June 20, 2016
Chamber Hires New Member Relations Director
 
Your Chamber is very excited to announce the hire of Lori Oelrich as your new Member Relations Director.  Lori has extensive professional experience in various sales positions throughout her career including nearly 12 years with Chamber member, Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling.  She is a graduate from the College of Saint Benedict (she even was a Chamber intern at one point) and resides in Burnsville with her husband and three boys.  Lori will spend a few days in the office in early July and begins full-time on July 18.  Please be sure to welcome Lori when you see her.       
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Dakota County Planning to Leave CTIB. Will Taxpayers Keep More Of Their Own Money?
  
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Dakota County is planning to leave the regional body that funds transit projects across the Twin Cities.  The County Board voted in committee to take steps to withdraw from the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), which pools tax money for projects such as light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT).  Created in 2008, CTIB consists of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties.  The counties collect a quarter-cent sales tax and $20 in sales tax on every new car sold, then CTIB doles it back out to help build and maintain regional transit projects.  Figures prepared by County staff show that between 2008 and 2016, Dakota County contributed 13 percent of CTIB's total transit tax, but got about 7 percent of its capital and operating grants.  Estimates based on CTIB's 2015 list of projects show that by 2024, Dakota County would likely contribute 12 percent of the total funds but get back just 3 percent - a smaller allocation than any other participating county.  A final decision will be made at the County Board meeting on June 21. 
Reduce Waste & Strengthen Profits  
By Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President 

recycling_thumbs_up.jpg The Minnesota Chamber works year-round advocating for the interests of the statewide business community. That's most visible with our efforts at the Capitol where legislative victories can translate into financial savings for all types and sizes of businesses across the state.

Our one-on-one advocacy with Minnesota companies is just as important. Though it does not always garner headlines, we take equal pride in making connections and finding private-sector solutions outside the government purview. Look no further than Waste Wise and Energy Smart, our two sustainability programs that help improve your bottom line and help your organizations become more environmentally sustainable.

Whether you've done a little or a lot on this front, our staff can provide a fresh set of eyes to explore ways to reduce your waste and energy costs. We have the expertise to evaluate your needs no matter how big or small your business. It's as easy as inviting us into your worksite, and we take it from there. Read more.  
Chamber Night Out at CHS Field 
 
Who wants a free hot dog? Your Chamber invites you to a night out at CHS Field to watch the St. Paul Saints take on the Fargo Moorhead Redhawks on Thursday, August 4. The first 25 people to register will receive a "Dog on Chuck" coupon compliments of Chuck & Don's! It will be a great night of baseball, networking and fun!  The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. Bring your spouse, colleagues or the whole family! Tickets must be purchased by Friday, July 1. Register today.
Building Relationships Means Building Business 
 
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Building new relationships often times involves numerous conversations to create a level of understanding and trust. Once these relationships are built, these are the people who will help you build your business by sending you referrals and helping to spread your good word. Join us at Coffee Break on June 28 at 8:00 a.m. at The Rosemount Senior Living at Steeple Center to start building! Register today. 
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
20

10:00 a.m.
21

7:30 a.m.
Board of Directors

9:00 a.m.
Communications Committee

Noon
22

8:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
SMYPros

Noon
23
 
7:30 a.m.
Government Affairs Committee

4:30 p.m.
Membership Campaign Celebration
24
27

7:30 a.m.
PAC Board
28

8:00 a.m.
29

7:30 a.m.
PAC Board
30
1
4

Happy 4th of July!

Chamber Office Closed
5

8:00 a.m.
SBU Committee

11:30 a.m.
SMYPro Committee
6
7
8
11
12
13

8:00 a.m.
Noon
14

8:00 a.m.
15
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Quick Poll: Age Isn't Everything
Your Chamber is going to be celebrating a big anniversary in the next fiscal year. How old do you think we will be? Take the quick poll.

A: 40
B: 50
C: 60
D: 70

Eagan Business News: 22 Tenants Announced at Central Park Commons & 3 Ways to Boost Employee Retention  
  
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Check out this quarters edition of the Eagan Business News. Here are the highlights:
      • CSM has released the names of 22 tenants that will be opening businesses in Central Park Commons, the former site of Lockheed Martin.
      • Closing the Revolving Door: 3 Ways to Boost Employee Retention - learn about these low or no cost ways to improve retention in your workplace.
Eagan City Council to Review Vikings Final Development Application
  
This Tuesday, Eagan's City Council will review the Minnesota Vikings final development application and if all goes well we should see shovels in the ground in early July for this nearly 200-acre, multi-use development which is anticipated to generate hundreds of millions of economic investment over the next 15 years.
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
 
Farmington City Council meets June 20 - see the agenda
Rosemount City Council meets June 21 - see the  agenda  
Eagan City Council meets June 21 - see the agenda
West St. Paul Planning Commission meets June 21 - see the agenda
Mendota Heights City Council meets June 21 - see the agenda
Dakota County Board of Commissioners meets June 21 - see the agenda 
Member Spotlight: A Great Way to Grow Your Business  
  
Jessica Aubel
Insurance is what I sell, Dreams are what I protect! I have been selling insurance for over 4 years now on behalf of The Pallais Agency/ American Family Insurance. I have a passion for caring for people and making sure I can offer peace of mind. Insurance is more than a policy, it's a relationship that I like building with my clients. I offer Auto, Home, Business, and Life Insurance. Our team here at the Pallais Agency joined DCR Chamber in November 2013. We as a team have joined the Ambassadors group, attended Coffee Breaks, holiday lunches and ribbon cuttings. I also enjoy attending the WomEn's Circle each month and the Women's Conference every year! When we moved our office in 2015 we hosted a ribbon cutting with the Chamber as well. We encourage other business owners to join the chamber which offers education, leadership, and networking knowledge. It's a great way to grow your business!
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

St. Paul Saints Baseball Club 
Park Dental Rosemount 
Auxilium Solutions, LLC 

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!


Kudos to Flint Hills Resources who recently awarded Discovery Scholarships to 26 students from 13 high schools in Dakota & Washington counties. Each student received $2,500 in recognition of their academic performance, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial vision. See the full press release.

Congratulations to Paul and Leslie Arazny, owners of Allegra Design, Print, Mail in Eagan, who were recently honored with the 2015 Operational Excellence Award from leading marketing, print and graphic communications franchise network, Alliance Franchise Brands.  They also received the Annual Sales Growth Award, given to the top 10 businesses in the network for sales growth percentage, as well as the Bronze Star recognizing their record-breaking sales achievement.

Mahoney Ulbrich Christiansen Russ has been honored with a 2016 When Work Works Award for its use of effective workplace strategies to increase business and employee success. Congratulations!

Congrats to Dr. Joel Fugleberg, Lifestyle Chiropractic, as he was recently honored by receiving the Top Chiropractor of the Month by Doctor's Choice Awards. To receive this award, doctors must be nominated and receive reviews from colleagues and/or other health care providers. 
 Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
www.dcrchamber.com
651.452.9872