March 17, 2014
Weekly Update brought to you by...
 
South Metro YPro's Making a Difference
Your Chamber's Young Professionals are busy collecting food throughout March as part of their community service project through MN FoodShare Competition.  The final collection day will occur on March 26 as part of their monthly meeting.  If you are interested in making a donation click here for a list of collection locations.  SMYPRO is a new program of your Chamber.  Learn more today and join us. 
Committed to business... for YOU.
Senator Norm Coleman Offers His Insights
March's Legislative Breakfast features "Minnesota: Shaping the Future through Knowledge and Engagement" on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Commons on Marice, 1380 Marice Drive in Eagan.  Senator Norm Coleman will discuss some of the major issues facing the business community by digging deeper into how decisions are made at the state and federal level as well as encouraging engagement by all - across all parties - in order to make a difference in our communities and region.  Sign Up Today.
 
Legislative Update:  Week Three
After weeks of hurried meetings, the MN Legislature remains quiet on two important issues for your business.  Minimum wage and B2B Tax Repeal await their final outcomes.  The House passed B2B tax repeal as part of File 1777 and the Senate has yet to act.  Additionally conference committee members working on minimum wage remain at a stalemate.  Contact your Senator and urge them to repeal B2B Taxes and let them know that minimum wage must only increase as long as the inflationary index is not included.  Learn more here on how to contact your Senator.
Network Your Way To New Business Leads
What Your Chamber Offers

Our goal is to help make your business as successful as possible. That's why your Chamber offers ChamberNet free to you through your annual membership investment. ChamberNet operates as lead/referral networking groups that utilize a non-competing core of business people to build relationships and generate additional business leads for one another.  Currently we offer two groups and are looking to add a third based on interest and demand.  Call 651.452.9872 for more info. 

Fun Facts... Did You Know?
 
How bad has winter been?  We're almost out of salt according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.  Through January, MnDOT poured on 178,000 tons o salt on roads -- 60 percent more than last winter.  Picture it as a stack of 50-pound bags of salt about how many miles high?
  • 5 miles 
  • 50 miles
  • 550 miles

Click here to cast your vote.       
Calling all small businesses.  Are you looking for a STEM spring or summer intern?
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced matching grants of up to $2,500 available for small businesses seeking STEM interns.  To find out more click here.
Farmington focuses on growth through new hire
The City of Farmington is seeking qualified candidates for their newly created Community Development Director position.  As part of their strategic growth plan, the City has allocated resources to ensure continued growth and development of the community.  Your Chamber is pleased to see growth as a major of objective of the City as this assists current businesses in their own growth and job creation plans.  Application deadline is March 31.  For more information, click here. 
Wanted:  Sales Representatives

If you've always wondered what it would be like to work for the Chamber, look no further.  Your Chamber is seeking interested and energetic professionals looking to connect with businesses in the Dakota County area.    

 

Now hiring: Member Services Manager 
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 
 

Bravura Consulting Group

  14223 Azalea Path, Rosemount
 651.269.7890

Contact: Lisa Hayes

www.bravuracg.com 

Business Consulting/Coaching

  

"I work with individuals and teams who want to move from good to great by helping them understand and maximize their strengths in order to get great results. I provide a variety of workshops, group and individual coaching."

 

First National Bank of Northfield

329 Division Street, PO Box 59, Northfield

507.645.5656

Contact: Lisa Franxman

www.firstnationalnorthfield.com 

Bank

 

For more than 140 years, First National Bank of Northfield has upheld a tradition of sound banking practices - the cornerstone upon which countless successful businesses have been built. We're committed to providing top-notch customer service and offering an array of business products - both traditional and electronic - to propel businesses to new heights. Lisa Franxman, First National vice president of business banking and DCR chamber member, joins a team of first-rate bankers, dedicated to building lasting, mutually-beneficial relationships with customers.

 

SASCO Investments, LLP
1916 Livingston Avenue,  West Saint Paul
 651.554.1411

Contact: Steven Shaller

Real Estate

 

SASCO Investments LLLP owns the Southview Square Shopping Center on Robert Street in West St. Paul. The partnership has owned the center since 1999. The center was remodeled in 2000, which greatly improved the appearance. As a result, it was awarded the City of West St. Paul Business Recognition Award. The center leases to large national tenants such as Chipotle, Sherwin Williams, Home Choice and O'Reilly Auto, as well as smaller local tenants such as Van Drake Jewelers and Regina's Candies.

 

Style Encore

1960 Cliff Lake Road, Eagan
 952.412.1670

Contact: Mary Klapperich

www.style-encoreEagan.com

Women's Clothing/Clothing Retailer 

 

Style Encore is the preferred store of fashion conscious, spending savvy women in their late 20's through their mid-50's.  Customers can buy and sell gently used casual and business apparel and accessories, all day, every day.  Style Encore pays cash on the spot for items purchased.  Customers who sell and buy from Style Encore are able to get the best value for their money.  Style Encore - Eagan coming soon!

 

Member News
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!

 

 

McAlister Marketing, a strategic B2B marketing consulting services firm, celebrates its inauguration.. read more.

 

The Eagan and Farmington offices of Thrivent Financial invite you to join them in supporting Minnesota Food Share month by participating in a "Friendly Food Fight" competition. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved.

 

Congratulations to Jon Hohenstein, City of Eagan, for being selected as one of the Finance & Commerce  Progress Minnesota 2014 honorees, which recognizes individuals and companies driving business growth, jobs and economic development in the Twin Cities and across the state. Click here to learn more.


Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102
Eagan, MN 55123
651.452.9872

Give us a call today!
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