October 26, 2015
Chamber Seeking Member Sales & Services Manager      
 
Vicki and Emily are looking for a new co-worker! Do you know an energetic, talented, sales-oriented individual that has a passion for making the business community a great place to start a business and grow jobs? Do they like to network with other business professionals and community leaders? If so, please share with them this great career opportunity available at your Chamber. See more for a full description.  The best employees are referrals from our members... 
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Business Barometer Survey Finds Businesses Upbeat, Yet Concerned    
 
Minnesota's employers remain optimistic about the state's economy. At the same time, they warn that the state's high costs of doing business - if left uncurbed - could slow additional growth. These are among the findings of the 12th annual Business Barometer co-sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Himle Rapp & Company. The survey, as in previous years, reflected a generally positive outlook by business owners and managers.  Employers said they want to stay in Minnesota, however, results also showed signs of increasing costs that can affect decisions to stay and expand in Minnesota. The survey has regularly underscored high taxes as a chief concern. Among the respondents, 56 percent said taxes are one of the biggest two barriers to job creation. Read more at: http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/172912/BusinessBarometer_Summary.pdf
A special thanks to Minnesota Chamber for sharing this data with its local chamber partners.
Eagan Businesses: Storm Water Drainage Utility Fees Increases - Learn More This Thursday    
 
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As an advocate for business, Dakota County Regional Chamber wanted to inform you of a proposal that Eagan City Council is considering that could substantially increase your company's utility fees for 2016. Several options have been discussed and Council has directed staff to begin the process of planning for significant capital improvements over the next five years. The improvements could increase your fees from 5% to nearly 50%, depending upon the size of your building and property lot; and this includes a Storm Water Drainage rate increase that could reach 66% in 2016. Please mark your calendars and register for a special meeting on this matter for Thursday, October 29 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Eagan City Hall. Read more
Workplace Fairness Coalition Shares Good News      
 
Last Friday, Minneapolis City Council made the appropriate decision to delay formal action on the 'ill conceived' workplace mandate agenda and instead agreed to move forward with a work-study approach that is more inclusive and transparent. Our congratulations to all who participated in the coalition, a region-wide, grassroots effort to bring more voices to this conversation for change. As a member of the Coalition, DCR Chamber will continue to be engaged in this process following future council action and closely monitor related workplace issues. Get more info on the story from the Star Tribune.
Business Excellence Awards & Annual Meeting
 
Have you registered for the Business Excellence Awards and Annual Meeting on November 19 yet? Be sure to take advantage of the early bird pricing which ends October 29. We will be taking a look back at the amazing things that have happened at DCR Chamber in the past year as well as give you a sneak peak into what's to come. Help us to also honor the nominees and winners in each of the seven categories for their incredible accomplishments and commitments to our communities. You won't want to miss out on this amazing event! Register today.   
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
26
27

8:00 a.m.
28

7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
12:00 Noon 
29

7:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
30
2
3

8:00 a.m.

Election Day
4

4:00 p.m.
5
6

7:30 a.m.
9
10

8:00 a.m.
11

8:00 a.m.

Noon
12

8:00 a.m.
13
16

12:00 Noon
17

12:00 Noon
18

7:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m.

19

11:30 a.m.
4:30 p.m.

20

Did You Know?
Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday with candy sales averaging about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.
Meet the Candidates - District 196 School Board Forum
 
Your Chamber is hosting a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 28 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at City of Rosemount. Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District 196 candidates are Joel Albright, Craig Angrimson, Michael Atherley, Rob Duchscher, Sachin Isaacs, Jackie Magnuson and Bob Schutte.  Candidates will be asked a series of questions on issues of importance to our future workforce. Join us to learn more about each of the candidates in preparation for your vote on November 3 - find your polling place. The Candidate Forum will also be available on local channels 180 and 188 up until Election Day. Register today for the candidate forum.
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

Farmington Economic Development Authority meets October 26 - see the agenda 
West St. Paul City Council meets October 26 - see the agenda
Eagan City Council meets October 27 - see the agenda 
Mendota Heights Planning Commission meets October 27 - see the agenda
Rosemount Planning Commission meets October 27 - see the agenda
Member Spotlight: Thanks for Your Leadership
 
Michele Engdahl 
"The DCR Chamber of Commerce is a gem of our regional community and I'm thankful I've been able to serve in a leadership capacity on the board of directors. Thomson Reuters has been a member since moving our operations from St. Paul to Eagan and we benefit from the strong business community around our campus. The Chamber is the go-to for new and veteran businesses. From ribbon cuttings to advocacy work in the halls of the state capitol, the Chamber plays a key role in making sure businesses start and grow right here. Personally, I have sharpened my skills by serving on this board. I've met so many terrific, talented people who are passionate about not only their industry, but our greater community. I am currently chairing the WomEn's Circle and it is my pleasure to grow that energizing program for women by women. I encourage members to get more involved with the DCR Chamber. Join a committee. Host a networking event. Attend a program."
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

Sanctuary at West St. Paul
Investment Solutions
Quality Inn & Suites

Watch for more information about these fine companies in upcoming Weekly Updates.

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

Each month, Insider Training, Inc. releases free health and fitness content to Chamber members. This month, Nutrition Specialist and Registered Dietitian Nicole Carlson, discusses seasonal changes that impact your nutrition in her latest blog "Fall and Winter Eating". Visit Insider Training's website to access their available health education. 

Congratulations to Valleywood Golf Course on winning the 2015 Minnesota Golf Association Member Club of the Year Award! This is one of the most prestigious honors in Minnesota golf.

Hirman Insurors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Think Mutual Bank, will be renamed Think Insurance effective January 1, 2016. The name change will more closely align their insurance business with the Think brand.
 

The City of Eagan is undertaking a fun and engaging community visioning exercise right now called Eagan Forward. As part of this effort, they are hosting four focus groups within the community to seek feedback and suggestions for the Eagan of today and the Eagan of the future (think 40 years from now!). Three of the four focus groups are open to members of the Eagan business community. Group size is limited so register today.
 
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Beyond the Yellow Ribbon-Eagan is partnering with Toys 4 Military Kids to collect toys this holiday season. If you are interested in donating to this cause your Chamber has a collection box at our offices, 3352 Sherman Ct, Suite 201, Eagan. 

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