March 7, 2016
Weekly Update Brought to You this Week by:
2016 Membership Directory & Resource Guides Arrive 
 
We are very excited that the 2016 Membership Directory and Resource Guide has been hitting the desk tops of our primary representatives! Thank you to ECM Publishers for creating such a great looking directory and to all those members who supported the directory by purchasing ads and logos for their listings.

Your membership directory should be your go-to spot when you are in need of a service or product. Be sure to let members know that you found them through the directory! There is a lot of other great information within the resource guide including information about the communities we serve, school districts, a Chamber year in review and a listing of our legislative priorities.

The 2016 Membership Directory and Resource Guide will be available online soon! Watch for more information.
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Polymet Clears Hurdle After Long-Awaited Process
 
Copper-nickel mining will provide thousands of construction and long-term mining jobs, thousands of spin-off jobs, and billions of dollars in new investment and economic growth. Polymet is a tremendous opportunity for Minnesota and your Chamber has been supportive of its efforts. We believe this project will have important positive impacts not only on the Iron Range, but across Minnesota, including direct impact for our Dakota County businesses. Last week Minnesota officials approved a decade-long environmental review of the first copper-nickel mine proposed for the Iron Range, a major turning point in the state's most contentious environmental fight in a generation. Read more from the Star Tribune.  
The Power of the Gavel
 
The 2016 Legislature convenes tomorrow and has much work to do in only ten short weeks. Tax and transportation bills from last year remain on the table, $900 million surplus and an election year all highlight the opportunities and challenges for the Session. To kick-off the Session, your Chamber hosted its annual Legislative Reception to encourage business owners to talk with Legislators about their top business issues. Working on your behalf, the Chamber will advocate for positive business results on our Top Legislative Priorities.
The WomEn's Conference this Thursday! 
 
This year's WomEn's Conference presented by Anchor Bank is this Thursday, March 10! There is still time to register. Click here to get registered today. Here is a look at what's in store:

Opening Keynote: "Women in Leadership" by Gina Soleil

Panel: "Women Leading in Male Dominated Industries" moderated by Vineeta Sawkar, Star Tribune. Panelists include Danielle Anselment, Patrol Sergeat, City of Eagan; Jean Kane, CEO, Welsh/Colliers International, Kelly Larson, CFO, Summit Brewing and Lana Siewert-Cardona, President, Ideal Printers

Closing Keynote: "Leading with Yes: How to Empower the Improviser in You" by Jenni Lilledahl, Brave New Workshop
 
 
Thank you to our event sponsors: 

Presenting Sponsor:


Premier Sponsors: 
                               
Contributing Sponsors: 
       
          
  

Partner Sponsors: 
Brave New Workshop; Dakota Electric Association; Eagan YMCA; Gateway Bank; Home Federal; Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation; Rasmussen College; Superior Service Center; Thomson Reuters; Wings Financial Credit Union; Xcel Energy
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7
7:30 a.m.
Executive Committee

Noon
8
9

8:00 a.m.
 
Noon
10
8:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11
14
15
7:30 a.m.
Board of Directors

Noon
16
7:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
17
7:30 a.m.
18
21
22

8:00 a.m. 		23
8:00 a.m.
Noon
4:00 p.m.
24
25
28
7:30 a.m.
Government Affairs Committee

 Noon 		29
30
7:30 a.m.
31
1

7:30 a.m.
best_deal_sign.jpg Did You Know?
Have you posted a Hot Deal lately? It's easy to do and a great way to promote your business and connect with other Chamber members. Find it under the Resource tab at www.dcrchamber.com. Here's how to post a Hot Deal...

2. Click "Member Login" on the top right corner.
3. Click on "Hot Deals" on the left side.
4. Add your Hot Deal! 
5. Once you have entered all your information, submit it for approval. 

We will review and approve your hot deal, which will then be posted on the website.
Stop By Twin Cities Hiring and Recruiting Event
 
The 16th Annual GET JOBS Job Fair will be held on March 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Eagan Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Know Road in Eagan. Local employers will be recruiting for hundreds of entry level and professional jobs. Click here for more information. 
Check out this Collection of Key Economic Indicators that Measure Minnesota's Competitiveness and Economic Health
 
The Chamber Federation, a consortium of local chambers from across the state led by the Minnesota Chamber is pleased to release the inaugural Minnesota Business Benchmarks, a collection of key economic indicators that measure Minnesota's competitiveness and the health of the state's economy.  Your Chamber is a proud partner of the Federation.  Let's use this data to guide public policy that will make Minnesota ready for the future.
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
 
Farmington City Council meets March 7 - see the agenda
Farmington Planning Commission meets March 8 - see the agenda  
Eagan City Council meets March 8 - see the agenda
Rosemount City Council meets March 9 - see the agenda

Mayor Droste shared information on the preparations to write the new Comprehensive Plan for Rosemount. Read the article here. 
SMYPros Participating in Minnesota FoodShare Month
 
During the month of March, the South Metro Young Professionals will be participating in Minnesota FoodShare Month partnering with Neighbors, Inc. Your Chamber is collecting items at the office or you are welcome to bring any donations to an event through March 22. They are in particular need of Hamburger Helper, pancake mix, syrup, jelly, rice, soup, canned meat, tuna, cooking oil, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and shampoo. Thank you! 
Member Spotlight: Network and Connect
 
Kristin Frame
I have been with SEEK Careers/Staffing for 3 years as a Recruiter and recently was promoted to Branch Team Leader of the Eagan office. SEEK just celebrated our 45th anniversary and originated in Grafton, WI. Currently we have 14 branches in WI and 1 in MN. In Eagan, we specialize in placing candidates in Light Industrial, Office/Clerical and Skilled Manufacturing temporary and temporary to hire roles. As an office we have been members of the Chamber for just over a year. At the Chamber, I am involved with the South Metro Young Professionals and the Ambassador Committee. South Metro Young Professionals gives me the opportunity to network, serve the community and develop my professional skills with others locally as well. I also enjoy attending Coffee Breaks so I can connect with other local businesses.  
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 


A-Key Admin Services, LLC
Klinkhammer Financial
Farrell's Extreme Body Shaping


Edina Realty - The Gran Group 
Rebeka Gran
1519 Central Parkway
Eagan, MN 55121
View website here

We are Charles and Rebekah Gran, Realtors with Edina Realty, in Eagan. Edina Realty is a full service real estate company. That means we have a mortgage company, title company, insurance company, relocation company and offer home warranty solutions. Whether you're buying, selling or simply exploring the possibilities of homeownership, you'll want to work with a professional who can provide the most reliable market information and expert advice. We are skilled at networking, pricing and negotiation and would love to help you with your real estate needs.

Sonesta ES Suites MSP Airport 
Adam Grunz
3040 Eagandale Place
Eagan, MN 55121
View website here

Enjoy something surprisingly different at our Sonesta ES Suites Minneapolis St. Paul hotel. Our suites feature apartment-style living with fully equipped kitchens and delightful little extras to make you feel at home. Spread out in spacious accommodations. Start your day with our free, delicious hot breakfast buffet. Stay productive and connected with business services and free WiFi. And rest easy with crisp linens, thicker mattresses, custom comforters and fluffier pillows for a good night's sleep.

 
Astuto Capital Advisors 
Marco Naylon
P.O. BOX 10605
Saint Paul, MN 55110
View website here

Astuto Capital Advisors is an independent investment management firm founded on the fundamental principle that investors needn't pay exorbitant fees or take unnecessary risks in achieving long-term returns. Founder, Marco Naylon, CFA, brings extensive institutional money management experience to his firm. Clients benefit from an unparalleled perspective on effectively managing capital market risk. The name "Astuto" translates from Italian to "astute" which defines our approach to investment management. By applying empirically-proven principles in a disciplined data and analysis process, we seek to leverage technology and experience to provide cost efficient investment management solutions.    
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!
 

Four DCR Chamber members had employees recognized as 2016 Exceptional Business Women Honorees on March 3. Congratulations to
Amelia Halsted, UTC Aerospace; Nicole Hansen, Thomson Reuters; Cinda Lohmann, Flint Hills Resources; and Arleen Sullivan, Anchor Bank.


Congratulations to Lifestyle Chiropractic as they celebrate their 7th anniversary under ownership of Dr. Joel Fugleberg. Dr. Joel works with most major insurances providing the Mendota Heights/Eagan and surrounding community with chiropractic care, decompression/traction and massage therapy.
  
Marco recently announced that they are the recipient of the 2016 BOLD Award in the Middle Market Category, presented by the Minnesota Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Rosemount Floral owner Michelle Schurlein as she was honored with the a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition by Congressman John Kline during his 10th annual "Star of the North" ceremony. Michele has been the owner of Rosemount Floral for 19 years and loves to crochet and share the more than 1,000 items she creates with others in the community.

MTM/MNet celebrated the opening of their new location in Mendota Heights with a ribbon cutting and open house last week. Congratulations! Thank you to our ribbon cutting sponsor Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.
   

Learn more about Goff Public

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