Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com
Experienced Collaborative Relationships Multidisciplinary
At TSP, we believe in going the extra mile. That’s why we established the Back to Basics initiative to give our entire team the opportunity to visit a job site first-hand, regardless of job title, to better educate all team members on the basics of the business. Our commitment allows us to build relationships and create some of the area’s most innovative solutions.
Chamber President
Ryan Parsons
507-288-1122
Public Affairs & Leadership Development Director
Jonathon Krull 507-424-5677
Membership
Development Director Brent Ackerman 507-424-5666
Membership Director Kali Aldrich 507-424-5665
Communications & Design Director Sophia van Oss 507-424-5661
Director of Operations Cheryl Krage
Membership Director Tim Shea 507-424-5663
Events & Program Director Ally Sheehan 507-424-5687
Administrative Assistant Cherie Thurlow 507-288-1122
Chair of the Board Treasurer John Eckerman RSP Architects
Vice Chair Scott Eggert Broadway Plaza
At Large Steve Dunn Taco JED
CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
Jessica Eidem IBM Corporation
Secretary Dr. Christine Beech Copiavia
Santhi Arunachalam
Chad Behnken
Dr. Jeffrey Boyd
Dr. Lori Carrell
Heather Donovan
Abel Garcia
Doug Holtan
Jarett Jones
Xylo Technologies Inc.
Hamilton Real Estate
Rochester Community & Tech. College
University of Minnesota - Rochester
Sterling State Bank
Remodeling D.L, LLC
Mayo Clinic Merchants Bank
Marge Kelley
Omar Nur
Sylwia Bujak Oliver
David Pederson
Jack Priggen
Nikki Mensing
Gwen Stevens
Gillette Pepsi of Rochester
125 Live Somali American Social Service Assoc.
Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.
Cardinal of MN, LTD.
Olmsted Medical Center
People’s Energy Cooperative
The Chamber promotes business success which supports a thriving community.
Rochester-area
empowered
collaborative climate.
2022 was a year of change and progress for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and its members. Whether it was membership engagement events, advocacy initiatives, or workforce development opportunities, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to engage members and the regional business community at large demonstrated the value that comes with Chamber membership.
Featured in this issue of the Advantage are highlights from the past year that include stand-out programs, advocacy efforts, and new initiatives. Your support throughout 2022 is greatly appreciated and the Chamber looks forward to an exciting year ahead for Rochester area businesses.
The Chamber prides itself on its member engagement, offering a wealth of opportunities for members to become involved in the Chamber’s activities and engage with other members in events and activities, both big and small.
Held on September 22, 2022, Rochester Area Chamber’s Kickball Tournament featured over 130 participants from a variety of area businesses. The Chamber team wanted to create a new, unique event that would give the Chamber’s members and their staff an opportunity to spend time together as a team and connect with others in a new engagement experience.
“It was a way that we could get members involved that wasn’t a golf outing,” says Ally Sheehan, Events and Program Director at the Chamber. “Members were able to have 10 staff members on their team. It was a fun day filled with a little competition!”
The Chamber’s Economic Summit is an important annual program that provides insight into the local, regional and national economy. Despite its annual nature, the Economic Summit varies each year with unique keynote speakers and panel discussions that highlight the variety of industries in the Rochester area.
“We’ve recently expanded the panel discussions to include small businesses and entrepreneurs, as a way to highlight those sectors,” says Ryan Parsons, President of the Chamber. “As part of the Economic Summit, we conduct the Business Outlook Survey that we share with all members in the fall. In the last year, we’ve seen strong growth and response to the survey, which is helpful for us as it can be a useful tool for us moving forward, especially as we look to identify the challenges and opportunities for the area business community.”
The Annual Celebration is our annual gala that helps to celebrate our members. It is a time to get together and reflect as a Chamber group. Held at the Mayo Civic Center, the Annual Celebration provides networking opportunities, great food, and a keynote speaker. “It was great to have over 570-member employees join us to celebrate the success of the past year,” Sheehan says. “The Annual Celebration is our biggest event of the year and has the added element of a keynote speaker to provide an engaging experience for attendees.”
Looking to engage members who traditionally do not attend Chamber events, the Chamber Weekend Kickoff was introduced in 2021. This networking opportunity includes a classic summertime BBQ meal and views of the Cascade Meadow while connecting with others in the business community.
“Last year, we saw new faces and a variety of different businesses participate,” says Kali Aldrich, the Chamber Membership Director. “The Weekend Kickoff is a great way to get out of the office for lunch and meet others. It’s a relaxed atmosphere at the event and is a creative way for people to start their weekend during the summer months.”
With over 1,100 members throughout the Rochester region and beyond, the Chamber team works to ensure businesses and organizations are informed, featured, and more. The Chamber’s communication channels include the Advantage magazine,
Weekly Update email, Resource Connect newsletter featuring business resources and news, as well as social media. Throughout all channels, our aim is to inform members of what’s happening throughout the Chamber and community.
The monthly Advantage business magazine not only keeps members updated on news about the Chamber and community, but also highlights various members. This magazine is an excellent way to learn more about and connect within the business community.
“By reading the Advantage, one can see the latest Chamber news and events, new members that have joined, recent ribbon cutting events, community announcements including new hires, promotions, and awards received,” says Sophia van Oss, Communications & Design Director at the Chamber. “Throughout 2022, the Advantage issues have featured a range of topics from legislative updates to the impact of tourism on the business community to the region’s premier leadership development program – Leadership Greater Rochester.”
Every week, the Weekly Update email hits over 5,700 inboxes with the latest in Chamber events and news. New members are highlighted along with upcoming events like AM Espresso, Business After Hours, Women’s Roundtable, Business Development Exchange, and annual events such as Economic Summit, Legislative Update, and the Golf Outing.
For community information, useful business resources, and relevant news, members receive our Resource Connect email. Introduced in 2021, the Resource Connect features topics ranging from business and nonprofit funding opportunities, workshops, legislative updates, action alerts, as well as city, county and state news. In 2022, the Chamber sent out a total of 21 Resource Connect communications to members. The Resource Connect is an opportunity for the Chamber to provide members with a compilation of news, resources, and tools for their business or organization.
Through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, the Chamber boasts 10,000 social media followers. With these social platforms, the Chamber engages
with members about events, announcements and news. This includes featuring members like those who have recently joined, ribbon cutting celebrations, and award recipients like Northwestern Mutual who won the first Kickball Tournament Trophy!
In November 2022, the Chamber introduced a digital Shop Local – Holiday Gift Guide to promote members’ businesses and their holiday gift options. Over 35 members in retail, restaurants, entertainment and more submitted to be a part of the guide. These businesses promoted their offerings, location, and some special offers.
The gift guide and Shop Local message was promoted through emails, social media posts, press release, Advantage magazine, flyers and billboards throughout the Chamber channels as well as popular venues throughout Rochester. The Chamber also created social media graphics and a flyer for members to share with others.
“Throughout the social media portion of the promotion, we created a video series called ‘Holiday Chronicles with the Chamber’ where members were interviewed about their holiday favorites,” van Oss says. “With this being the first Shop Local guide for the holidays by the Chamber, we were excited to see the community come together to support local businesses.”
With over one-thousand alumni stretching across the community and region with a presence in nearly every sector, Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) is the Chamber’s esteemed leadership development program.
“Since its inception in 1987, this ten-month program immerses 36 leaders in monthly sessions that examine various topics such as economic development, arts, culture, and humanities, workforce development, and sustainability just to name a few,” says Jonathon Krull, Public Affairs and Leadership Development Director at the Chamber.
After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returned welcoming 36 individuals for the Leadership Greater Rochester Class of 2022. Notably, the program is known for its Community Impact Projects, of which each LGR class is tasked with identifying a community need and working collaboratively to address that need.
As Krull explains, the Class of 2022, aiming to improve community connectedness, unveiled their Community Impact Project, the Thrive Outside Winter Activity Trailer in the spring of 2022.
“The Thrive Outside Winter Activity Trailer is a free community resource and comes stocked with sleds, snowshoes, fort-building kits, and a firepit. It aims to bring together community members of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy winter in
Minnesota,” Krull says. “Currently, the class of 2023, a cohort of 36 individuals, is working through the program, with the program’s graduation in May. The Leadership Greater Rochester experience continues to facilitate lifelong relationships and provides business and community leaders the opportunity to further their leadership abilities while learning more about the Rochester region.”
With a diversely skilled community, the Chamber connects content experts for a quarterly professional development event, Business Development Exchange (BDX). This event series is geared towards learning and evolving best business practices. Each BDX features a panel of speakers discussing a specific topic related to improving the operations of your business or organization, whether that be budgeting, marketing, workplace wellness, stress management, or hiring best practices, etc.
“It’s a way for area professionals to learn the best business practices and bring that experience back to their business and teams,” Aldrich says. “It’s a great workforce development opportunity and it helps your business grow their expertise within that specific topic.”
A key part of the Chamber’s growing workforce efforts are opportunities for career exploration. This includes connecting industry employers and students to highlight pathways to in-demand careers throughout the region. The STEAM Summit is the Chamber’s key program in this effort and the reach
of the STEAM Summit grows each year. Last held on November 15, 2022, the STEAM Summit encourages middle and high school students to pursue science, technology, engineering, art and math careers by connecting them to business and higher educational institutions which offer opportunities in STEAM related careers. The event is a highly interactive, hands-on format. About 850 students attended the 2022 Summit and explored 51 booths of vendors.
“Students interact with the vendors, ask questions and fill out a survey that helps them gather information. It is a time for the students to explore the different career paths within the STEAM industries,” Sheehan says. “Some students might walk away with a new career path that they didn’t know existed before attending the summit. It is a great event for students to explore and different companies to showcase the jobs they offer to local students.”
As we discuss workforce, it is pertinent to highlight the importance of higher education to our region’s employers. Back for its second year as a standalone event, the Higher Education Outlook in 2022 brought together leadership from the Rochester region’s higher education institutions to discuss workforce trends in addition to sharing updates on projects and initiatives at their respective campuses. Attendees were able to connect with educational leaders to discuss possible collaboration opportunities and trends within the workforce.
“New to the event this year was the inclusion of a student perspective panel, where student representatives from Rochester Community and Technical College, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Rochester, and Winona State University spoke on their experience in higher education and how it is preparing them for the workforce,” Krull says. “As the workforce continues to change, this event provides a fantastic opportunity to remain engaged with area institutions that provide the training to tomorrow’s employees.”
The advocacy efforts of the Chamber continue to grow as the Chamber team evolves to serve members and the business community through business advocacy on the local, state, and federal level. This occurs through business advocacy, education, sharing resources & information, encouraging dialogue between elected representatives and business, as well as serving as a convener of industry and community.
Introduced in Spring 2021, the Local Government Connect is a member event with the goal of bringing together Rochester’s local government including schools, parks, the city and the county, to provide the opportunity for them to highlight their respective progress, priorities, and the challenges that they’re encountering. The Local Government Connect is a forum to provide information from these community partners to the business community.
In 2022, the Chamber unveiled its legislative agenda, which aimed to bring attention to the key priorities of Rochester area businesses. The 2022 legislative session was complex, but through the work and support of the Chamber, partner organizations, and business community, the replenishment of Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund with state and federal funds successfully passed the legislature and was signed into law.
“This legislative success helped avoid passing the cost of replenishing the fund onto the business community which was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Krull says. Other topics included in the 2022 legislative agenda included support for expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, sustaining Medicaid expansion, reducing uncompetitive taxes, and reforming occupational licensing practices in the state.
“When developing the Chamber’s 2023 legislative agenda, the Chamber team received broad feedback from small businesses, mid-range employers, large employers, the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, the Chamber’s committees, and the Chamber Board on their legislative priorities and issues that they are facing,” Krull says. View page 17 to read the newly unveiled 2023 legislative agenda.
Over the last few years, the Chamber has worked to convene discussions with employers, higher education, city, county, local and state government, including legislators, through various forums.
“We have welcomed the opportunity to bring employers together to discuss workforce, legislative priorities, and other topics and challenges that they’re encountering and a discussion of potential solutions,” Parsons says. “Ensuring ongoing communication in the business community is important for the Chamber. Continuing the discussion of employer challenges, solutions, projects, and more with members and partners in the year ahead is important and a vital step to encouraging collaboration and an understanding of the issues impacting area employers.”
Advocacy is a key pillar of the Chamber, to assist with these efforts the Local & Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) was developed in early 2021. Members of LGAC heard from the city on the local option sales tax and had the opportunity to ask questions about the policy. Through these discussions, the group emphasized ensuring that Rochester is at the table when it comes to receiving sales tax funding, but remaining flexible to vet the projects that can be a result of the local option sales tax passing.
“The Chamber had an opportunity to vet the local option sales tax through the LGAC who made their recommendation which was then presented to the board for final approval. The work of the LGAC to identify and review the issues that are impacting businesses is critical to our advocacy efforts,” Parsons says.
Since 2022, the Chamber has introduced significant programs, initiatives, and more, that will serve the organization and business community in the years ahead. This includes Lemonade Day, the Chamber Resource Campaign, and the organization’s 20232026 strategic plan.
The Chamber was excited to introduce Lemonade Day to the Rochester region in 2022. Lemonade Day is a nation-wide experience learning program, helping youth learn how to start their own business. This program invites local youth to participate in its free, experiential, educational program that encourages financial literacy and a spark for entrepreneurship in future entrepreneurs.
“Lemonade Day teaches and walks youth through the process of starting and running their own business…a lemonade stand,” says Ally Sheehan, Events and Program Director and Rochester’s
Lemonade Day City Director. “They work on a business plan, create a budget, create their stand design and find the best tasting lemonade to sell to their customers.” In 2022, the Rochester - Lemonade Day celebrated 335 registrations and look forward to an exciting Lemonade Day in 2023. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10!
Each year the Chamber hosts more than 70 events and programs to connect, educate, and inform members. Beginning in 2021, the Chamber developed the Chamber Resource Campaign (CRC) as an engagement guide to provide members with an efficient platform to plan their companies’ engagement and support of the various events, programs and more throughout the year.
“The CRC is designed to be a resource for companies as they plan out their engagement with the Chamber,” Sheehan says.
“This guide helps to layout and detail the sponsorships that are available to all members to participate in and the enhanced organization of opportunities has been well-recieved.” Being a sponsor for Chamber events is a great way for companies to gain brand recognition, connect with fellow professionals and more opportunities that can benefit organizations and businesses. The CRC is also effective in ensuring members know how to best engage their teams in various programs and events throughout the year.
Beginning in the early fall of 2022 the Chamber began the development of a new strategic plan to provide a comprehensive plan for the organization moving forward. As part of the Chamber’s strategic plan initiative, the Chamber engaged in conversations with key constituents including members, the Chamber Board, city and county leadership, Rochester Public Schools, and area partner organizations. This process was valuable in gathering insight into the priorities impacting employers and to crafting a strategic plan that will guide the Chamber’s evolution in the years ahead to positively impact the business community of the Rochester region.
“An important accomplishment for the Chamber in 2022 was the creation of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Over several months with the assistance of a consultant, the Chamber Board of Directors created a plan to guide us for the next three years. This road map is critical for the organization and will be our true North Star as we move forward in the coming years,” said John Eckerman, Business Developer with RSP Architects and Chair of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
“The strategic plan is an important step for the organization and provides us with clear goals and objectives in the areas of advocacy, workforce, member engagement, and more. The strategic plan will be a valuable resource for the Chamber beginning in 2023 and leading us through 2026,” Parsons says.
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful to serve the business community of the Rochester region, with its diverse industries, talented workforce, community partners, and a high quality of life.
Thank you to our members for your ongoing support and engagement! Your membership is greatly appreciated. 2022 was a year of evolution for the organization and the Chamber team is excited to serve Rochester area businesses, organizations, and professionals as we progress.
The Chamber begins 2023 with the introduction of the organization’s new strategic plan. The strategic plan is an important resource that provides the organization goals and objectives in the areas of advocacy, workforce, professional development, member engagement, and more.
Be the voice for Rochester area businesses through advocacy, information, and education.
• Serve as a leader for business through advocacy on the local, state, and federal level
• Connect and convene members
• Continue to grow relationships with government agencies and elected officials
• Inform members of issues and policy impacting business
Encourage workforce development through partnerships, resources, and professional experiences.
• Impact workforce challenges through programs and partnerships
• Engage the next generation of professionals and business leaders
• Highlight the Rochester area business community as a workforce destination
Provide excellent and engaging value to members.
Enhance organizational culture and optimize resources for maximum impact.
• Enhance the value proposition of membership
• Engage members through innovative programs and events
• Provide business resources that encourage member success
• Utilize Chamber communications to inform and highlight area business
• Continue to develop partnerships that can serve member’s community
• Support and invest in the Chamber team
• Maximize organizational resources
• Utilize the potential of Chamber infrastructure to improve and support the organization
• Continue to implement Chamber best-practices
There’s no place like home with a roof over our heads. With this we are given a comfort zone and a place to build memories with those we love. As an essential part to creating a home, Stinson Services provides the Rochester and Twin Cities areas with roofing, siding and gutters.
Stinson Services is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the community for 20 years. Sales Manager, Heidi Stinson, provided us with more information about this local exterior remodeling construction business.
Q: Tell us about Stinson Services. What does your company offer to the Rochester region?
A: Stinson Services is a construction company that specializes in rooftops. We utilize the latest technology to assist us in providing state of the art reporting on rooftops. We offer free storm damage inspections and pride ourselves on effective communication and stellar workmanship.
Q: How did it start for Stinson Services?
A: Ryan Stinson started Stinson Services in August of 2003. Stinson initially took on all construction projects but soon learned the benefits of being experts in a specific service. We transitioned to rooftop specialists focusing on the rooftop and more specifically on insurance storm damage claims in 2015. We have grown from a 1 man show to a staff of 15 and two locations. One in Rochester and the other location in Edina, MN.
Q: What is a unique fact people should know about Stinson Services?
A: Out of our 15 staff members, we have a combined construction experience of more than 200 years!
Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry?
Q: Stinson Services became a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization?
A: We believe in building relationships with our community, learning about other Chamber member businesses and opportunities for partnerships and referrals.
A: We are growing. We are continuing to build our team with passionate employees who share our values of collaboration, knowledge and trust. We believe in creating and fostering repeatable processes which allow us to consistently produce projects built to last. We also believe in the personal and professional development of all our employees, through ongoing training and education. As rooftop specialists we keep a close eye on best roofing practices always looking to improve and be the best at our craft. By nurturing relationships our customers are confident in referring Stinson to individuals in need of our services.
To learn more about Stinson Services, visit them online at www.stinsonservices.com.
The 2023 legislative session is well underway and is off to a busy start with nearly 1,000 bills having been introduced already! To assist with advocacy efforts, the Chamber engaged with membership to develop the 2023 legislative agenda. While it’s not a comprehensive list, this agenda functions as a guiding document while remaining broad enough and flexible to adapt to the variety of legislation underway in Saint Paul.
The agenda includes numerous areas of focus, with the top two key legislative areas being infrastructure and workforce. The focus on infrastructure includes the support of bonding efforts that foster development in the Rochester region. Examples of projects that foster continued development include:
• Extending the bonding authority of RST
• Constructing a regional park-and-ride parking deck
• Constructing the Willow Creek Regional Trail and safety connection
• Improvements to Graham Park
• Constructing a materials recovery facility for Olmsted County
Another key priority of the agenda is workforce, specifically in the support of workforce development through training and educational programs coupled with experimental learning opportunities. Examples of ways to enhance workforce development include:
• Providing funds to construct the Southeast Minnesota Nursing Simulator for area colleges/ universities to train with
• Continued investments in PTECH and CTECH programs
As a complimentary piece to the development of the legislative agenda, the Chamber monitors relevant legislation that could have a potential impact on the business community. HF31/SF25 was the first bill signed into law during the 2023 session which passed with bipartisan support before it went to the governor’s desk for his signature. This law is a win for the business community and modified select income and corporate franchise tax provisions
to bring conformity with federal tax provisions. In simpler terms, this law reduces the tax on COVID monies that businesses received under various federal acts (CARES Act, ARPA, IIJA, Inflation Reduction Act, etc).
Another fast-moving piece of legislation that the Chamber is tracking is HF2/SF2. This bill would mandate paid leave benefits for Minnesota employees for up to 24 weeks. As the legislation currently reads, all employers regardless of size, would be required to participate in the program. Employers would be required to provide up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave which would be funded through a .7% increase to the payroll tax for employers. Due to the increase in business taxation and the potential impacts to workforce in an already tight labor market, the Chamber has opposed this bill. While not opposed to the idea, the legislation as it currently reads is not beneficial to the business community.
As a regional center, Rochester is home to the Rochester International Airport (RST), a vital asset to the region and the business community. The bipartisan Rochester area delegation has introduced HF265/SF715 which would modify the appropriation for the airport. This legislation is essential for RST to continue making runway and associated improvements at the airport. As the legislative session marches forward, the Chamber will continue tracking legislation and advocating on behalf of our members. We thank you, our members for providing the feedback to craft our legislative agenda. We also thank our local delegation who continue to advocate on behalf of Rochester for her businesses and citizens.
The Chamber’s legislative priorities for 2023
Infrastructure
Support of bonding efforts that encourage development and sustainability to enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community.
Workforce
Support of workforce development that facilitates a sustainable labor market through innovative training and enhanced educational programs that provide opportunities for experiential learning including career simulator pathways, high school and college internship programs, apprenticeships, and other models of employment readiness.
Workforce
• Support legislation to reduce barriers to employment by reforming occupational licensing processes in highdemand occupations to address workforce gaps and assist in talent attraction and retention.
Infrastructure
• Support the growth of telecommunications infrastructure such as broadband, across the Rochester region and surrounding rural communities, to ensure access to reliable internet service for businesses and the community.
• Support the extension of the 2020 airport runway bonding authority for the Rochester International Airport’s runway improvement project to ensure reconstruction and airport enhancements are completed.
• Support the construction of an interchange at Highway 44 and Highway 14 to improve safety and support regional growth and economic development.
• Support legislation that will encourage a competitive tax climate for entrepreneurship, talent attraction and retention, and business growth and investment.
• Support efforts to reform the regulatory process to ensure Minnesota and the Rochester region is competitive in the attraction and retention of business while maintaining sensible environmental regulations.
• Encourage effective economic development through support of programs and incentives that can inspire investment in enterprise, drive regional business growth, and strengthen the ability of Rochester and Minnesota to be competitive in business attraction and retention.
• Support the renewal of the City of Rochester’s Local Option Sales Tax as a funding opportunity for infrastructure and development.
The Chamber is excited to announce the first annual Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory was released digitally. This guide gives an industry overview of the region including:
• Community at a glance
• Homes
• Education
• Healthcare
• Shopping and dining
• Arts and entertainment
• Sports and outdoor recreation
• Surronding communities
In the Chamber directory portion, there are over 1,000 businesses sorted by categories as well as alphabetically.
The Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory is currently published online but will also be available in print soon.
Thank you to our members, advertisers, and photo contributers for making this guide a reality!
To view the Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory visit: http://bit.ly/3XXPStt
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes three new ambassadors:
• Travis Arment, Arment and Associates, LLC of American Family Insurance
• Jordan Broers, Benedictine Foundation
• Maria Serbus, Maria Serbus LLC
We would also like to recognize outgoing ambassadors, Kirk Boyum at Edward Jones and Jeff Winter at Med City Creative, for their outstanding service and commitment through the years.
The Rochester Area Chamber Ambassadors are a group of local business representatives from a diverse area of sectors who are committed to promoting Chamber activities and membership.
Ambassadors represent the Chamber and serve as the embodiment of its mission, vision, and values. Ambassadors perform a wide variety of duties in the Chamber, but their main function is to be a positive advocate for the Chamber, welcoming new members and assisting in making Chamber events valuable and successful for our members.
The Chamber’s Ambassador Program is highly respected in the community and allows significant exposure for the Ambassador’s sponsoring company as well as professional growth of each participant. Ambassadors are given the opportunity to meet and interact with regional businesses and local leaders.
The Ambassadors are our most visible supporters promoting the Chamber and welcoming new members into the community. The Ambassadors are invaluable to the mission of the Chamber and the Chamber is grateful for their commitment to business success in Rochester.
To view a full listing of the Chamber’s ambassadors visit www.rochestermnchamber.com/about/chamber-ambassadors
hosted by
hosted by
AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event brought to you by the Chamber. Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. We believe there is value for all in building a supportive business community. As the local economy shifts towards recovery, it is more important than ever to interact with each other to share ideas and best practices.
Benedictine Living Community offers two senior living communities in Rochester, MN: Benedictine Madonna Towers and Benedictine Madonna Meadows. Both not-for-profit communities provide friendly, engaging lifestyles and are committed to delivering compassionate senior care that’s rooted in our core values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect and Justice. We also honor the diversity of our residents, including people of all faiths, ideas and experiences.
Date: Friday, February 3, 2023 Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: Benedictine Madonna Towers, 4001 19th Ave NW, Rochester
Admission: Free, registration requested
Register here: https://bit.ly/3W3tfCo
Join us for Business after Hours (BAH), a monthly networking function which brings professionals together to network and build valuable business relationships. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while connecting with a variety of businesses and organizations operating in the greater Rochester area. This event is a great opportunity to increase your organization’s visibility and generate productive business leads.
Empire Event Center has a modern meeting space, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. They are here to make your vision a reality! They are conveniently attached to Best Western Rochester and are here to serve you.
Minnesota 97.5 Rochester’s Greatest Hits! Locally owned and community focused. 100,000 watt station location in the heart of Rochester, MN.
Date: Thursday, February 16 , 2023
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location: 1517 16th St SW, Rochester
Admission: Free, registration requested
Register here: https://bit.ly/3BAB62q
Are you a new member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, or a long-time member needing a refresh? Join us for our Chamber 101 event in the Rochester Chamber Conference Room on Thursday, February 9th from 3:30pm-4:30pm.
This event will help educate you on your membership and highlight the resources and tools that we provide to help you meet your business goals and objectives! Snacks, refreshments, and door prizes will be provided.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023 Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room – 220 Broadway Ave S Suite 100, Rochester (same entrance as Hotel Indigo and CRAVE, parking available at the second street ramp) Admission: Free, registration required
Register here: http://bit.ly/3HfhRPk
Eggs and Issues is a long-standing series presented by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce that provides opportunities for member businesses to learn about and discuss the issues that impact their businesses and the community.
The latest installment of the Eggs and Issues series will focus on the Minnesota State Budget. Join us on Friday, February 17th, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as Commissioner Jim Schowalter of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB) presents and discusses the budget forecast for the state of Minnesota. Commissioner Schowalter will share insight into priorities and initiatives surrounding the budget and potential challenges and opportunities for Minnesota’s financial stability moving forward.
Date: Friday, February 17, 2023 Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Location: Empire Event Center, 1517 16th St. SW
Admission: $15 for members, $30 for general admission, registration is required by February 10
Register here: https://bit.ly/3HtVKn6
Join us for the 2023 Annual Celebration!
You are cordially invited to join the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 for our Annual Celebration! This gala will celebrate the success and growth of the business community in the Greater Rochester Area. Join us for an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment!
Our members are the reason we exist! Thank you for joining us at this annual event to celebrate and prepare for the future of our region - together.
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023 Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester Admission: $70 for members, $90 for general, Registration is required by Friday, February 17.
View full list of sponsors on page 21.
Register here: http://bit.ly/3YGk8cY
Agenda:
• 5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking and Introduction
• 6:15pm: Program and Entertainment - Dueling Pianos by Fun Pianos!
• 7:45pm: Networking
About the Entertainment:
The Fun Pianos! show by 176 Keys Dueling Pianos will join the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce on stage at this years Annual Celebration! We are excited to bring this interactive show to you. Get ready to sing at the top of your lungs, laugh and dance the night away.
FEBRUARY
03 AM EspressoBenedictine Living Community
Date: Friday, February 3
Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Benedictine Living Community FREE - Registration requested
09 WE Forum - Workshop
Date: Thursday, February 9 Time: 11:30am-1:00pm Location: Saint Mary’s University Rochester - Cascade Meadow FREE - Registration required
09 Chamber 101
Date: Thursday, February 9 Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room FREE - Registration required
16 Business After HoursEmpire Event Center & MN 97.5
Date: Thursday, February 16
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Empire Event Center FREE - Registration requested
16 WE Forum - Social Connect
Date: Thursday, February 16 Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Location: Sorellina’s Restaurant FREE - Registration required
17 Women’s Roundtable
Date: Friday, February 17
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room FREE - Registration required
17 Eggs & Issues
Date: Friday, February 17
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Location: Empire Event Center
$30 for general, $15 for members
Registration required
23 Hospitality 1st Roundtable
Date: Thursday, February 23
Time: 9:30am-11:00am
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
FREE - Registration required
02 Annual Celebration
Date: Thursday, March 2
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Mayo Civic Center
$90 for general, $70 for members
Registration required
03 AM EspressoAmerican Waterworks
Date: Friday, March 3
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: American Waterworks
FREE - Registration requested
08 Business Development
Exchange - HR & Hiring
Date: Wednesday, March 8
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
FREE - Registration required
16 WE ForumPanel Discussion
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Location: Saint Mary’s University
Rochester - Cascade Meadow
FREE - Registration required
16 Business After HoursBolton & Menk
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Bolton & Menk
FREE - Registration requested
17 Women’s Roundtable
Date: Friday, March 17
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
FREE - Registration required
APRIL
14 AM Espresso - 125 LIVE
Date: Friday, April 14
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: 125 LIVE
FREE - Registration requested
20 WE Forum - Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Location: Saint Mary’s University
Rochester - Cascade Meadow
FREE - Registration required for lunch
20 Business After HoursNew Spin Bicycle Shop
Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location: New Spin Bicycle Shop
FREE - Registration requested
21 Women’s Roundtable
Date: Friday, April 21
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
FREE - Registration required
RCTC’s nursing students exceeded state and national rates
Rochester Community and Technical College is proud to announce that the Class of 2022 Associate Degree and Practical Nursing graduates exceeded state and national first-time pass rates on their NCLEX board exams. RCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program had 119 first-time test takers with a pass rate of 89.08%, and the Practical Nursing program had 26 first-time test takers with a pass rate of 92.31%. Both of RCTC’s nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
RCTC Dean of Sciences and Health Professions, Jason Jadin said “The NCLEX scores from students in RCTC’s Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs continue to exceed state and national averages. This success speaks to the quality of education students receive from RCTC’s dedicated faculty and staff.”
“In addition to NCLEX success, students complete and are employed in nursing. RCTC nursing graduates will continue to have opportunities for upward mobility in nursing and have the foundation for a lifelong meaningful career in nursing,” states RCTC’s Associate Dean of Nursing, Susan Jansen. Jansen adds “RCTC is committed to the success of its students by providing excellent student support services and a quality nursing curriculum developed by qualified faculty.”
Community comes together for Pitch Night to support organizers and their ideas.
More than $25,000 was awarded to community event, activity, or program organizers at the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s Start-Up Event Grant Pitch Night Wednesday, January 11.
Ten community organizers presented their ideas in a sharktank style pitch competition to a panel of judges that included Tiffany Alexandria of Choo-Choo-ca-Chew (and a past Start-Up Event Grant recipient), Amber Bojji of Chez Bojji, Will Forsman of Café Steam and RDA board of director, Danielle Teal of Mayo Clinic, and D’Angelo Tines of Popus Gourmet Popcorn.
Receiving Start-Up Event Grant funds are the following organizations/people for the below award amounts:
• $5,000: The Rochester Thaw Music Festival by My Town My Music
• $4,000: UTSAV by Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota
• $4,000: Family Fun Day: Sensory Sensitive Saturday by Autism Resource Guide
• $3,500: Celebrating East African Culture by Pamoja Women
• $3,000: Rochester Battle of the Bands by Treedome
• $2,750: YMCA Sound Bowl Meditation by Rochester YMCA
• $1,500: Broadway Nurse: A Musical Reading by Sam Buchl
• $1,500: Families in Motion by the Rochester Art Center
• $1,500: Art Battle Minnesota by Crayon Kelly
• $1,000: Songwriters in the Round by Pat Egan Music
“I think everyone who watched the pitches left inspired by the creativity and vision of our grant recipients. We can’t wait to see these ideas come to life throughout 2023,” said Holly Masek, RDA executive director.
As a last-minute surprise contribution, Destination Medical Center allocated an additional $2,750, bringing their total in Start-Up Event Grant funds to $12,750. In all, $28,750 in Start-Up Event Grant funds from the RDA and DMC were awarded at Pitch Night.
While it was first introduced in 2020 as part of that year’s grant, Pitch Night returned as part of the 2023 Start-Up Event Grant cycle to encourage community engagement. As in 2020, a People’s Choice Award was voted on by attendees to receive additional funding, which went to not one but two pitches this year. The Rochester Thaw Music Festival and Rochester Battle of the Bands were the recognized recipients of an additional $500 each.
Gillette Pepsi of Rochester announced that they will be the new presenting sponsor of Kid’s Cup Golf Tournament.
What began in 1997 as the Miracle Marathon, has evolved over the past two and a half decades into the Kid’s Cup Golf Tournament. Starting with a simple, straightforward donation of $10,000 to the Miracle Marathon, Mark and Sheryl Tasler, Express Employment Professionals franchise owners, saw their donation grow exponentially when they began the fund-raising golf tournament. The Express Employment Professionals team has managed the tournament for 25 years raising over $1.7 million supporting programs at Olmsted Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, benefiting children with challenging health journeys.
Gillette Pepsi of Rochester is proud to take the lead role to continue the incredible legacy begun by the Express team. The 26th Annual Kid’s Cup Golf Tournament will take place, Monday, May 22, 2023, at Somerby Golf Club.
The Kid’s Cup Golf Tournament raises money through golfer fund-raising. All donations collected through golfer fund-raising go directly to the charity with Rochester Area Foundation as the fiscal sponsor. The cost of the tournament is underwritten by sponsors including Gillette Pepsi of Rochester, Trina Solano –Edina Realty, Sola Salon Studios, Sam’s Club, Morris Concrete and Ames Construction.
Learn more about the 26th annual Kid’s Cup Golf Tournament at www.kidscuprochester.org.
Tamsen Leimer, VP of Commercial and Mortgage Banking with F & M Community Bank is adding Rochester Branch Manager to her title. In addition to her current roles, she will now also oversee the branch operations in Rochester. Tamsen has been with F & M Community Bank since August of 2015, and in community banking in Rochester since 2003.
Congratulations to the following Velair Property Management promoted employees:
• Dylan Brekke was promoted in 2023 to Lead Roving Maintenance Technician
• Juan Guerra was promoted in 2023 to Regional Maintenance Manager
• Heather Barness was promoted in 2022 to Lead Roving Property Manager and will be overseeing 1st Avenue Flats and training in new hires
• Cache Brown was promoted in 2022 to Senior Property Manager and oversees Valleyhigh Flats as well as mentors new associates
Think Bank promoted Becky Wendland to the newly-created role of Chief Technology & Innovation Officer. Becky is a transformational business strategist and people leader who has been with Think since 2012. In her new role as CTIO, Becky will help bring innovation to life for Think’s customers by leading efforts to further advance the organization’s technology infrastructure and digital banking capabilities.
On January 1, 2023, a new Dodge & Olmsted (D&O) Community Corrections team became effective. This change follows a decision from the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners and Administration to withdraw from the joint powers agreement from what was previously known as Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections.
Olmsted County had six DFO Community Corrections employees staffed in Fillmore County. Those employees will maintain employment with Olmsted County.
Neighborly Group celebrated their new location and rebranding with a ribbon cutting on November 16th. Founder and CEO, Sarah Richardson cut the ribbon.
223 N Broadway Ave, Rochester www.neighborlygroup.com
Popus Gourmet Popcorn celebrated their grand opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on November 18th. D’Angelo Tinescut the ribbon.
25 2nd St SW, Rochester www.popus-rochester.com
Rochester Neuropsychology Services celebrated their new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on November 29th. Owner, Holly Quimby Tremain cut the ribbon.
4115 26th ST NW, Ste 104, Rochester www.rochesterneuropsych.com
Woody’s Liquor celebrated new ownership and Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on December 1st. Owner, Bob Schmidt cut the ribbon.
316 Elton Hills Dr. NW, Rochester www.woodysliquor.net
CrossFit Credence celebrated their new Chamber membership and remodeled facility with a ribbon cutting on December 2nd. Owner, David Timm cut the ribbon.
3020 North Broadway Ave., Rochester www.crossfitcredence.com
You and Eye Family Eye Care celebrated their 5th anniversary and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on December 9th. Owner and Optometrist, Dr. Kristy Bhend cut the ribbon.
2650 South Broadway Ave., Ste 400, Rochester www.youandeyefamily.com
Corqueboard Inc.
Mike Todaro
(612) 669-3383
260 Wentworth Ave E, Suite 115, West Saint Paul www.corqueboard.com
Onward Counseling
Megan Radosevich
(507) 398-3394
300 1st Ave. NW, Suite 210, Rochester www.onwardcounselingrochester.com
Nerd Butler
Levi Sauerbrei
(507) 218-1533
www.nerdbutler.com
Rochester Symphony
Amy Lindstrom
(507) 286-8742
1530 Greenview Dr. SW Suite 120, Rochester www.rochestersymphony.org
License Bureau
Molly Malone Hintz
(507) 282-4711
• Crossroads: Crossroads Shopping Center, 1201 South Broadway, Rochester
• Airport View: 7389 Airport View Drive SW, Rochester
• Kasson: Kasson Mini-Mall, 13 West Main Street, Kasson www.mnautolicense.com
Cassie West Events
Cassie West
(507) 208-7964
522 6th Avenue Northwest, Rochester www.cassiewestevents.com
Go2Granny
Sheri Hoffman
(507) 269-0994
1660 Main Street, Zumbrota www.go2granny.com
Veterans and Emergency Services Museum
Richard Krom
(507) 722-1195
www.vesm.org
Rochester Clinic
Mei Liu
(507) 218-3095
3070 Wellner Dr NE, Rochester www.rochesterclinic.com
Boutin & Company Real Estate Advisors
Lauren Boutin (507) 398-6293
2765 Commerce Dr NW #100, Rochester
www.boutinandcompany.com
FaceTime Business Resources
Kayla Blunt
(320) 248-7268
32 32nd Ave. S #96, St. Cloud www.facetimebusinessresources.com
Eyemart Express
Alicia Graumann
(507) 218-2636
2854 41st Street NW, Suite 103, Rochester
www.eyemartexpress.com
LTN Music
LaSonya Natividad
(507) 319-0576
www.ltnmusic.com
Tulips & Truffles
John Devlin
(507) 206-4583
611 N Broadway Ave., Rochester
www.tulipsandtruffles.net
507-288-1122
