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| WARNING I am devoting this column to two items you should be aware of to protect your business. 1. Imposters
We have been hearing from some members that phone solicitors are again calling business stating that they represent the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and asking probing questions about operations etc. While we understand that they want to cloak themselves in the Chamber's credibility, please know that they do not represent us. We are a hardworking staff of 15 great folks that would never cold call anyone without properly identifying ourselves and the purpose of our call.
If you have any questions or concerns about the legitimacy of any caller, please check with us. And, if you can get the telephone number, that will help us report these scoundrels.
2. ADA attorney creating a flurry of lawsuits
(The following was provided by our friends at the Metro North Chamber)
July celebrates the 25th year of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state & local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, & transportation. We are proud to partner with several chamber member organizations whose mission is to remove barriers and empower persons with disabilities, and we thank them for all they do in this regard.
On a much more negative note, as you may have read in the news and here. Lawsuits have been filed against several MN businesses alleging non-compliance with the ADA by an organization named the Disability Support Alliance. Before filing suit, the plaintiff often sends a vague letter to the property owner or tenant claiming ADA issues with the property. In the event you receive such a letter, contact your attorney immediately to discuss how to best respond to the allegations. Do not ignore the letter.
We are sending this to create awareness and to connect you with resources so you can ensure your business is current with ADA requirements. Compliance with the ADA is not only required, it makes good business sense. Start today to determine if you're ADA compliant: utilize the MN State Council on Disability's Blue Book: Building Access Survey. If you'd like more information and/or additional resources, do not hesitate to let us know at 612-370-9100.
I cannot close without touting something positive. Thanks to you, program participation across our three chambers is up 25% from last year.
A nd of course, how about those Twins and Lynx!
Todd Klingel
President & CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
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Member Highlight: Economic Gardening Info Session
Hennepin County is partnering with the Edward Lowe Foundation and the National Center for Economic Gardening to provide companies with virtual access to teams of highly skilled research specialists that will be matched to you to help grow your business. Scholarships valued at up to $10,000 are available to qualifying businesses. Companies will receive about 60 hours of specialized research assistance over 8-months. Participation also includes a series of eight CEO Roundtables and eight business forums.
Information Session: Thursday, July 30, 3-4 p.m. at the Chamber office. RSVP to Emily in our offices at 612-370-9117, or email her at
[email protected].
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Edison High School/Minnesota Vikings/Twin Cities LISC/ Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
In May Minnesota Vikings presented the Edison Community & Sports Foundation with a $100,000 grant for Edison High School field renovation efforts on behalf of the National Football League (NFL) Grassroots Program - thanks in part to a partnership between the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings, Twin Cities LISC, the Edison & Community Sports Foundation, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Minneapolis Public Schools, and the City ofMinneapolis. The Pete Guzy Athletic Field at Edison High School has been re-graded and sodded, goal posts, new drain tile and an innovative irrigation system have been installed. Edison students will monitor water flow and water quality to assess the project's impact. Edison's Guzy Field renovation is part of a larger "Green Campus" that's been implemented around the school over the past few years.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Ernst & Young named leaders of six Twin cities companies winners of its Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Chamber members honored are Jeff Gau, CEO of Marco Inc. and Bill Szlaius, CEO of Logic Information Systems.
CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy ranked first among the largest Midwest Region natural gas utilities in the U.S. and second in the South Region for operational satisfaction in the Cogent™ Energy Reports 2014 Utility Trusted Brand & Engagement™ Residential study. The study is a comprehensive survey of customers regarding operational satisfaction, product experience and brand trust. In December, CenterPoint Energy was also named a Utility Customer Champion by Cogent Reports.
The Opus Group announced the promotions of Matt Rauenhorst to vice president, real estate development, and of Phil Cattanach to director, real estate development, at Opus Development Company, L.L.C. Rauenhorst joined Opus in 2008 In his new role, he will oversee new residential living and office development opportunities throughout the Midwest. Cattanach joined Opus in 2004. As director, his responsibilities include speculative and build-to-suit developments across multiple sectors, including office, industrial and retail. Also, Bob Steffel was hired as director of project management & Jed Field as senior project manager for Opus Design Build, L.L.C. In their new roles, Steffel and Field will manage the construction business for Opus Healthcare™ as well as supporting the growth of Opus' portfolio of work in other sectors. |
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RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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 Wolfpack Promotionals
2201 Central Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418 www.wolfpackpromotionals.com Katie & KB get some youthful help cutting the ribbon for Wolfpack Promotionals on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. |
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UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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Brickmania
Saturday, July 18, 2015 | 10 a.m. Mall of America
352 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425 www.brickmania.com Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
Mortgages Unlimited
Wednesday, July 22, 2015 | 11:30 a.m.
(11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Grand Opening) 5270 W. 84th Street, Suite 200
Bloomington, MN 55437 www.furlongteam.com Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
TownePlace Suites
by Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
Monday, July 27, 2015 | 1 p.m. 2500 Lindau Lane
Bloomington, MN 55425 www.towneplacesuitesmallofamerica.com Please RSVP to Brent at [email protected] if you plan to attend. |
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Business Before Hours: Fairview Southdale Hospital
 Tuesday, July 28, 2015 | 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Members: FREE | Non-Members: $20
Fairview Southdale Hospital
International Room
6401 France Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435 | View Map
Join the Bloomington Chamber at Fairview Southdale Hospital for the next "Business Before Hours" program. Dr. Michael Howell, a neurologist at the University of Minnesota and the Medical Director of Fairview Sleep Center-Edina, will speak about improving athletic performance and brain health by optimizing sleep and circadian rhythms. A continental breakfast will be provided by our host.
Please park in the Skyway ramp and walk over France Avenue via the skyway. Take either the stairs or the elevator to the Lower Level (LL). The International Room will be on the right. Free parking passes will be available at the event.
Cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event for a refund.
All no shows will be billed. Substitutes are accepted.
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A FREE treat for Chamber members.
Want to start saving on business supplies with your chamber membership?
Don't let this offer go to waste- please pass it on to the person responsible for purchasing office supplies within your company.
Start saving now and get $15 off your qualifying order of $75 or more!
Use coupon code 21625816 when checking out. Click here for details.
Returning Customer | New Customer
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Chamber Referral Program
Do you know of a business that would benefit from membership?
Click on the link below and provide the business name and contact. When your referral joins the Chamber you will receive a $50 gift certificate to the member restaurant of your choice.
*There is no limit to the number of referrals you can submit. The more referrals you provide, the more gift certificate you receive!
Here is how it works:
- Contact the business you are referring and let them know that you have submitted them as a potential new member
- Complete the online referral form
- Chamber staff will contact your referral about membership and mention your name
Sharing how your Minneapolis Regional Chamber membership has helped your business can make a big difference!
Contact Lisa Myhre at (612) 370-9137 or Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 today!
Enhanced Listing Opportunity
Click here for details.
Did you know that over 31,000 people visit the Chamber's website every month? And that for as a little as $150 you can show off your company to thousands of potential clients? The Chamber now offers Enhanced Listings in our Online Membership Directory. Your company is immediately bumped to the top of your category in search results and includes a YouTube video, a photo gallery, 1,600 character description, 20 additional keywords and much more!
You can check out the Minneapolis Regional Chamber's Enhanced Listing by clicking here and compare it with your listing in our online directory.
Contact Lisa Myhre at (612) 370-9137 or Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 today!
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Meet the Chamber! Minneapolis and the Northern Star Council
 Tuesday, July 21
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Northern Star Council Boy Scouts of America Thank you to our series sponsor: Panera Bread Catering |
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Executive Women's Council Summer Social at RSP Architects
Wednesday, July 22
5 to 6:30 p.m. / RSP Architects Thank you to our series sponsors: Associated Bank, N.A., Lommen Abdo, P.A., Allied Parking, Inc., Memorial Blood Centers and Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs |
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BCC Community Outreach: Volunteer Opportunity with Companies to Classrooms
 Wednesday, August 5
2 to 4 p.m. / Companies to Classrooms |
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DRIVE Social: Young Professional Night at the Saints!
DEADLINE EXTENDED
Thursday, August 6
5 p.m. / Rayette Lofts and CHS Field Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Hiway Federal Credit Union, Platinum Bank, Bywater Business Solutions, Chad Olson Bell Mortgage, Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Business Magazine |
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Business Matters/Safety Matters: Cyber Security Part Two
Wednesday, August 12
7:30 to 9 a.m. / Bloomington Chamber of Commerce |
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South Metro Young Professionals 1st Annual Mini Golf Tournament
Thursday, August 13
4:15 to 6:30 p.m. / Centennial Lakes Putting Course Thank you to our series sponsors: Mortgages Unlimited, Inc. and Star Choice Credit Union |
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