April 20, 2015

2015 Membership Campaign: Tips for Success!

 

As the 2015 Membership Campaign quickly approaches, it's almost time to get out there and find new members! The best way to secure a new member, is to think of prospects

you already know.  Come up with a list of 10 individuals you think can benefit from membership.  These prospects can be business partners, people from your church or just friends you see from time to time.  The possibilities are endless!  When approaching these prospects, two effective tools to implement in your recruitment efforts include: goal planning and effective questioning. 


The first tool, goal planning, is a great tool used to keep you motivated and have a target in mind. Some goals for the Membership Campaign may include:

 

-          Identifying your leads so you can contact them at the appropriate time

-          Determining their interests and nurturing them with appropriate content

-          Qualifying and scoring your leads for readiness and prioritization


 One other effective tool in recruiting new members is to ask the right questions at the right time. Some possible questions to ask potential Chamber members include:

 

-          What are you excited about during the next 12 months?

-          What are your business goals for that period?

-          How do you foresee achieving your goals if you were to join the Chamber?


Use these goals and questions as a start, but take some time to come up with your own. Being prepared for your upcoming conversations will play a vital role in the success of the campaign! In the words of Les Brown, "It's better to be prepared and not have an opportunity than it is to have an opportunity and not be prepared."
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.  

Federal Dollars for Transportation in Jeopardy

 

Your Chamber in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mid-America Chamber Executives Advocacy Alliance, and MAP-21/Highway Trust Fund Working Group are advocating for the re-authorization of the Federal Highway, Transit and Highway Safety Programs (MAP-21) and Highway Trust Fund. MAP-21 creates a streamlined and performance-based surface transportation program and builds on many well-established multi-modal systems.  However, funding is running out, and Congress needs to act soon to ensure reliable, long-term funding for our nation's roads.  A joint letter will be sent to Congressional members asking them to support the re-authorization.  If you would like more information on this important transportation policy issue, please contact Vicki Stute.     
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. 
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 Bluestone Steak and Seafood on Wednesday, May 6th from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.  
  
Complimentary food will be served 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
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
11
11:30 a.m.
12
7:30 a.m.
13
8:00 a.m.
Noon

14
8:00 a.m.

3:30 p.m.
15


Do you believe in the Twins?

With the recent start of the MLB season, the Twins are off to a start of 2 wins and 6 losses. How much hope do you have in the Minnesota Twins?

A. We're going to the World Series
B. We will be an average team
C. "Hope" and "Minnesota Twins" do not belong in the same sentence

Answer Here!

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

 

Eagan City Council meets April 21 - see the agenda.
Rosemount Port Authority meets April 21- see the agenda.
Mendota Heights City Council meets April 21 - see the agenda. 

Farmington City Council meets April 20- see the agenda.

West St. Paul Planning Commission meets April 21 - see the agenda.

2015 State of Manufacturing To Be Held on May 18

 

Dakota County Regional Chamber is delighted to host one of Enterprise Minnesota's 2015 State of Manufacturing® (SOM) events in Dakota County to discuss the findings from its seventh annual survey. These results will report on the state and regional manufacturing outlook and the industry's top issues. Enterprise Minnesota conducted hundreds of phone surveys and 14 focus groups with manufacturing executives across the state to understand their perceptions and opinions on the economy and other major issues impacting business.
 
This is an important event for anyone in or connected to the manufacturing industry, as well as educators, elected officials, economic development professionals, granting agencies and members of the media. Attendees will receive a book revealing a compilation of the results and a summary of the findings, and a copy of the May issue of Enterprise Minnesota® magazine, which will feature the survey results.
 
The event will include a presentation of results by Enterprise Minnesota president & CEO, Bob Kill, followed by a period of questions and discussion.
 
State of Manufacturing Survey Release
Monday, May 18, 2015
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Argosy University, Room 2030
1515 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN  55121
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!


 

 

PBBS Equipment Corporation

Contact: Joel Carberry

3329 Mike Collins Drive

Eagan, MN 55121

651.686.7227

www.pbbs.com

 

At PBBS, we have been providing customer-oriented service since 1955.  Our company's reputation for customer trust and satisfaction has sustained and nurtured our business through the years and has helped us develop relationships with clients throughout the upper Midwest.

PBBS is dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your boiler room needs.  Whether you're a specifying engineer working on a new building, or you're in need of replacement boilers or upgrades, the best way to start your project is with a call to PBBS.

 

Marketplace Home Mortgage

Contact: Tom Mattaini

800 South Plaza Drive

Mendota heights, MN 55120

651.256.2054

www.marketplacehome.com

 

We're a full service mortgage lender with an experienced staff offering expertise in every area of mortgage lending...from purchase to refinance to construction lending. We have access to a full range of mortgage sources and all of our lending specialists are dedicated to finding the right loan-with the best rates, terms and costs-to meet your unique needs. But that's just the beginning of our service. Throughout the lending process, we provide regular loan updates and progress reports so you always know the status of your loan. We also offer a special Mortgage Manager service if you are considering refinancing your mortgage
  

Bonfire Eagan
Contact: Melissa Frenzel
1555 Cliff Road
Eagan, MN 55122
651.452.0200

The heart and hearths of the Bonfire Restaurants are their wood fire ovens.  Wood fire cooking allows our Chefs to present dishes in a traditional way, full of bold flavors.  The bonfire menu features wood fire cooked items including seafood, burgers, pizzas, flatbreads and rotisserie grilled chicken.  our restaurants are casual, warm and cozy- ideal for gatherings of any size!  join us for lunch and dinner, early and late-night happy hour specials and weekend brunch.

 

 

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

 

 

 

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. 


 The Federal Executive Board of Minnesota's Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunity Council (SADBOC) is hosting a free Government contracting conference on April 30 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center MN.  The 16th annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair will feature a reverse trade fair with government agencies and government prime contractors staffing tables to meet small businesses interested in selling their product or services, 20 workshops on Government Contracting related topics, and scheduled one-on-one match-making appointments with government and corporate buyers. If interested, register here!

 

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities is hosting their 3rd annual Y Run on Saturday, April 18, at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. The run will benefit the Y's healthy living programs and services such as Y Run club curriculum for youth, chronic disease and obesity epidemic prevention, healthy snacks in youth programming and healthy living programs for all ages. Register here! 

Congratulations to ProAct, who has elected School District 917 Superintendent John Christiansen to their Board of Directors. 

Congressman John Kline is hosting his 6th Annual Career and Jobs Fair on Monday, June 22nd at The Eagan Community Center to help connect job seekers and employers. If your business in interested in reserving a table, please contact Joyce Zerka here.

Atomic Data is hosting their annual April BBQ on Friday, April 24th from noon to 4 p.m. If you are interested in enjoying free BBQ and drinks, RSVP here.

The Jail Department of the Dakota County's Sheriff's Office wants you to learn more about the issues with ex-offender unemployment and the money-saving incentives provided by the government when hiring an ex-offender. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, take a look at the following attachments: 1, 2, 3.

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