October 27, 2014
DCR Presents: 2014 Business Excellence Award Winners

Congratulations to the following businesses for winning an award for this year's Business Excellence Awards! These companies have exhibited innovation, growth and leadership within the Dakota County Region. Thank you to the many nominees and valued members who submitted their names for consideration. We invite you to join us in celebration.

2014 Awards:
Business Excellence Award: Skyline Exhibits
Community Leadership Award: Dakota Electric Association
Small Business of the Year Award: Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant 
Non-Profit of the Year Award: 360 Communities
Woman/Minority Owned Business Award: Stacey Bartelson- Edward Jones

    
Committed to business... for YOU.
Watch DCR Candidate Forums, Become Informed

Did you miss one of our candidate forums? Watch them here!

West St. Paul Mayor & City Council Candidate Forum:Watch here

Mendota Heights Mayor & City Council Candidate Forum: Watch here

MN House of Representatives Candidate Forum - MN House Districts 52A & 52B & 54A: Watch here

Rosemount Mayor and City Council:Watch here

MN House of Representatives Candidate Forum - MN House Districts 57B & 58B:Watch here 

Farmington City Council & School Board Candidate Forum:Watch here

We're Losing Ground; Elections Matter

 
 
Minnesota is losing ground in creating private-sector jobs, and there's something you can do about it:  Support pro-business candidates in the Nov. 4 elections.
 
A recent report by Adam Belz in the Star Tribune underscores why this year's elections matter to the livelihood of employers and employees alike. The analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Minnesota dead last in the Midwest in growing private-sector jobs, adding fewer jobs in almost every industry than previously thought. The analysis is considered more reliable than monthly jobs reports that often are adjusted for accuracy.
 
A disturbing trend at the Capitol where the Governor and Legislature have increased the cost of doing business in Minnesota must be stopped.  Our business community cannot afford the same results as the 2014 Legislature, on top of the 2013 session.  We must elect individuals who understand what it takes to develop and expand Minnesota's economy.

Your Chamber makes it easy for you to find out which candidates support the priorities of you and your employees.  Give us a call to learn more about our positions on key policy issues and how our current legislators matches up.  From there you can make an informed decision when casting your vote on Nov. 4. 

Know where your candidates stand on your concerns: Our Legislative Scorecard shows how incumbents voted on business priorities at the 2014 Legislature. Dakota County Regional Chamber PAC identifies and supports pro-jobs candidates.

 
Find your polling place: You're armed with the information. Now be certain you know where to cast your ballot.

 

Your Chamber has created a Voter Guide that gives information about candidates from local elections. Click here to see candidate questionnaire responses. 

November Event: Speed Networking and County Wide Expo 

The 6 Chambers of Dakota County have partnered to host the County Wide Chamber Small Business Expo and Business After Hours at Mendakota Country Club on Thursday, November 13th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

 

Expo tables are available.  The cost to reserve an 8' table is $150, which includes table skirting and electricity. The fee for a free standing display is $150, which includes electricity. The fee for a ½ 8' table is $90, which includes table skirting and electricity. Click here to register for the expo.

 

There will be a speed networking session prior to the expo from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.  Investment is $15 per person. Click here to register for speed networking. Space limited. 

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 Saga Bar and Grill on Wednesday, November 5th from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.  
  
Food and beverages will be served! Saga 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
27
28

8:00 a.m.
293031
3
Election Day    4

8:00 a.m.

4:00
5

4:30 p.m. 
6

8:00 a.m.
The WomEn's Circle: It's More Than The Estrogen
7

7:30 a.m.
10

3:00 p.m.
1112

8:00 a.m.

Noon
13

8:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

14
1718

Noon
19

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
20

7:30 a.m.
21


Halloween Treats

Many people carve pumpkins, but not many people think to save the seeds to make a delicious Halloween snack!
 
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 tsp salt
Optional: spices, garlic powder

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Toss seeds in a bowl with melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally. 

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

 

West St. Paul City Council meets October 27 - see the agenda.

Eagan Planning Commission meets October 28 - see the agenda. 

Rosemount Planning Commission  meets October 28 - see the agenda.

Mendota Heights Planning Commission meets October 28- see the agenda.

Farmington Economic Development Authority meets October 27 - see the agenda.

Minnesota Chamber Offers Environmental Permitting Workshops

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce invites you to "Point, Click, Permit". Learn about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's new online service and permitting systems, and how these programs will help move permits along faster. The event is on November 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to see more information and to register. 
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!





Track What Counts
1485 Lone Oak Road
Eagan, MN 55121
Contact: Rosemarie Ndupuechi

Track What Counts helps companies all over the world create, implement and measure the impact of a corporate social responsibility program. The missing link for many companies who have or are researching a CSR program is the ability to quantitatively measure their impact. Knowing these numbers allows businesses to share their good with customers, shareholders and employees. We provide the tools, software, resources and consulting services to make a difference - and then we help you tell the world about it!

 


Rudy's Redeye Grill
14845 South Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068
Contact: Erin Gerlach

Rudy's Redeye Grill in Rosemount offers delicious food made in our true scratch kitchen, served in our beautiful inviting dining room.  Rudy's is the perfect place for any occasion: date night, family dinner (kids are always welcome), happy hour, birthdays, or just because.  We offer daily specials, rotating craft beers, a superb wine list, and much more.  Rudy's Redeye Catering offers full-service off-site catering for all occasions including business events, holiday parties, and weddings.  Rudy's dining room is available for private events during the day Monday through Friday with no room fee.  Please visit Rudy's Redeye Grill soon.

 


Derek Staley- Mutual of Omaha Investor Services
1700 West 82nd Street
Suite #160
Bloomington, MN 55431
Contact: Derek Staley

I know that good planning can impact families for generations. I consider it my personal and professional mission to help people build financial security and to protect their families and their businesses. I work with my clients to evaluate and adjust their financial strategies as their needs change throughout their lives.









Cottrell Law Firm, P.A.
2287 Waters Drive,
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Contact: Bill Cottrell

Cottrell Law Firm's goal is to take the worry out of your legal worries. We do so by providing efficient but quality legal services for each and every client. Cottrell Law Firm is a trusted partner for its many clients and corporate organizations.

Cottrell Law Firm is a leader in the collection of debts in Minnesota and North Dakota. Mr. Cottrell is also admitted to practice in the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux (Dakota) Community Tribal Court. Additionally, Cottrell Law Firm has a strong general practice, which includes estate planning, family law, criminal law, and numerous other practice areas.



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

 

Welcome to the DCR Chamber, Kindercare, Sunbelt Rentals and The Allen Agency! Ambassadors stopped by for a ribbon cutting this week.

 

The City of West St. Paul is looking for businesses in the Dakota County Region who have digital marquee signs who would be interested in displaying traffic safety messages, specifically during extra enforcement events as Seat Belt, Speed, and DWI. If you have an interest, please email

Dan Tocko.

 

Congratulations to Life Wellness Center on their one year anniversary! DCR Ambassadors stopped by to celebrate. 

 

 


Dakota Electric Association is now accepting applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes non-profit groups, community organizations and businesses that have shown a strong commitment to the community. To read more,

McAlister Marketing: registration is open now for the "11 Steps to Business Success" Workshop, beginning November 5th.   If you're looking to grow your business, become more operationally efficient, and increase revenue, this workshop is perfect for you.  Join experts in the field of Business, Operations, Marketing, and Finance, to learn how to set your business up for success.  The registration is open now, seats are limited, DCRC members eligible for discount.   Click here to register. 

 

Congratulations to Stacey Bartelson of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Eagan, who recently won the firm's Jim McKenzie Award for her exceptional achievement in building client relationships.


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


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

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