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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
Wednesday, December 11th at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, December 11th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
Thursday, December 12th at 11:30am
Jensen's Supper Club
3840 Cedarvale Parkway, Eagan
Tuesday, December 17th at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, December 18th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
Wednesday, December 18th at Noon
Longbranch Saloon and Eatery
309 3rd Street, Farmington
Thursday, December 19th at Noon
Axel's
1318 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota
Friday, December 20th at 7:30am
The Commons on Marice
1380 Marice Drive, 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!
 | | Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic, Eagan |
 | | DCTC's Transportation & Emerging Technologies Bonding Project, Rosemount |
We invite you to attend these ribbon cuttings to support
your fellow Chamber members!
No ribbon cuttings currently scheduled.
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!
DCR Chamber Holiday Parties - RSVP Today!
Please join us at this year's Holiday Parties. Enjoy lunch with your fellow Chamber members and celebrate holiday cheer!
Tuesday, December 3rd at Noon
Las Tortillas (15051 Crestone Avenue, Rosemount)
Jensen's Supper Club (3840 Cedarvale Parkway, Eagan)
Wednesday, December 18th at Noon
Longbranch Saloon and Eatery (309 3rd Street, Farmington)
Thursday, December 19th at Noon
Axel's (1318 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota)
Join the South Metro Young Professionals!
Are you between the ages of 20 and 40? Are you looking for new ways to enhance your skills by developing professional knowledge, engaging in business and community events and networking with similar-aged professionals? Then the South Metro Young Professionals is the perfect group for you!
Employers, would you like to help your Young Professionals expand their network, develop new business relationships and enhance their professional skills? Invite them to join the SMYPros and we can assist them in doing so!
DCR Looking for New Work Stations
Does your company have extra office work stations they would like to get rid of? The Chamber is looking for new work stations. Contact Vicki at 651.288.9201 or vstute@dcrchamber.com if interested.
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.
Sign the Petition
The DCR Chamber encourages you to sign the petition to repeal the three new sales taxes on business-to-business services. These taxes translate into higher prices, lower wages and lost jobs for Minnesotans! This is a key issue your Chamber is actively working to resolve on your behalf.
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.
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 Business Excellence Awards
The DCR Chamber hosted the annual Business Excellence Awards on November 21st at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center. This year we honored five businesses that exhibit innovation, growth and leadership within the Dakota County Regional Chamber area. Guest speaker, Jeff Pellegrom, CFO of the Minnesota Wild presented on "Business Excellence at the Minnesota Wild."
Thank you to our sponsors!
Corporate Sponsor - Home Federal
Partner Sponsors - Anchor Bank, Dakota Electric Association, Gopher Resource
Investor Sponsors - SKB Environmental, TDS, TruStone Financial
 Congratulations to our 2013 Business Excellence Award Winners! Business Excellence Award - Flint Hills Resources
Community Leadership Award - August Ash
Small Business of the Year Award - Ze's Diner
Non-Profit of the Year Award - Dodge Nature Center
Woman/Minority Owned Business Award - Bellacu
Polymet Mining Corp Presentation at DCR Board Meeting
Jon Cherry, CEO and President of Polymet Mining Corp., attended the November DCR Board of Directors meeting as the featured speaker. PolyMet Mining Corp. is a Canadian mine development company focused exclusively on the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals project through its wholly owned subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc., a Minnesota corporation. Through a long-term lease, the company controls the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals ore body. The deposit is located in the Mesabi Range, northeastern Minnesota's established mining district, and stretches approximately 2.5 miles.
The NorthMet project is in the midst of a comprehensive environmental review and permitting process to develop a new mine and restore an existing mining facility. PolyMet's proposal includes using modern mining techniques to minimize environmental impacts while creating jobs, generating tax revenue and, ultimately, producing the metals we need in everyday life.
PolyMet's commitment is to design, build and operate the NorthMet project in a way that protects the surrounding environment, fosters a healthy, safe and rewarding work environment, and creates value for all our stakeholders.
We thank Jon Cherry for meeting with our Board of Directors to educate us on this project!
Immigration reform critical to state economy
By David C. Olson, President of the Minnesota Chamber
Look around nearly any Minnesota community, and you'll see the "human capital" of our immigrant populations.
In downtown Worthington, storefronts on 10th Street bustle with activity at immigrant-owned businesses. They used to stand vacant.
In St. Cloud, savvy business owners know that Asian and Latino residents bring more than $45 million a year in buying power. Even in Faribault and Austin, Asian and Latino buying power is more than $30 million a year.
In Rochester, a 2011 survey by the African Development Center of 30 African-owned businesses found they had created 100 full-time jobs and 74 part-time jobs. African-owned businesses are popping up in Willmar, too - at least 10 within the past six years.
Yet, as important as immigrants are to our state's economic success, the breadth of their contributions could be much greater with changes in federal policy, says a new report issued by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as leader of the Minnesota Business Immigration Council.
"The Economic Contributions of Immigrants in Minnesota" identifies the role of Minnesota immigrants in every segment of our economy:
* Workers: Immigrants comprise 37.2 percent of lower-skilled workers and 8.5 percent of college-educated workers in Minnesota. Immigrants are only 7 percent of Minnesota's population, but make up 9 percent of the total workforce.
* Entrepreneurs: Immigrants are more likely to start businesses than American-born individuals. An estimated 44,500 Minnesota businesses are immigrant-owned.
* Consumers: Immigrant households in Minnesota have an estimated buying power of more than $5 billion a year - a boon to businesses and communities across the state.
* International bridge: Immigrants increase Minnesota's ability to do business with the world. Immigrant-owned businesses are more likely to export; immigrant professionals help Minnesota companies navigate foreign business environments.
The report wisely encourages policy-makers to take a long-term perspective. In the short run, immigrants may impose a cost: For example, the education of immigrant children is a cost on the state's school system. However, those children are future workers, taxpayers and consumers, and our companies need them to be part of the next generation's workforce. When you look over two or more generations, the evidence shows that immigrants bring a significant net benefit.
The report adds ammunition to the current debate over federal immigration reform. The U.S. Senate passed a bill with bipartisan support; next stop is the House. Please urge your representatives to pass a bill this year.
Businesses that regularly deal with immigration laws say the system is broken. Two changes in federal law would be particularly helpful to keep us competitive in the global economy: First, create a system of work visas that responds to domestic economic conditions. Second, provide a path for individuals currently in the United States to gain permanent residency.
It's short-sighted public policy to shortchange the contributions of immigrants. They fill jobs. They shop. They start companies. They pay taxes. In short, immigrants strengthen and stabilize our communities. Make sure your representatives know it.
For a copy of the report, go to http://mnbiz.cc/1jmICMQ.
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!
Cerron Commercial Properties has a great industrial property with outdoor storage for sale in Farmington. 15,329 SF single story building on 4.25 acre site, featuring 20' clear height and 20' overhead drive-thru door. Located just off Hwy 50, near Hwy 3. Call Dan Huntington or Bruce Rydeen for a showing at 952.469.9444 and see our website for more details on this listing at www.cerron.com.
Ever wish for a way to call attention to the good behavior of a business you serve or that serves you? Today you have that chance! The Minnesota Business Ethics Award (MBEA) invites all Minnesotans to recognize and celebrate businesses that get it right! Good performance plus good ethics. For the 2014 Awards, your nominee could be one of three businesses added to the MBEA honor roll - one small, one medium, and one large. Click here to nominate a business that you believe exemplifies the best of Minnesota! Nominations deadline is January 24, 2014.
Looking for a special way to celebrate the holidays? Join Neighbors, Inc. for an annual tradition, the Saint Paul Hotel's production of It's A Wonderful Life, based on the classic movie of the same name, considered one of the most inspirational and best loved stories. The production boasts Twin Cities' favorites Jim Cunningham and Phil Callen. All proceeds go to support the work of Neighbors, Inc., non-profit social services. Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Saint Paul Hotel, Phil Callen, Jim Cunningham and the rest of the cast and crew for sponsoring this event! Please call Neighbors for bulk ticket purchases at 651-455-1508 or buy tickets here.
ISD 197 is looking for business or industry professionals to serve on their district Curriculum Advisory Committee. The Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) works with the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department to respond to curriculum updates, student achievement reports and instructional material recommendations. The group meets five times a year and is made up of District administrators, parent representatives from each school and at-large members. Meeting dates are:
- January 13, 2014 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Henry Sibley - A241
- March 10, 2014 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Henry Sibley - A241
- May 12, 2014 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Henry Sibley - A241
For more information, contact Cari Jo Kiffmeyer at carijo.kiffmeyer@isd197.org.
Comcast's Twin Cities Region is excited to announce that Ken Ashley has joined their team as Vice President, Sales & Marketing. In his new role, Ashley will provide strategic leadership for the region's Xfinity sales and marketing teams. He most recently served as Vice President of Sales at Cox Communications, with the company's Southeast Region in Pensacola, Florida.
This holiday season the American Red Cross asks you to give something that means something. Give blood and you could help save up to three lives.
Community Blood Drives:
- Friday, December 13th from 12:30pm - 5:30pm at Easter Lutheran Church - 4545 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan
- Saturday, December 14th from 10:00am - 3:00pm at Wescott Library Meeting Room -1340 Wescott Road, Eagan
- Saturday, December 14th from 10:00am - 3:00pm at Culver's 3445 O'Leary Lane, Eagan
- Monday, December 16th from 12:00pm - 5:00pm at Rasmussen College - 3500 Federal Drive, Eagan
- Monday, December 23rd from 7:00am - 7:00pm, 12 Hours of Giving Holiday Blood Drive, at Prom Center - Oakdale - Receive a commemorative Red Cross T-Shirt, Gift Bag, Door Prizes
- Saturday, December 28th from 10:00am - 3:00pm at Culver's 3445 O'Leary Lane, Eagan - Receive a commemorative Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last
To make an appointment visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
ProAct began with beverage containers, expanded to plastic bags and has now added Christmas lights, electric and phone cords to its recycling collection and sorting systems, rolling out an expansive effort that runs from November 15 through January 31, 2014. Working closely with the Recycling Association of Minnesota, and its "Recycle Your Holidays" program, the nonprofit serving people with disabilities will contribute toward the annual goal to collect 200,000 pounds of holiday lights. These will be individually disassembled and the cords cut into one foot sections by people with disabilities at ProAct's Eagan and Red Wing facilities, explains ProAct Production Coordinator Jennifer Cavalier. She notes that the nonprofit is not able to accept cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights or CFL lights. Drop off locations serviced by ProAct are offered in Dakota, Goodhue and Wabasha counties. Click here to view a list of drop off locations.
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Alerus Mortgage
7650 Edinborough Way, Suite 645, Edina
952.417.3779
Contact: Liz Koehler
Mortgage
All That Story America, LLC
1570 Century Point, Suite 200, Eagan
651.262.2293
Contact: Sungdae Suh
Marketing/Communications
Apricot Lane Boutique Mendota Heights
750 Main Street, Suite 110, Mendota Heights
612.965.6260
Contact: Kristine Haas
Retail-Clothing Boutique
Bonfire Restaurant Company/Nath Companies
900 American Boulevard East, Suite 300, Bloomington
952.853.1400
Contact: Jessica Jarve
Restaurant
BrightStar Care
2414 East 117th Street, Burnsville
612.435.7390
Contact: Shannon Klemann
Home Health Care
CenturyLink
2800 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis
612.381.5791
Contact: Molly Clemen
www.centurylink.com
Internet Services/Telecommunications
C.O. Brown
919 4th Street West, Hastings
651.800.6173
Contact: Andy Bertram
www.cobrown.com
Insurance
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
EMO Trans
920 Aldrin Drive, Suite 238, Eagan
651.289.1400
Contact: David Leach
www.emotrans.com
Global Logistics
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
InterMart, Inc.
1400 Corporate Center Curve, Suite 110, Eagan
651.905.1727
Contact: David Noah
www.shipsolutions.com
Jean Pierre Pallais Agency-American Family Insurance
720 Main Street, Suite 208, Mendota Heights
651.696.9096
Contact: Jean Pierre Pallais
www.jppallais.com
Insurance
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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