November 2, 2015
What's Your Niche? Get Involved.       
 
Your Chamber has a number of awesome groups that are geared toward specific interests and we want to make sure you are aware of them so you can get the most out of your Chamber investment. Each of these groups meets on a regular basis to share information, learn from each other or industry experts and make new connections. Read more on how you can get involved.
 
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Mid-America Chambers Meet on Common Issues     
 
Your Chamber continues to advocate on behalf of all members, not only on local and state policies, but through a broader coalition. Later this week, Chamber executives and volunteers from across the Midwest will gather together to hear from industry experts in the areas of natural resources, energy and transportation in order to develop region-wide policies to the benefit of all business members. "Our united voice cannot be ignored by policymakers," stated Vicki Stute, MACE conference chair. Volunteers and staff will be presenting and participating in these important discussions. 
Eagan Storm Water Drainage Fee Public Hearing 
 
This past week, Chamber members met with representatives from the City of Eagan to learn more about the proposed increases for Storm Water Drainage Fees imposed on businesses and residents. As an advocate for business, Dakota County Regional Chamber convened a meeting to discuss the issue and allow for businesses to ask questions. City reps provided an overview of the legislative mandates for clean-up of our Eagan lakes and listened to feedback regarding preferred payment options.  Businesses should have received individual estimates in late October. A public hearing will also be held on November 30 to garner additional input. Should you have any questions related to your utility bill and the proposed increases, contact the City of Eagan at utilitybill@cityofeagan.com or plan to attend the public hearing.
Build Your Network: County-Wide Chamber Expo & Business After Hours
 
Join us at Mendakota Country Club on Wednesday, November 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to network with other chamber members from throughout the Dakota County area. The event includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and exhibits by members from each of the participating chambers. Participating Chambers include Apple Valley, Burnsville, Dakota County Regional, Hastings, Lakeville and River Heights. See you there!  
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2
3

8:00 a.m.

Election Day
4

3:00 p.m.
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.
8:30 a.m.

19

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

20
23
24

8:00 a.m.

25

8:00 a.m.

Noon

26

Happy Thanksgiving
27

Chamber
office closed

Did You Know?
Don't forget to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 3! Find your polling locations here.
Small Business IS Big Business
 
Interested in learning about how your business can benefit from programs and services offered by the Minnesota Secretary of State's office? Join us to hear from Minnesota's Secretary of State Steve Simon. Secretary Simon will share how the Secretary's office can help small business owners and entrepreneurs as well as preview the 2016 election. Sign up for this session only or for the entire Series which offers members eight programs, November 2015 - June 2016. Fees are $25 per event or purchase a Series pass for $160 and save! Register today.    
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

Farmington City Council meets November 2 - see the  agenda 
Rosemount City Council meets November 2 - see the agenda
Eagan City Council meets November 2 - see the  agenda 
Mendota Heights City Council meets November 3 - see the agenda
Dakota County Board of Commissioners meets November 3 - see the agenda 
Member Spotlight: Listen, Care, Help
 
Brenda Johnson 
"Simply put, I am passionate about people. At Anchor Bank, this takes shape in the form of delivering exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. In my Bank Manager role at Anchor Bank Eagan, "Listen, Care, Help" is our motto. I am proud to work for an organization where community involvement is a core value of our culture. As the Ambassador Chair, I feel fortunate to be able to deliver our "Listen, Care, Help" motto in my role with the Chamber where I help facilitate involvement and encourage visibility in the community for new businesses through Chamber activities. I am also heavily involved in many other organizations providing services and support to initiatives making an impact close to home, including the Eagan Foundation Board, Green Ribbon Initiatives Board, and The Link Advisory Board. In my mind, any time volunteering with organizations that provide services and support to those in need is time well spent."
Ambassador Committee to Meet Tuesday - Join Us!
 
Your Chamber Ambassadors will be having their first meeting in our new fiscal year on Tuesday, November 3 at 3:30pm at DCR Chamber offices. Ambassadors serve to ensure that all members are receiving the maximum return on their membership investment and play an essential role in member communication, recruitment and retention. It is a great opportunity to network with community leaders, develop business contacts with new and current Chamber members and gain exposure through your commitment to the group. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Vicki Stute or join us at the meeting to learn more. 
 
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!
 

As part of their commitment to making health insurance more convenient and accessible, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota opened a "store-within-a-store" at the Eagan CVS Pharmacy near Diffley and Johnny Cake Ridge Roads. This store was developed as part of a strategic partnership with CVS focused on meeting members where they are and delivering personalized and relevant experiences.
 
Marco has been recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in Minnesota. Marco was honored at an awards ceremony on October 21st. The Fast 50 is based on revenue growth from 2012-2014.


DARTS has received certification as a Service Enterprise by Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. A Service Enterprise fundamentally leverages volunteers and their skills across all levels of the organization to successfully deliver on its social mission. Approximately 15% of all nonprofits in the United States currently hold this certification.
 
 
All 2,120 District 196 sixth-graders are honing their engineering skills this fall by using hammers, drills, saws, and rubber bands to build catapults at The Works Museum in Bloomington. The field trips, sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, fills a vital need for hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curricula. 
 
   
Your Chamber Ambassadors attended a ribbon cutting at The Flats of Cedar Grove late last week. Congratulations to The Flats on their award winning floor plans!

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