May 11, 2015

Benefits of Volunteering for the DCR Chamber

 

While volunteering is an altruistic activity, it's important to look at the personal and professional benefits you will receive from doing so. Some of these benefits include:

  • Building relationships with other Chamber members - In addition to the constant networking that occurs within the Chamber, volunteering provides you with opportunities to make new friendships and strengthen ones you already have. Not only will you strengthen your friendships but also your ties to the Dakota County community.
  • Professional Growth and Exploration - By volunteering for the DCR Chamber, you will be given the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, problem solving, and project planning. In addition, you will also learn more about the non-profit business world. Through working with other Chamber volunteers, you will be able to network with business people of the Dakota County community that you would not have met otherwise.

With busy lives, it can be difficult to find the time to volunteer. While this may be the case, the benefits of volunteering for the DCR Chamber are enormous to you, the DCR Chamber, and the Dakota County Community. If you are looking to be more involved and volunteer, contact Kate Bowen by email or phone at (651) 288-9200, as there are numerous opportunities within the DCR Chamber.

Sources: 1,2,3
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.  

MAC Considering Higher Minimum Wage

 

Metropolitan Airports Commission, at the urging of Governor Dayton is considering a minimum wage of $10 per hour for airport workers.  Your Chamber supports the minimum wage pre-emption bill that prevents any local government from setting a minimum higher than the state minimum wage.  We have contacted MAC commissioners and encouraged them to oppose a higher minimum wage at the airport as well.  This practice poses several concerns: 

  • An airport only minimum wage creates challenges and higher costs for businesses that happen to be located on airport property.
  • MSP enjoys great economic benefit from the Delta hub located here.  Driving up costs at the airport could encourage those connections and the economic activity that accompanies it, to relocate to a lower cost airport.
  • Minnesota's minimum wage is already set to raise to $9.50 by 2016 and be indexed to inflation after that. 

Please contact your MAC commissioners and encourage them to oppose an airport-only minimum wage.  Contact information can be found here.      

May's Breakfast with Champions To Focus on Growth

 

This month's "Breakfast With Champions" speaker is Jon O'Malley. Jon O'Malley is founder and owner of YouProfit, Inc.  Jon started two companies, bought two other companies, and has sold two companies.  Since 2006 he has devoted himself to working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping them grow their profits, acquire other companies, and to set their companies up to be sold. Calling all Businesses!


The 7 Drivers of Growth and Profits
In this powerful seminar, you'll learn...

  • How to build a business that can run without you
  • How to break the cycle of chaos
  • What very profitable companies do that others don't
  • The 7 Drivers of Growth and Profits
In this seminar Jon will discuss how most business owners overlook tracking and improving the key areas that directly effect the growth of the business, while placing their focus and attention on other, less significant areas of the business.Those that attend this seminar can expect to leave with realistic steps and solutions to build a better, more profitable company.


So don't miss out on this key opportunity to take the next steps towards growing your business. Register here!
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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
12
8:00 a.m.
3
4:30 p.m.
45
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.
Food generously provided by:

This Week In History

On May 11th, 1858, Minnesota entered the Union as the 32nd state. Due to the building of railroads and canals, the population of Minnesota increased from 6,000 to over 150,000 from 1850 to 1857. A year later, Minnesota joined the Union. 

 

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

 

Eagan City Council Work Session meets May 12 - see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council Work Session meets May 11 - see the agenda.
Mendota Heights City Council Workshop meets May 12 - see the agenda. 

Farmington City Council Work Session meets May 11 - see the agenda.

Farmington City Council Planning Commission meets May 12 - 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:  robertstreet@zanassoc.com
Business Liaison:  Angela Klein
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

 

American Cancer Society

950 Blue Gentain Road

Suite 100

Eagan, MN 55120

Contact: Sara Paul

www.cancer.org 

 

For over 100 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer. We do this by helping people stay well through using our prevention services, get well with our programs during treatment, find cures by funding research, and fighting back through our signature events. We are a volunteer driven, health-based organization dedicated to creating healthy communities by providing cancer education, services and programs. Together, we will finish the fight against cancer!

 

 

Coming Soon to Eagan!

Nothing Bundt Cakes

1992 Rahncliff Court

Eagan, MN 55122

Contact: Dawn Stucky

www.nothingbudntcakes.com 

 

Nothing Bundt Cakes is the perfect place to pick up a delicious treat for yourself, a gift for someone special or a hand-decorated bundt cake to wow any crowd. Every delicious bite-sized bundtini, individual bundtlet and sharable bundt cake is baked fresh daily and crowned with our signature cream cheese frosting. With nine classic flavors and a seasonal Featured Flavor to choose from along with forty festive hand-crafted designs, you'll find the perfect bundt cake for any occasion. Browse our supply of charming cards and unique gifts, too, and you'll see why our bakery is your one stop party destination.


 

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

 


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.  

Marco, Inc.'s CEO, Jeff Gau, has been named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 in the Upper Midwest. 

Casper's Cherokee of Eagan, Lone Oak Grill, and Rudy's Red Eye Grill are all in the running for TwinCities.com Pioneer Press "Best Patio" of 2015. Go vote for your fellow member businesses here!

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