May 26, 2015

It Starts at a DCR Chamber Event

 

It's no secret that many members join the Chamber with hopes of directly growing their business.  It's what your Chamber staff wants to happen, but transactions aren't always going happen at a Chamber event!  In fact, they rarely do.  Growing your business begins at Chamber networking events, but doesn't end there.  

 

After you attend an event, your Chamber encourages you to meet one-on-one with contacts you meet.  Ask your new contacts for their card and follow-up afterwards.  You can also utilize the guest list sent out by your Chamber after Coffee Breaks and Why Not Wednesdays to set-up a secondary meeting.  Get to know other members within your Chamber of Commerce and see how you can help one another!  After all, the connection your business makes with another starts with a simple introduction.
Committed to Business... for YOU.

It's A Wrap - 2015 Legislative Session

 

The 2015 Legislature adjourned last week with legislative leadership reaching agreement on the FY 2016/17 budget. While we made progress on several of your priorities, work remains on other issues-especially on tax relief and long-term transportation funding, key priorities for the business community.  Additionally, the Governor announced that the E-12 bill, agreed to by both the House and Senate, was unacceptable. In all likelihood, a special session will be called in early June.  We also believe taxes and transportation will be debated in the 2016 Legislature. To hear more directly from legislative leaders, join us on Friday, June 5 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. for the final Legislative Breakfast of the series. Click here to register for this event. 

 

Confirmed speakers include:

 


Representative Anna Wills - 57B

Representative Pat Garofalo - 58B

 

Invited speakers include:


Represenative Sandra Masin - 51A

Senator James Metzen - 52  

 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

 

Thank you to our June program sponsor:

MAC Considering Higher Minimum Wage - Part Two

 

Last week the Metropolitan Airports Commission, at the urging of Governor Dayton, gave preliminary approval of an increase in the minimum wage to $10 per hour for airport workers.  Your Chamber supports the minimum wage preemption bill that prevents any local government from setting a minimum higher than the state minimum wage.  This issue will return after further study is completed and a final decision will be made in June.  Until then, we urge you to contact your MAC commissioner and encourage them to oppose an airport-only minimum wage.  Contact information can be found here. 
Host a Coffee Break at Your Business!

The monthly Coffee Break was established to casually network while gathering in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. This event is an hour long of pure networking. Each of our communities has a Coffee Break that meets monthly from 8:00am - 9:00am. 

  • Rosemount Coffee Break:  First Tuesday of the month
  • Eagan Coffee Break:  Second Thursday of the month
  • Farmington Coffee Break:  Third Wednesday of the month
  • West Saint Paul/Mendota Heights Coffee Break:  Fourth Tuesday of the month
  • At- Large: Scheduled as needed

The benefits of hosting a Coffee Break include:

  • Increasing visibility in the community
  • Bringing valuable connections into your business
  • Your logo on the event website and listing on the Chamber website calendar
  • Promotion in Weekly Update that reaches DCR membership and beyond

Contact Chelsea at 651.288.9202 or by email to schedule yours today!
You're Invited: DCR Chamber Why Not Wednesday? Event
Complimentary Food and Beverages at Superior Service Center
 
The DCR Chamber would like to invite you to the Why Not Wednesday? Business After Hours event at Superior Service Center on Wednesday, June 3rd from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.  
  
Food and beverages will be served! Superior Service Center will provide appetizers and a HOSTED bar with free beer, wine and "Bloody Marys".  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 and to RSVP, click here.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
25

Chamber Office Closed: Memorial Day
26
8:00 a.m.
27
8:00 a.m.
Noon

28
7:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m.
29
11:00 a.m.
12
8:00 a.m.
3
4:30 p.m.
4
12:00 p.m.
5
7:30 a.m.
89
7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
10
8:00 a.m.
Noon
11


8:00 a.m.
12
1:00 p.m.
15
10:00 a.m. to 
7:00 p.m.
16
Noon
17


7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
18


11:30 a.m.
19
Get Involved with the Tournament: Golf, Donate, Volunteer

Golf in the Tournament
We only have a couple foursomes left for this year's tournament. Click here to download the registration form. Please note: you do not have to be a Chamber member to golf, and you CAN sign up as a single or double- we will pair you with a team. 

Donate to the Wine and Beer Pull
The Wine and Beer Pull is a great opportunity to help raise money for the DCR Charitable Foundation. Please consider donating a bottle of wine or craft beer that has a minimum store value of $10.00. Not only will your donation be appreciated by over 140 participants, but it's also tax deductible. You get to attach your business card to each bottle, leading to more exposure for you and your business. For more information, click here! If you'd rather donate to our silent auction, we welcome that as well. Please click
here 
to see the form.

Volunteer for the Event

As a Chamber member, you probably already know that in order to get the most out of your membership, you need to stay active within the Chamber. However, as summer approaches, it can be easy to lose sight of the importance of staying active within the Chamber. One great way to maximize the value of your membership is to get involved with a new committee or group. Volunteering helps you interact with both other members and business professionals you would have never otherwise interacted with. Additionally, it shows your support of the Chamber. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Chelsea Johnson.

 

We also have ONE sponsor tee left- let us know if you want to take advantage of this opportunity!

Observing Memorial Day

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

"Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the 
great sacrifices that the men and women of the armed services make to defend our 
way of life." -- Robin Hayes

Source 1, Source 2

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

 

Eagan Advisory Planning Commission meets May 26- see the agenda.
Rosemount Planning Commission meets May 26 - see the agenda.
Mendota Heights Planning Commission meets May 26- see the agenda. 

Farmington Economic Development Authority meets May 26 - see the agenda.

Farmington Planning Commission meets May 27 - see the agenda. 

West St. Paul City Council meets May 26 - see the agenda.

West St. Paul City Council Work Session meets May 26 - see the agenda.

TRADE = Economic Development

 

One of our nation's greatest opportunities for economic growth, increased wages, and job creation is through increasing exports and global trade.  After all, outside our borders are markets that represent 80% of the world's purchasing power, 92% of its economic growth, and 95% of its consumers.  Congress must approve the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, both of which your Chamber advocates for on your behalf.  Click here for further details.  

Calm and Deep:  The State of Manufacturing

 

Your Chamber hosted one of Enterprise Minnesota's 2015 State of Manufacturing® (SOM) events to learn more and discuss the findings from its seventh annual survey. Minnesota's manufacturers say they'll grow, crate jobs and increase salaries.  But the skills gap, the costs of health insurance and zealous government oversight remain possible impediments.  To learn more and obtain a copy of the results please contact the Chamber office at 651-457-9872 or by email.

Chamber Office Provides Marketing Opportunities for your Business 

  • Reserve the conference room for an upcoming business meeting or special event for a nominal fee. Email Chelsea if you are interested in reserving this space for an event. Our conference room can seat 16 around the table and 22 people total.
  • Stop by between business meetings and take advantage of volunteer work station - your "home away from home". This is a free benefit of being a member.
  • Promote your business through product and service contributions- we are seeking state-of-the-art technology.
  • Reserve an annual sponsorship of the conference room, which includes branding of this area with your business logo and many more benefits. 

For further information on details and pricing, please contact us at 651-457-9872 or by email. 

Member Spotlight: Mike Fries, American Red Cross

 

Mike Fries of the American Red Cross is the featured member in this week's Member Spotlight.  Mike works as a Donor Recruitment Representative and has been active with 

the Chamber for 3 years.  When asked why he values his membership, Mike says, "I enjoy 

being a member of the Chamber because of the many networking opportunities it provides me.  I get the chance to interact with a wide variety of business professionals at various chamber events in a casual atmosphere.  At most events all attending members get the chance to give a 30 seconds infomercial about their business and the Chamber will send a list of who attended the event. This is a great prospecting tool. "

 

Thank you for your support of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mike!  Your Chamber staff truly appreciates your commitment to the business community.
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

 

 

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions

1365 Crestridge Lane  

Eagan  MN  55123 

Contact: Rachelle Lavalier 

(651) 260-7026 
Website HERE 

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions

5891 Carmen Avenue 

Inver Grove Heights, MN  55076

Contact: Rachelle Lavalier

(651) 260-7026
Website HERE

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions
315 E. Thompson Avenue
West Saint Paul, MN 55118
Contact: Penny Johnson
651-453-1803
Website HERE

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions
305 East Thompson Avenue
West St Paul MN 55118
Contact: Penny Johnson
651-453-1803
Website HERE

 

Brookdale is the national leader in senior living because we help people age well through our unique set of abilities to meet the changing needs of seniors, culture and care.

We are a national company, but serve people locally. Our care falls into four categories - independent living, assisted living, dementia care, and skilled nursing. We also offer therapy, home health, and hospice. Because of this, we become the central source for care options for seniors as they age and as their needs change.

Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence, and integrity.

 

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

 

Chris Dixon of Insider Training recently celebrated 8 years in business.  Congrats on your achievement, Chris!

Allegra- Marketing, Print and Mail Center recently celebrated a name change from Insty Prints with a ribbon Cutting.  Congrats Allegra!

 

Databank will be opening in Eagan at the beginning of June.  City officials, DCR Staff and Chamber members welcomed them with a ribbon cutting on May 21st!

 


 Congrats on your recent move to Eagan, American Cancer Society.  Welcome to the City!  View the event news release HERE.


SPIRE Credit Union celebrated a new move to Town Centre Drive last week.  Congrats on your new location, SPIRE!


August Ash has been named a Top 25 Web Firm by MSP Business Journal. Congratulations! 

Eagan's July 4th Funfest invites local Youth and Young Adults as candidates for our Funfest Ambassador Program. Our program is open to both males and females from ages 10 - 19 years. Do you enjoy giving back to your community through volunteerism? Visit www.eaganfunfest.org/ambassadors for Candidate Program details, forms and application. Click here to view the full press release.

Steeped in history, the ProAct Golf Classic is making its move in 2015, inviting team golfers to Southview Country Club in West St. Paul on August 17. With facilities in Eagan, Red Wing, Zumbrota and Hudson, Wis., ProAct is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation which has served the needs of people with disabilities for more than 40 years.



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