack to approximately 500 member businesses. This simple advertising opportunity can be yours for an inexpensive investment of $150 (must be paid by November 15, 2013). The MailPak is a great way to get your message out for upcoming events, holiday promotions, services and products your company is offering to a broad audience. Contact Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or via email at [email protected] for more information or send this form in today to reserve your spot!  Space is limited. 

 

 

Statewide Policy Tour:

Advance Your 2014 Priorities and Build Powerful Connections

The Dakota County Regional Chamber, in conjunction with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, remains committed to setting Minnesota on a path of economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. We invite you to participate in one of the Statewide Policy Tour Stops at Coca-Cola Refreshments on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.

The 2014 Legislature looms more important than ever for Dakota County and the statewide business community, given the current environment at the Capitol. This is your opportunity to tell us what's on your minds and let us know if our policy initiatives are on the right track.

Plus there's more. Stick around for networking and a plant tour following the meeting. Connect with your peers, and broaden your understanding of the companies behind Minnesota's economic engine. Please join us as we set our sights on the 2014 Legislature. We'll make it worth your while.

Register online or RSVP to Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or [email protected].

 

 

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 [email protected] or by fax at 651.452.8978 by Friday, October 25th. Space is limited!

 

Prior to this expo, we invite you to join us for a County Wide Chamber Speed Networking session from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.  This is a great opportunity for you to grow your professional circle through a fun and non-traditional way of networking. You will meet people from other Dakota County Chambers and walk away with new business leads. Click here to learn more and sign up today.

 

  

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 [email protected].

 

 

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 [email protected]
 
 
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 [email protected].  
   

 

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! 

 News You Should Know 
  

Robert Street Transitway Update

Great progress is being made in the evaluation of the Robert Street Transitway alternatives. The three remaining alternatives moving forward in the study are:

  • Arterial bus rapid transit on Robert St. between downtown Saint Paul and Mendota Road in West Saint Paul.
  • Streetcar on Robert St. between downtown Saint Paul and Mendota Road in West Saint Paul.
  • Highway bus rapid transit on Hwy 52 from downtown Saint Paul to Inver Grove Heights.

At this stage in the study, feedback from the public on the proposed stations locations, service plans and downtown destinations is requested. Please join us to review the alternatives and provide feedback at one of the upcoming open houses in October!

 

Robert Street Transitway October Open Houses:

 

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Dakota County Northern Service Center - Room 110
1 Mendota Road West, West Saint Paul

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Neighborhood House - Ferber Room
179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul

 

Information on each of the transit modes will be provided along with a demonstration of service differences between the transitway alternatives and the traditional bus transit service. No formal presentation will be held, but project staff will be available to answer questions.

 

Can't make it to one of the open houses?  Project materials for the open houses will be posted to www.robertstreettransit.com by Oct. 17 for review. You can provide comments on the materials through the website or by emailing, [email protected].  The final round of open houses will be held in early 2014.

 

To sign-up for project email updates or for more information on the Robert Street Transitway alternatives study, please visit www.robertstreettransit.com.

 

 

Help Wanted: Throw Your Hat in Ring for 2014 Elections

By David C. Olson, President of the Minnesota Chamber

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is recruiting candidates now to seek a legislative seat in the November 2014 elections. Please step forward, and we'll guide and support you through the election process. Our pitch is sincere and straightforward. It's more important than ever that we send men and women, Democrats and Republicans, to the Capitol who understand what it takes to run a business in today's dynamic economy.

 

Why the urgency? Witness the legacy of the 2013 Legislature. The session kicked off with a common theme of jobs. Yet the gavel closed one of the most bruising and challenging sessions for Minnesota employers and their employees. We ask you to join the Minnesota Chamber and our statewide network of local chambers to place a priority on electing pro-business individuals to the Minnesota House in 2014. We're working on many fronts to build relationships with existing legislators as well as to identify pro-business candidates.

 

Here are a few ways you can help. Offer personal tours of your business: Think about leaders in your community who understand what it's like to operate a business, and encourage them to run for the Legislature. Invite candidates and legislators to your facility, whether you are a large manufacturer or have three employees. Seeing your business and your employees in action is a great way to educate policy-makers on the issues you face and your value to your community and Minnesota. Communicate with your workers: Communicate with employees about the key issues that face your company and their paychecks. Do what works best for you, whether it's including information in newsletters or conducting an information session over lunch hour. Then encourage and allow individuals to run for office if you can make it work for your businesses. Support pro-business candidates: Seeking elective office can be a daunting task, especially for political newcomers. You can support candidate efforts in a variety of ways - from knocking on doors or writing a letter to the local newspaper to introducing them to other key business leaders or writing a check to their campaigns.

 

The Minnesota Chamber has a skilled team that works diligently at managing the risks that legislative decisions pose to you. Our ultimate success, however, depends on the individuals who cast the "yes" and "no" votes. Our work for the 2014 elections begins with targeting individuals who can bring their business acumen to St. Paul. There's no better place to identify candidates than within our working ranks. While we acknowledge the challenge for employers and employees alike with the time demands of today's Legislature, we must make electing pro-business candidates a higher priority. The results of the 2013 session speak for themselves. Minnesota cannot afford more sessions like the one we just had.

  

  

The DCR Chamber Hosts Health Care Panel

The DCR Chamber brought together a panel of experts for an informational health care discussion last week. Panelists included 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.  Thank you to Argosy University for hosting us.  Miss the event but still interested in learning about these upcoming changes in health care? Tune in to channel 20 on Monday, September 30th at 7:00pm, Tuesday, October 1st at noon, Wednesday, October 2nd at 8:00pm or Friday, October 4th at 7:00pm to catch this program.  You can also view this program online here.

 

 

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. 

 
  
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!  

 

Dakota Electric Association is now accepting applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes non-profit groups, community organizations and businesses that have shown a strong commitment to the community. The award acknowledges the efforts of those who have impacted numerous people, collaborated and shared resources, addressed unmet community needs or provided necessary services.

 

In 2013, Dakota Electric will provide three Touchstone Energy Community Awards; accompanying each award will be a check for $500. One award recipient will be chosen to contend against other award winners from across the state for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award and a cash prize of $1,000. The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association annual meeting in March.

 

The deadline for applications is November 1. Applicants are evaluated on project scope, use of resources and the impact or value to the community. To receive judging criteria and an application for the award, call Brenda Kadlec at 651-463-6234, or go to www.dakotaelectric.com and look under "about us" and "community."

 

A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to more than 102,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, a Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member-owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

  

 

Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen Russ PA is delighted to announce that Bonnie Russ, Owner/Shareholder, has been named one of The 2013 Top Women in Finance honorees. While many honorees represent the banking and finance professions, others work in private business, real estate, law, accounting and nonprofit organizations.  This is the 13th year Finance & Commerce has honored women who are making outstanding contributions to their professions and communities in the state. This year's honorees will be feted Nov. 21 at a dinner and awards presentation at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

  

 

People with disabilities at ProAct sorted thousands of pounds of plastic bags for recycling after taking collections from area businesses, condominiums and ProAct's assembly and packaging operation.  These were assembled and compacted for the first semi-truck load shipment from ProAct's Eagan facility late in September.  It was bound for a Virginia destination, and, ultimately, for use in new products. 

 

ProAct Production Coordinator Jennifer Cavalier said plastic sorting is some of the best work for individuals with disabilities, and helps people to enhance their fine and gross motor skills.  "They work more effectively, and they're productive," she said.  As material collections continue to rise, she estimates the nonprofit will be able to ship about 20,000 pounds of plastic for recycling every 7 to 10 weeks. 

 

The recycling effort is connected with the "It's In the Bag" shrink film and plastic bag recycling program led by the Recycling Association of Minnesota. 

 

ProAct's mission is to serve individuals experiencing barriers to employment and self-sufficiency due to intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries, and other challenges.  Learn more at proactinc.org.

 

 

Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen Russ P.A. was recently named as one of the 2013 Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The annual list of the Best Accounting Firms to Work for was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group. This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry's economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies.

 

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

-          Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;

-          Be a publicly or privately held business;

-          Have a facility in the United States;

-          Have a minimum of 15 employees working in the United States;

-          Must be in business a minimum of 1 year; and

-          Must be an accounting firm.

 

Companies from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the final ranking.

 

 

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.

 

 

Think Mutual Bank has named Marsha Douglas as Vice President of Mortgage. In this role, Douglas will lead the bank's mortgage delivery teams in Rochester and the Twin Cities. Douglas joined Think in 2009 and was most recently manager of the bank's office in Downtown Rochester. She has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Think Mutual Bank is a community bank headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, with ten full-service offices in Rochester, Apple Valley, Eagan, Edina, and St. Paul. Think focuses on consumers and small businesses, providing a full array of banking, investment and insurance services.

October 7, 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
 
Alerus Mortgage
7650 Edinborough Way, Suite 645, Edina
952.417.3779
Contact:  Liz Koehler
Mortgage
 
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

 

Talking Walls Painting Company

619 2nd Street Northwest, New Prague

651.755.4605

Contact:  David Carlson

www.talkingwallspainting.com

Painting

 

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

[email protected]

651.288.9202