August 10, 2015

Seeking Communications and Events Manager 

 

Do you know someone who is personable, highly organized and creative, and also enjoys working with business owners, community leaders and volunteers?  Send them our way - your Chamber is seeking talented individuals to fill the role of Communications and Events Manager.  See more for a full description.

 

Special thanks to Chelsea Johnson for her service to the Chamber during the past 18 months.  Chelsea has accepted a marketing position with a Twin Cities based company.  Please take the time to say thank you before her final day on August 12.    
Committed to Business... for YOU.

Chamber advocates for "hold the line" approach to local property tax increases

 

During the past several weeks, local elected officials and city staff have been discussing their 2016 proposed budgets.  Projects are being advocated for.  Staffing levels are being assessed and so on.  In fact, most of the local communities in our service area are viewing their second or third draft.  Every line item is or should be scrutinized.

 

As your business advocate, we've asked them to prioritize and "hold the line" on spending.  To date, proposed local levy increases range are averaging between five and ten percent.  And don't forget about Dakota County and your local school district.  They too will propose tax increases.  Combined, your property taxes will likely increase by double digits in 2016.  Is your bottom line doing the same? 

 

What can you do?  Contact your local elected officials and ask them to prioritize their projects, find efficiencies, develop innovative solutions, and "hold the line" in spending.  Proposed levy increases must be finalized and certified by September 30.  Truth and taxation hearings follow but now is the time to have your voice heard.  For further information, contact your local city administration or call the Chamber at 651.452.9872.   

WomEn's Circle Events Gain Momentum for Fall

 

WomEn's Circle Golf Networking Social: September

Join us for The womEn's circle social event, "Golf and Networking" on Thursday, September 17th, 2015 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will be gathering at Southview Country Club (239 Mendota Road East, Saint Paul, MN 55118) for an evening of networking and fun. The event will begin at 3:30 with a brief golf lesson taught by the Southview Golf Course Staff, who will be instructing on golf etiquitte and tips for both new and experienced golfers. Following the lesson, the group will take place in a shotgun start game of golf. After golfing is over, we will retreat back to a room to enjoy networking, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. The two womEn's social events are not included in your annual investment. 

Fee: $45 (only womEn's circle members may attend).

Limited spaces available. Click here to register.

 

August's WomEn's Circle Event: We're More than Donkeys and Elephants

Join us as a guest at next month's womEn's circle: Legislative Panel: We're More Than Donkeys and Elephants. This event will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 2015 from 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley. To attend as a guest for $25, email Vicki. Click here to view the event page. 

 

Get Involved with the Planning Committee 

Are you interested in being more involved with the DCR Chamber? We are currently looking for committee members for this year's womEn's circle committee. This provides a wonderful opportunity to get involved with the chamber and put together a great year of womEn's circle programming. This year's chair of the committee is Michele Engdahl, Thomson Reuters. Parts of the committee include membership and marketing, programming, logistics, sponsorships, and social media. 

 

This kickoff committee meeting will be held at the Dakota County Regional Chamber Office (3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201, Eagan MN 55121) on August 24th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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
311
8:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.
234
Speed Networking Luncheon Planned for September

Speed networking is back! This unique style luncheon is a great place to share your story with other local business representatives. Luncheon participants have the opportunity to pitch their business to decision makers from area businesses/other DCR Chamber members in a fast and fun networking atmosphere. All participants must be a current member of The DCR Chamber. Cost to attend is $25 per person. 

For additional information or to reserve a seat at the event, please call 651-452-9872, email info@dcrchamber.com, or register online by clicking here.

It's Getting Hot! Fun Facts on the Hottest Month in the Year
Did You Know?
 
The month of August is often referred to as the "dog days of summer" but not 
because of pet pooches. It has to do with the star Sirius, also known as the dog star, which rose at the same time as sunrise during the month of August in ancient Roman times.

FREE Robert St. Newsletter Promo Opportunity

 

West St. Paul City Council recently approved funding to assist with marketing for businesses that are directly impacted by the construction on Robert Street between Thompson Avenue and Annapolis Street.  A special Robert Street newsletter to an expanded audience including West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake and parts of St. Paul, Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights is part of this effort. The newsletter will include updates on Robert Street construction, what has been done, what is coming up, safety tips and more!

 

If your business is located along this section of Robert Street, you are eligible for a free eighth page coupon or ad. All submissions must be received by August 13th.  For more information please call 651-764-6067.

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

 

West St. Paul Open Council Work Session meets August 10- see the agenda.
West St. Paul City Council meets August 10- see the agenda.
Farmington City Council Work Session meets August 10- see the agenda. 
Farmington Planning Commission meets August 10- see the agenda. 
Eagan Special City Council meets August 11- see the agenda.
Rosemount City Council Work Session meets August 10- see the agenda.
Member Spotlight: Carol Osnes, Vision Source Yankee Eye Clinic

Member SpotlightCarol 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."

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!

Chamber Announces Board Candidates

 

Your Chamber's Nominating Committee has recommended the following individuals to serve as members of the Board of Directors for a three year term commencing October 1, 2015: 

  • Paul Eggen, State Farm Insurance, Third consecutive term
  • Lin Nelson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Second consecutive term
  • Phil Stalboerger, MNet/MTM, Second consecutive term
  • Brent Cory, Eagan Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Ex-officio, One year term
  • Jon Althoff, Skyline Exhibits, First term
  • Lise' Freking, Thomson Reuters, First term
  • Michael Kinderman, Home Federal, First term
  • Renee Lawler, Twin Cities Premium Outlets, First term
  • Jill Skogheim, 5-8 Grill & Tap, First term
  • Mike Zipko, Zipko Strategy, First term

Additional candidates may be added to the Slate by letter addressed to Michele Engdahl, Chair of the Nominating Committee, signed by at least twenty (20) voting Chamber members in good standing and returned to the Chamber office by Friday, August 14, 2015.  The Board of Directors shall consider the final slate of candidates at its next board meeting.  Should you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 651.452.9872.
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 

 

Sigma Enterprises LLC

Primary Contact: Briana Bauman

1395 Commerce Drive
Mendota Heights, MN 55120 

Mission
Sigma Beauty's mission is to provide beauty enthusiasts with the latest innovations in cosmetics, makeup brushes, and brush care accessories. We strive for exceptional quality, innovative function, and excellence in customer service. Sigma Beauty utilizes science and engineering to constantly challenge the beauty industry status quo and present our clients with state of the art products.
Motto
Innovating Beauty.
 

 

Trumi Eagan MN

Primary Contact: Kara Stevens

4560 Cinnamon Ridge Trail
Eagan, MN 55122

View website HERE 

 

Trumi is a wellness company that blends fitness, nutrition, and community into one package. Instead of just offering fitness classes, Trumi offers 12-week fitness courses and wellness coaching to revamp your overall health and inspire change. Most fitness programs start with the outside; burning fat and building muscle. Trumi starts with the inside; changing habits, setting and achieving goals, building confidence, and increasing accountability. We then work our way outward to burn fat and build muscle. The result is: transformation from the inside out! That is why it is called "True Me Training".  

 

 

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. 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

Congratulations to Guild who has welcomed new leadership. Marian Bayer, MBA, MPA, has joined Guild Incorporated as Chief Financial Officer.  Lou Gomez, MBA, Director of Sales (Twin Cities), Senior Vice President of U.S. Bank, has joined the Board of Directors at Guild Incorporated. Click here to read more information.


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