March 24, 2014
Weekly Update brought to you by...
 
An Economic Victory:  Business Taxes Repealed
 Minnesota's business community scored a major victory on Friday as all three sales taxes on business-to-business transactions were repealed, effective March 31, 2014. In addition, the bill (HF1777) adopts federal conformity for 2014 income-tax returns, increases the threshold for estate taxes to $2 million, and repeals the gift tax (retroactive to June 30, 2013).  Unfortunately, the bill delays enactment of the up-front exemption for sales tax on capital equipment from September 2014 to July 2015.  Minnesotans overall receive $443 million in tax relief.

 

The work of business owners was instrumental in this victory as legislators heard you loud and clear.  If you spoke to your legislator, hosted a facility tour, sent an email or signed our petition, you made this happen.  Many voices can make a difference.  Thank you for keeping up the pressure.  And many thanks to Dakota County legislators for your support!

Committed to business... for YOU.
Legislative Alert:  Take Action Today

We want to alert you to an emerging concern: a series of workplace mandates that could be very disruptive to you and your employees:   

MINIMUM WAGE

There's momentum to raise the state's rate from the current $6.15 to $9.50 per hour, plus proposals to link it to an automatic inflation index....

SICK LEAVE

All employees must accrue at least one hour of paid sick or safe time per 30 hours worked....

FAMILY CAREGIVER LEAVE 

Adds family caregivers as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and expands litigation risk.... 

COMPARABLE WORTH 

Creates new regulations on Minnesota employers contracting with the state by mandating...

Your voice does make a difference. Learn more.
Coleman Encourages Engagement By All
Senator Norm Coleman was the featured speaker at your Chamber's Legislative Breakfast this past week.  Following more than 30 years of public service, Coleman is spending much of his time encouraging people to get involved and make a difference.  "Government is going to do something to you or for you - but its going to do something," stated Coleman.  To follow his efforts in Minnesota, learn more today.   
Workplace Wellness Featured at Breakfast of Champions
Join us on Thursday, March 27 for our monthly professional development opportunity.  Dr. Jeff McComb will present on Workplace Wellness.  Workplace Wellness is focused on making your employees healthy, focused and energized.  The ultimate goal is to help you create a company-wide culture that results in fit and productive employees.  Unlock the true potential of your employees by giving them tools proven to elevate performance.  Sign up today
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
24

25

8:00am

West Saint Paul/Mendota Heights Coffee Break

4:00 pm
Home Federal Ribbon Cutting 

26

8:00am

ChamberNet Two 

 

Noon

ChamberNet 

 

3:30pm

SMYPros: Community Service Event 

27

7:30am

Breakfast With Champions: Workplace Wellness 

28
31

1

8:00am

Rosemount Coffee Break 

2

4:00 pm

Potbelly Ribbon Cutting 

3
4
7

8

9:00 am

Hilltop Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting

 

4:30pm

Joint Chamber After Hours 

9

8:00am

ChamberNet Two 

 

Noon

ChamberNet 

10

8:00am

Eagan Coffee Break 

11

 14

 

15

12:00 pm

Meet the Chamber

 

16

7:30 am

Business Owner's Roundtable 

 

8:00 am

Farmington Coffee Break 

17

18  

7:30 am

Legislative Breakfast 




Fun Facts... Did You Know?
 
Minnesota's legislature has been debating the merits of medical marijuana during the 2014 legislative session and Governor Dayton is calling for further R&D.  How many states allow for the use of marijuana for medical purposes?
  • 3
  • 7
  • 10
  • 20
  • 23

Click here to cast your vote.       

 

Last week's results:  62% of you guessed 50 miles high as the equivalent to 178,000 tons of salt.  The correct answer is 550 miles high.  That's a lot of salt!

Eagan's State of the City

Nearly 100 people, including local legislators, City Council members, city staff, and business representatives gathered together for the Annual State of the City Address:  "Growing Opportunity Through Partnerships."  Highlighting business milestones, Maguire applauded $218 million in current building permits; numerous business expansions, including the $100 million Twin Cities Premium Outlet Mall in Cedar Grove area, and a record high of 54,000 people working in Eagan each day.  "Eagan is a place where people want to be, to live, to work, to own a business, and to raise a family," stated Maguire.  We agree Mayor; we agree.  

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.
Welcome Chelsea Johnson

   Your Chamber is pleased to introduce Chelsea Johnson, your Chamber's Communication and Events Manager.  Chelsea is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus and brings a wealth of experience in communications, marketing, graphic design and event planning.  She begins April 1.  Please stop by and say hello.

 
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!

 

 

Flint Hills Resources announced a $300 million investment in new projects at the refinery to yield cleaner fuels and improve energy efficiency.  This is in addition to the $400 million upgrade announced in November 2012.  The Star Tribune has a great story in the business section about it.

 

Comcast Business and Inc. Magazine launched a "Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs" competition for those who are leveraging technology to enhance customer and employee experiences.  Here's a link to the contest details.  Deadline is April 30. 

 

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.

 


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


Give us a call today!
STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedIn   Find us on Pinterest