September 2, 2014
This Weekly Update is Brought to You By...
You're Invited: 2014 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration
A completely new event by the DCR Chamber: register today!
NOTE: EVENT RESCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 14, 2014

Dakota County Regional Chamber is hosting an event that has never been done before! Come celebrate as we gather at Lodge on the Lake to honor the volunteers and members who have so kindly donated their time, effort, and resources in support of the Chamber on a daily basis.

This great event will include surprise entertainment, a cash bar, delicious food, and much more! 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.


Ticket Information

This guarantees to be an affordable night of fun for just $40 per person (Early Bird Rate - By September 22, 2014) or $50 per person (Regular Rate - Starting September 23, 2014)!  This is a 21+ event and you are welcome to bring non-chamber member guests. Registration covers one beverage ticket and hors d'oeuvres all night long, as well as surprise entertainment and prize drawings.  Click here to register online.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the DCR Chamber's 2014 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration provides an excellent opportunity for your company to draw the attention of many business professionals in the community. Click here to view all the sponsorship opportunities for this upcoming event.
Are You a Socialite Delight?
Nominations Requested for Volunteer Awards

To nominate your fellow members for "Volunteer of the Year", "Ambassador of the Year", "DCR MVP", "Socialite Delight" and more custom nominations, 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 - Rick 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.   

You're Invited: DCR Chamber Why Not Wednesday? Event
 
The DCR Chamber would like to invite you to the Why Not Wednesday? Business After Hours event at Argosy University on Wednesday, September 3rd from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.  
  
Food and beverages will be served!  Argosy will provide appetizers and there will be a cash bar. Bring your business cards and get ready for an evening of fun, networking and socializing!  Please invite your fellow co-workers, friends, and others you feel may enjoy this event.
 
To register or to find more information about the event, click here.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
12


3

3:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.
4

8:00 a.m.

3:30 p.m.

5


8910

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

Noon


11

8:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m.

8:30 p.m.
12
15

7:00 p.m.


16

Noon
17

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
18

7:30 a.m.
19
2223

8:00 a.m.
24

8:00 a.m.
Noon 

25

7:30 a.m.
26

 

Annual 2014 Membership Satisfaction Survey

Each year, we conduct a survey that helps us assess how we've been doing and what we could do better as a Chamber to serve your needs. To give us feedback about our program, services and staff, please click here. Please submit your feedback by Monday, September 15th.

Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

 

Eagan City Council meets September 2 - see the agenda.

Rosemount City Council meets September 2 - see the agenda. 

Mendota Heights City Council meets September 2- see the agenda.

Farmington City Council meets September 2 - see the agenda.

 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!




Olive Oil from the Farm LLC
1964 Rahncliff Ct, 
Ste 200
P.O. Box 22234
St. Paul, MN 55122
Contact: Jackie Haworth

Olive Oil from the Farm imports premium artisan extra virgin olive oil from small farms and estates in Spain because it can be difficult to find quality extra virgin olive oil. (Most grocery store extra virgin olive oils are not extra virgin.) These olive oils have great taste and quality, demonstrated by the number of prestigious awards from around the world. Extra virgin olive oil is considered the healthiest fat because it has significant health benefits!  We specialize in olive oil tastings and olive oil gift baskets - a gift that people are delighted to receive!



DCA Title

1276 S. Robert Street

West St. Paul, MN  55118

Contact:  Kimberly S. White

www.DCAtitle.com


 

Founded by the Welshons family in 1957, DCA Title provides abstracting/tract searches, title insurance and closing services for Minnesota and Wisconsin.  They also provide residential and commercial refinances along with purchases of existing homes/commercial buildings and new construction.  The company has a production office in Hastings and five closing offices in the Twin Cities - Apple Valley, Hastings, Minneapolis, Roseville and West St. Paul.

With more than 20 years of experience, Assistant Vice President & Executive Closer in West St. Paul, Kim White and her staff guides clients through the closing process, providing the information and remedies needed to close on time with title clear of any known defects, ensuring a pleasant closing experience.


 


9Round Eagan
1095 Diffley Rd.
Eagan, MN 55123
Contact: Prab Perera

9Round kickboxing fitness delivers total body results in a quick 30 minutes with no class times.  The best part of 9Round is that a trainer is engaging so you feel motivated and your workout never feels boring.  With over 40,000 members nationwide, 9Round delivers maximum results in the shortest amount of time for people with all ages and fitness levels.    9Round is also a  great place for high performing student athletes,  team building, and group events.  At 9Round, your results are guaranteed, you will smile while sweating and your first workout is always FREE. 




Fairview Pharmacy Rosemount
15075 Cimarron Ave.
Suite 3
Rosemount, MN 55068
Contact: Dana Smith, Pharm D.

Fairview Pharmacy provides prescription and over-the counter drug therapy to more than 34 communities in Minnesota. The Rosemount pharmacy is located next to the Fairview clinic and is open to the public. We offer easy refill options day or night, free blood pressure checks, and vaccinations (flu, shingles, pneumonia and tetanus/whooping cough). We are open Mon thru Fri 8-7, Sat 8-1. We welcome all to use Fairview Pharmacy not just Fairview patients. Come meet our great staff who cares about your health!


 


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.


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

 

 

 
Congratulations to the 5-8 Grill and Tap on your recent addition to West St. Paul! Ambassadors and the DCR Staff enjoyed a sample tasting of appetizers and learned about the history of the restaurant at their first ever ribbon cutting.

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.

Thriveon, a leading local managed IT service provider, has been recognized as a member of the 2014 CRN Next-Gen 250 list! The annual list showcases prominent technology solution providers that offer a unique approach to selling and integrating solutions. Click here for the complete story.

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

Congratulations to Lindt Chocolate Shop on your grand opening! Ambassadors and DCR Staff stopped by for a ribbon cutting and even got to take home some delicious chocolate. 
Thank you to our sponsor
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
1121 Town Centre Drive, Suite 102
Eagan, MN 55123
651.452.9872
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