September 8, 2015
Business Excellence Awards:  Nominations Now Open


Join us for the 2015 Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Southview Country Club. The Chamber will be honoring businesses that exhibit innovation, growth, and leadership within the Dakota County Region. This year's ceremony will have an "Academy Awards" theme filled with a pre-event video announcement of the nominees, red carpet photo opps, video montages for each category and more!  We promise an evening of fun, networking and inspirational stories. Register today.  Call 651.288.9201 for more information on sponsors.  

TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE, please complete the electronic form and provide a three to four sentence description of why a particular business, or individual, should be considered this year.

2015 Award Categories
Business Excellence Award
Community Leadership Award
Small Business of the Year Award
Non-Profit of the Year Award
Woman/Minority Owned Business Award
Legacy Award - New
Young Professional - New
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Meet the Candidates
 
Many of our local school districts will have contested elections, following a flurry of last-minute filings.  In Mendota Heights-West St. Paul (District 197), candidates are Brenda Corbett, Kelly Gibbons, Stephen Hoffman, Joanne Mansur, Brian McDougall, Anthony Remick, Melissa Rousu, Byron Schwab, and Terry Stamman.  Specific candidate forum details pending.
 
In Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (District 196), candidates are Joel Albright, Craig Angrimson, Michael Atherley, Rob Duchscher, Sachin Isaacs, Jackie Magnuson and Bob Schutte.  The Candidate Forum has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at City of Rosemount.  Live audience attendance is available or watch the forum on local channels 180 and 188 up until Election Day.  
Local business ownership and job growth threatened by recent decision of Browning-Ferris Industries case
 
In a major decision last month, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that companies may be considered joint-employers with their contractors and franchisees. The ruling will increase the potential responsibility of certain companies, such as staffing agencies and franchisors, and may make union involvement with those companies more likely. The full ramifications of this ruling are not yet known; for example, any effect on determining employee count for FMLA and ACA purposes - but we'll be closely following this matter and posting updates in upcoming Weekly Updates.
Are you quick to connect?  No?  Then Join Us at Speed Networking on September 14
 
Speed networking is back! This unique style luncheon is a great place to share your business pitch in a fast and fun networking atmosphere.  The program is structured in a rotational format, which allows participants to network with many different people in a short amount of time.  Come prepared to promote your business, make new contacts, and meet new people. Bring plenty of business cards! 

Seating is limited, so participants are encouraged to register quickly.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

7

 

Chamber Office Closed

8

9:00 a.m.
9
8:00 a.m.
Noon

10
8:00 a.m.
11

14

 

11:30 a.m.

Speed Networking 

15

 

12:00 Noon

Meet the Chamber 

16

 

8:00 a.m.

Farmington Coffee Break

 

7:30 a.m.

Business Owners Roundtable 1 

17

 

3:30 p.m.
women's circle 

18
 21

22

 

8:00 a.m.

West St. Paul/ Mendota Heights Coffee Break 

23

 

7:30 a.m.

SMYPROs

 

8:00 a.m.

ChamberNet Two

 

Noon

ChamberNet One 

 

24

 

7:30 a.m.

 Breakfast With Champions 

25

28

 

 

 

29

30

 

3:30 p.m.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Ribbon Cutting

 

1
2
Happy Labor Day
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. 
Our "Hats "Off to those who worked on Labor Day so that the rest of us could enjoy the last days of summer.  

Business Education Partnership Shines New Perspectives for Teachers

 

Thomson Reuters hosted 110 teachers from Como Park High School on August 31to help the teachers learn what types of attributes Thomson Reuters is looking for in its employees.  It is critical that teachers see and understand the types of workplaces that their current students will work in someday. This is the third year that Thomson Reuters has hosted the entire teaching staff from an area high school. "It shows creativity and commitment from the administration to use a half a day during the workshop period to go on a field trip of sorts to a large local employer.  We love to host these teachers as they get ready to prepare their students for college and career," said Michele Engdahl, Director of Government Affairs for Thomson Reuters. 
 
Eric Erickson, a social studies teacher at Como Park, said this, "Como teachers had a wonderful experience travelling to Thomson Reuters as part of our school and business partnership. Our sessions led by senior staff of Thomson Reuters were informative and connected the work of high school educators to 21st century expectations and desired skills required for a global economy. We are excited for the future of our school and business partnership with Thomson Reuters."

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

 

Eagan City Council meets in Special Work Session September 8 - see the agenda
Farmington City Council meets September 8 - see the agenda
Eagan Streets Alive - Saturday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - more info
Member Spotlight
 
Erich Hanson, August Ash
"Being a member of the DCR Chamber has given me the opportunity to connect and network with a variety of local business professionals. Not only has it been a great way to build relationships with other members, but it has given me opportunity to learn and share my resources and knowledge to others. I am incredibly thankful for all that the DCR staff does on a daily basis. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that each member feels that they are getting the most out of their membership. From the various networking events, community involvement, sponsorships, and hosting opportunities, there are countless ways to get involved and stay active in the local community."
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!

 


Snap Fitness - Rosemount

Geoffrey Wyatt

14855 South Robert Trail

Rosemount, MN 55120 

At the beginning of the year, Snap Fitness decided to undergo a rebranding initiative to refresh their look and feel within their gyms. Snap Fitness - Rosemount will be the first new club in Minnesota to sport the new "look and feel" of Snap Fitness. With over 5400 square feet of workout space, Snap Fitness - Rosemount will host a large Functional Training area and rig, HydroMassage, a 650 sq. ft. virtual studio and much more. 

Celebrate Business Success
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
 
 

A big celebration last week at Dodge Nature Center.  The dedication of River To River Greenway in West St. Paul took place and many elected officials and families from the community were there to participate in the first official ride.  Congratulations on this public-private partnership!    
 
Keller WIlliams Preferred Realty celebrates with a grand opening on September 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. for their new Burnsville office location - 14300 Nicollet Court, Suite 208.  Plenty of fun and food for all.    
 
Comcast recently announced it will increase speeds for most Xfinity Internet customers in the company's Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin service area.  These speed increases are being delivered to customers at no additional cost. 
 

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