July 6, 2015
This Weekly Update Brought to You By....
July's womEn's circle: Leading with Authenticity and Passion

This month's womEn's circle speaker will be Jeanne Crain, Group President for Bremer Financial Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of Bremer Bank's Twin Cities Region. In her current role, Crain oversees Bremer's financial services business, including Bremer Trust, Bremer Investment Services, and Bremer Insurance. She is also responsible for the Twin Cities Region which has $2.8 billion in assets, 25 locations and more than 300 employees. Crain joined Bremer in May 2012 and has 33 years of community banking experience, working in a variety of roles in commercial and retail banking, as well as wealth management.  

Jeanne will speak from her own experience of growing into leadership through the different stages of her career.  She will focus on:

  • Developing Resilience - remaining determined in the face of imperfection and even failure - using these experiences to learn and become stronger;
  • The importance of Building Relationships - the easy and not so easy relationships necessary to succeed and build influence in an organization;
  • Discovering and Developing your own style of leadership rather than trying to replicate someone else's; Discovering your passion for your work and using that to lead effectively

You may attend as a guest one time for a fee of $25. Please email Chelsea Johnson to attend as a guest or register online. 
Committed to Business... for YOU.

ADA Lawsuits - Is Your Business Compliant?  


This past Spring, a rash of lawsuits brought against small businesses regarding the American Disabilities Act have occurred statewide; especially in targeted communities such as Marshall, Shakopee, Mankato, Saint Paul, and Minneapolis.  Chamber industry representatives are currently in conversations with legal counsel and others about how we can assist Minnesota businesses on this effort.  Please make your business colleagues aware of this issue and contact the Chamber should you be approached by anyone from the Disability Support Alliance, a non-profit formed last summer.  We will continue to  disseminate additional information on this important topic.  For more information, please contact Vicki Stute.

Up-Front Capital Equipment Exemption is Finally Here

 

Minnesota's state law exempts businesses from paying sales tax on certain capital equipment.  Up until now, businesses were required to pay the sales tax and then file a refund request - a cumbersome process that created cash-flow problems. Effective July 1, 2015, the refund changed to an up-front sales tax exemption.  Contact your business accountant to see what qualifies for a refund, how to claim the exemption, and other considerations as you make investments in your business.  

Join the Ambassador Committee Today

 

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in your Chamber of Commerce?  Are you interested in meeting new members and welcoming them to the Chamber?  

Thank you to our sponsor!

Consider joining the Ambassador Committee!  

 

The Ambassador Committee meets once per quarter and is asked to attend one ribbon cutting per month. Additionally, Ambassadors are asked to actively attend new member visits.  This is a great way to learn about new 

member businesses and make new contacts within your Chamber.  To view a full list of Ambassador responsibilities, click HERE. Contact Kate with any question, concerns or to sign-up for the group.
Mailpak: A Great Advertising Opportunity to Promote Your Business

Does your company have any promotions currently running that you would like to announce? Are you hosting an event you would like to invite chamber members to? Or are you simply looking to raise your companies' visibility in the community? If this is the case, the Dakota County Regional Chamber has the perfect opportunity for you to do so, the MailPak!

 

 You Provide:

- 500 Flyers

- 20lb paper; 8 �" x 11"; must be folded in half

- Materials need to be at the Chamber by deadline

-  $150 investment, paid prior to deadline

 

You Receive:

- Circulation to approximately 500 businesses in Dakota County

- Advertising for current promotions and events

 

Our next deadline is Noon on July 24th. Submit your ads today! Please fill out 
this form and return to Chelsea by email or mail to our office at 3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201, Eagan MN. For questions, call 651-288-9202.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
678
8:00 a.m.

Noon

9
8:00 a.m. 

3:30 p.m.
10



1314
7:30 a.m.
15
7:30 a.m. 
16
7:45 a.m.

3:30 p.m.
17
20

12:00 p.m.
21
12:00 p.m.
22

8:00 a.m.

Noon

23
7:30 a.m.
25
2829
8:00 a.m.
3031
3:30 p.m.
1

Quick Poll: July Edition

Which of these nations does NOT have a national day in July?
Argentina
Venezuela
Canada
Switzerland

Click here to cast your vote! Answer given in next week's Weekly Update.

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

 

Eagan City Council meets July 7 - see the agenda.
Mendota Heights City Council meets July 7 - see the agenda.
Farmington City Council meets July 6 - see the agenda. 
Rosemount City Council meets July 7- see the agenda.
West St. Paul to Hold Open House on Robert Street Construction

The City is currently in the process of updating the Robert Street Renaissance Plan that was created in 2000 [...] On July 8th, a Public Open House will kick off Phase 2 of the update by exploring how zoning can help implement desired changes for development. The meeting will take place in City Hall Council Chambers (1616 Humboldt Ave.) and will begin at 6:00 p.m. It will include a presentation on current zoning practices that other cities are utilizing to acheive desired redevelopment as well as a visual preference survey.

 

If you'd like more information about this topic, please contact West St. Paul City Planner, Ben Boike at 651-552-4134 or email at bboike@wspmn.gov. 

Who's Hiring? Resources for Employers 

 

With Dakota County's unemployment rate at a low of only 3.3%, many employers continue to seek qualified candidates while job seekers look for new opportunities.  Below are a number of resources to assist you in this challenging workforce development environment.

Source: Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board

Your Chamber's Ranking Moves Up Two Spots

 

Earlier this month, Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal reported its annual ranking of Minnesota-based Chambers of Commerce.  DCR Chamber was one of only ten Chambers across the state that grew in size over the past year.  Moving from 12th to 10th in the number of total members, DCR Chamber also had the 5th largest growth compared to all others.  

 

"We are very excited to now be ranked in the top ten Chambers in Minnesota.  Not only is our total membership growing, but we have more members engaged in our programs and services," stated Vicki Stute, President of the Chamber.  As we move into the summer months, your Chamber will begin a long-term strategic planning process to ensure that we continue to offer members every opportunity for continued business growth and job creation within our communities.  
Member Spotlight: Ryan McGunnigle, Las Tortillas
 

Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant joined the DCR Chamber in April of 2012.  Owner, Ryan McGunnigle recently told us what he enjoys most about his membership:

 

"Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant has been extremely happy with our partnership with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce over the past few years. Together we have marketed our business offerings by hosting events at our restaurant and offering our off-premise food & beverage catering at Chamber events. The Chamber membership is very active and supportive of each other as we adjust and grow in our market. The Chamber staff is professional, timely and supportive of all of its membership. Another great advantage is that our Chamber represents more than one city and allows us to work with additional businesses outside of our city with ease. Las Tortillas looks forward to many years of membership with the Dakota County Regional Chamber as we all grow and improve our services through education and networking provided by the Chamber!"

 

Thank you for your investment in your local Chamber of Commerce, Ryan!  Do you know someone who should be featured in the next Member Spotlight?  Let us know!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

Picitlist LLC

Primary contact: Michelle Williamson
P.O. box 996
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 338-7196

View website HERE

 

Our eGiftery is a revolutionary, online marketing platform that effortlessly connects businesses with customers. It's the most effective, easy way to attract new customers, grow your client base, and retain existing customer because it all happens automatically! Simplify your marketing, extend your reach, and amplify your brand with the eGiftery. 

 

UTC Aerospace Systems

Primary contact: Suzi Ohlhues

14300 Judicial Road
Burnsville, MN 55306
(651) 681-8900

View website HERE

 

UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. It employs more than 40,000 people worldwide with approximate annual sales of $13 billion. Its Sensors & Integrated Systems business is headquartered in Burnsville, Minnesota. The Burnsville campus employs over 1600 people, boasts one of the most capable wind tunnels in the world, and designs and manufactures a variety of products for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms. Major products include air data systems, ice detectors, flight management systems, and engine sensors.  

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

 

 

Congratulations to the following members for being honorees of the 2015 MSPBJ Diversity in Business Awards: Chang Wang, chief research officer, Thomson Reuters, and Julie Manworren, CEO, Living Well Disability Services.

 

Congratulations to Picitlist LLC, who has just announced their  newly redesigned eGiftey website and private branding capability. This site redesign is something you won't want to miss. You'll learn about the unique way the eGiftery integrates pull marketing principles to provide unprecedented opportunities for your business to attract, grow, and retain customers through eGifts. The eGiftery provides all users a simple way to get new introductions with minimal effort! Click here to visit the website.


 

Celebrate your active life and giving with Eagan 5K Run/Walk organized by 9Round Eagan on August 2nd from 9-Noon. There will be something fun for the whole family and Run and walk will be around Northwest Park, north of EHS.  Profits will benefit student athletes through Eagan Foundation. Click here for the event and to  register.

 

Congratulations to valued Board of Directors member Tim Wynes, who has moved from the interim president of Dakota County Technical College to the permanent position of President, appointed by the Minnesota State Colleges and University Board of Trustees. Wynes will serve as shared President of Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College, effective July 1. 

 

 Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces: Our Members in the News

 

Marco, Inc. has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota for six consecutive years based on an employee-based survey project from the Star Tribune. 


Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen Russ P. A. is pleased to announce it has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, ranking 48th on the small company list.

 

Living Well Disability Services has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. The Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 14. Living Well Disability Services is listed in the Large Company category. 
 

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