November 9, 2015
Do You Like Us?       
 
Do you "like" us on Facebook? Are you "following" us on Twitter? Are you "connected" to us on LinkedIn? If not, we sure wish you would! Social media is a great place for us to stay connected by sharing information, photos, providing comments and starting discussion groups. Weekly Update can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. Would you please give us a "like", a "share" or a "tweet"? Here is where you can find us:

Facebook = DCRChamberofCommerce
Twitter = @DCRChamber
LinkedIn Group = Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce  
 
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Energy Independence: Denied  
 
Last week, your Chamber met with local chambers and industry experts from across the Upper Midwest to advocate on regional economic issues in the areas of natural resources, energy and transportation.  One such expert included Keystone XL president Tony Palmer.  Needless to say we were extremely disappointed to learn of President Obama's decision to deny the Keystone XL pipeline permit on Friday. 
 
LOST: Jobs and Economic Growth
  • The Keystone XL Pipeline project would have created 42,000 new jobs for American workers during construction, putting $2.2 billion in workers' pockets.
  • The Keystone XL Pipeline would have contributed $3.4 billion to U.S. GDP.
 
OVERLOOKED: U.S. Infrastructure Needs and Energy Security
  • The American energy revolution faces an infrastructure problem. The Keystone XL Pipeline would have helped solve this problem by moving up to 100,000 barrels per day of crude oil from North Dakota.
  • Every barrel of oil imported from Canada, via the Keystone XL Pipeline, would have reduced our dependency on oil from unfriendly nations.
It's time to tell President Obama: Enough is enough. We need a forward-thinking energy policy that will take advantage of American innovation and our abundant energy resources so we can grow our economy and get Americans working again. 
Voters Say Yes to Increased Funding for Education  
 
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Last week levy referendums in Districts 192 (Farmington) and 196 (Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan) passed easily.  In District 192, voters said yes to smaller classes, school maintenance projects, new kindergarten classrooms, and security improvements.  In District 196, the bond referendum will support safety and security, a new elementary school, and technology for learning.  Ultimately, voters said yes to higher taxes in both cases.   
 
In other election news: Incumbents Jackie Magnuson, Joel Albright, Rob Duchscher, and Bob Schutte were re-elected to District 196 School Board; and in District 197 (West St. Paul/Mendota Heights) candidates Joanne Mansur, Brenda Corbett, Byron Schwab, and Terry Stamman were elected to serve a four-year term.    
November WomEn's Circle: Leaders vs. Managers
 
Most of us wear multiple hats in our careers - leading projects, managing teams and getting tasks done. Erin Dady, Head of Government and Community Relations at the University of Minnesota, and former Chief of Staff of Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Chairwoman of Women Winning, will help define the differences between leading and managing. Learn how you can become even more effective in your business at WomEn's Circle. Register today
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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
30
1

 
2

4:00 p.m.
3
4

7:30 a.m.


Did You Know?
A quick poll was taken at Friday's Legislative Breakfast to find out what the group thinks will happen in next year's election. The results showed they believe things will remain status quo with Republicans remaining in control of the House and Democrats controlling the Senate. The group also believes a Republican will replace John Kline in the 2nd Congressional District and they were split 50/50 on the Presidential race. Only time will tell how it will all play out.
Chamber Convenes Regional Group to Discuss Business Retention Strategies
 
Grow MN is a shining example of what Chamber's do best:  harness public and private resources to keep Minnesota companies strong and competitive in today's global economy.   As a founding partner, DCR Chamber has been involved in this program since it was launched more than 13 years ago.  On December 1, representatives from local chambers, cities, county agencies and economic development partners from throughout Dakota County will gather to discuss a variety of strategies for 2016.  Every business retention visit has four parts: first, we thank the business owner or manager for having a business in our region and creating jobs; second, we learn as much as we can about the business and its activities; third, we ask if we can assist the company to stay and grow in our region; and, fourth, we ask what policy-makers can do to improve our state's overall business environment.  For more information on your Chamber's business retention program, please contact Vicki Stute. 
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

West St. Paul City Council meets November 9 - see the agenda
Farmington City Council meets November 9 - see the  agenda 
Rosemount City Council meets November 9 - see the agenda
Farmington Planning Commission meets November 10 - 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."
Directory Updates Coming
 
Your Chamber has begun the process of updating the Membership Directory and Resource Guide for 2016. Primary representatives should be on the lookout for an email next week with instructions on verifying and updating your membership information to ensure accuracy in the new directory. 
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

Writing and Design Partners
Sanctuary at West St. Paul


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!
 

Congratulations to TruStone Financial on the opening of their new location in Burnsville. As part of their grand opening they presented 360 Communities with a check for $1,000!

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You are invited to Rosemount Ladies Night on Thursday, November 12 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. for a holiday preview and business fair. Ride the free trolley between the 19 participating businesses.
 
Insider Training, Inc. president Chris Dixon will speak at the University of Minnesota Multicultural Student Leadership Conference "Revolutionize Your Greatness:Be the Spark"at Coffman Memorial Union Saturday, November 14 from 9a-5pm. Dixon will be discussing "Impact of Multicultural Entrepreneurship" and joins Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison as a keynote speaker.

DARTS is hosting a 2015-2016 Heritage Society Lifelong Learning Series - monthly sessions focused on common concerns and topics relevant to seniors and older adults. This free series is open to the public and presented by TapeMark.  The session on Fraud Watch is sponsored by Thrivent Financial - North Dakota County Chapter.   For information on sponsorship opportunities contact Steve Haschig at 651-234-2229 or [email protected].
 

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