September 8, 2014
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WomEn's Circle Kickoff Event Planned for October 2, 2014

The Dakota County Regional Chamber is excited to announce the first WomEn's Circle Kickoff Meeting, to be held at Lone Oak Grill in Eagan on October 2 from 8-9 a.m. Please join us for a morning of networking, learning more about The WomEn's Circle, and a light breakfast. Anyone interested in becoming a member of The WomEn's Circle or just wants to learn more about this group are encouraged to attend. To see the full event page and to RSVP, please click here.

The WomEn's Circle will focus on development of leadership skills, building meaningful connections, personal and professional development, business growth, and more.  
Introducing the 2014 Business Excellence Awards

Please join us for the 2014 DCR Chamber Business Excellence Awards Celebration on November 20th from 7:30am - 9:00am!  We will be honoring businesses that exhibit innovation, growth and leadership within the Dakota County Region.  This annual award celebration will be at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center located at 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan.  To register for this event, register online or fill out this form.

This year's featured speaker will be Doug Baker, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Ecolab Inc. A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. 

 

This year, there are 5 awards. To find our more information about award descriptions and eligibility or to nominate a business for one of these awards, please see this form and return to Chelsea Johnson, Communications and Events Manager by email or fax (651-452-8978) if applicable. Applications due by Friday, October 3. Please limit your submission to 6 pages. 
Committed to business... for YOU.
Chamber Urges Members to Get Informed
Attend a Candidate Forum 


 Your Chamber encourages individuals in the business community to be actively involved in the political process. We influence public policy decisions by providing knowledge based programs and forums that provide information in a business context for decision makers.  With that in mind, this election season, you have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates running for office within Dakota County.  Candidate forums have been scheduled within the local communities as well as regionally within the various House of Representative Districts.  Take the time to get informed and educated before you go to the polls on November 4.  Register online at www.dcrchamber.com

 

Mendota Heights City Council and Mayoral Candidates - Thursday, September 11, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Town Square Television, Inver Grove Heights

West St. Paul City Council and Mayor Candidates - Thursday, September 11, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Town Square Television, Inver Grove Heights

House Districts 52A and 52B - Monday, September 15, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Town Square Television, Inver Grove Heights

Eagan City Council and Mayor Candidates - Monday, September 29, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Eagan City Hall

House Districts 51A and 51B - Wednesday, October 1, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Eagan City Hall  

Farmington City Council and School Board Candidates - Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Farmington City Hall

House Districts 57B and 58B - Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Rosemount City Hall

Rosemount City Council and Mayor Candidates - Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Rosemount City Hall

Chamber Opposes Proposed Franchise Fees

 

Over the past several weeks, the City of Mendota Heights has been discussing the possibility of implementing a new franchise fee on gas and electric utilities.  All customers would be impacted by such a fee, with businesses taking on the greatest impact. This change would likely cost businesses thousands of dollars.  Following advocacy against the fee by your Chamber, the City's elected officials agreed to take the fee "off the table", and agreed that greater transparency with all stakeholders is necessary if or when discussions surrounding this topic continue in the future. Your Chamber applauds the decision by Mendota Heights' city leaders and appreciates the opportunity to provide input on behalf of the businesses.    
2014 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration

Dakota County Regional Chamber is hosting an event that has never been done before! Come celebrate as we gather at Lodge on the Lake on Tuesday, October 14th 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 by 8 different member restaurants, and much more! Click here to view all the sponsorship opportunities for this upcoming event.


Ticket Information
This guarantees to be an affordable night of fun for just $40 per person (Early Bird Rate - By September 22, 2014)! This is a 21+ event and you are welcome to bring non-chamber member guests. Click here to register online. 

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! 
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8910
7:30 a.m.

*7:30 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

29
7:00 a.m.

301
4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.
23

 

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 programs, 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 Work Session meets September 9 - see the agenda.

Rosemount City Council meets September 9 - see the agenda. 

Farmington City Council Work Session meets September 8- see the agenda.

Farmington Planning Commission meets September 9 - see the agenda.

West St. Paul City Council meets September 8 - see the agenda.

 

Read City Administrator Dwight Johnson's column on efforts to attract commercial development here.  
Minnesota Chamber Announces New Program

The Minnesota Chamber has announced their new program, Hiring Minnesota Heroes, which encourages employers to develop and implement programs focused on hiring military veterans. They are ready to recruit employers, help them adopt veteran hiring goals, and then, most importantly, meet those goals.

Hiring Minnesota Heroes addresses two needs important to maintaining a vital state economy. No. 1, our state needs workers at all skill levels. The Minnesota demographer estimates that the growth rate for our workforce will decline and slow to a trickle through 2030. Businesses statewide are already reporting difficulty filling the openings they need to develop and grow here. No. 2, this program hopes to help those men and women who have served our nation start or resume their careers in Minnesota. The unemployment rate among veterans is higher than the state's overall rate, and the percent that has stopped looking for work is about twice that for the state as a whole.
To read more, click here. 
Sponsor the Membership Campaign

On Tuesday, September 23rd, your Chamber will be hosting a celebration
to conclude our membership campaign.  In an effort to conduct a successful event, the DCR is offering sponsorship opportunities to community businesses.  If interested, please contact Kate Bowen for more information.
 
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 residential and commercial refinances and 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 guide 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!

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

 

 

Congratulations to valued member Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, who has announced plans to open their first retail store operated by a Minnesota based health insurer. The company has signed a multi-year lease to operate a 3,500 square-foot space in the Yorkdale Shoppes mall on York Ave. in Edina, Minn. To read more, click here.


Congratulations to the 5-8 Grill and Tap on their 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.

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.

The Open Door invites you to OctoberZEST, their third annual fundraiser. The event will take place on October 5th from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center. To see more about this event, click here. 

Seasonal Temp Jobs are Available at Capitol Direct in Eagan. Check them out here. 

Congratulations to Think Mutual Bank, who's CEO Paul Mackin has been appointed to the Community Bank Advisory Council (CBAC) of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and named director-at-large for the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota (ICBM) Board of Directors. To read more, click here.

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