August 3, 2015

DCR Chamber is Hiring

 

Your Chamber's team continues to evolve with the departure of Kate Bowen.  We are grateful for all she has done to provide value and service to you, our Chamber members.  Please take the time to wish her well before her final day at the Chamber on August 4.  THANK YOU KATE!

 

The best employees are referrals from our members!

 

Now hiring:  Member Services Manager (click here to view)
Committed to Business... for YOU.

Chamber seeks to head off 'drive-by' disability-access lawsuits

 

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.  

 

From MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce says it will seek to amend state and federal laws to head off what it describes as serial lawsuits demanding access for people with disabilities as a way to generate lucrative attorney fees. The initiative comes in the wake of dozens of lawsuits filed by Minneapolis lawyer Paul Hansmeier against mostly small businesses in Marshall, Mankato, Rochester and the Twin Cities. Click here to read the full article.

Minnesota's Minimum Wage Jumped on August 1

 

Minnesota's minimum wage made its second jump to $9 an hour on August 1, 2015--on its way to $9.50 August, 2016.  The small employer, youth worker and training wage moves to $7.25 an hour, effective this August.

 

The last scheduled increase takes place one year from now on August 1, 2016, when the large employer rate goes to $9.50 an hour and the small employer, youth, and training wages go to $7.75 an hour.  Beginning January 1, 2018, automatic increases in all the minimum wage levels will be indexed to inflation as calculated by the implicit price deflator.  Increases will be capped at 2.5 percent per year and take effect each August.
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Thank you to our ribbon cutting sponsor
Thank you to our ribbon cutting sponsor

Please join us for the following upcoming ribbon cuttings:

Liberty Mutual Ribbon Cutting- Celebrating a new move!
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm open house, 3:30pm ribbon cutting
Location: 1250 Northland Drive, Suite 130
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Dodge Nature Center Trail Dedication
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Time: 3:45pm
Location: 365 Marie Avenue W., West St. Paul, MN 55118
You're Invited: DCR Chamber Why Not Wednesday? Event
 
The DCR Chamber would like to invite you to the Why Not Wednesday? Business After Hours event at Country Inn and Suites on Wednesday, August 5th from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.  
  
Complimentary food will be served and there will be a cash bar! 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, click here.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
34
8:00 a.m.
Rosemount Coffee Break
5
4:30 p.m.
67
1011
7:30 a.m.
12
8:00 a.m.

Noon

5:00 p.m.

13
8:00 a.m.
14
1718
Noon
19
7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.
20
7:45 a.m.
21
24
3:30 p.m
25
8:00 a.m.
26
8:00 a.m.
Noon
3:00 p.m.

2728

August is Here! Fun Fact:

 'August' is the only name of a month that features among the top 1,000 men's names. April, Maya and June are all in the women's top 1,000. Source

WSP Moves Forward with Robert Street's Phase 2

 

Last week, West St. Paul City Council voted in favor of moving forward with Phase 2 of the Robert Street Corridor Reconstruction Project.  Phase 2 consists of installation of sidewalk, trees, landscaping and streetscape amenities.  Your Chamber remains concerned of the increasing costs of the overall project; however minor changes were made to the original proposal to reduce expenses of the nearly $4 million project (Phase 2 only).  If you would like to receive ongoing reconstruction updates from the City of West St. Paul, please go to:  http://wspmn.gov/729/Robert-St-Improvements.

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

 

Eagan City Council meets August 3- see the agenda.
Farmington City Council meets August 3- see the agenda. 
Mendota Heights City Council meets August 4- see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council meets August 3- see the agenda.
Member Spotlight: Carol Osnes, Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic

Member Spotlight: Carol Osnes
Member Spotlight
Carol Osnes
This week's Member Spotlight features Carol Osnes of Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic and Rosemount Eye Clinic.  When asked what she enjoys most about her Chamber membership, Carol replied, "The Dakota Country Chamber of Commerce has opened my awareness to businesses and events in the surrounding area. It is priceless to be involved in an organization that has such a plethora of talent, knowledge and is so welcoming to each other. The Chamber also allows me to grow and share my knowledge and skills in various events. It is so fulfilling to work on projects that benefit others, all the while that I am learning and becoming a stronger person."

Thank you for your time and investment spent in the Chamber, Carol!  Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight?  Let us know!

Member to Member Business: Think About it!

 

As a member-based organization, your Chamber encourages member-to- member business.  With over 500 members, DCR Chamber

 represents more than 130 industries.  When you're looking to outsource within your company, give us a call and we'll refer a member.  As always, if you use a member's good or services let us know.  We love hearing about it!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

 

 

Michelle Hoagland Group- Keller Williams Preferred Realty

Primary Contact: Michelle Hoagland

15764 Cicerone Court
Rosemount, MN 55068
View website HERE

 

Helping people buy, sell and invest in Real Estate with a focus on Dakota County. 

 

BFit Challenge Studio

Primary Contact: Dawn Scouton

4178 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55123

View website HERE

 

BFIT Challenge is a comprehensive health, wellness, fitness and training program. It encompasses all aspects of how to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. The BFIT program was created to TRANSFORM A WOMENS BODY, HEALTH, and SELF-ESTEEM. You get immediate results which lead to a better quality of life making this program your lifestyle. 

The BFIT program addresses the most common complaints that women have today, but we address self-esteem, hormones, attitude and maintenance after BFIT. You will have accountability and be pushed in a way that will change you for the better. You will transform both emotionally and physically.

 

Jill Adler Design

Primary contact: Jill Adler

PO Box 2537
Minneapolis, MN 55402 

View website HERE

 

Since winning her first coloring contest at the age of nine, Jill knew her future included color palettes. Now Jill specializes in creating award-winning, memorable consumer experiences. Combining a background in research with a passion for visual communication, her strategies help brands communicate, engage and grow. Jill works with a talented team of writers, photographers, illustrators and stylists to ensure quality consumer touches. Satisfied clients include a broad range of cultural and corporate clients, both B2B and B2C. Get in touch to receive a free quote for your project.

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

 

 

 

Congrats to Express Employment Professionals on a recent renovation and celebrating 20 years in Eagan!  Ambassadors stopped by for a ribbon cutting last week. (left)

 

Thank you to New Heights Performance for having us at your open house to celebrate a ribbon cutting for your recent move.  Your new space is beautiful! (right)


 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN announced last week that it will open a second retail store later this year, in Roseville. The store in Edina, the first of its kind in Minnesota, opened last November.  Like the original store, the Roseville location will offer customers face-to-face meetings that can help them select and enroll in a health insurance plan, as well as provide year-round customer service.  The new store will be at The Crossroads of Roseville Mall on County Road B2.


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