April 27, 2015

Maximize Your Marketing Efforts for Summer!

 

As summer is quickly approaching, you have potential to grow your business by taking advantage of a few summer seasonal marketing ideas. Here are some great things your business can do to maximize your marketing:

        

- Host a Cookout: This is a great way to bring employees, clients and potential clients together in one setting. By offering incentives to those who attend, you will give them good reasons to frequent your business over summer.  Utilize your member benefits and advertise your event on our online Calendar!


 - Summer-ize Your Marketing Materials: Whether it's your weekly newsletter or company website, look for ways to incorporate summer themes. You can also include summer recipes, fashion tips, and/or business specials to gain the interest of your clients.  Your Chamber is happy to promote your company's happenings in the Member News section of the Weekly Update.  Send it our way for some more exposure!


 - Hold a Contest: Host summer-themed giveaways and contests to drive foot traffic and/or internet traffic. The prizes don't have to be big, but they need to be rewarding enough for the customer to care.  Utilize you Chamber's Hot Deals section for this and you'll reach a broader audience.

 

Summer can be a great time for your business to boost sales and have fun around the office. Take advantage of these few months and make the most out of your upcoming summer.  And don't forget to utilize the services offered by your Chamber.  We're always happy to help you grow your business. Click here to read more ideas.
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.  


Representative Laurie Halverson, District 51B, Subcommittee on Met Council Accountability and Transparency 

Representative Halverson was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012 and graduated from the College of St. Catherine, earning her B.S. in Political Science.  Prior to serving in the Minnesota Legislature, she worked for several years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.    

Independent Analysis Shows Transportation Funding Needs are Overstated and Unclear

 

According to an independent analysis commissioned by several business trade associations, Minnesota's long-term funding needs for state roads and bridges as identified by the Transportation Finance Advisory Committee (TFAC) may be overstated by as much as $4.5 billion over the next 20 years due to an overly high inflation assumption.  The analysis raises a number of important questions for policy-makers and stakeholders to consider.  Your Chamber identified transportation as one of its priorities for the 2015 legislative session and has been working with several partners to ensure investment in a safe, reliable, efficient, and multi-modal transportation system in Minnesota occurs.  Without it, our members cannot get their goods to market; their employees to work; or, their customers to their doors.  We agree that there is likely a need for some additional investment in the state's transportation infrastructure.  However, before raising new revenues, we must first agree on the nature and level of investment that is needed.  Additionally funding options other than a tax increase must also be considered including the general fund, value capture and greater efficiencies. 

 

Read more here.  To view the full analysis report, click here.  


Visit Our New Location at the DCR Chamber Open House

It has now been nearly a month since we have moved to our new office location and we love it! We are excited to host our open house on May 12th, from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at our new office, located at 3352 Sherman Court Suite 201, Eagan, MN 55121. This will be a great time to network with other Chamber members and check out the new office. Bring your friends, as non-Chamber members are welcome to attend also.  Don't forget to mark the date on your calendar- we hope you will join us!
April 30 Marks Last Day for Golf Early Bird Fee: Register Today!
Annual Golf Classic Almost Sold Out

Registration for this year's Annual Golf Classic is over two thirds full!  In the spirit of golfing season, we invite you to join us and mark your calendars for this year's 2015 Golf Classic on Monday, June 15th. Always a sell-out, your Chamber's golf tournament will be held at Mendakota Country Club beginning with a BBQ luncheon and shotgun start at 12:00 noon; and finishing up with dinner and great prizes. Click here to view open sponsorship opportunities for this year's tournament. We have many new opportunities this year.

Monday, June 15, 2015- Mendakota Country Club

Early Bird Special- $160 per person through April 30
Player Fee- $170 per person beginning May 1


 Click HERE to register for this great event!


 
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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
18
3:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.
19
Noon
20
7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
21
4:30 p.m.
22
2:00 p.m.
One Week Left to Register for Speed Networking
There''s only one week left to register for our upcoming speed networking program! 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. 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. Click here to register. 
South Metro Young Professionals Recap: Find the Humor

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the South Metro Young Professionals met for their monthlymeeting.  This month's speaker, Andy Weisberg, spoke on "The Power of Humor in the Workplace."  Andy began his talk by introducing the crowd to several statistics regarding the stress of the workplace.  Andy reported that statistically, most heart attacks happen between 8:00am- 9:00am on M onday morning. He noted that this can easily be associated with the stress employees face returning to work after the weekend.

Andy encouraged members to realize their full potential.  He explained that as working professionals, we don't need to dread life in the workplace.  Instead, treat the workplace as an outlet for creativity and focus on enjoying time spent doing so.  It is then that employees will find themselves truly happy with what they're doing.

Quick Poll: What are you most looking forward to this summer?

A. Spending the day out on the lake
B. Outdoor grilling and eating
C. Traveling

Answer Here!

Last week's top answer: The Twins will be an average team 

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

 

Eagan Advisory Planning Commission meets April 28 - see the agenda.
West St. Paul City Council meets April 27 - see the agenda.
Rosemount Planning Commission meets April 28- see the agenda.
Mendota Heights Planning Commission meets April 28 - see the agenda. 

Farmington Economic Development Authority meets April 27- 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. The event will include a presentation of results by Enterprise Minnesota president & CEO, Bob Kill, followed by a period of questions and discussion. This event will take place at Argosy University on May 18th from 3:00-4:30. 

Batter Up! Campaign Throws the First Pitch

 

On Tuesday, April 21st, your Chamber officially kicked off the 2015 Batter Up! Membership Campaign.  Participants had the opportunity to meet their captain, teammates and learn about the fun planned for the next 6 weeks ahead.  

This year, your Chamber is looking to add 50 new members to the organization between April 21st and May 29th.  All participants who sell one membership during this campaign will win 2 tickets to the June 22nd Saint Paul Saints game, a pre-party, and transportation to the game!  Additionally,
 this year your chamber amped up the prizes.  The participant who sells the most memberships will throw the first pitch at the June 22nd Saint Paul Saints game!

More information regarding the campaign can be found on the Chamber website.  If you'd like to participate in this Membership Campaign, contact Kate Bowen, Member Services Manager.
 
Thank you to our Premier Sponsors:
   
Member Spotlight : Mike Ferber
We are honored to recognize Mike Ferber for this week's Member Spotlight! In regards to his involvement in the Chamber, Mike says, "I represent Eagan's July 4th Funfest as their Sponsorship Coordinator. 90% of the sponsors originated by networking with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. I also enjoy bringing Can Do Canines in training to Chamber events.  Folks are so welcoming and supportive regarding my volunteer activity.  I love meeting members and learning about what they do.  I think the Chamber is great!   If you are interested in joining, feel free to contact me and I would be happy to meet with you." 

Thank you Mike for your continued support of the DCR Chamber.  If you'd like to nominate a member for our Member Spotlight, let us know!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!


 

Wyndham Hills Development

975 Iris Circle

Excelsior, MN 55331

651.480.1170

Primary Contact: Roberta Sjodin

www.wyndhamhillsofhastings.com 

 

The Wyndham Hills Neighborhood of Hastings features new, move up single family homes with emphasis on design, larger lots, and picturesque views.  Many of our lots are walkouts, and many feature green space amenities such as ponds and trees.  If you are looking to build a custom home with a custom builder, in the beautiful and historic river town city of Hastings, please call us today.  We invite you to contact one of our select builders about building your new, unique custom home! 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Ribbon Cuttings: A Quarter in Review

 

Recently, your Chamber has celebrated several members' success through ribbon cuttings!  Each month, the Ambassador Committee attends these, but did you know YOU can too?  We invite all members to attend monthly ribbon cuttings.

 

 

Do you have a reason to celebrate?  Let us know!  We're happy to schedule a ribbon cutting.

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

 

 

 

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!

 

Stacey Bartelson- Edward Jones invites you to a special seminar on Social Security: Securing your Retirement at Jensen's Food & Cocktails in Eagan on May 5th, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.  The event is hosted by Financial Advisor, Stacey Bartelson, CFP® and BlackRock. Click here to read more.


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.

YMCA Eagan has been recognized as being one of the top 25 national sites for teaching the Safe Sitter babysitting class, which is a medically accurate instructional program for youth between the ages of 11 and 14.  

The Commons on Marice is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Tuesday April 28th, from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Eagan Fire Department. If you are interested, please call Kezia to RSVP at (651) 365-3058.

Allegra is hosting a Ribbon Cutting & Open House at their new location on Thursday, May 7th from 3:30p.m. to 6:00p.m. The address is 2020 Silver Bell Road, Eagan, MN 55122.

Kim Buddle, Assistant Principal of Rosemount High School, was recently recognized as the Minnesota State Assistant Principal of the Year! Read more here.

Lost Spur Golf and Event Center is hosting their Inaugural Geek Golf Tournament - Star Wars on May 15th at 6:00p.m. The cost is $40 per person and includes 9 holes of golf, power cart, dinner, and participation in movie-themed games. If interested, call (651) 454-5681 ext. 2 to make reservations. 

Andros MedSpa is hosting a DCR Ladies Night on Tuesday, April 28th from 6- 8pm. If interested in attending, please RSVP here. 

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