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The Supplier Diversity Initiative is a collaborative effort of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Rochester, and Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. to provide business level opportunities, certification assistance & education to small and diverse area suppliers (minority, women and veteran-owned) who seek access to the Southeastern Minnesota economy and business community.

Non-Profit In Focus

GolfReveal

LGR Impact Project6 8 18Local

Leaders 11

member

the chamber M A R C H 2 0 1 5

A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE

Supplier Diversity Initiative 4

These eventsare possible

THANKSto our

SPONSORS

March 2015 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com the chamber ADVANTAGE

Small enough to know youBig enough to provide financing for your needs

Member FDIC Loans are subject to credit approval.

6thLargest Bank Chartered in Minnesota

Levi Livingood, Business Banker(507) 535-1542

[email protected]

Green Meadows | 1600 Greenview Drive SW | Rochester, MN 55902 | (507) 282-7535

Northwest Plaza | 3586 55th Street NW | Rochester, MN 55901 | (507) 535-1520

Visit us online at www.merchantsbank.com

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Chair of the Board Sue Reinke Walch, Minnwest Bank Chair-Elect Dharani Ramamoorthy, Xylo TechnologiesPast ChairBrent Buchan, Energy Products & Design, Inc.TreasurerMike Busch, Paramark Corp.SecretaryElaine Garry, People’s Energy CooperativeChamber PresidentRob Miller

Aaron Benike, Alvin E. Benike, Inc.Audrey Betcher, Rochester Public Library Angie Bowman, Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc.Mark Carlson, IBM Corporation Linda Christopherson, Image Splash Print &Promotions/Affordable ButtonsLisa Clarke, Mayo ClinicAlan DeKeyrel, CWS, Inc. Cyle Erie, Braun IntertecSheryl Good, Grandeville at Cascade Lake Greg Griffiths, Dunlap & Seegar, P.A. Kevin Higgins, Olmsted Medical Center Jenny Hosfeld,Think Mutual BankGreg House, House Chevrolet Shannon Knoepke, Townsquare Media Tessa Leung, Sontes Michael Muñoz, Rochester Public SchoolsKevin Patton, Flowers by JerrySteve Prigge, Pro Image Promotions & ApparelMyron Salz, Centerstone Plaza HotelSoldiers FieldAhmad Siddiqui, The UPS StoreGary Smith, Rochester Area EconomicDevelopment, Inc.

2014-2015 chamber board

OFFICERS

2014-2015 chamber board

MEMBERS

chamber

STAFF

220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 P: 507-288-1122 F: 507-282-8960 www.RochesterMNChamber.com

Judy Braatz, Membership Development Director [email protected] | 285-1995

Julie Brock, Workforce Development & Education Director [email protected] | 424-5687

Vanessa Carroll, Communications Manager [email protected] | 424-5683

Cindy Dunbar, Administrative Specialist [email protected] | 288-1122

Julie Fiesel, Government Affairs Director [email protected] | 424-5665

Paula Hofstad, Finance Coordinator [email protected] | 424-5661

Melanie Hoppenworth, Controller [email protected] | 424-5699

Ryan Lais, Workforce Development & Education Coordinator [email protected] | 424-5678

Rob Miller, President

[email protected] | 288-1122

Paul Richardson, Development [email protected] | 424-5663

Mike Schnell, Government Affairs Coordinator [email protected] | 288-1122

Becca Stiles-Nogosek, Membership Events Coordinator [email protected] | 424-5662

2 3

chamber

OFFICE HOURS:Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Chamber office is closed on legal holidays.

Chamber Boardroom and Conference Room are available to Chamber Members by request pending availability.

To request and book usage of Chamber Boardroom or Conference Room, contact Chamber Administrative Specialist Cindy Dunbar.

Billing questions? Contact Finance Coordinator Paula Hofstad.

the chamber’s

MISSION:To Lead, Inform, Advocate, and Advance business interests for members; and to promote a healthy community and a growing economy.

pinnacleSPONSOR:

platinumSPONSOR:

hostSPONSOR:

hostSPONSOR:

tuesdayMAR. 3RD 2015 Day at the Capitol 7:30am - 7:00pm

Crowne Plaza Hotel | 11 Kellogg Blvd E, St. PaulJoin Chamber members from all over MN at the Crowne Plaza as the Capitol is under renovation. There will be exclusive Rochester programming in the afternoon.

EVENTS:upcoming

Online registration available. Visit www.RochesterMNChamber.com or call 507-288-1122 to register and to learn more about these events as well as events scheduled throughout the year.

sustainingSPONSORS:

sustainingSPONSORS:

fridayMAR. 20TH

wednesdayMAR. 25TH

tuesdayMAR. 24TH

tuesdayMAR. 31ST

Prof. Dev. Turn Your Passions into Profit 11:00am - 1:00pm RCTC Heintz A Wing | 1926 College View Rd SE, Rm HB117

Speed Networking 11:30am - 1:00pm Costco | 2020 Commerce Dr NW

Eggs & Issues 7:30am - 9:00am Rochester Golf & Country Club | 3100 Country Club Rd SW

New Member Lunch 11:30am - 1:00pm Holiday Inn Downtown | 220 S Broadway, Plaza Room

sustainingSPONSORS:

sustainingSPONSORS:

single eventSPONSOR:

single eventSPONSOR:

wednesdayMAR. 18TH Coaching Up Our Bench 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Holiday Inn Downtown | 220 S Broadway, Plaza RoomJoin this dynamic group featuring emerging young professional women engaged in structured conversations dedicated to advancing women in business and leadership roles.

This Professional Development luncheon will help passionate business owners learn how to fuel their passion to increase profits while inspiring their employees.

This business take on speed dating involves participants meeting and mingling with other business professionals in a structured series of mini-meetings.

Each event features a guest speaker and allows time for Q & A. Our local legislators will also be on hand to discuss issues that affect you, our community and your business.

If you’re a new Chamber member, attend this event to learn more about the Chamber’s programs and services, and to share information about your business.

platinumSPONSOR:

fridayMAR. 6TH AM Espresso 7:30am - 9:00am

Women’s Health Pavilion | 1650 4th St SEAM Espresso is a convenient way to network at a member’s place of business while enjoying coffee and continental breakfast.

thursdayMAR. 19TH Business After Hours 5:00pm - 7:00pm

WSB & Associates - Odd Fellows Bldg | 23 2nd St SW, Ste 200Premier monthly networking event brings hundreds of business people together for networking, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

single event sponsor:

SPOTLIGHT SUPPLIER DIVERSITY INITIATIVEThe talk of the town this past year has been how Rochester will grow in the next 20 years as we seek to become a Destination Medical Center (DMC) and encourage regional economic development through Journey to Growth (J2G). But as Rochester grows, it is also evolving. The clearest example of that evolution is the increase in the diversity of our community. According to census data, between 2000 and 2010 Rochester’s diversity grew by 50%. During that time, Rochester’s African-American, Asian and Hispanic/Latino populations grew from 12.2% of the population to 18.3%.

As we have experienced dramatic growth in the past, there have been transitions in our major economic drivers, including Mayo Clinic and IBM. As Rochester’s economy continues to evolve, we are seeing another dramatic trend, the emergence of an entrepreneurial class. Not coincidentally, some of the leading entrepreneurial figures have emerged from Rochester’s growing diversity.

Joselyn Raymundo established Rochester Home Infusion (RHI) in the Minnesota BioBusiness Center just over one year ago to serve an unmet need for home infusion therapy in Southern Minnesota and beyond. As a Filipino-American, Joselyn served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman, and used the military GI Bill to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of California San Francisco. In RHI, Joselyn has created a thriving operation, providing patients with intravenous medications as they transition back to

work, school, and home. RHI serves local and international patients from the Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, and other hospitals across the region, by preparing I.V. medications customized for each patient’s needs in RHI’s state of the art clean room. Through Rochester Home Infusion, Joselyn aims to extend Rochester’s tradition of medical excellence from hospital to home.

Dharani Ramamoorthy was born and raised in an agricultural family in India and is the first generation to receive education. He started his career as an IT consultant in 1994 and worked with different clients in Rochester for more than eight years. During these years he noticed that there was a huge disconnect in servicing the needs of clients and what was being provided in the existing market. He leveraged on this disconnect and was convinced that he could fill this gap effectively. This spark led to the formation of Xylo Technologies in 2000.

By focusing on excellence through innovation, service and quality, Ramamoorthy has built a business worthy of recognition. Xylo Technologies is the first business in Rochester to be named as a Midwest Regional Finalist for the 2014 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award given by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Although Teresa McCormack, owner of The Urban Studio, does not represent a minority community in Rochester – women make up more than 51% of the population – she is part of the growing number of women-owned businesses. According to “The 2014 State of Women-Owned Business Report,” commissioned by American Express, 30% of all enterprises in the U.S. are women-owned. Working in close consultation with her clients, McCormack’s versatile architectural firm works on a range of projects – from restaurants and churches to industrial facilities, and from historical buildings to custom modern design. She has also won contracts from some of the nation’s most recognized corporations, including Chevron Energy Solutions and John Deere.

These three business owners have one thing in common. They have been certified to do business based on belonging to a “disadvantaged” class of businesses: Xylo Technologies as minority-owned; The Urban Studio as woman-owned; and Rochester Home Infusion as veteran-owned. Although one would never think of these accomplished business owners as disadvantaged, society has recognized that it is important that these types of businesses be given a leg-up when competing with larger, more established business enterprises.

Through legislation enacted over the past 45 years, federal, state and local governments have been required to award certain percentages of their contracts to small businesses and minority or women-owned business enterprises. More recently, veteran-owned businesses have been included in the mix.

In many cases, these goals are met when large corporations use certified businesses as subcontractors. In addition to the legislative impetus, a growing number of Fortune 500 companies are diversifying their supplier base by doing business with these companies.

To ensure that business is going to legitimately qualified businesses, corporations and governments are requiring these companies to go through a certification process. Because of the importance of diversity in business and the growth in this market, an increasing number of organizations at the state and federal levels have been established to 1) administer the certification process and issue certifications and 2) assist companies seeking to become certified through that process. The result is a complex and often confusing system to be navigated.

Recognizing the importance of diversity in the supplier base to Rochester’s economy, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Rochester, Mayo Clinic and Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) has established the Supplier Diversity Initiative to provide business level opportunities, certification assistance and education to small and diverse area suppliers (minority, women and veteran-owned) who seek access to the Southeastern Minnesota economy and business community. This will help develop mutually beneficial relationships with and between diverse suppliers and buyers in order to source local and regional vendors and thus, build economic vitality.

In April and May, the Supplier Diversity Initiative kicks off its efforts with a series of meetings intended to 1) raise awareness of the benefits to minority, women and veteran-owned businesses of becoming a certified supplier, and 2) connect interested businesses with the resources they need to navigate the certification process. The meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Rochester Public Library Auditorium. However, because space is limited, it is important that business owners planning to attend these meetings register through the Event Calendar on the Chamber’s website, www.rochestermnchamber.com.

On July 14, 2015, the Mayo Clinic and Chamber will be holding a Supplier Diversity Event at the DoubleTree Hotel downtown. This event is intended to provide diverse suppliers an opportunity to learn more about doing business with Mayo Clinic and to connect these businesses directly with helpful resources. Again, because attendance at this event is limited, interested businesses should register early through the Events Calendar on the Chamber’s website.

The Supplier Diversity Initiative also offers two benefits that are exclusive to Chamber members. First, members who are now, or who become certified suppliers will be identified as such in the Chamber’s Member Directory and included in diversified supplier lists that will be distributed to Southeastern Minnesota supply management organizations. Second, the Chamber will

work with small businesses and minority and veteran business owners to establish roundtables to complement its ongoing Women’s Entrepreneurial Roundtable. These roundtables will serve as a resource to assist business owners in growing their businesses through networking and education.

As Rochester grows, it will become ever more important that all segments of our economy be included in that growth. The strength and stability of a community comes from its diversity and the inclusion of all. As Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, “It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.”

memberSPOTLIGHT (COVER STORY)

March 2015 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com the chamber ADVANTAGE4 5

Raymundo, a U.S. Navy veteran, aspires to deliver the same dedication in serving our medical community as she did in serving our country.

Ramamoorthy, a certified minority business owner in Minnesota and Wisconsin, counts Mayo Clinic, the States of MN and WI, and Medtronic among his clients.

As a certified woman-owned business, McCormack positioned The Urban Studio to partner with Chevron Energy Solutions on a number of government large alternative energy projects.

Supplier Diversity Initiative EventsTHE CASE FOR CERTIFICATION

Benefits of CertificationWho is Eligible?

Costs of CertificationHow Do I Get Certified?

APRIL 1 – 2:00 P.M.Rochester Public Library Auditorium

101 2nd Street SE, Rochester, MN

FOCUSED FORUMSMeet your DBE Support Agency

Special Considerations for Your GroupWhat’s the Next Step?

Rochester Public Library Auditorium101 2nd Street SE, Rochester, MN

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSESAPRIL 29 – 2:00 P.M.

MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSESMAY 6 – 2:00 P.M.

VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSESMAY 13 – 2:00 P.M.

SMALL BUSINESSESMAY 20 – 2:00 P.M.

MEMBER NON-PROFITS

THANKS TO OUR NON-PROFIT SPONSOR:


IN FOCUSnon-profit

Eastwood Bank is now Bremer Bank.

Bremer Bank is honored to serve you more with the same staff you know and trust. We’re big yet small. Strong and stable. The same but more. Welcome to even more financial solutions to help you reach your goals.

Member FDIC. © 2015 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

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PossAbilities has been creating opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to

contribute to and connect with our community for over 53 years. From a small Day Activity Center program for children, PossAbilities has evolved to a multi-faceted Day-Services provider that now works with over 240 people locally every day and over 350 additional families in a 10 County Southeast Minnesota region. Much of what we do centers on in-center or community based employment services, however PossAbilities also provide life-enrichment activities and services for people aged two to 89. Check out our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeAJ7anZzs_VRNOemACoV9A) for some great personal stories about how people with disabilities work and volunteer in our community.

PossAbilities works with every person with disabilities in a true individual fashion. People who have disabilities have hopes and dreams as well as work and recreational desires just like everyone else. Our focus is to make sure we understand what those hopes and dreams are and help the individual with disabilities, their families and caregivers realize those aspirations. PossAbilities also focuses on full integration of people with disabilities into our community. Whether it is an employment opportunity, a recreational event, a volunteer connection, or just a walk in the park, our goal is to provide people with and without disabilities a chance to meet, mingle and appreciate each other! How good is that?

Every year, PossAbilities hosts an elegant dinner and fundraising event called Wine and Roses. This year’s event will again be held at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, MN on Friday, April 24, 2015. Attendees will feast on a four course dinner with paired wines and be treated to many in-person and video

success stories. There will be outstanding live auction items, silent auction items, a Wall of Wines, a jewelry/gift tree and a special appeal for program needs.

WINE & ROSES EVENT DETAILSThis delightful evening can be yours for $95 per person or a table of 10 for $950. Anyone interested in attending can register online at www.PossAbilities.org or contact Tyler Grapp at 507-281-6116 or [email protected].

Article contributed by Kenn Roehl, Director of Development & Marketing at PossAbilities, Inc.

MYTH: “Nobody wants my data…it’s not valuable to a hacker.”

FACT: Many small and medium sized businesses think they are not targets for a data breach. Not true! Hackers are malicious and most data breaches are efforts to bring down networks by infecting them.

The truth is businesses risk their reputations by not having adequate security measures in place. What’s your reputation worth? Will customers do business with a company that has been hacked?

WHY DATA SECURITY IS IMPORTANTCustomer data, bank account details, personal files – any of this information can be hard, if not impossible, to replace should it be lost. And it can be potentially dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands.

BETTER DATA SECURITY – WHAT TO THINK ABOUT• Cost – The cost of protecting your data needs to make sense for your business. Compare what data breaches have cost other similar companies to estimates from security companies.• What will a disruption in business cost – Can your business afford to have its workflow interrupted for a day, days, or even hours?• The cost of customer trust – Do you accept credit card payments? What type of employee data do you hold? Some businesses simply cannot afford even a dent in customer trust.• Where are your threats – Know where your weakest points are. Do outsiders pose a threat, a potential disgruntled employee, or human error?

• Physical threats – Is your facility in an area where flooding or other natural disasters can occur?• Network security – Is your virus protection current? Is your firewall optimally configured? How do you determine employee/department access to information? What is your policy on passwords?

BOTTOM LINE – Protecting your data is important and could be the difference between your business surviving a data breech or not. Don’t wish you had done something when it is too late.

AT RISK DATA – DON’T BE A HEADLINEBy: Pete Stauffer, Account Executive and Pat McCabe, Branch Manager – EO Johnson Business Technologies

A WORD OF ADVICE:

One Business Relationship.Seven businesstechnology solutions.

Production Printing &

Digital Signage

®

®

866.977.5133 eojohnson.com

EDITORIALS EXPERT ARTICLES

limited opportunityACT NOW!

Provide expertise by your business on topics such as SEO, accounting, marketing, human resources, legal, insurance, etc. It’s a great way to MARKET YOUR BUSINESS while sharing tips to an audience of over 1,000 people. There will only be two different Chamber Member businesses featured for these advice columns per issue.

HAVE EXPERT ADVICE TO OFFER?

LOOKING TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?

For more information,Contact Paul Richardson, Development [email protected]

LOCAL LEADERSa word from

Reach your target audience with FULL-COLOR ADS in our newsletter MAILED TO THOUSANDS of area business professionals, representing more than 1,400 area businesses each month. Rates start as low as $160/month. NEW WEB ADVERTISING RATES guide is now available! Contact Vanessa Carroll for more information.

For print and web advertising rates, contactVanessa Carroll, Communications Manager [email protected] | 507-424-5683


John Reed, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Rochester International Airport. Reed has 23 years of experience in the aviation industry, including 17 years as an assistant airport director. He is a board member of the Wisconsin Airport Management

Association, member of the American Association of Airport Executives and is a Federal Aviation Administration licensed private pilot.

As an economic engine in our region, the Rochester International Airport plays a significant role in economic development providing excellent air service to four major hubs and beyond to anywhere in the world. The goal of the air service development is to maintain existing air service levels while consistently striving to add more flights and nonstop destinations. This goal is achieved through continuous market place analysis of current and potential routes, examination of the Southeastern Minnesota regional customer base and teaming with community partners in order to present the best business case possible to new and existing air carriers.

There is significant demand for sustaining current, and recruiting new, air service in Southeast Minnesota. Our full potential can only be realized through continued partnership, sustained community engagement, and utilization of an invaluable regional economic asset – your airport!

“I am extremely excited about the potential for growth at RST. The entire community is on the verge of incredible change. Now is the time to evolve. We at RST are enhancing the quality of the patient/customer experience and engaging our business community in order to propel our local and regional economies to new heights,” Reed said.

Business commitment to use air service is paramount. Fly Local travel policies will promote growth of local air service. There is great potential to reduce mileage costs and employee time lost on ground transportation by adopting a Fly Local travel policy. For a draft policy, please email [email protected].

JOHN REED JOINS ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AS EXEC. DIRECTOR

I am extremely excited about the potential for growth at RST. The entire community is on the verge of incredible change.Now is the time to evolve.


RIBBON CUTTINGS Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings

507-202-9371Sunny Prabhakar, President | New Organizationwww.the-commission.org | Non-Profit/Youth Organizations & Centers

4106 18th Ave NW | 507-288-1218Erik Olson, Owner | New Ownershipwww.thepaperbackbookpalace.com | Book Store

2633 Superior DR NW #200 | 651-388-9855Holly Roe, Manager | New Locationrefinedskinmedispa.com | Dermatologists

5236 Scenic Oak Dr SW | 507-460-0337Erich Heneke, Founder/CEO | New Businesswww.hbcs.us | Accountants

1530 Greenview Dr SW STE 205 | 507-208-4711Terry George, Financial Advisor | New Business Namewww.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/pinnacle-private-wealth-group

THE COMMISSION

PAPERBACK BOOK PALACE

REFINED SKIN MEDI-SPA

HENEKE BUSINESS CONSULTING

PINNACLE PRIVATE WEALTH GROUP

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR ARIBBON CUTTING?• New Business or Location (within 12 months of opening)• New Ownership or Directorship (within 6 months of acceptance of position)• Major Renovation (significant change of overall building layout, or addition to existing space)• Significant Anniversary (5 year increments at a minimum of 25 years)• Significant Name Change (at Chamber Staff discretion)

If you meet any of this criteria and are interested in hosting a Ribbon Cutting event at your place of business, contact Membership Events Coordinator Becca Stiles-Nogosek using the information listed below.

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to help you make your ribbon cutting and grand opening a special event. For guidelines that can assist you in making arrangements for your event, visit our website at www.RochesterMNChamber.com or contact Becca Stiles-Nogosek at (507) 424-5662 or send an email [email protected].

Building a competitive workforce

CLAY CLARK HELPS ENTREPRENEURS THRIVE BY DEVELOPING SCALABLE SYSTEM

Hear from Thrive15 Professor and Executive and Business Growth Coach Tim Redmond at the next Professional Development event!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

AFFAIRS:government

TAX TALK ENSUES OVER EGGS Minnesota’s new Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly spoke during the January Eggs & Issues event on the budget surplus, the administration’s tax change goals and challenges and considerations regarding these changes. Bauerly led the event with a presentation highlighting our state’s economy rankings while emphasizing the need for plain language and a simplified tax filing approach. Following her presentation, Bauerly shared thoughts on investing in a better Minnesota adding, “It’s not about taxes. It’s about what we do with them.”

Local legislators followed suit in their discussion focusing on tax issues in Minnesota. Scott Heck, VP of RBC Wealth Management,

moderated the panel and accepted questions from the attendees directed toward the panel. Reps. Kim Norton and Tina Liebling expressed concerns over Sen. Dave Senjem’s proposed Retire in Minnesota Act which would phase out state taxes on Social Security income over the next decade. Sen. Carla Nelson supports the act as it would encourage

retirees to remain in the state rather than relocating to warmer climates. Liebling noted that these types of cuts are costly and that the tax cut would mainly benefit wealthier Minnesotans. “You have to pay for it. You have to raise revenue in other ways,” Rep. Norton added.

Former US Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Oklahoma and the founder of Thrive15.com Clay Clark was the featured speaker at the January Professional Development event. Clark provided tips mapped out in six steps to help attendees and their businesses learn how to become ultimate

sales machines and create a replicable sales system that can scale. His energetic and motivational persona paired with his engaging presentation received rave reviews from registrants. Don’t miss out on the next Professional Development event, Turning Your Passions into Profit on March 24th!

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COORDINATOR MIKE SCHNELL JOINS THE CHAMBER STAFF

FOUNDATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS


Mike Schnell is pleased to join the Chamber as the new Government Affairs Coordinator. He will work directly with Julie Fiesel, Government Affairs Director. Mike will support the Chamber’s Government Affairs program through his work on meetings, projects and events. Schnell will work with Chamber staff and members to move the priorities of business community forward.

Mike has lived in the Rochester community for more than 12 years and has been actively involved in local Chamber advocacy since 2007. Mike has had a passion for the work of the Chamber of Commerce since he lived in North Dakota and witnessed how the Chamber of Commerce improved North Dakota’s business climate throughout the 1990s. Before joining the Chamber staff Mike was a volunteer member of the Day at the Capitol committee and has visited Washington D.C. as a member of the Rochester Area Chamber and North Dakota Chamber Delegations to help advocate for local business issues.

EGGS & ISSUESTHANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

fridayMAR. 20TH

7:30am - 9:00amRochester Golf & Country Club3100 Country Club Rd SWSee page 3 for event information.

sustainingSPONSORS:

single event sponsor:

ULTIMATE SALES MACHINEprofessional development

L-R; Rep. Duane Quam, Rep. Tina Liebling, Sen. David Senjem, Rep. Kim Norton, Rep. Nels Pierson,and Sen. Carla Nelson

Photo contributed by Daniel Nix

MN Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly

sustainingSPONSORS:

tuesdayMAR. 24TH

Passions to Profit 11:00am - 1:00pm See page 3 forevent information.

I loved the seminar. Clay is a true success story and it would have

been fun to spend more time with him. I would say the number one thing that I came away with is the idea that becoming the Ultimate Sales Machine is about having a GREAT SYSTEM, rather than special talents. It gives me the COURAGE to implement some systems and start making those cold calls with the knowledge that there will be some nos, but maybe MORE YESES!!- Susan

I really found his LIFE LESSONS & BUSINESS ADVICE on sales calls

to be amazing. I also enjoyed the Thrive book. And, I found the website search engine maximization to be helpful. I would STRONGLY ENDORSE his return.- Andy from La Quinta Inn & Suites

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WEALTH ENHANCEMENT GROUP is pleased to announce the addition of Connie Williams as Client Service Associate in our Rochester office. In this position, Connie will be working with local financial advisor Mark Williamson. Connie brings more than 9 years of experience in the financial services industry. She will work closely with Mark and clients to ensure all paperwork and account service needs are fulfilled.

WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING (WSN) is expanding into a building on West Circle Drive in Rochester. WSN, an architecture, engineering, land surveying and environmental services firm has doubled its Rochester staff in the past 18 months to serve clients across the Upper Midwest. WSN will occupy 11,000 square feet in the former Home Design Studio building and will lease out the remainder of the total 34,000 square foot space.

HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Taylor to the position of Mortgage Loan Originator in Rochester. “Kim is a wonderful addition to our lending team and has 15 years’ experience. We have been dedicated to home lending for over 80 years, said Tim McManimon, Market President, Home Federal Saving Bank. Home Federal Savings Bank serves individuals and businesses, providing lending, banking and investment services.

MARCO, INC.recently announced the following promotions:Mike Welling was promoted to director of managed IT services. Welling has over 17 years of experience in the IT industry. He joined Marco 1997 as a computer technician and was promoted to managed services technical manager in 2013. Tyler Ebnet was promoted to copier sales manager in Cedar Rapids, IA. Ebnet has over 12 years of experience in the IT industry and joined Marco in 2009 as a technology advisor. Clint Dorgan was promoted to production systems sales manager. Dorgan has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry. He joined Marco in 2009 as a production print specialist. Michael Tomsche was promoted to copier sales manager in Rochester, MN. Tomsche has over 4 years of experience in the IT industry. He joined Marco in 2011 as a technology advisor.Spencer Hulsebus was promoted to copier installation manager in St Cloud. Hulsebus has over 10 years of experience in the IT industry. He joined Marco in 2011 as a network copier installer/trainer.

KNUTSON CONSTRUCTION is pleased to announce Target Field Station is the new premier multimodal transportation hub and community gathering space in downtown Minneapolis. The facility opened in May 2014 and was recently recognized nationally for its excellence in design, receiving the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design. The multimodal transit hub and public plaza was a design-build project by architect Peter Cavaluzzi of Perkins Eastman and Knutson Construction.

COUNTRY INN & SUITES SOUTHcelebrated their 15 Year Anniversary on February 2nd. The Country Inn and Suites is sincerely appreciative of the support of Rochester area businesses and guests visiting the Rochester area.

KTTC announced its new partnership with Heroes and Icons (H&I), a new digital television network that will be available free, over-the-air on KTTC’s digital sub-channel 10.3, starting March 1st. To pick up the station, viewers will need to re-scan their TVs and/or digital boxes on or after March 1st. H&I’s action packed and dramatic programs draw from both classic and more contemporary programming. For more info and programming highlights visit www.kttc.com.

ALVIN E. BENIKE, INC. employee Levi Kaiser has been recognized by the Rochester Area Builders as Builder of the Year for exceptional industry performance in 2014. Levi started with Benike in 2012 as a Project Manager and has worked on many impressive facilities including The Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, Family Clinic Southeast, Northgate Chiropractic and the Dodge County Government Services Courthouse and Annex. Levi’s construction expertise and talent are well respected among his peers and clients. “We are very excited for Levi to have been recognized by his peers as Builder of the Year. The award is well deserved for a talented, hard-working person like Levi,” stated Aaron Benike, President of Alvin E. Benike, Inc.

EO JOHNSON Business Technologies Locknet® Managed IT Services was selected for the seventh annual MSPmentor 250 by Penton Technology Group. The global list identifies the world’s leading Managed Services Provider (MSP) executives, entrepreneurs, experts, coaches and community leaders. The list represents the top 250 MSP experts across business, technology, sales, marketing, community development, coaching, and more.

ALVIN E. BENIKE, INC. has been recognized with the Cornerstone Award by the Rochester Area Builders for being the outstanding construction company of 2014. Benike, a commercial general contractor, has been a local, family-owned company since 1937 and maintains a strong workforce dedicated to quality and integrity. Benike delivers a wide range of commercial construction projects across the sectors of healthcare, K-12, office, retail, industrial, financial, religious, tech, and more. Recent Benike projects include the Cambria Gallery, Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, ABPMR, Charter Communications at IBM, Business Accelerator II, Eastwood Bank at 318 Commons, and many others.

HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN welcomes Jessica Grandgenett as their new General Manager. Prior to joining the IHG family, Jessica worked in Hospitality Management for 4 years, holding the former position of Rooms Director and Front Office Manager. Prior to working in the Hotel Industry, Jessica was in Restaurant Management, working with franchised restaurants, specializing in Training and Development.

WSB & ASSOCIATES is pleased to announce that Dean Chamberlain recently achieved the designation of Professional Engineer (PE) in Minnesota.Chamberlain joined WSB in 2010. He is experienced in traffic operations, roadway design, and construction observation/inspection. Chamberlain holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, as well as several MnDOT certifications. WSB & Associates, Inc. champions technical excellence in engineering and design, providing diverse engineering, planning, environmental, and construction services to clients in the government, energy, and commercial markets.

TONIC Fresh Juices & Local Food Restaurant was given the WCCO Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Juice Bar in Minnesota. “Winning this award really validates everything we’ve been doing here over the past year & a half,” owner Nicci Sylvester said. “It’s amazing. I’m happy to have won this for Rochester.” Tonic is open Monday - Friday from 7am - 8pm & Saturdays from 9am - 8pm and is located across from St. Mary’s Hospital on 2nd Street SW.

BRAUN INTERTEC is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Niemeyer, PE to Associate Principal of the firm. Tyler is a Project Engineer in our Rochester office, responsible for managing geotechnical and materials testing projects, and oversight of the geotechnical engineering group. Tyler earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from South Dakota State University, and is a registered Professional Engineer.

LOCAL NEWSREEL IN & ABOUT THE TOWN


LOCAL NEWS IN & ABOUT THE TOWN LOCAL NEWS IN & ABOUT THE TOWN

14 15

SUBMIT A BUSINESS NEWS ITEMVisit RochesterMNChamber.com and click on the Member Center Marketing tab. Submission deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication month.

WidsethSmithNolting.com | Architecture Engineering Surveying Environmental6301 Bandel Road NW, Suite 301 | Rochester | 507.292.8743

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR NEXT PROJECT.

PROJECT of the

YEAR

CELEBRATING YEARS

City Engineers Association of Minnesota

Greenwood Street Corridor—Thief River Falls, Minnesota


CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

16 17

ALL AMERICAN HOMESDale Schulz | 507-280-1930www.aah.fidelityhousebuyers.com

BRAVOJay Johnson | 507-281-4076www.bravo.com

BRENDAN BUSH PHOTOGRAPHYBrendan Bush | 507-521-5164www.brendanbushphotography.com

CABI - TERRA O’BRIENTerra O’Brien | 507-993-8794www.terraobrien.cabionline.com

CHARTER HOUSEAimalicia Whiting | 507-266-8572www.charterhouse-mayo.org

CLOTHES MENTORStacey Kollasch | 507-258-4000www.clothesmentor.com

DALE CARNEGIE TRAININGKaren Boardman | 952-548-5602minnesota.dalecarnegie.com

EMERGENT NETWORKSCammy Sumner | 612-213-2600www.emergentnetworks.com

EVOLVHEALTH -THE H.O.P.E. MOVEMENTAnn Elliott | 218-830-9339www.annelliott.evolvhealth.com

FOODSAFETYGUYLars Johnson | 507-990-5129www.foodsafetyguy.com

HALF BARRELChris Fierst | 507-258-6606www.thehalfbarrelbk.com

JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONSClay Perry | 615-771-0080

PAPERBACK BOOK PALACE, LLCErik Olson | 507-288-1218www.thepaperbackbookpalace.com

REMODELING D.L. LLCAbel Gargia | 507-398-3790www.remodelingdl.com

SALON CHIC & DAY SPANickole Miller | 507-285-1888www.mysalonchic.com

SCHEELSAaron Schmitz | 507-281-2444www.scheels.com

THE PARK IN KUTZKYBrittany Wilson | 507-322-1100www.theparkrochester.com

TLS COMPANIESTodd Severson | 507-208-0679

US FOODSKellen Schulte | 507-398-7968www.usfoods.com

WALK IN THE LIGHT CHURCHKristopher Loving | 773-540-6544walkinthelightchurch.weebly.com

ZUMBRO DESIGNS, LLCMichael Arends | 507-299-3663www.zumbrodesigns.com

NEW MEMBERS

THANK YOUto these renewing members for their continued investment!

Advanced Business Systems Advisors Group All-Pest Exterminating LLCAmerican Business Womens AssociationAmerican Turf Technicians Apartment FinderArvigATG Boldt Construction Building Restoration Carroll’s Corn & More Catering For All It’s Worth Central Roofing CompanyCircle Drive DentalColdwell Banker At Your Service Realty Construction Collaborative, Inc. Council For US-China Medical Technology Exchanges, LLCCulver’s - NorthCut Above HomeDavis Asset Documentation Diversity Council Ellerbe Becket, Inc., an AECOM Company

Emil KoretzkyExcel Auto & Tire Service Fareway Stores, Inc.Federal Express Flapdoodles Homemade Ice Cream Fountain Center of Rochester Gander Plumbing Gerard A. Goulet - Long-Term Care Insurance SpecialistGood Feet Goodin Company Great Deeds Hentges Glass Company High Point Realty & AuctionIBEW Local Union 343JAG Tours Johnson Controls, Inc. KLSE / KZSE / KMSE - MN Public Radio Krogh Tax ServiceLeashes and LeadsMain Street Dental Clinic Meadow Lakes Senior Living MEB Resources

Microtel Inn & Suites Minnesota Children’s Museum Mr. Electric Mr. Pizza North Overby Orthodontics, LLC Premier Bank Rochester Premier Mortgage of Rochester Property Brokers of MN, Inc. Quality Building Maintenance Quality Overhead Door Co. Realty Executives Top Results!Rochester Business Law, LLCRochester Tennis Connection Rodan & Fields Dermatologists Southern Woods Townhome Association State Farm Insurance - Shawn ChristensenSun Home Health Care, Inc.Tech DoctorsThe Kitchen Design StudioTherapeutic Art Massage StudioThompson’s Garage Door and Openers CompanyTrek Analytics Two Men and a Truck

JOIN OVER 1,400 AREA BUSINESSES BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCESend your referrals to: Judy Braatz, Membership Development Director [email protected] | 507-285-1995

DID YOU KNOW the Chamber website averages about 20,000 PAGE VIEWS monthly from 8,000 UNIQUE VISITORS?People visiting this site are BUSINESS LEADERS, from YOUNG PROFESSIONALS to CEO’S, those who live here and those considering a move to the area. Visitors on this site are the PEOPLE YOU WANT to do business with! Find out how you can heighten your web presence by contacting Vanessa Carroll, Communications Manager [email protected] | 507-424-5683

NEW MEMBERS:welcome to our

MEMBERS:renewing

Chamber Advantage USPS 446-900 is published monthly by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 220 S Broadway Ste 100 | Rochester, MN 55904 | Phone: 507-288-1122Issue #5 Volume #7 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | Sue Reinke Walch, Chair of the Board | Editor Vanessa CarrollPrinted by Johnson Printing | Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: [email protected]

2015 LEADERSHIP GREATER ROCHESTER


COMMUNITY IMPACT PROJECTLGR 2015

The Leadership Greater Rochester 2015 class is constructing and installing 40 new mini libraries throughout Rochester neighborhoods. The mini libraries

will provide barrier-free access to books for children and families within walking distance of their home. The Rochester Mini Library Program aims to promote literacy and learning through a self-sustaining mini library network in Rochester neighborhoods. A focus of the Rochester Mini Library Program is to increase book access for youth who are not currently reached by the Rochester Public Library’s services due to geographic, language or financial barriers.

Currently, the Rochester Public Library has a network of mini libraries in the Slatterly and Eastside neighborhoods and future plans for the Kutzky neighborhood in Rochester. To build on this success, the LGR 2015 Community Impact Project’s goal is to provide further outreach to the neighborhoods of six Rochester schools rated as under-performing by standardized literacy testing. Homeowners in the Rochester community will be encouraged to apply to serve as library hosts. A selection committee will review and prioritize the applications and select the 40 most appropriate hosts, which will then receive a fully constructed free mini library to be installed near their home.

WHY INSTALL THE MINI LIBRARIES?• The program brings books directly to children, most

importantly during the summer “reading gap” months• Literacy intervention at a younger age has a greater cost

benefit than later intervention • The mini library program creates inviting neighborhoods and

an increased sense of community• The program encourages community inclusivity• Local business can participate in the program to promote literacy

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP GREATER ROCHESTER?Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) is a comprehensive 10-month leadership development course created by the Rochester

Area Chamber of Commerce. The program’s mission is to develop emerging leaders through participation in personal, professional and community awareness activities designed to encourage individual responsibility for taking an active leadership role in the future vitality of the greater Rochester area. Active involvement in the class community impact project is a component of the program. The May edition of the Advantage magazine will have application details for the LGR class of 2016.

• Cash gifts• Gifts in kind (materials, building materials, new or gently used books)• Volunteer labor (construction, assembly, installation)• Apply to host a mini library

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE ROCHESTERMINI LIBRARY PROGRAM?If you are interested in supporting the Rochester Mini Library program, you can offer support in the following ways:

DONATECash gifts can be sent to: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce,c/o Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation – LGR Class, 220 South Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904Checks should be made out to: Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation – LGR ClassDonate online at: https://givemn.org/project/lgr-2015-project-mini-libraries54b8195c0bb4e

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ROUTE AROUND YOUR OFFICEGet your money’s worth from your Chamber investment. Every employee in your firm is a member of the Chamber.

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220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 P: 507-288-1122 F: 507-282-8960 www.RochesterMNChamber.com

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