This week's weekly update brought to you by...
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Join the Grassroots Action Network!
 We know you're busy. We also know you care about issues that impact your business and your employees. You barely have time to read the newspaper, let alone follow the actions of the Minnesota Legislature 24 hours a day. That's our job, not yours.
Dakota County Regional Chamber is a Chamber Federation Partner. As our member, you have the opportunity to be alerted to key issues when it matters. Whether it's taxes, wages, healthcare... you choose! Join the Chamber's Grassroots Action Network. When your issue needs your attention, we'll let you know. Otherwise, we'll take care of business for you. Sign up today!
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Committed to business... for YOU.
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 Week One is Done... Less Than 90 Days to go!
The 2014 Minnesota Legislature convened less than one week ago and are working at a frantic pace to ensure many issues are addressed prior to mid-May. On Friday, MN state finance officials forecasted a $1.2 billion surplus, setting the stage for tax cuts and spending debates. Your chamber advocates for repeal of the three B2B taxes. B2B Tax Repeal efforts made progress with hearings in both the House and Senate Tax Committees. While no action was immediately taken, businesses had the opportunity to voice their concerns. Dakota County legislative authors that deserve recognition include Representative Laurie Halverson, Representative Anna Wills, Senator Jim Metzen and Senator Dave Thompson. My special thanks to Kathy Forester, Strategic Warehousing and Richard Murphy, Murphy Warehouse for providing testimony. Additionally, Mayor Mike McGuire shared his concerns on the impact of Eagan and the potential job loss of his important industry.
Next stop: Senate Commerce Committee Hearing at Noon on Wednesday, March 5. Thank you Senator Metzen for doing the right thing on this issue.
Find out more about this issue as well as the top priorities here.
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 Robert Street Corridor - Learn More on Wednesday Your Chamber is engaged in discussions regarding the Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Study as well as the local improvement plan proposed by the City of West St. Paul. Final decisions for this important business corridor will be made in the coming months and we need your input. The Robert Street Coalition is being formed. Impacted and interested businesses should attend the upcoming Robert Street Corridor Luncheon on Wednesday, March 5th from 11:30am - 1:00pm at DARTS (1645 Marthaler Lane, West Saint Paul).
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 2014 Business Day at the Capitol
Advance your priorities face-to-face with legislators on Wednesday, March 19 at Business Day at the Capitol. Join your peers from across the state as we lobby with one voice on the issues that will help strengthen the business environment to improve the lives of all Minnesotans. Dakota County Regional Chamber will be presetting appointments with area legislators.
Click here to register today.
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Less Than 2 Weeks Until Conference - Register today!
The DCR Chamber is pleased to announce the return of the 4th Annual Women's Conference on March 13, 2014 at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center in Eagan. The event will connect professionals like yourself while enriching your personal and professional lives. There are numerous ways to get involved in this event; attendance, sponsorship, marketplace, wine donation and marketing in the conference bags. For more information, contact Jessy Annoni at 651.288.9202 or jannoni@dcrchamber.com. |
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Weekly Update Poll
What is your number one reason for being a member of the DCR Chamber?
- Advocacy
- Networking
- Professional Development
- Economic Development
- Community Engagement
Click here to vote.
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Immigration Reform Will Save and Create American Jobs
By: Thomas Donohue, President, US Chamber Through commonsense immigration reform, we have a tremendous opportunity to help close the skills gap in our workforce, address labor shortages, strengthen our economy, and create jobs for everyone living in America. Read more here.
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 Dakota County is "Open To Business"
Open To Business (OTB), a program of the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), helps new and early stage businesses access the technical assistance they need to grow and prosper. MCCD's experienced team provides the advice and counseling to clients, helping them achieve their entrepreneurial goals. In 2013, OTB served close to 200 clients and took in over 300 inquiries. They provided over $278,000 in grants and loans to their clients.
On Thursday, March 6th from 7:30am - 9:30am they will be hosting "Open To Business Dakota County: New Tools for Lenders, Entrepreneurs and Small Business" at Valleywood Golf Course (2851 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley). Click here to learn more.
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DCR Chamber is Hiring!
Your Chamber's team continues to evolve with the departure of Jessy Annoni. We are grateful for all she has done to provide value and service to you, our Chamber members. We often hear how she has gone above and beyond. THANK YOU! Jessy. Please take the time to connect with her over the next few weeks prior to her last day of March 13th to wish her well.
The best employees are referrals from you...
Now hiring: Communications and Events Manager
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New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 Molinaro Davis Law, PLLC
2809 Cliff Road East, Suite 100, Burnsville
651.705.8800 Contact: Teresa Molinaro, Kristin Davis www.molinarodavis.com Attorneys/Legal Services Kristin Davis and Teresa Molinaro formed Molinaro Davis Law PLLC in January 2014. Ms. Davis practices in the area of family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Ms. Davis and Ms. Molinaro both practice in the area of probate, including will contests and estate litigation, and estate planning, including wills and trusts. Ms. Molinaro also practices in the area of tax law, including federal and state tax court litigation and tax appeals. Ms. Davis and Ms. Molinaro have been practicing law since 2007.  McAlister Marketing
2506 Northland Drive, Mendota Heights
651.688.0977 Contact: Joal McAlister www.McAlisterMarketingMN.com Marketing Consulting Services Specializing in strategic marketing, McAlister Marketing believes there should always be a method behind the madness. While the tactical marketing execution of things like advertising, and social media can provide quick results, they are rarely justifiable in the long run without a marketing strategy. With 20 years' experience in creating, planning, and executing strategic marketing plans, McAlister Marketing offers to do the strategizing to ensure your marketing goals are headed in a successful direction. Services include Strategic Planning, Market Planning, and Market Research. Associated tactical capabilities include Brainstorming Sessions, Tradeshow Management, Marketing Campaigns and Product Launch.  Edward Jones - John K. Murphy
2805 Dodd Road, Eagan
651.365.9908 Contact: John K. Murphy www.edwardjones.com Financial Services John K. Murphy began his career as an Edward Jones financial advisor in 1998, opening a branch office in West St. Paul, MN. He now serves individual investors in West St. Paul and Eagan. The nearly 7 million clients of Edward Jones have the benefit of working with a firm that is focused on the needs of individuals. The focus is on helping you reach your long-term goals. Whether it's the investments we offer, the services we provide, the offices where we work or the tools we use, all were developed with you in mind.
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Member News
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
Congratulations to DCR Chamber Members, Karen Devaughn, Life Wellness Center, and Roz Peterson, Cerron Commercial Properties, for being honored with the 2014 Exceptional Businesswomen Award... more here.
Rasmussen College is advocating on behalf of early childhood, join them on March 14th... click here to learn more.
Congratulations to Mike Ferber, Eagan's July 4th Funfest, for being honored at the Star of the North Award Ceremony... more here.
Velocity Fiber announced that they have completed installation of Gigabit Fiber broadband and data aggregation services for Imperial Plastics, Incorporated of Lakeville... read more.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Metropolitan Council invite you to attend an information session on public funding available for cleaning up contamination on real estate redevelopment sites.... learn more.
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Thank you to our weekly update sponsor!
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Jessy Annoni
Communications and Events Manager
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102
Eagan, MN 55123
651.452.9872
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