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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, 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
  
Tuesday, January 7th at 8:00am
Rosemount Coffee Break
Winters Pediatric Dentistry
3410 - 151st Street West, Rosemount
  
Wednesday, January 8th at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, January 8th at Noon
Associated Bank
1270 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
  
Thursday, January 9th at 8:00am
Home Federal
2805 Dodd Road, Suite 160, Eagan
  
Wednesday, January 15th at 7:30am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, January 15th at 8:00am
Family Fresh Market
115 Elm Street, Farmington
  
Friday, January 17th at 7:30am
The Commons on Marice
1380 Marice Drive, Eagan
  
Tuesday, January 21st at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:00am
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Wednesday, January 22nd at Noon
DCR Chamber
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102, Eagan
  
Thursday, January 23rd at 7:30am
Hilton Garden Inn
1975 Rahncliff Court, Eagan
Ribbon Cuttings
Opening a new business or remodeling your current business?  Let us know and we can schedule a ribbon cutting!  It is a great way to advertise your new store and meet a few DCR Chamber members!      
Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic, Eagan
DCTC's Transportation & Emerging Technologies Bonding Project, Rosemount
 
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
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!

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!   
  
DCR Chamber Government Affairs Committee

Interested in joining the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee to shape public policy and advocate on behalf of businesses in Dakota County?  Contact Vicki Stute at 651.288.9201 or [email protected] for further information. 

 

      
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!
  
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!
  
Click here for more information or contact Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or [email protected].
  
  
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 [email protected] if interested.
  
  
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 [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 
  
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
  
 
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 and in the community!  

 

Ecolab, Inc.-which develops water, hygiene, and energy technologies- ranked fifth out of five companies in the "consumer discretionary" category of the Bloomberg list of 50 "most community-minded" businesses in the United States list. The company, which reported $11.8 billion in 2012 net sales, hosts an annual "U.S. Community Giving Campaign." The campaign raised roughly $2 million in donations for nonprofits such as United Way and Global Impact during its most recent drive, according to the company's website. "We believe that the economic and social vitality of our communities is critical to our long-term growth and viability," Douglas Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "This recognition of our civic involvement affirms our commitment to supporting local initiatives that strengthen the communities where we operate."
 

 

In early 2014, Guild Incorporated will launch Assertive Community Treatment services for youth, ages 16 - 20.  This is a new service in Minnesota and as one of seven initial providers selected in the state it is an exceptional opportunity.  Guild will partner with young people who have serious mental illnesses, their families and others in their network to strengthen their competencies and resiliency as they transition into adulthood and learn to self-manage their health conditions.  The service will facilitate young people, who have serious mental illnesses, to achieve their goals in employment, education, living situation, and community life.  In 2005, Guild Incorporated was one of sixteen initial providers in Minnesota approved to provide Assertive Community Treatment services to adults 18 years and older.   Their engagement skills and experience in the careful, customization of services to fit individual needs will be especially helpful in this initiative to serve youth.  Guild will also receive grant funds from the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, the Langwater Foundation and Otto Bremer Foundation to support the start-up phase of the initiative. Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

NDC4 Cable Commission WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! CABLE TV & COMMUNITY MEDIA PLANNING WORKSHOPS January 14-15-16, 2014. Please join us at an upcoming focus group session. What are the biggest issues facing this community? What is your vision for local media in Northern Dakota County, now, and for the next 10-15 years? Bring your ideas and learn about the opportunities we have now for new technology and improved cable services. Register at

www.townsquare.tv/franchise-renewal-sign-up.cfm or call: 651-450-9891. Get more details at www.townsquare.tv/franchise-renewal.cfm.

 

 

UMore Development LLC, a University of Minnesota company, is accepting applications for the Real Estate Development Director position. The Real Estate Development Director will oversee and manage UMore Park first phase development including but not limited to: develop a First Phase RFQ/RFP, promote to the real estate development industry, and advise on a process to evaluate responses; participate in the master developer selection process, structure the developer relationship, and negotiate developer contracts; complete the comprehensive planning amendment process, any necessary zoning amendments, and best position the LLC for the PUD; investigate regional economic development strategies and opportunities; develop a strategy that includes local partners as well as innovative partnerships with the private sector; and anticipate opportunities for subsequent phases of development. The University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education (UMore) Park is a 5,000-acre site 25 miles southeast of the Twin Cities at the suburban-rural interface in Dakota County. It is among the largest contiguous properties in the United States that is owned by a land-grant university. The vision to build a mixed-use community at UMore Park, a 30-year endeavor, was affirmed by the University Board of Regents in December 2006. For details, see: www.umn.edu/ohr/employment; reference requisition number #188478. Position open until filled. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

 

 

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 [email protected].

  

 

Comcast's Twin Cities Region is excited to announce three new hires.  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.   Justin Hebda has been hired as the new Director of Business Services. In his new role, Hebda will oversee all SMB (Small-Medium Business) sales operations for the region.  Before joining Comcast, Hebda was Field Sales Director for CenturyLink's Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan Market territories.   Lastly, Jon Wendroff will be the new Director of Enterprise Services for the Twin Cities Region.  In his new role, Wendroff will oversee sales and service for Comcast's large-business clients throughout the Twin Cities Region.

 

 

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:

  • 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.

  
December 16, 2013
Weekly Update Sponsor
In This Issue
Events Calendar
Advertising
Action Central
News You Should Know
Business Briefing
New Members
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
 
Biothera
3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan
651.675.0300
Contact:  Elizabeth St. Germain
Biotechnology
 
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

 

Softech Solutions LLC

14096 Forest Lane, Apple Valley

612.309.5709

Contact: Jill Gibson

www.softechsolutionsllc.com

Business Consulting

 

Steele Recruiting

7225 132nd Street West, Apple Valley

952.484.4217

Contact:  Diane Steele

www.steelerecruiting.com

Executive Search

 

Talking Walls Painting Company

619 2nd Street Northwest, New Prague

651.755.4605

Contact:  David Carlson

www.talkingwallspainting.com

Painting

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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