April 13, 2015

Recognizing our Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

 

National Volunteer Week began in 1974 as a way to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers around the country. In fact, National Volunteer Week was established with an executive order by President Richard Nixon. Every sitting U.S. president since Nixon

has issued a proclamation during National Volunteer Week, urging Americans to give their time to community outreach organizations.

 

Your Chamber is grateful to those who have continuously volunteered their time and efforts to support the organization. To show our appreciation, Chamber staff will highlight different individuals throughout the week on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We are excited to show our appreciation to those who go above and beyond for the Chamber and thank all of you for your continued support!  
Committed to Business... for YOU.

Regional Planning vs. Local Control:  The Role of the Metropolitan Council

 

Up until the last few months, you may have never heard or known much about the Metropolitan Council.  Today however, the regional policy-making body and planning agency is making media headlines.  In fact, so many questions surround the Met Council these days that the legislature has created a bi-partisan sub-committee to address accountability and transparency issues.   The Council's mission is to foster efficient and economic growth for a prosperous metropolitan region.


State law requires the Council to adopt a long-range plan for the seven-county Twin Cities region every 10 years. Thrive MSP 2040 is the latest vision of the Met Council for the seven-county region.  The plan sets the policy foundation for the systems and policy plans that are developed by the Council in the areas of transportation, water resources, regional parks, and housing, major issues facing each and every local community in Dakota County. Register here.
Panelists include:

Adam Duininck, Met Council Chair 

Adam Duininck was appointed chair of the Metropolitan Council by Gov. Mark Dayton in January 2015. He is the 14th chair of the Council since its creation by the Legislature in

1967, and the first to serve full time.  Duininck, a native of Willmar, was first appointed to the Council in 2011.

Commissioner Tom Egan, Dakota County, Chair 

Commissioner Tom Egan currently serves as Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Dakota County.  He was first elected in 2005 and prior to that served as mayor of Eagan for nine years following his service on the city council.  

Do You Agree with Dayton's Analysis of the "State of the State"?

 

Last Thursday, Governor Mark Dayton delivered his fifth State of the State Address and described Minnesota as a state that works, that has made significant progress, but that has more to do on education, transportation, public works and cleaning up the state's waters. ...."I am frequently asked, 'What are my top priorities for this session?'" he said. "My simple, straight answer is: 'Everything.'"  A link to the full text can be found here.

 
Chamber To Hold Next Speed Networking Luncheon in May
Introducing: Speed networking! This unique style luncheon is a great place to share your story with other local business representatives. Luncheon participants have the opportunity to pitch their business to decision makers from area businesses/other DCR Chamber members in a fast and fun networking atmosphere. The lunch is structured in a rotational format, which allows participants to network with many different people in a short amount of time. So come prepared to promote your business, make new contacts, and meet new people. Bring plenty of business cards! This event will be held on May 11th from 11:30-1:00 at ValleyWood Golf Course. Registration includes a 3 course lunch.

Seating is limited, so participants are encouraged to RSVP quickly. Deadline to register is May 4! Only one representative from each company may attend. All participants must be a current member of The DCR Chamber. Click here to register. 

Upcoming SMYPros event: The Power of Humor in the Workplace 

Andy Weisberg


Few presenters can claim to have been both a professional performer and a professional businessman.  Andy Weisberg spent 18 years as a successful actor, director, college theater teacher and performance consultant, and then spent another 18 years as a successful corporate trainer and Director of Talent Development.


Focusing on the things that make us better at relationships, better communicators, better teammates, better husbands and wives, better parents -- better people, Andy Weisberg blurs the line between work and play, transforming both. Andy's unique spin on the obstacles to enjoying our work and our lives more is very highly regarded and his most popular topic. This event will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at Argosy University in Eagan. This event is included in the SMYPros membership investment.  Not a SMYPros member?  Attend one event for $20.00 and contact Kate for more info on membership. RSVP to Kate today!  Learn more about SMYPros here.

During the month of March, the South Metro Young Professionals raised food and funds for Neighbors Inc.  In total, the group collected 1040 pounds of food and $1,469.00.  Thank you for your generosity, members!  These donations will help several families and individuals right here in Dakota County.  
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1314
7:30 a.m.
15
7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
16
7:45 a.m.
17
2021
8:00 a.m.

Noon
22
7:30 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
Noon

2324
2728
8:00 a.m.
2930
7:30 a.m.
1
45
8:00 a.m.
6
4:30 p.m.
78


A Fun Way to Use Leftover Easter Candy

The surplus of candy left after Easter weekend can feel like a blessing or a curse-here's a recipe where you can use that leftover candy to make a sweet treat. Source

Leftover Candy Stuffed Brownies
Yield: Makes 16 brownie bars
  • 4 ounces (115 g) chopped unsweetened chocolate
  • ½ cup (120 g) virgin coconut oil
  • 1.5 cups (300 g) sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 lightly beaten eggs
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules or 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
  • Leftover fun size candy, chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt together unsweetened chocolate and coconut oil. I do that on the stove top but you can also use the microwave.
  3. Stir in sugar, vanilla, eggs, salt, optional coffee/espresso powder, and flour. Stir after each addition.
  4. Pour half of the batter into prepared pan, place candy bars on top and pour remaining batter into pan. Sprinkle with smarties or chocolate chips etc. and bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only crumbs but no batter attached.
  5. Cool before cutting into squares. Store in an air-tight container
Last Week's Quick Poll Answer: Social Media Trends

Fill in the blank: There are more searches on _____ each month (24 Billion) 
than Yahoo! and Bing combined!

The correct answer? Twitter!

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

 

Eagan City Council Work Session meets April 14 - see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council Work Session meets April 13- see the agenda.
Rosemount Planning Commission meets April 14 - see the agenda. 

Farmington City Council meets April 13- see the agenda.

West St. Paul Economic Development Authority meets April 13 - see the agenda. 

West St. Paul City Council meets April 13 - see the agenda. 

West St. Paul City Council Work Session meets April 13 - see the agenda.
Recruitment and Retention Event: Tips & Strategies for a New Era

The Dakota County Community Development Agency, Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board and the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a free workshop, Recruitment & Retention: Tips & Strategies for a New Era, on Wednesday, April 22 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville. 

This FREE workshop will focus on thinking beyond business challenges in recruitment and retention for today's labor market and discuss best practices.The morning will feature a presentation on Results-Only Work Environment and will include a panel discussion with local businesses on recruitment and retention best practices. Click here to register.
Robert Street Improvement Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City of West St. Paul is holding a groundbreaking ceremony today, April 13th, at 10 a.m. to kickoff the start of construction on the city's main thoroughfare. After four years of planning, the City of West St. Paul is set to begin construction on the 2.5 mile stretch of Robert Street. There will be a short presentation regarding the scope of the project. Speakers will include local, regional and state elected officials. The ceremony will take place at the intersection of Robert Street and Annapolis Street.

If you'd like more information about this topic, please contact West St. Paul City Clerk, Chantal Doriott at 651-552-4102 or by email. 
Member Spotlight : Carolyn Sampson
The success of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce would not be possible without the help of our volunteers.  In recognition of those individuals, your chamber has implemented the "Member Spotlight".  This program will feature outstanding members in the Weekly Update each month.  If you'd like to nominate a member for our Member Spotlight, let us know!

We are honored to recognize Carolyn Sampson for this week's Member Spotlight.
Carolyn is the Owner of ProSign Branding Solutions and has been a Chamber member since February of 2013. Carolyn is an Ambassador Captain, playing an important role with helping new Chamber members benefit the most from their membership.
 
When asked how the Chamber has helped her business and what she enjoys most about the Chamber, she said "The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is the single most important piece of my business networking strategy. Besides finding wonderful customers, service providers and referral partners, there's no substitute for spending quality time with other small business owners and corporate leaders who face similar challenges and rewards. I appreciate the DCR staff's enthusiasm and warmth as they work hard to provide quality events and benefits for their members." Thank you Carolyn for your continued support of the DCR Chamber!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!


  

Mathnasium of Eagan

1960 Cliff Lake Road

Suite 112

Eagan, MN 55122

Primary Contact: Bari Kahar

www.mathnasium.com

 

Hello. I'm Bari Kahar, Center Principal of Mathnasium of Eagan, your neighborhood math-only learning center. We help kids in grades 2-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. 

When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead - whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math. Our formula for teaching kids math, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across 500+ centers in the US and Canada:

1. We know how to teach your child math.

2.  We pinpoint your child's learning needs, meet them where they are, and take them where they need to go.

3.  We will help your child overcome homework frustration. 

 

Spire Credit Union

1251 Town Centre Drive

Eagan, MN 55122

Primary Contact: Rachael Reiling

www.spire-banking.com

 

Since 1934 we have proudly served the residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin. SPIRE currently has sixteen branch locations in the Twin Cities area, including a branch in Princeton, Minnesota.  Whether you are just starting out in life, own your own business, or are close to retirement, SPIRE would like to be your

total financial solution.

 

Financial Sync

Primary Rep_ Mike Schaeffer

1200 Centre Point Curve #300

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Primary Contact: Mike Schaefer

www.financialsync.com

 

It's tough to grow your business when you are continuously "in" your business. That's why companies turn to Financial Sync for critical business service needs. From CFO level expertise to daily, back-office operations, and everything in between, Financial Sync professionally manages the financial aspects of our clients' businesses. We work with a wide variety of small to medium sized organizations, customizing our solutions to meet their specific needs and budgets. As a result, our clients can spend their time and energy on revenue generating activities - focusing on their business, vs. in their business. Growing profitably, and saving time and money.

 

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

 

 

Insider Training announces its new web series Smart Nutrition. In this weekly webinar Smart Nutrition offers participants a discussion of dietary habits and personalized meal-planning in a small group format. Registered dietitian Nicole Carlson helps you take control of your diet for long-term success! Register for one of our FREE webinars April 14th @ 6pm or April 23rd @ 6:30pm. The Smart Nutrition 4-week course begins Tuesdays in May at 6pm. Contact us at mymealplan@insidertrainingfitness.com for further details. 

 

Marco, Inc., a leading technology services provider in the United States, announced today that it has purchased Better Business Equipment (BBE), a copier and printer company located in Omaha, Nebraska. Congratulations!

 

The Jean Pierre Pallais American Family Insurance Agency is looking to hire a full time customer service representative. If you know of any potential candidates or are interested in the position, please contact Jessica Aubel by email or at (651) 696-9096.


 WSB & Associates, Inc. has hired 8 new employees in their Construction Services and Surveys Groups. Congratulations!

 

Affinity Plus Credit Union donated 15 Easter baskets to patients at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota on April 3rd. They selected Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota as one of their Organizations of Choice in 2013 because the organization has a statewide reach and treats its patients and their families with exceptional care. 

 

Venture Bank is opening a new branch location in Roseville. The new office, lead by Senior Vice President Nate Urfer, will launch with 11 employees in the spring of 2015. 


Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
651.452.9872