June 8, 2015

Your Membership: Brag About It!

 

Everybody joins the DCR Chamber for a different reason.  Perhaps you're in it for the networking!  Maybe you enjoy learning about policy and having a direct pipeline to your local legislators?  It's even possible that your company doesn't offer professional development opportunities, so you use the Chamber to train your staff.  Your Chamber knows that no two companies are exactly the same and that all members have different purposes for membership.

 

There's no denying, however, that being a part of your Chamber is beneficial.  But, did you know that your membership matters to your customers and prospects as well?    A national survey of 2,000 adults conducted in 2012 by Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, The Shapiro Group, revealed that being active in a local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy: Two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers and are involved in the community.  Additionally, the survey found that 80 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase a product or service from a chamber member.

 

So, how can you use these statistics to your advantage?  Let your customers and potential customers know that you're a member!  Tell them about us.  Put our logo on your website and display your window cling at the front of your business.  You've made a smart investment.  Let your community know!

Survey Source HERE
Committed to Business... for YOU.

Special Session or Government Shutdown?

 

Despite continued controversy surrounding several issues, your Chamber wrapped up the 2015 Legislative Session during its monthly breakfast.  As of this writing, Minnesota remains in a holding pattern on whether or not a government shutdown can be avoided.  Disappointment abound, it's our belief that the process failed and the results were poor.  Top priorities of the business community were either vetoed by the Governor or not addressed.  So we asked our Series attendees what they see as priorities for 2016.  Here's their top three:

  • Business Regulation Reform
  • Cost of Government
  • Transportation Funding

 

Do you agree?  Throughout the summer, your Chamber will be talking with individual businesses about their priorities in order to continually advocate on behalf of its members.  Give us a call if you want to engage in this important discussion.

 

Special thanks to our Legislative Breakfast Series Sponsor

  
June's WomEn's Circle to Feature Thomson Reuters Executive

This month's speaker will be Sharon Sayles Belton, Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs at Thomson Reuters. In 1994, Sharon Sayles Belton was elected the first female and African American mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city. This was no small feat given the time and history of elected officials in Minnesota. During her time in office, she achieved national recognition as an expert on public/private partnerships in public safety, neighborhood revitalization and economic development. She served on the Minneapolis City Council for 10 years (1984-1994) and was council president from 1990-1994.   


 Prior to joining Thomson Reuters, Sayles Belton served asdirector of Community Relations and Corporate Philanthropy at GMAC Financial Services. She managed charitable contributions, community involvement and diversity initiatives. While at GMAC, Sayles Belton led efforts to stem the mortgage foreclosure crisis and created partnerships in several major cities to help distressed homeowners. 


Learn how Sharon built coalitions, dispelled myths and opened doors for many other women. Click here to register or email Chelsea to sign up as a one time guest for a fee of $25. 

Thank you to our event sponsor!


 
Donate to the Wine and Beer Pull 
Help the Chamber and Bring Visibility to Your Business

The Wine and Beer Pull is a great opportunity to help raise money for the DCR Charitable Foundation for the 2015 Golf Classic. 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.

It's Officially Summer: Did You Know?

You'll hear the term "The Dog Days of summer" very often, but the real "dog days" refers to the weeks between July 3 and August 11. They are named after the Dog Star (Sirius) in the constellation of Canis Major. Source

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

 

Eagan City Council Work Session meets June 9- see the agenda.
West St. Paul Open Council Work Session meets June 8 - see the agenda.
West St. Paul City Council meets June 8 - see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council Work Session meets June 8- see the agenda.

Farmington City Council Workshop meets June 8 - see the agenda. 

 

Click here to read Eagan E-Biz 2nd Quarter Newsletter. The Eagan E-Biz is the online journal of the Eagan Business News.

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.

Member Spotlight: Julie Schroeder


 This week's Member Spotlight features Julie Shcroeder, owner of Color Me Mine in Eagan.  Your Chamber asked Julie why she enjoys her membership:

 

 "I joined the Chamber 5 years ago when I opened my first store.  Honestly, I had no idea what they could do for me, but I thought it would be a good idea as a business owner.  It has proven to be an essential piece in running my business!  I have met so many great contacts within my community who have helped me with my many questions and business needs.  Along with that the information regarding government issues and changes that affect my business are essential.  Its just a great organization to be a part of AND....its fun!

 

Thank you for your continued investment in the Dakota County Regional Chamber, Julie!  Do you know someone who should be featured in the member spotlight?  Let us know!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

 

North Hike, LLC

10260 Upper 178th Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044

(952) 564-4272

Contact: Derick White

View website HERE

  

NorthHike is a sales development company specifically tailored to guide small business owners and their sales teams to sales success.  NorthHike accomplishes this through targeted services that include sales management support, 1:1 sales mentoring and sales leadership development.  NorthHike answers the questions that continually challenge most small businesses:

 

*             How do we bring consistency and accountability into our sales process?

*             How do we develop the sales talent we currently have in place?

*             How do we move beyond the entrepreneurial sales model we have now?

*             How do we develop a disciplined sales process for our organization?

 

Simon Says Lead

3440 Federal Drive
Suite 230
Eagan, MN 55122

(612) 470-7867

Contact: Dina Simon

View website HERE

 

To be unstoppable, you need loyal followers, a compelling offer, smart systems and creative ways to solve any business problem. Simon Says Lead® gives you all that and more. Simon Says Lead is a business and leadership consulting company working with individuals and corporations to breakthrough to accomplish their goals. 

When life strikes and you can't seem to move forward, nothing matters more than the health of your business or personal brand. Knowing that critical fixes need to be made is one thing, but knowing how to make them is another thing entirely.


For a creative solution to all your business problems, Simon Says..."Lead"! 

  

Vanguard Cleaning Systems

3459 Washington Drive

Suite 101

Eagan, MN 55122

(651) 289-6435

Contact: Eilene Wisniewski

View website HERE

 

 

Vanguard® franchisees will deliver an affordable customized janitorial program that provides green cleaning services that are healthy for your office and safe for the environment. Green cleaning, which utilizes special equipment to remove a higher percentage of dirt and bacteria, while requiring less cleaning chemicals, are vital aspects of the services Vanguard franchisees offer.

Our franchisees provide janitorial cleaning and customer services for a variety of industries, including the following:

1. General Offices

2. Multi-Tenant Facilities

3. Medical Offices

4. Schools, Preschools and Day Care

5. Churches

 

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

 


Twin Cities Relationship Center recently opened up their doors in Eagan.  Congrats, Dr. Todd Berston!  Ambassadors stopped by for a ribbon cutting on Thursday.


Congratulations on your new office, Jean Pierre Pallais Agency- American Family Insurance.  Ambassadors stopped by for a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 28th.

 

 Carol Keyes, one of the founding principals of Complete Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. (CHESS), was recently awarded the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)-Northwest Chapter Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) award.


  Swirl, Sip, Socialize and Savor at Eagan Foundation's Annual "A Taste of the Eagan Foundation" on June 18th.  You won't want to miss our delightful blend of wines, craft beers, delicious food and a spectacular silent auction.  Come join us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary!  Tickets can be purchased at www.EaganFoundation.org.


 According to a recent study done by NerdWallet, Mendota Heights has been named ninth best place to start a business in Minnesota. The city of Mendota Heights had a median household income of $95,083 from 2009 to 2013, well above the state median of $59,836, according to the U.S. Census data. Mendota Heights also has one of the highest ratios of businesses per 100 people on this list (14.34) and a low unemployment rate (3.7%). 

 

The Twin Cities' largest minority business advocacy group has given its Entrepreneur of the Year award to Shaw-Lundquist Associates Inc.President and CEO Hoyt Hsiao. Congratulations to our valued member! Click here to see more information.
 

Prosign Branding has announced that they will be moving from their current office location to 860 Blue Gentian Rd, Ste 200, Eagan, MN 55121. Their email, phone and fax information remain the same. "Closing our showroom allows us to downsize our physical space, reduce costs and offer you the best possible price for the high-quality products and personal service you expect." 

 

The NDC4 Cable Commission is considering a Competitive Cable TV Franchise Application submitted by CenturyLink. The Commission is seeking comments and questions by residents in the Northern Dakota County. 

 

DataBank's Eagan Data Center has been awarded Uptime Institute's Tier-III "Build" Certification, which offers prospective clients the assurance that DataBank offers the highest-spec multi-tenant data center environment available in the Twin Cities. 


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