May 4, 2015

Reasons Why Sponsoring an Event is Worth the Investment


Sponsorship is the fastest growing form of marketing. When done correctly, it offers significant opportunities for distinct marketing and competitive advantages, and also works to show your businesses support of a good cause. Sponsorship of DCR Chamber events provides numerous benefits to member businesses. Here are three reasons why sponsoring a DCR Chamber event is worth the investment:


 
- Create, Develop and Enhance Credibility - Getting involved with a Chamber event and being seen as dependable and supportive will accelerate the process of building trust and establishing rapport with your customers and prospects in Dakota County.


 
- Brand Awareness and Recognition - Logo placement in a variety of places such as DCR Chamber flyers, newsletter, direct mail, and signage will increase your brand awareness and visibility in the community. Being recognized as a Chamber sponsor will communicate loyalty and support to the Dakota County community at the event. 


 
- Generate New Sales and Business Partnerships - Most events will have tables available to display products or encourage people to buy on site. Consider providing a limited quantity or special discount "if purchased at the event" offer. Create new professional relationships with other sponsors, vendors, speakers and attendees.


If you are interested in sponsoring a Chamber event, check out our list of potential opportunities. Please contact Chelsea Johnson by e-mail or by phone at (651) 288-9202. 
Committed to Business... for YOU.

Urging Your Support of the Federal Highway Trust Fund

 

On May 31st, MAP-21, the legislation that funds the highway trust fund, will expire. Without timely reauthorization, states, including Minnesota will begin to see their federal funding for transportation infrastructure projects run dry, resulting in stalled projects and job loss. It is critical that Congress not only reauthorize MAP-21, but also find a long term fix. Businesses and communities have been plagued with uncertainty as Congress continues to pass short term fixes. With this deadline on the horizon, lawmakers are presented with an opportunity to break the trend, and finally find a long term solution.  Please contact your congressional leaders through www.contactingthecongress.org and ask them to support reauthorization of MAP-21.  

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.  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.  

Only a Few Days Left to Register for Speed Networking

There''s only a few days 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 5! Only one representative from each company may attend. Click here to register. 
WomEn's Circle Social: Wine Tasting and Networking

Have you ever wondered what to do when asked to pick a bottle of wine for the table?  Do you have questions about which red goes best with spicy or sweet foods?  Davina Albanese, Certified Wine Specialist and friend of the 5-8 Grill & Tap, has answers to these questions and more.  She'll also guide the group through a paired tasting, so everyone can see how food affects the taste of the wine.  Following the tasting lesson there will be time for networking and Hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar open to all.

Join us for a womEn's circle social event,"Wine Tasting and Networking" on Thursday, May 21st from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will be gathering at the 5-8 Club (1741 South Robert Street, West Saint Paul, MN 55118) for an evening of networking, wine tasting, learning and fun.

$25 per person for womEn's circle members
$30 per person for non-circle members
(Registration includes wine tasting, lesson and appetizers)
Click here to register online.
To register over the phone or if you are not sure how to register, please call 651-288-9202 or email Chelsea.

*Please note: The two womEn's social events are not included in your annual womEn's circle investment. Each social is an extra fee outside of your circle membership. Guests/non-womEn's circle members are welcome to attend for $30.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
45

8:00 a.m.
6

4:30 p.m.
7

3:30 p.m.
8
11

11:30 a.m.
12

7:30 a.m.

4:00 p.m.
13

8:00 a.m.

Noon

14

8:00 a.m.

3:30 p.m.
15
18

Noon

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.
2526

8:00 a.m.
27

8:00 a.m.
Noon

28

7:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.
29

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! RSVP here.
Thank You 2015 DCR Chamber Golf Classic Sponsors

As our 2015 DCR Chamber Golf Classic quickly approaches, we would like to recognize all of the sponsors for our event. Thank you to our: Premier Sponsor - Gopher Resource; Pinflag Sponsor - Valley Staffing; Golf Ball Sponsor - Flint Hills Resources; Partner Sponsors - Atomic Data, Dakota Law, P.L.L.C, and Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic;  Putting Green Sponsor - Think Bank; Beverage Cart Sponsors - Cherokee Service and Paul Eggen State Farm; Dinner Sponsor- Ecolab; Lunch Sponsor - Eagan CVB;  Drink Ticket Sponsor - Home Federal Savings Bank; Golf Cart Sponsor - SKB Environmental; Exclusive Tee Sponsors - Affinity Plus Credit Union, Anchor Bank, Associated Bank, August Ash, Ayars & Ayars, Eagan Campus of Hotels, Jensen's Food and Cocktails, JBL Companies, Merchants Bank, Shred Right, Superior Service Center, and Xcel Energy;  Shared Tee Sponsors - 5-8 Grill and Tap, Gateway Bank, KW Commercial, and Netrix IT.

 

We greatly appreciate our sponsors' investment, as this tournament could not happen without their support. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the Golf Classic, please contact Chelsea Johnson by email or by phone at (651) 288-9202.


Did You Know?

Tuesday, May 5th is National Hoagie Day. The hoagie sandwich is also known as the sub, hero, grinder, Italian, torpedo or baguette among others.

 

 

 

Make sure to stop by our Chamber member businesses Potbelly's and Which Which and buy a hoagie!


Last week's top answer: The best part of summer is spending a day on the lake 

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

 

Eagan City Council meets May 5 - see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council meets May 5 - see the agenda.
Rosemount Port Authority meets May 5 - see the agenda. 
Mendota Heights City Council meets May 5 - see the agenda. 

Farmington City Council meets May 4 - see the agenda.

Robert Street Construction Underway

 

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest construction along Robert Street in West St. Paul?  Your Chamber encourages you to do one or all of the following:

  1. Subscribe to the City's weekly updates here.
  2. Attend the Weekly Business Meetings held each Friday at 8:30 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church - 1400 South Robert Street in West St. Paul
  3. Contact the Business Liaison at the information below:

Hotline:  (651) 764-6067

Email:  [email protected]
Business Liaison:  Angela Klein

 
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! 

 

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

 

 

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.


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.  

Allegra (formerly Insty Prints) 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. 

School District 196 parents who are interested in becoming involved in district-wide conversations regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment are encouraged to apply for membership on the district's Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Council (CIAC). To apply, click here.

School District 196 residents are invited to apply for membership on the Budget Advisory Council (BAC. To apply, click here.  

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