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LinkedIn: Is it Really That Important?
A Column By DCR Intern Luke Hammer
 While most individuals check their Facebook or Twitter on a daily basis, LinkedIn often remains neglected. Only 8.33% of Americans use LinkedIn during work hours while nearly 30% of Americans use Facebook during work hours. We constantly read articles about the importance of using LinkedIn as a businessperson, yet for many, they don't understand why. Let's take a look at some statistics:
- With more than 330 million members, LinkedIn remains the largest professional network/business-oriented social network in the world.
- Over 100 million users access LinkedIn daily.
- For Business to Business marketers, LinkedIn is considered the most important social network.
It's important to understand that while you may not be using your LinkedIn effectively, you can change that to benefit both yourself and your business. Here are a few tips:
- Invest 20 minutes a week into providing relevant and interesting content for those in your network.
- Use pictures and videos to better engage your connections.
- Search for clients using the advanced people search feature.
- After coffee breaks, DCR will send you a list of all the attendees. Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn to expand your connections.
The digital age has changed the business world and it's vital in this day and age to adapt to the changes. With having a highly effective resource for both your personal career and your business at your fingertips, it's time to adapt and make it happen!
Source 1 ,Source 2 , Source 3
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Committed to Business... for YOU.
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Business Day Not At the Capitol
Tuesday, March 3 | 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.| $95 per person, $55 for lunch only
Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront
11 East Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Optional pre and post meetings along with luncheon and legislative visits
The State Capitol is under construction, so we are bringing the lawmakers to you. Get motivated by listening to Tom O'Neill , president of The Nerdery, who is sure to energize everyone with the story of his company's growth.
Take this opportunity to gain an understanding of the legislative process and deliver a personal message to your elected officials. Plus:
- Network the peers from around the State
- Rally with your recognized region
- Quiz legislators on hot topics important to your business - workforce development, education, transportation, and more
Click here to register or visit www.dcrchamber.com.
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Transportation: A system that's now more than planes, trains and automobiles
Minnesota's transportation infrastructure is a valuable asset that requires ongoing maintenance and investment for the efficient movement of people and materials. Many recognize that present methods and level of funding fall short of maintaining our existing system, let alone allowing for expansion. Your Chamber was pleased to host MnDOT Commissioner Zelle's Chief of Staff Eric Davis during last week's Legislative Breakfast to learn more about the various proposals at the Capitol.
Your Chamber supports investment at a level to maintain the existing transportation system - roads, bridges and transit - and provide for strategic enhancements to it so our infrastructure addresses demographic, economic and technological trends. Find out more about our transportation policy. Want to get involved? Contact Vicki Stute and sign up for the Transportation Policy Interest Group.
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DCR Announces State of the City Addresses In Five Communities
 The Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber of Commerce will be hosting State of the City Addresses in five of our communities: Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, Farmington, Eagan, and Rosemount. State of the City Addresses will be given by the Mayor of each respective community. This is a great opportunity to learn about the successes of the past year and plans for the future in the communities where you live, work, and play.
- Mendota Heights: Wednesday, February 25th from 7:30am - 9:00am at Mendota Heights City Hall (1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights).. Keynote by Mayor Sandra Krebsbach. Free to attend. Click here to RSVP.
- West Saint Paul: Wednesday, March 11th from 7:30am - 9:00am at Southview Country Club (239 Mendota Road East, West Saint Paul). Keynote by Mayor David Meisinger. This event is in partnership with the West Saint Paul Rotary. $13 per person, includes breakfast. Click here to register.
- Farmington: Wednesday, March 18th from 8:00am - 9:30am at Farmington City Hall, 340 3rd Street, Farmington. Keynote by Mayor Todd Larson. Free to attend. Click here to RSVP.
- Eagan: Thursday, March 19th from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Market Hall in Twin Cities Premium Outlets (Eagan Outlets Parkway, Eagan). Keynote by Mayor Mike Maguire. Free to attend. Click here to RSVP.
- Rosemount: Wednesday, March 25th from 7:30am - 9:00am at the Community Center Banquet Hall (13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount). Keynote by Mayor Bill Droste. Free to attend. Click here to RSVP.
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Save the Date: Annual Golf Classic Tournament June 15th
With all these golf classic invitations in your inbox, we want to make sure you have the Annual DCR Golf Classic on your calendars! Make sure to mark down the date for this year: Monday, June 15th!
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Events Calendar
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4:30 p.m.
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Noon
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7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
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8:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
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8:00 a.m.
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7:30 a.m.
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3:30 p.m.
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10:30 a.m.
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Happy Valentine's Day from the Chamber!
Did you know?
Red roses are considered the flower of love because juggling the letters of the word 'rose' would result in 'EROS', who is the God of Love. Source
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Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
West St. Paul City Council meets February 9 - see the agenda. Eagan City Council Work Session meets February 10 - see the agenda.Rosemount City Council Work Session meets February 9- see the agenda. Farmington City Council Work Session meets February 9- see the agenda. Farmington City Council Planning Commission meets February 10- see the agenda. |
Mendota Heights Welcomes New City Administrator
 DCR Chamber welcomes new Mendota Heights City Administrator, Mark McNeill. McNeill served as the Shakopee City Administrator from July, 1996 to December 2014. Before Shakopee, McNeill had been the city administrator in Mason City, Iowa, and in Savage. Ferraro of the Pioneer Press writes, "Citing his extensive experience and professionalism, the city council has unanimously agreed to offer Mark McNeill the position and enter into the final phase of the contract and hiring process." Although McNeill was asked to resign from the Shakopee City Countil after an annual closed session performance review, Ferraro writes that Mendota Heights Mayor Sandra Krebsbach has only good things to say about the new administrator and is looking forward to the new addition. To view to full story, click here.
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Thank you to our 2015 WomEn's Conference Sponsors!
                 
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New Members
We welcome the following new members!
Young and Associates
Contact: Michelle Young
7601 France Avenue South
Suite 600
Edina, MN 55435
952-857-1487
Are you looking for ways to reach your financial goals in today's volatile market? Whether you're saving for retirement, college for your kids or other needs, you may be unsure about what to do next or whether you can do anything at all. That's where we can help. We'll take the time to listen to you and understand your goals and dreams. We'll help you build a plan to get back on track toward reaching them. Working together, we will work to find investing opportunities in today's uncertain market that are aligned with your financial goals. Together, we can bring your dreams more within reach.
Dash Leander Agency
Contact: Dash Leander
750 S Plaza Dr Ste 100
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
952-465-7187
At the Dash Leander Agency, our mission is to enrich lives and communities by helping to navigate the endless barrage of insurance speak. Buying decisions should be bred out of trust and understanding. We can make you smarter about your insurance, we can make your insurance quote take less and less time and we can simplify your insurance; pick any motto you'd like. We are a full service, multi-line agency, providing auto, home/renters, umbrella, life and financial services to name a few.
Coming Soon!
Minnesota Occupational health
Contact: Jim Sebesta
1400 Corporate Center Curve
Suite 200
Eagan, MN 55121
952-270-8626
www.mohonline.com
Minnesota Occupational Health is the leading provider of workplace medicine services. With three specialty clinics, we partner with employers and their workers to prevent and treat work-related injuries, where our shared goal is to help people remain mobile and productive until they are fully healed. In partnership with Summit OrthoQUICK clinics, we can treat injuries every day and evening of the week. Specialty services including physical exams (DOT, FAA, Hazmat, etc.), vision, audio and respirator testing are also available. Drug testing and functional testing help employers maintain a safe workplace.
Kate's Escapes
Contact: Kathryn Johnson
8455 168th Street West
Lakeville, MN 55004
952-201-0826
Stress Free Hawaiian and Caribbean Vacations
I take the headache out of planning your travel. I save you time and money, I find the right accommodations and I come up with itineraries that fit you. There's no reason why your next vacation can't be both exciting and relaxing. As a certified wellness, travel and cruising specialist, I am dedicated to helping you strike the perfect balance between broadening your horizons and achieving the sense of rest and relaxation you deserve.
I'm excited to help you achieve the best version of yourself through the pursuit of travel!
 Cherokee Service
815 Dodd Road
West Saint Paul, MN 55118
651-222-1634
Cherokee Service has been providing exceptional Automotive Repair Service to the community since 1948. They're still the same family-owned business with the same ASE techs you've come to know and trust, under the new ownership of John Gouette. John was born and raised in the Cherokee Park area and he brings with him 35 years in the Automotive Parts Business having served as Regional Director for the 3
rd largest automotive company in the U.S. Their mission is to continue to provide quality repairs at a competitive price all with a nationwide warranty.
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Member News
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
Congratulations to Dean Chamberlain of WSB & Associates who recently achieved the designation of Professional Engineer (PE) in Minnesota.
Looking to make connections with local employers and find a job? Attend the Get Jobs Job Fair, a Twin Cities Hiring and Recruiting Event on March 26th, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Eagan Civic Arena (3870 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan MN 55122). Local employers will be recruiting for hundreds of entry level to professional jobs. For a list of all job fair exhibitors and their websites, click here.
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Chamber in the News
"Chamber program aims to enrich professional and personal lives of women...." Click here to read. "Women's Conference Raises Funds for Scholarships..." Click here to read.
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