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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!
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DCR Chamber Events Calendar
Monday, November 4th at 3:30pm
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Tuesday, November 5th at 8:00am
Sherrill's Interiors & Twin City Homes
3020 - 145th Street West, Rosemount
Friday, November 8th at 8:00am
Coca-Cola Refreshments
2750 Eagandale Boulevard, Eagan
Wednesday, November 13th at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, November 13th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
Thursday, November 14th at 8:00am
Skyline Exhibits
3355 Discovery Road, Eagan
Thursday, November 14th at 4:00pm
Mendakota Country Club
2075 Mendakota Road, Mendota Heights
Thursday, November 14th at 5:00pm
Medakota Country Club
2075 Mendakota Road, Mendota Heights
Friday, November 15th at 7:30am
The Commons on Marice
1380 Marice Drive, Eagan
Tuesday, November 19th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, November 20th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, November 20th at 8:00am
Farmington City Hall
430 Third Street, Farmington
Wednesday, November 20th at Noon
Better Business Bureau
220 South River Ridge Circle, Burnsville
Thursday, November 21st at 7:30am
Lost Spur Golf and Event Center
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan
Tuesday, November 26th at 8:00am
Gateway Bank
745 Market Street, Mendota Heights
Wednesday, November 27th at 8:00am
Panera Bread
1260 Promenade Place, Eagan
Wednesday, November 27th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
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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!
 | | Fairview Clinics - Rosemount |
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
We invite you to attend these ribbon cuttings to support
your fellow Chamber members!
Wednesday, November 13th at 4:00pm
Apricot Lane Boutique
750 Main Street, Suite 110, Mendota Heights
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!
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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.
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| 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 Today!
Please join us for the 2013 DCR Chamber Business Excellence Awards Celebration on November 21, 2013 from 7:30am - 9:00am at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center (2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan). We will be honoring five businesses that exhibit innovation, growth and leadership within the Dakota County Region. This year's featured Speaker will be Jeff Pellegrom, who is entering his fifth season as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial officer for the Minnesota Wild. Pellegrom will present on the four areas where the Minnesota Wild has received outside recognition from fans, trade publications, business organizations and other sports teams over the Wild's first 13 years of existence: Brand Building, Customer Service, Sustainability/Green Efforts, R&D. Learn about why the Wild has focused on these four areas, why they have been successful and what lessons they have learned along the way. Register online or return this form to the DCR Chamber.
2014 DCR Chamber Membership and Resource Guide
The DCR Chamber is in the process of putting together the 2014 Membership and Resource Guide. To ensure that your business information is accurately listed in the directory, we ask that you please log in to the "Members Only" section at www.dcrchamber.com and update your member record. Check to make sure your company name, primary representative, primary category, address and phone number are up-to-date. If you have any questions, contact Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or jannoni@dcrchamber.com.
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 jannoni@dcrchamber.com for more information or send this form in today to reserve your spot! Space is limited.
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?
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 jannoni@dcrchamber.com.
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 ½ 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!
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 the "Why Not Wednesday" Business After Hours or a Coffee Break is 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.
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!
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News You Should Know
DCR Chamber Hosts Legislative Breakfast: Education For The Future
The DCR Chamber hosted a Legislative Breakfast on the topic of "Education for the Future" this past week. Attendees heard from our legislative leadership on the significant changes made on education this past session. Speakers included Senator Greg Clausen (D) and Representative Anna Wills (R). Additionally, Superintendent Jane Berenz presented on the Independent School District 196 proposed levy referendum.
During this event, the Chamber took a poll asking attendees "As you recruit new employees to your company, in what areas do you find the emerging workforce needing improvement and additional training. The top responses were: communications, problem solving/decision making, professionalism and industry knowledge/expertise.
The next Legislative Breakfast event will be on November 15th from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Commons on Marice. To register, complete and return this form to Jessy Annoni at jannoni@dcrchamber.com or by fax at 651.452.8978. You may also invest in a series pass for $200 that will register you for the rest of the series (9 more programs). Contact Jessy for more information on series passes.
 | | Representative Anna Wills, Phil Stalboerger, Vicki Stute, Sarah Bruber, Lauren Lemke, Superintendent Jane Berenz, Senator Greg Clausen |
Minnesota's Coming Warehouse Tax Unique in U.S., Study Says
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press
Minnesota's new warehousing tax is unique in the United States, according to a new study commissioned by International Warehouse Logistics Association. Beginning on April 1, 2014, the 6.875 percent sales tax will be due when a business purchases warehouse or storage services for tangible property. The study, conducted by Minneapolis-based KPMG, concludes that while several other states tax warehousing services as part of a broader tax on business services, Minnesota and Mississippi are the only states to specifically target warehousing services for a sales tax. Click here to read more.
One Legislative Session Neither Builds, Nor Derails Our Economy
By David C. Olson, President of the Minnesota Chamber
Minnesota's economy has been receiving high marks lately. Unemployment is dropping, and tax collections were up in FY 2012-13. We moved to No. 8 on Forbes' annual list of Best States for Business, up markedly from last year.
If you missed these reports, no worries. The Dayton Administration and the majority party leadership are quick to reiterate the state's current economic successes - and take credit by holding high the 2013 Legislature's actions.
Witness a recent newspaper commentary by State Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans, who wrote, "This year, we worked with the DFL majority in the Legislature to pass a fair and balanced budget. ... The results have been good for Minnesota."
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our local partners remain cautiously optimistic as we work to keep Minnesota 's economy moving forward. But we all must ask the question: "What's driving today's economic results - actions by the 2013 Legislature or previous Legislatures?"
Of course, it's the latter. You don't need to sit on the Federal Reserve Board to understand the dynamics of an economy. Current successes - or failures, for that matter - are a product of decisions made years ago. We won't know the actual impact of 2013 legislative decisions for at least five years.
However, we can report - and policy-makers should pay attention - to the immediate reactions of job-creators to actions taken in 2013. The annual Minnesota Business Barometer Survey, taken in July and August and sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber and Himle Rapp and Company, provided valuable insight.
Minnesota employers are more optimistic about the economy than they have been in recent years, but they are sending serious red flags about the state's business climate. Seventy-one percent of the respondents said the 2013 tax bill will have a somewhat or very significant impact on their operations. In addition, 37 percent believe Minnesota has a better business climate compared with other states, but 26 percent say it's worse - the lowest level of confidence in the 10 years of the survey.
Even more worrisome is that business owners have little confidence that current policy-makers will do the right thing to keep Minnesota competitive. Two-thirds say the Governor and Legislature do not understand the challenges of running a business. Of those, 78 percent say politicians may understand the basics of running a business, but they don't understand how government can get in the way of a business being successful.
The recent report from Minnesota Management and Budget also shows that Minnesota's tax collections are now negative and underperforming expectations for the first quarter of FY 2014, which is the budget passed by the 2013 Legislature. This is another troubling sign that all is not well for Minnesota's economic growth and fiscal stability.
Understanding and facilitating economic change is a long-term and never-ending process. Our approach must be balanced and focus on improving the overall business climate for the benefit of all sizes and types of businesses. Economic progress also requires a new mind-set among Democrats and Republicans alike. We must get beyond the outmoded strategy that raising taxes to spend more will result in better outcomes. And simply cutting spending won't produce the public service outcomes and infrastructure that are necessary to develop and grow our economy.
Redesigning services to deliver better value is the best strategy with promise for both short-term and long-term success. We've poked at the edges, but we've not stayed the course with a serious effort. It's hard work and requires creativity as well as political backbone. Minnesotans can do their collective part by giving policy-makers the license to promote change that capitalizes on today's evolving economy. Follow that course of action, and everyone can point with pride to a vibrant economy.
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.
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Business Briefing
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
An entrepreneurial engineer has brought the assemble-it-yourself concept to solar power. The SolarPod developed by Mouli Engineering of Eagan comes with four solar panels and related parts, including a rack, that its developer says are no more challenging to assemble than furniture from Ikea. Learn more about this interesting product here.
Think Mutual Bank is excited to announce the following senior leadership appointments: Mike Snyder has been named senior vice president of Financial Services. In this role, Snyder will focus his experience and leadership on advancing the bank's mortgage, investments and insurance business lines. Prior to this appointment, Snyder was the bank's chief business officer. Jenny Hosfeld has been named senior vice president of Community Banking. Hosfeld been with Think since 2006, most recently as vice president of Community Banking for the bank's Rochester market. Hosfeld will be responsible for overseeing the bank's retail and small business banking areas in both Rochester and the Twin Cities. As part of Hosfeld's transition to this new role, Chris Barnick, vice president of Consumer Banking, will assume responsibility for the leadership of all branch offices in Rochester and the Twin Cities. Previously, Barnick was responsible for the branches in the Twin Cities. Chad Murray has been named senior vice president of Marketing. As vice president of Marketing for the last three years, Murray has been responsible for developing the bank's marketing, advertising, and communication strategies as well as leading the marketing staff. Chad DeCook has been named vice president of Small Business Banking. In this role, DeCook will lead the Small Business Banking team and set the direction for this business line.
Wings Financial is celebrating 75 Years! Since 1938, Wings Financial Credit Union has offered premier service and value to our members. Please join us at one of our area branches on Friday, November 8th, anytime between 11:30am and 3:00pm, to celebrate 75 years of success with refreshments and prizes. We look forward to celebrating with you!
The YMCA in Eagan has announced the addition of four individuals to its community board provide their perspectives on the direction of the Y and its services. Ryan Kessler of Thomson Reuters, who directs corporate development in its mergers and acquisitions department, has been active in Y programs since his youth. Marisa Schroht, community education director of ISD 196, has experience in the community education environment from childcare to after school programs. The two small business owners are Sue Luse, known as the college expert, and Bill Zukowski. Luse is the president of Suzanne Luse and Associates, an Eagan counseling firm helps students find the college to fit their skills and dreams and prepare for the admissions process. Bill Zukowski is the owner of Northland Reps Inc., a manufacturing rep firm for companies marketing materials to the construction industry in Minnesota and four surrounding states. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Zukowski has a long history with the Y and values the classes and the quality people he meets at the Y. The 18-member Community Board is comprised of a range of professionals from Eagan and surrounding communities who will guide the YMCA as it addresses current and future health and wellness needs of people of all ages. Key responsibilities include an annual fundraising drive to strengthen Eagan Y programs and to provide scholarships to families and individuals to enable them to be involved in Y activities.
The City of Eagan needs your help! When you turn on the television or pick up your tablet, do you wish there was a "virtual public square" where you could find out about issues important to Eagan? Are you a part of an organization that feels like a small fish in the Twin Cities media pond when trying to get your messages out locally? Do you have concerns about current cable and are able to help think constructively about the customer service standards the community wants and needs? If so, you're invited to join the discussion and help shape the future of community media at one of several focus groups being held November 12 through 14. Focus group participants will provide ideas through brainstorming activities and a questionnaire. Eagan's cable franchise agreement is set to expire in 2015, so now is the time to do a community needs assessment to determine what Eagan wants when it comes to community media. Visit www.cityofeagan.com/MoreThanCable for focus group times, locations and to register to attend. Focus groups are in various locations throughout Eagan and are targeted toward a variety of community interests, but participants are welcome to attend any session that is most convenient.
Glade Community Acupuncture, a Bellacu LLC clinic, was recognized in this month's edition of Minnesota Monthly for Best of the Cities 2013 - Best Affordable Wellness. This clinic is located in West St. Paul and offers individualized health care in a professional group setting. The unique community setting allows everyone to receive acupuncture at an affordable price point. Glade Community Acupuncture and Bellacu, a clinic in Mendota Height offering integrative medicine, are owned by Michelle McGlade. Congratulations to the entire clinic team!
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Alerus Mortgage
7650 Edinborough Way, Suite 645, Edina
952.417.3779
Contact: Liz Koehler
Mortgage
Apricot Lane Boutique Mendota Heights
750 Main Street, Suite 110, Mendota Heights
612.965.6260
Contact: Kristine Haas
Retail-Clothing Boutique
BrightStar Care
2414 East 117th Street, Burnsville
612.435.7390
Contact: Shannon Klemann
Home Health Care
Dakota Law, P.L.L.C.
16233 Kenyon Avenue, Suite 200, Lakeville
952.314.8852
Contact: Gary Huusko
www.dakotalawpllc.com
Attorneys - Law Firm
Edina Realty
1519 Central Parkway, Suite 100, Eagan
651.686.2108
Contact: Deb Grimme
www.homesintwincities.com
Residential Real Estate
Essential Health Chiropractic
1964 Rahncliff Court, Suite 100, Eagan
952.432.3833
Contact: Jeff McComb
www.EHChiro.com
Chiropractic
Hilltop Family Chiropractic
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 202, Eagan
651.452.7141
Contact: Marla Faye
www.drmarla.com
Chiropractic/Weight Loss
Hope Glen Farm, LLC.
10276 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove
612.751.0300
Contact: Michael Bushilla
www.hopeglenfarm.com
Wedding & Event Venue
Life Wellness Center - Eagan
1895 Plaza Drive, Suite 200, Eagan
651.688.8886
Contact: Patrick Walsh
www.lifewellnesscenter.net
Chiropractor
Talking Walls Painting Company
619 2nd Street Northwest, New Prague
651.755.4605
Contact: David Carlson
www.talkingwallspainting.com
Painting
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