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Weekly Update Brought To You By...
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Make the Chamber Your Business Development Strategy
 With Summer coming to a close, many of you may be thinking about your business development strategies for the remainder of 2017. We hope your strategy includes engagement in your Chamber.
I'm sure you've heard Chamber staff and volunteers say something along the lines of "In order for your business to receive the maximum amount of benefit from your membership, you
must
be engaged." T
he importance of engagement can never be overstated. Have you attended a Coffee Break or Good Day Dakota County recently? Or contacted a Chamber peer through prospecting the Business Resource Guide or considered joining one of our peer networking groups? We hope so, as these are just a few of the many tools for you to grow your business.
If you aren't engaged with the Chamber, we encourage you to do so today and start reaping the benefits. Unsure how to get engaged? Give us a call at 651.452.9872, or send us an
email
, and ask, "How can I get more engaged with the Chamber?" It's that easy. We'll talk with you to learn more about your goals and objectives and guide you on what would be the best fit. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Committed to Business... for YOU.
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Information At Your Fingertips
Did you know you can access contact information for City Mayors within our footprint,
Dakota County Commissioners, and
State Legislators on your Chamber's website? One of your valuable member benefits is that we are continuously working on your behalf to promote pro-business initiatives and legislation, relative to your business at the local and regional levels, as well as at the State Capitol.
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Celebrate 60.... Make Someone Spash!
 Join us on August 31 as your Chamber celebrates its 60th Anniversary Summer Celebration. Food trucks, wine and beer tasting, networking, and fun games and activities will be on-hand. In fact, now's the time to "make someone splash" and raise money for your Chamber's Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund. Proceeds raised will be provided to area high school seniors in Spring 2018. So warm up your throwing arm and stop by. VIP Dunkees include Senator Matthew Klein, Representative Roz Peterson, Board Chair Mark Lofthus and more.
Register today!
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Events Calendar
Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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14
11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
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15
7:30 a.m.
Board of Directors
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16
7:30 a.m.
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17
11:30 a.m.
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18
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| 21 |
22
8:00 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
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23
Noon
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24 |
25 |
| 28 |
29 |
30 |
31
3:00 p.m.
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1 |
4
Happy Labor Day!
Chamber
Office Closed
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5
3:30 p.m.
Women's Programming Committee
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6
12:00 p.m.
Emerging Leaders Committee
4:30 p.m.
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7
8:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Executive Committee
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Calling All Fabulous Women
Your Chamber's WomEn's Programming Committee focuses on planning both WomEn's Circle and WomEn's Conference throughout the year. Its a wonderful group dedicated to educating, empowering and energizing others. Volunteering is a great way to build your leadership skills and expand your network. Please contact Kelli Morgen or call (651) 288-9202 if you are interested or want more information.
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Last Call to Be An "Employer of Excellence"
 The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB) has extended its deadline for employers to participate in the "Employers of Excellence" Awards program for 2017. The program recognizes the best employers in the two-county area and provides an overview of employment data, and trends and practices on what employers are doing to maintain an engaged workforce. The top businesses that are experiencing the best results in employee retention efforts and providing the best work environments in the area will be recognized at the Workforce Summit on October 4. Additionally, all participating employers will receive a confidential report including their individual metrics. Call 651.554.5622 for more information and complete the survey today.
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Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
Rosemount Port Authority meetings August 14 - see the
agenda
West St. Paul City Council meets August 14 - see the
agenda
Eagan City Council meets August 15 - see the
agenda
The City of Rosemount recently held a Comprehensive Plan Open House. Read more here on the information presented on the proposed land use changes and Draft Development Framework.
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Member Spotlight: Active Involvement
Anna Gunderson, Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer, P.A.
I'm an associate attorney at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A., an 18-attorney law firm located in Apple Valley. Our firm provides legal services in a variety of practice areas and industries. My practice focuses on estate planning and probate, helping clients prepare wills, trusts, health care directives and guardianship documents, among other things. When someone dies (either with a will or without one), I help their loved ones manage the estate, which sometimes involves a probate proceeding in court. Having a clear plan for what happens after you're gone is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. I enjoy creating individualized plans for clients, and I try to make the experience as painless as possible for them.
Our law firm has been a member of the chamber since 1991, and I have been active since I joined the firm in 2015. I attend the Emerging Leaders and Women's Circle events. More recently, I've become an Ambassador. I appreciate the relationships I've already established and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our chamber!
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Share Your Thoughts
 Your Chamber is seeking your feedback through its Membership Survey. Results will be collected through August 25 and shared with the Board of Directors as they prepare for the 2017-18 year. Please take a few minutes to complete the confidential
membership survey
- we value our opinion!
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New Members
We welcome the following new members!
Farmington Business Association
Gateway Bank - Edina
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
A Precious Petals Florist
Reba Berge
1438 South Robert Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118
A Precious Petals Florist is a full-service retail flower shop in Dakota County. It is in West St. Paul, just 3 miles south of downtown St. Paul. Precious Petals was established in 1988, and has been a woman-owned business from the start. Reba Berge, the current owner, bought the shop in 2008. She has a passion for the floral industry and continues to stay educated as an entrepreneur and floral designer. Precious Petals prides itself in customer service that is friendly and prompt. It offers custom designs that are hand delivered across the metro.
Minnesota Autism Center
5710 Baker Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
(952) 767-4200
The Minnesota Autism Center is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic support for children, youth, adults and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Star Transportation
Gary Reohrich
1299 Eagan Industrial Road
Eagan, MN 55123
Tim and Tina Fliehr started Star Transportation in 1997, a premium transportation company voted as WCCO's Viewers' Choice for best limo service. Their impressive fleet ranges from luxury sedans to motor coaches, so whether its travel for an individual or a group of 56, contact Star Transportation! They have you covered for your big day, a night out on the town, group tours, or personal and corporate airport services. Check out their fleet of over 30 vehicles and request a quote by visiting their website.
Watch for more information about these fine companies in upcoming Weekly Updates.
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Last week these awesome companies renewed their Chamber membership. Thank you for your continued investment!
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Celebrate Business Success
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
 Talecris Plasma Resources, West St. Paul, recently celebrated its grand opening and looks forward to your first visit. As
a Grifols plasma donor, your comfort and safety is their number one priority. Do
wnload your First-Time Donor Checklist here.
 Congratulations to
Scott Swenson and his team at
Home Federal's Eagan location for celebrating 10 years!
Submit your Celebrate Business Success stories to Vicki Stute!
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