August 25, 2014
A Farewell from DCR's Summer Intern, Garrett Ahn

As summer comes to a close and I prepare to head back to UW Eau Claire for my upcoming junior year, I had some time to reflect upon my experiences as an intern for the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Working with the chamber has been an excellent opportunity for me to grow and develop new skills as an employee in a professional working environment. These past three months I have had an opportunity to continually develop my writing technique through contributing to the Weekly Update and social media postings, as well as improve upon my communication and professionalism through attending DCR Chamber events. As I head back to college to receive my degree in both Marketing and Finance, my long term plans consist of graduating in the spring of 2016 and spending a few years in both of these fields before taking the leap into small business ownership. I would also like to say thank you to everyone at the DCR Chamber for making my internship a very positive and fulfilling experience.
Nominations Requested for Volunteer Awards

To nominate your fellow members for "Volunteer of the Year", "Ambassador of the Year" or any custom nominations/awards, please click here! This year's Annual Meeting will place a special emphasis on recognizing our members, volunteers, and the business community's accomplishments over the past year. To register for the Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration, visit the event page.
Committed to business... for YOU.
DCR Political Action Committee Announces Endorsements in Six State Legislative Races

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee announced its endorsements of the candidates in the following Minnesota House of Representatives districts:
  • 51A - Andrea Todd Harlin
  • 51B - Jen Wilson
  • 52A - Richard Hansen
  • 56B - Roz Peterson
  • 57B - Anna WiIls
  • 58B - Patrick Garofalo
Candidates endorsed have demonstrated a commitment to building a strong business and economic environment in Dakota County and Minnesota. Other criteria include leadership on key business issues, voting records, electability, candidate knowledge and expertise, and local business community engagement and support. To view the full press release, click here.

Chamber advocates for "hold the line" approach to local property tax increases

 

During the past several weeks, local elected officials and city staff have been discussing their 2015 proposed budgets.  Projects are being advocated for.  Staffing levels are being assessed and so on.  In fact, most of the local communities in our service area are viewing their second or third draft.  Every line item is or should be scrutinized.

 

As your business advocate, the Chamber has been spending time at these work sessions and in meetings to ensure each community understands the implications of increasing property taxes for businesses.  We've asked them to prioritize and "hold the line" on spending.  To date, proposed local levy increases range from a low of 2.5 percent to more than 8 percent.  And don't forget about Dakota County and your local school district.  They too will propose tax increases.  Combined, your property taxes will likely increase by double digits in 2015.  Is your bottom line doing the same? 

 

What can you do?  Contact your local elected officials and ask them to prioritize their projects, find efficiencies, develop innovative solutions, and "hold the line" in spending.  Proposed levy increases must be finalized and certified by September 30.  Truth and taxation hearings follow but now is the time to have your voice heard.  For further information, contact your local city administration or call the Chamber at 651.452.9872.   

 

Breakfast with Champions Survey

As the chamber is always looking to improve events, we have created a short survey for your opinions and feedback on our "Breakfast with Champions" program. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey that will help us improve this event. We very much value your input! Please Click Here to answer a few short questions.
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

 

Eagan Planning Commission meets August 26 - see the agenda.

Rosemount City Council Work Session meets August 26 - see the agenda. 

Mendota Heights City Council meets August 26 - see the agenda.

Farmington Economic Development Authority meets August 25 - see the  agenda.

West St. Paul City Council meets August 25 - see the agenda.  

West St. Paul Economic Development Authority meets August 25 - see the agenda. 
MNSCU's Manufacturing Showcase Events

MNSCU's Metro Alliance for Customized and Continuing Education will be having Bob Kill; Enterprise Minnesota President & CEO will be speaking on this year's State of Manufacturing themes. Click Here for complete details.
Membership Campaign Update
60 Members in 60 Days

At the August 21 Membership Campaign Kick-off Breakfast, campaign teams were announced.  Thank you to the following captains for donating your time and effort in putting these teams together:  
Paul Eggen, State Farm Insurance
Jeffrey Larson, JBL Companies
John Curlee, State Farm Insurance
Blake Lis, Suite and Tie Delivery

To view a full list of the draftees, click HERE. Good luck in your campaign, and thank you for your dedication!

**If you'd like to participate in the Membership Campaign, please email Kate.
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!



Lindt Chocolate Shop
Twin Cities Premium Outlets
3985 Eagan Outlet Parkway
Suite 540
Eagan, MN 55122
Contact: Christina Canseco

Lindt Chocolate Shops feature a vast array of delicious Lindt chocolate offerings you cannot find anywhere else, from widely-known LINDOR truffles and EXCELLENCE bars to exclusive European Specialties and gift boxes. Lindt Chocolate Shop customers are treated to premium free chocolate samples and shopping assistance by expert Lindt Chocolate Advisors.


 





Data Bank
3255 Neil Armstrong Boulevard
Eagan, MN 55121
Contact: Brett Striker
www.databank.com

DataBank is the leading provider of enterprise-class data center solutions in Dallas, Kansas City and Minneapolis.  Our focus is providing customers with 100% uptime availability of data, applications and deployed infrastructure.  We offer a full suite of hosting solutions including colocation, managed services and cloud solutions that are anchored in world-class secure data center facilities with best of breed infrastructure and highly robust network architecture.  Our customized client deployments are designed to effectively manage risk, improve technology performance and allow clients to focus on their core business objectives.




Goff Public
255 East Kellogg Boulevard
Suite 102
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Contact: Jonathan Bohn

Goff Public is a Minnesota-based, mid-sized firm that has provided public relations and public affairs services for more than 45 years.  We have a diverse Minnesota and national clientele, ranging from large corporations to local trade associations and nonprofits.  Goff Public represents and promotes our clients' best interests and protects their reputations through customized public relations and public affairs efforts.  We strive to become a trusted, accessible, and results-oriented member of each client's team.  In 2013, we were named best small company to work for by Minnesota Business magazine.


 

Tommy Hilfiger
3905 Eagan Outlets Parkway
Suite 550
Eagan, MN 55122
Contact: Tim Loop

As one of the world's leading premium lifestyle brands, Tommy Hilfiger delivers superior styling, quality and value to consumers worldwide.  The brand celebrates the essence of Classic American Cool and provides a refreshing twist to classic, American fashion. 

The Tommy Hilfiger flag logo is recognized around the world as the symbol for high quality, quintessential American style with a cool twist.  Products include men's, women's and children's apparel, and accessories that reflect the classic American cool brand mission. 

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

 

 

Fred Astaire Dance Studio will be hosting a blood drive on Monday August, 25th and are in need of donors to make it a success. The drive will be taking place from 2:00pm - 8:00pm at 1975 Seneca Road in Eagan. To make an appointment please call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

 

CHESS will be hosting their upcoming open house on Friday, September 12. Click here for complete details on the event.


Your Chamber is seeking candidates for a part-time Intern for Fall Semester! Please forward any interested candidates to Vicki Stute.

ProAct hosted their Golf Classic this week with Tyler, Jeff, and Kyle Thames winning with a score of 16 under par! The tournament helps support people with disabilities served by the nonprofit based in Eagan. Congratulations to all those who competed! 

 

Guild Incorporated recently elected new officers to their Board of Directors. Michael Sampson, J.D., was elected to chairperson and Nik Larsen was elected to the role of vice chairperson. The board also welcomed Tom Luing, CFP. Luing, a Certified Financial Planner with Capital Management Associates, bring extensive experience in financial planning and wealth management. Click here to learn more.

 

The U.S. Department of Treasury will be hosting two upcoming webinars on its new myRA (My Retirement Account) Program. myRA is retirement savings account being developed by Treasury for businesses to employees. Click here for a complete overview on the myRA program. The webinars will be taking place on Tuesday, August 26th at 12pm or Thursday August 28th, at 3m. Click here for invitation details on the webinars.

 

Welcome to new members Tommy Hilfiger and Maurices! DCR Staff and ambassadors stopped during the busy and fun opening day of the Eagan Outlet Mall to celebrate their new memberships with some ribbon cutting ceremonies.

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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