November 10, 2014
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First WomEn's Circle Program a Success

The newly-formed WomEn's Circle started off on Thursday, Nov. 6 with a top-notch presentation by Cyndi Lesher, the CEO of SheerWind and former executive at Northern States Power Company-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. Cyndi shared her professional journey with the group, noting the challenges that women in leadership face today. Cyndi provided many suggestions for the group to consider and keep in mind during the navigation of their own careers. Additionally, Cyndi spoke on the importance of being authentic, assisting other women, and advocating on your own behalf. Lastly, she reminded the Circle to remember: if we can get Spanx on in the morning, we can do anything!


There's still time to join the Circle! Click here to join and plan on attending our next Circle event, 'The Self Defeating Habits of Otherwise Brilliant People" on December 18th at Valleywood Golf Club in Apple Valley. This event will feature speaker Julie Sampson, Consultant and Certified Trainer at Thera Rising, Inc. We hope to see you there!

Committed to business... for YOU.

Election Recap: DCR Chamber Reflects

 

Television advertising is back to normal.  Lawn signs have disappeared.  Political pundits have told us what went right and what went wrong.  The elections of 2014 are over. 

 

Your Chamber recognizes the importance of public service, community engagement, and determination required to run for office.  So first, congratulations to the incumbents that won their respective races.  Our "hats off" as well to those that were hoping for a different outcome; and we'd also like to recognize the individuals that were newly elected in our region.

  • Roz Peterson, House of Representatives 56B
  • Mary Liz Holberg, Commissioner, Dakota County
  • Dave Meisinger, Mayor, City of West St. Paul
  • John Bellows, City Council, City of West St. Paul
  • Tim Pitcher, City Council, City of Farmington
  • Shaun Nelson, City Council, City of Rosemount
  • Steve Corraro, Farmington Schools District 192

It can also be said that one thing is clear:  Minnesotans did not vote to move our state and country in one clear ideological direction or another.  Minnesotans want to see a true economic recovery take hold with more growth and more jobs.  They want a government - regardless of local, county, state or federal - that works and leaders who actually lead, solve problems, and get something done.  This will be the basis for the Chamber's policies that we will take to the legislature.  We will tell them that the expansion of economic growth and private sector job creation must be the bi-partisan foundation of economic policy.  We are pro-jobs and wherever possible, we will ask them to put aside their differences, make reasonable accommodations and act for the good of Minnesota businesses.  

Minnesota Employers Tee up their 2015 Agenda
Column from MN Chamber Interim President Bill Blazar 

The 2015 legislative session is around the corner, and Minnesota businesses are making a clear statement: We need a new direction at the Capitol if our companies are to grow and develop jobs. That message was underscored in the annual findings of the Minnesota Business Barometer Survey co- sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Himle Rapp & Company, a public affairs firm headquartered in Minneapolis. Nearly 90 percent of the respondents in this year's Business Barometer said the Governor and Legislature play a role - 35 percent said a very important role - in shaping the state's business climate. At the same time, they stressed a continuing disconnect. Sixty-three percent - including 24 percent strongly so - said elected officials generally do not understand the everyday challenges facing businesses. More than two-thirds said a government decision played a role in a business decision at least several times a month.

To read more of Bill Blazar's column addressing the annual Minnesota Business Barometer Survey, please click here. 
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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
24


25

8:00 a.m.
26

8:00 a.m.

Noon
2728
12

11:30 a.m.
345

7:30 a.m.


Quick Poll

Did you predict that the Republicans would take majority control over the Senate? 
Click here to let us know!

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

 

West St. Paul City Council meets November 10 - see the agenda. 

Eagan City Council Work Session meets November 12 - see the agenda. 

Rosemount City Council Work Session meets November 10 - see the agenda.

Farmington City Council Workshop meets November 10 -  see the agenda.

 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!


 


 
 

 

Siegel Brill, P.A.

100 Washington Avenue South

Suite 1300

Minneapolis, MN 55401

612-337-6100

Contact: Steven Weintraut 


 

At Siegel Brill we work with privately-held businesses and the people who own them.  Knowing you and your business is our goal. When achieved, we earn your trust.  
Our law firm has been around since 1948. Our practices have changed over the years, but the relationships we forge are very much the same. We work with people we like. And that will never change. We work with people we respect. And that will never change.  We work with people who we learn from. And that will never change. 

After sixty-five years, here is what we know...every day there is something new to learn about business-your business and ours. And every day, we strive to be better-better people, better parents, better lawyers-and as a result, we become better business owners.

 


 

 

Harris Companies

909 Montreal Circle

Saint Paul, MN 55102 

651-602-6500

Contact: Marco Hunt


 

Harris Companies is one of the largest mechanical subcontractors in the United States and provides complete Design/Build and Design/Assist plumbing and HVAC services for projects that vary in size, scope and complexity.  From stadiums and concert halls, to university and historic landmark buildings, to hospitals and industrial facilities, Harris Companies' dynamic team of experienced professionals work closely with the entire construction project team and leverage the vast expertise, resources and partnerships that Harris has to offer to find efficiencies that maximize the possible.

 




Thompsons Fireside Pizza II Inc.

3400- 150th Streest

Rosemount, MN 55068

651-344-7651

Contact: Kim Zeigler

 

Whether you are looking for dinner with family or friends or the best Happy Hour south of the River, we offer a cozy and classy setting with quality food that will keep you coming back time after time. Featuring $5 apps and 2-for-1 on tap beer and house wine during Happy Hour.
We feature classic dinner entrees, specialty pizzas, mouth-watering burgers, gourmet sandwiches, salads & soups and a great selection of wine, beer & drinks. 

The Warming House banquet rooms available for private parties or special events.  Need catering?  Impress your guests with catering services by Fireside and let us come to you.

 


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

 

 

Insider Training announces its new health & fitness blog on Tumblr!  Each week industry experts will discuss popular topics and answer questions from fans.  Read their latest blog "Understanding Gluten" from Insider Training Nutrition Specialist Nicole Carlson, R.D., L.D.

 

You're invited to a Free LUNCH & LEARN at the AWAKEN Higher Brain Living™ Center in Eagan on Friday, November 14th at 12-1:00 PM. Higher Brain Living� is a revolutionary and guaranteed personal growth & development program that includes naturally energizing the pre-frontal cortex of your brain, thereby dumping stress and increasing confidence, clarity, mood, and productivity. RSVP today for this Free Lunch & Learn, or pay $20 at door: https://LunchandLearnEagan.eventbrite.com

 

Ever wish for a way to call attention to the GOOD behavior of a business you serve or that serves you? Now you have that chance! The Minnesota Business Ethics Award� (MBEA) invites all Minnesotans to recognize and celebrate businesses that get it right with good performance plus good ethics! For the 2015 Awards, your nominee could be one of three businesses added to the MBEA honor roll - one small, one medium, and one large.  To nominate a business you believe exemplifies the best of Minnesota - go to www.mnethicsaward.org and click on "Nominate a Company" The deadline is January 23, 2015.

 

The Minneapolis Old Country Buffets (OCB) restaurants are calling on area residents to help them fight hunger in their local communities by participating in the "Together We Can" canned food drive. Starting now and through November 25, 2014, 10 OCB locations throughout the Minneapolis metro area will be accepting nonperishable items or monetary donations. Each person who donates will receive a $1 off coupon for breakfast or lunch that is good for their next visit. Click here to learn more. 

 

Join KARE 11 & Sports Director Eric Perkins in the 2nd annual KARE 11 Food Fight benefiting Second Harvest Heartland. Last year, #TeamPerk beat out Randy Shaver, Julie Nelson & Belinda Jensen who all raised more than 860,000 pounds of food to feed families in our community. How can you give back & get some free T.V. time? Start a food drive or fundraiser at your business & drop off those donations to Eric Perkins, who will be at Cub Foods Eagan Town Centre on November 25th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To really get involved in a BIG way, email [email protected]. Find more information here.

 

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
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