April 7, 2014
 
Weekly Update brought to you by...
 

  A Note from Our New Communications Manager

During my first week as the new Communications and Events Manager at the Chamber, I was delighted to see how welcoming the Dakota County Regional Chamber community was. Not only did I get many visits on my first and second day, but I also received an overflow of support from chamber members, ambassadors and committee members alike.

I am extremely excited for the opportunities I'll have in the future to meet and interact with representatives from local businesses, and I look forward to working with everyone on upcoming events. Please feel free to call, stop by, or send an email to say hello and introduce yourself.

Committed to business... for YOU.

House Tax Bill Passes While Other Issues Linger

 

Despite our desire to perhaps change direction on some issues, the 2014 legislative session continues to move forward.  Last Friday was the final committee deadline so one must wonder, "what's next?" And still some insist  that this will be a short-session. 

 

Keep in mind that the Legislature will be on Easter/Passover Break from April 11 to April 21.  Please connect with your legislators while they are back in their districts and thank those that provided early support and voted in favor of the repeal of B2B Taxes.  Learn more about the bills we are currently tracking and find Your Legislator here. 

plane3.jpg Metropolitan Airports Commission Faced with Anti-Business Growth Proposals
  
MAC Commissioners will be faced with several proposals on April 21 which may limit future business development at MSP.  Your Chamber is concerned as MSP is an economic asset to the region and we would like to see continued growth, attraction of more carriers, and more connections and direct flights.  MSP can only do this and continue to serve as a hub if it can offer a competitive environment in which carriers and other vendors can do business.  Contact your Commissioner to voice your concerns. 
 
These proposals will require that contractors who win new contracts with airlines and other MSP vendors hire back the outgoing contractor's employees; establish a minimum wage and/or living wage for anyone employed by or contracted with MAC, including airlines; require airlines to offer certain standard benefit and PTO packages; and establish Employee Quality Standards at MSP patterned after worker qualification and training requirements at the San Francisco airport. 
Golf Classic Committee forms, plans underway

With only three months left before the Annual Golf Classic, the Chamber's committee for this event is forming and has decided on an initial meeting date. To volunteer, contact Chelsea at 651-288-9202. To learn more about different options for sponsorship, click here for more information. 

A remarkably successful event, this year's golf tournament on June 16 promises to be an exciting day of fun. The event begin with a BBQ luncheon and shotgun start at 12:00 noon, and will finish up with a delicious dinner and great prizes. Register today. 
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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 

21 

 

22

8:00 am

WSP/MH Coffee Break

23

8:00am

ChamberNet Two 

 

8:00am

Fairview Rosemount Clinic Ribbon Cutting 

 

Noon

ChamberNet 

24

7:30 am

Breakfast with Champions

25
28
29
30
1
2



Fun Facts... Did You Know?

 

Last week's results: 

What do young French children tape to their friends' backs on April 1? A split vote across the board but the correct answer was paper fish.

This Week in History 

On April 9, 1959, NASA announced the selection of America's first seven astronauts, titled "Mercury 7". Which one of the people below was NOT one of them?

-Scott Carpenter
-Boris Pasternak
-Wally Schirra
-Deke Slayton
-Gus Grissom 

To cast your vote, click here.
Local Focus:  Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

Rosemount City Council meets April 8 - See the agenda.
Eagan City Council Work Session on April 8 - See the agenda.  
                     Farmington City Council meets on April 7 - See the agenda. 

The Eagan Business News is a publication of the City of Eagan in conjunction with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Read today. 

To read Mayor Bill Droste's column on community, click here. 

MN Trade Office Seminar Available

MN Trade Office seminars are held often throughout the year. The next session titled "Export Process: An Introduction to Exporting" will be held on April 10th in St Paul and covers the basics of exporting, providing a broad overview of export fundamentals. Businesses that are new to exporting or want to expand their global presence should attend. For more information, click here. 
 
Welcome Kate Bowen

   Your Chamber is pleased to introduce Kate Bowen, your Chamber's new Member Services Manager.  Kate is a soon-to-be graduate of the University of St. Thomas and has previous chamber experience working for the Midway Chamber.  Kate's primary responsibilities will include member services and growth as well as leading our South Metro Young Professionals.  She begins part-time on April 8.  Please welcome Kate.  

 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 
 

 

Stauner Agency 

Farmers Insurance

750 S. Plaza Dr. Ste. 100

Mendota Heights, MN  55120

651.757.8768

Contact:  Chris Stauner

www.Farmersagent.com

Insurance

 

As your personal agent, I will keep you informed and aware of Farmers� Insurance products that may help protect what is important to you. It is my mission to help you develop the right plans for you and I strive to protect my clients' assets. Through dedication, knowledge and a tireless work ethic, I will be the agent who my customers want to send their friends and families to.

  

Thriveon

210 S. 20th Street

New Ulm, MN  56072

507.359.6451

Contact: Steve Laddusaw

 Www.thriveon.net

Managed IT Service Provider 

 

Thriveon, a local consulting and IT services provider was founded in 2002 by CEO Sam Bloedow in New Ulm, Minnesota. Thriveon has offices in New Ulm, Mankato, Edina and Grand Rapids Minnesota. Thriveon's vision is businesses without technology frustration.  Thriveon helps its clients grow through better managed technology. Thriveon designs, creates, and implements proven technology processes with their customer's unique business needs and goals in mind, so they're guaranteed to see a return on their technology investments and accomplish their business goals and initiatives. They partner with many types of small- to midsize businesses in the area, successfully eliminating IT issues that can cause expensive downtime. 

  

 

 

 

PI Midwest

7377 Memory Lane NE

Fridley, MN  55432

763.780.2606

Contact:  Mary Rose Iten

www.pimidwest.com

Management Consulting

 

PI Midwest is a Management Consulting and Organizational Development Business with clients in 38 states. In addition to Predictive Index� Training, we offer training in Strategic Planning, Interviewing, Basic Manager Fundamentals and Selling Skills.  
  

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

 

Happy Birthday to Potbelly Sandwich Shop for seven years in business at their Eagan location.  Your Chamber's Ambassadors stopped by to celebrate. 

 

Congressman John Kline welcomes Dakota County businesses to participate in the 5th annual Career and Jobs Fair on Monday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Eagan Community Center. Free space will be provided for employers to display information and talk with prospective employees. For table reservations, click here to email Sally Bryant. Deadline is April 21.

 

Dakota Electric Association invites their commercial and industrial members to register now to attend the spring meeting on Threats to Cybersecurity on April 30.  To learn more and register, click here.   

 

To view the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau Weekly Event Informer, click here.  

 

Insider Training, Inc. President/CEO Chris Dixon has been honored by the University of Minnesota as a 2014 Rising Alumni by the College of Education and Human Development. The CEHD Alumni Society is proud to recognize twenty-three rising alumni from across the college who have achieved early distinction in their careers, demonstrated emerging leadership, or shown exceptional volunteer service in their communities.  To read Chris's full profile click here.

 

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.


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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