2015 WomEn's Conference: Presented by Anchor Bank and Fairview Ridges Hospital
 The Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber of Commerce is hosting their fifth annual WomEn's Conference on March 12th, 2015 at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center in Eagan, Minnesota. This event is attended by approximately 200 influential business women from various companies throughout the metro area.
This event will feature keynote speakers Angie Bastian, Co-Founder and President of successful brand Boomchickapop, as well as Kristen Brown, Corporate Trainer and Bestselling Author of "The Happy Hour Effect". Additionally, for the first time in The WomEn's Conference history, the event will offer the opportunity for all attendees to take a Predictive Index Assessment offered by PI Worldwide, and will be able to learn about their results at the Conference from industry leader/PI Worldwide representative Mary Rose Iten. With more than 2 million assessments completed every year, this tool has become an integrated part of any workplace hiring and successful team building experience. In addition, a marketplace of businesses offering their products and services related to Energizing, Educating and Empowering women will be available throughout the Conference to participants.
Where: Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan
When: Thursday, March 12, 2015, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Fee: Early Bird Rate (through February 22, 2015) - $129 per person (Members) or $149 per person (Non-Members)
How to register: Visit the event page or email Chelsea Johnson. If you do not wish to register online, you may fill out this form and return to DCR Chamber by email, fax (651-452-8978) or mail to our address (1121 Town Centre Drive, Eagan MN 55123).
Thank you to our sponsors:
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Committed to business... for YOU.
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Calling all S-corps, sole proprietors, LLCs, and partnerships
One of your Chamber's legislative priorities is to improve competitiveness of small and midsized businesses by reducing tax on business income paid through individual income taxes. These businesses, known as pass-through entities, are an important and growing part of the overall economy. Reducing tax burden would increase dollars available for reinvestment in businesses and in employees. Did you know that:
- 92% of Minnesota businesses, including our newest and smallest, pay taxes through individual income taxes - these are the sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships and S corporations;
- Pass-through entities pay their business income taxes through the individual income tax;
- 54% of the private-sector workforce is employed by pass-through companies.
Lowering taxes has a direct impact on business owner's capacity to invest, especially for small and midsized businesses with limited sources for capital. We hope to reduce the tax burden on "phantom income" - income that is currently taxed even if it is not distributed to owners and is reinvested in the business.
If your business is impacted, please join our Tax Policy Interest Group. Members will be called upon throughout the legislative session to take action through one or more of the following ways:
- Contact their legislator via telephone or email
- Schedule a personal visit with legislator(s)
- Provide testimony at committee hearings
- Share your business story with local media
We'll provide a turnkey approach to make your advocacy efforts easy for you. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Vicki Stute by email or by calling 651.288.9201.
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Rep. Peterson to hold property tax listening session
In response to expressed constituent concerns regarding rising property taxes, State Representative Roz Peterson will hold a property tax listening session in Burnsville on Tuesday, January 27 at Jo Jo's Rise and Wine, 12501 Nicollet Ave, Suite 100, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Also attending will be Minnesota House Property Tax and Local Government Finance Committee Chairman Steve Drazkowski. Rep. Peterson said she invited Chair Drazkowski and other House Property Tax Committee members to the listening session so they can hear firsthand how business owners and homeowners are being overwhelmed by rising property tax rates.
Peterson is strongly area business owners who are dissatisfied with rising property tax rates to attend the event and share their stories. Please pre-register by calling Grant Erickson, Property Tax Committee Assistant, at 651-296-9710 or by email.
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 Mailpak: A great advertising opportunity to promote your business
Does your company have any promotions currently running that you would like to announce? Are you hosting an event you would like to invite chamber members to? Or are you simply looking to raise your companies' visibility in the community?
If this is the case, the Dakota County Regional Chamber has the perfect opportunity for you to do so, the MailPak!
You Provide:
- 500 Flyers
- 20lb paper; 8 ½" x 11"; must be folded in half
- Materials need to be at the Chamber by deadline
- $150 investment, paid prior to deadline
You Receive:
- Circulation to approximately 500 businesses in Dakota County
- Advertising for current promotions and events
Our next deadline has been extended to Noon on January 30th Submit your ads today! Please fill out this form and return to Chelsea by email. For questions, call 651-288-9202.
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Events Calendar
Monday
| Tuesday
| Wednesday
| Thursday
| Friday
| | 26 | 27
8:00 a.m.
| 28
8:00 a.m.
Noon
West Saint Paul City Council Meeting
| 29 | 30 | 2
7:00pm
Farmington City Council Meeting
| 3
8:00 a.m.
6:30pm
Eagan City Council Meeting
7:00pm
Rosemount City Council Meeting
7:00pm
Mendota Heights City Council Meeting
| 4
4:30 p.m.
| 5 | 6
7:30 a.m.
| | 9 | 10 | 11
8:00 a.m.
Noon
| 12
8:00 a.m.
| 13 | | 16 | 17
Noon
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18
7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
| 19
8:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
| 20 |
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 ChamberNet: Generating leads for you Business
ChamberNet groups operate as lead/referral networking groups. They utilize a non-competing core of business people to build relationships and generate additional business leads for one another. Currently your chamber offers two groups that meet on a monthly basis. These groups are open to visitors on a non-compete basis.
Currently, the ChamberNet groups are looking to fill the following categories:
- Handyman
- Title Insurance
- Plumber
- Dentist
- HVAC
- Promotions
- Contractor
- Hotel
- Acupuncture
- Financial Advisor
- Commercial Broker/ Agent
- Travel Agent
- Web Design
Unsure if your industry has been filled and interested in joining a group? Contact Kate for questions and concerns. |
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Is Less Expensive Better?
86% of customers are willing to pay more for a better customer experience but only 1% feel that vendors consistently meet their needs. Between business strategy and customer experience, what do you believe is more important? Answer Here!
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Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
West St. Paul City Council meets January 26 - see the agenda. Eagan Advisory Planning Commission meets January 27 - see the agenda.Rosemount Planning Commission meets January 27 - see the agenda. Mendota Heights City Council meets January 20 - see the agenda. Farmington Economic Development Authority meets January 26- see the agenda. |
Jobs Wanted: Military Hiring Fair
 Join employers and veteran-job seekers at this premier opportunity to network and connect with talented individuals who are ready to transition into the civilian workforce. Military veterans bring a range of desirable skills to the workplace.
Hiring Minnesota Heroes, a Minnesota Chamber program, will provide valuable tips and guidance on how to develop and implement veterans hiring programs. Look them up at the job fair, and let them help you get started. Contact Ted Daley.
Thursday February 12
Job Fair 9:30am - 2:00pm
Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul
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New Members
We welcome the following new members!
Paychex
1210 Northland Drive
Suite 100
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
651.365.5060
Contact: Kelvin Johnton
Paychex, Inc. is a leading provider of payroll, payroll tax pay, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. We offer flexible reporting options and advanced tax capabilities for business's in the non-profit sector. We service over 600,000 small business in the US. Paychex Inc. is the industry leader and the main focus has always been our customers first!
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Member News
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
360 Communities is hosting their annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Luncheon on February 13th at Brackett's Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. The event brings together community leaders, law enforcement, and concerned citizens to shed light on the issues of domestic and sexual violence. All members are invited to attend at the cost of $30 dollars per person and can register at www.360Communities.org
Congratulations to Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. for completing their move to a premier Apple Valley address following completion of a full office build-out in the building. The new office space is located in the Wings Financial Building at 14985 Glazier Ave.
The Dakota County Perkins Group will be hosting a Career/College Fair at Hastings High School on March 12, 2015 and is looking for any members interested in participating in the event. Their goal is to fill the event with career options of all levels and backgrounds. If interested, please contact Eric J. Van Brocklin through email or call (651)423-8259.
Congratulations to Jill Skogheim of 5-8 Club for the well-deserved recognition of 40 Under 40 in the Business Journal.
Join Home Federal Bank and Eagan Cub Foods in raising money for The Open Door, a local food shelf, on January 31 and February 1 in their 2nd Annual Cub Foods Packing Event. To get involved in ending local hunger, you can either volunteer your time or help promote the event through your business or organization. If you would are interested or have any questions, contact Lisa Horn through email or call (612) 390-5613.
Congratulations to Don Regan, chairman of Premier Banks, who was named Banker of the Year by NW Financial Review. Great work Don!
Thrivent Financial is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Treehouse Banquet to help save at-risk teens in the south metro (Dakota and Scott County). The event will take place on February 26, 2015 at Brackett's Crossing in Lakeville from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. If interested in attending, please contact Germaine Beyl through email or call (651) 463-1010.
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