Advantage Magazine | July 2022 by rochestermnchamber

ROCH ESTER

July 2022

A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

2022 Legislative session recap 6

MEET THE MEMBER Sargent’s on 2nd

2022 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Recap of our 2022 Annual Golf Outing

LEMONADE DAY A great day for young entrepreneurs!

STAFF Chamber President Ryan Parsons 507-288-1122

Membership Brent Ackerman Development Director 507-424-5666

Public Affairs & Leadership Jonathon Krull Development Director 507-424-5677 Membership Director Tim Shea

507-424-5663

Events & Program Ally Sheehan Director 507-424-5687

Membership Director Kali Aldrich

507-424-5665

Communications Director Katie Becker 507-424-5661

Administrative Assistant Cherie Thurlow 507-288-1122

Director of Operations Cheryl Krage 507-424-5699

2021-2022 CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS Chair of the Board Christy Blade

Treasurer James Kelly

Rochester Post Bulletin, LLC

Individual Member

Vice Chair John Eckerman

Secretary Emily Benner

RSP Architects

Boston Scientific

2021-2022 CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS Santhi Arunachalam

Xylo Technologies Inc.

Lizzy Haywood

People’s Food Cooperative

Dr. Christine Beech*

Copiavia

Doug Holtan

Mayo Clinic

Chad Behnken

Hamilton Real Estate

Marge Kelley

Gillette Pepsi

Dr. Lori Carrell

University of Minnesota - Rochester

Omar Nur

Somali American Social Service Assoc.

Steve Dunn

Taco JED

Sylwia Bujak Oliver

125 Live

Scott Eggert*

Broadway Plaza

David Pederson

Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.

Jessica Eidem

IBM Corporation

Jack Priggen

Cardinal of MN, LTD.

Shawn Fagan

Fagan Studios

Joselyn Raymundo

Rochester Home Infusion

Abel Garcia

Remodeling D.L, LLC

Sharon Schneller

Olmsted Medical Center

Karen Hanson

Home Instead Senior Care

Gwen Stevens

People’s Energy Cooperative

*Denotes at large members of the Executive Committee

VISION

MISSION The Chamber promotes business success which supports a thriving community.

Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate.

VALUES As a service organization, the Chamber is committed to conducting our work in accordance with the following values:

Collaboration | Diversity |Innovation Integrity | Proactivity 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: 507-288-1122 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | Christy Blade, Chair of the Board | Editor: Katie Becker Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com

What’s Inside July 2022

Feature 2022 Legislative Session Recap

Meet the Member

Chamber News

Community News

Newsreel

Sargent’s on 2nd

Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com

Advantage Information and Questions: Katie Becker kbecker@RochesterMNChamber.com

At TSP, high-level functionality goes hand-in-hand with inspired creativity, allowing our team to turn any space into a welcoming experience.

F Feature

2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP District 25

Rep. Liz Boldon District 25B

Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: One outcome of the 2022 legislative session that will have an impact on the Rochester business community is the Frontline worker bonuses paired with the replenishment of Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program while keeping businesses US taxes flat. The frontline worker pay will provide checks of $750 or more to hundreds of thousands of workers who put their health and safety at risk, at that of their families, by working with the public during the pandemic. These provisions will benefit both businesses and workers now and in the future.

Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: In May, the Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor signed a broad, bipartisan budget framework agreement that would have provided critical funding for education, public safety, nursing homes, infrastructure, middle-class tax cuts, and much more. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans made the decision to walk away from ongoing discussions and negotiations, leaving final agreements on many significant measures undone. Despite this unacceptable turn of events, we were able to accomplish several notable pieces of legislation, one I’d like to highlight is a sweeping package of mental health investments and improvements for Minnesotans’ mental health to increase hospital bed capacity, attract new mental healthcare professionals, and expand the use of mobile crisis units. We need to ensure all Minnesotans have access to affordable care, including mental healthcare. Passing this bill is not enough, but it will make a positive difference in the lives of many Minnesotans and is a good start.

Sen. David Senjem District 25

Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: By far the most substantive legislative accomplishment achieved in the 2022 session was the replenishing of the unemployment trust fund including “paying back” money borrowed from the federal government to get Minnesota employees through the covid crisis. The amount of money required to do this approached $2.7B. This would have been the obligation of Minnesota employers had this not been done. Another initiative that will have an extraordinary effect on SE Minnesota businesses because of the significant number of healthcare personal is the “essential worker” bonus program. The $750 individual checks will likely be spent in many local and area businesses.

Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: The passage of a $93M mental health bill Senators Rosen, Draheim, and I created clearly stands as a significant accomplishment of the 2022 session. The bill contains a full menu of initiatives including additional school and community resources, additional badly needed in-patient beds, and something called the implementation of what is called a “competency restoration” program. This program will work to restore mental competency to individuals who have committed crimes but are not able to stand trial because they are mentally unable to stand trial. As a result most of these individuals are released back into society without supervision very often to offend again. The new bill will put monitors on these individuals and work to restore competency to the point of them standing trial for their offenses or otherwise staying out of jail and getting their needed rehabilitation treatment.

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July 2022

Feature F

District 26 Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: Repaying the unemployment insurance (UI) debt and fund replenishment is a big victory for Minnesota’s small businesses and their employees. Minnesota owed the federal government over $1 billion for a loan that covered Covid-related unemployment spikes. Senate Republicans were early leaders on this – passing a full UI fix in mid-February. Repaying the debt and replenishing the UI trust fund protects small businesses from massive tax increases and protects employees in times of slowdowns. I am disappointed at the lost Sen. Carla Nelson opportunity to provide much-needed tax relief to small businesses and their District 26 employees. As chair of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked closely with my Democrat House counterpart to provide historic levels of tax relief for every Minnesotan, including reducing the statewide general levy on all commercial and industrial property. It’s deeplyfrustrating the House refused to act on the agreed-upon tax bill. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: In addition to the $2.7 billion in unemployment insurance payback, there were several big wins for Minnesotans this year: • We provided bonus pay for the frontline workers who kept us safe and healthy during the covid pandemic. (Applications are now open, visit https://frontlinepay.mn.gov!) • We extended the successful reinsurance program, which has kept health care premium prices from ballooning again. • We passed my landmark health insurance legislation requiring at least one flat predictable copay option for Minnesotans facing high-cost prescription drugs. • We passed a historic bill that will improve support and treatment for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. • We provided funding to expand border-to-border high-speed internet access. • We passed emergency drought relief grants for livestock and specialty crop farmers who were devastated by last year’s drought conditions. • We passed a Veterans bill that keeps our promise to those who have served our country.

Rep. Nels Pierson District 26B

Q: What is an outcome from the 2022 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: During the legislative session, we were able to fill the unemployment insurance trust fund. Without legislators taking on this bill, area business owners would have to pay a 15% tax increase. Along with providing $2.7 billion to repay the fund, the bill provided money to pay frontline workers. This is one small way we can thank the workforce that stepped up during the pandemic and kept us all safe. Both of these items will create a positive impact for our businesses and workers.

Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: We tried to bring meaningful tax relief to Minnesotans but unfortunately, our efforts were rebuffed by the majority. It is my hope that in the next legislative session, Minnesotans will see more resources and money for our law enforcement to create a safer state, and changes to our tax code that will relieve Minnesota families of the incredibly high prices we are paying at the gas pump and grocery store.

Editors Note: At the time of publication, responses were not available from Rep. Tina Liebling or Rep. Duane Quam. July 2022

Advantage Magazine | 5

M Meet the Member

MEET THE MEMBER: SARGENT’S ON 2ND There is nothing quite as

revitalizing as surrounding yourself with fresh flowers and plants, and the team at Sargent’s on 2nd knows that well. With an expanded greenhouse, a wide variety of flowers and plants, and even a coffee shop inside, Sargent’s on 2nd offers a wide variety of great options for any gardener.

The COVID pandemic caused an increase in sales for Sargent’s on 2nd, and they are now settling down into more normal business patterns.

Q: Tell us more about Sargent’s on

2nd. What does it offer to the Rochester region? A: Sargent’s is a 4th generation (2nd in Rochester) nursery business with retail stores and landscaping in Rochester. Our stores offer the best quality plants and gardening products with knowledgeable staff, as well as gift items and seasonal holiday decorating greens, trees, and accessories. New this year, Café Aqui opened as a high end coffee shop within Sargent’s on 2nd.

Q: How did it start for Sargent’s on

2nd? A: Sargent’s Nursery started in 1928 in Red Wing, MN. In 1971 Forrest Sargent opened in Rochester near the site of the current Denny’s restaurant north of Miracle Mile. Soon after Sargent’s purchased some land north of Rochester in order to grow our own plants. In the mid 1980’s Sargent’s purchased the land which is now Sargent’s on 2nd, and has made many renovations and improvements in the following years.

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Q: Sargent’s on 2nd became a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in 1976. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: We appreciate the advocacy the Chamber provides to all levels of Government, as well as the team atmosphere provided by linking area businesses.

July 2022

Meet the Member M Q: What is a unique fact

people should know about Sargent’s on 2nd? A: The back portion of our lot was the Rochester Toyota Dealer long ago.

Q: What is the outlook for

your business and industry? A: COVID was a boom for our industry. We are currently settling down into more normal business patterns. Demand remains strong for both our retail and our landscaping products and services.

The knowledgable staff at Sargent’s on 2nd can help with all your landscaping needs.

To learn more about Sargent’s on 2nd, visit them in person at 1811 2ns St. SW in Rochester, MN, or online at www.sargentsgardens.com.

Sargent’s on 2nd recently expanded their greenhouse to provide more options for customers.

July 2022

Advantage Magazine | 7

C Chamber News

hosted by

AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event

Join us for Business after Hours (BAH), a monthly

Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. This month, you are invited to AAA.

Come and connect, expand your network, and build community while enjoying American Waterworks on Thursday, July 21st, from 4:30PM 6:30PM.

Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: AAA Rochester, 1535 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required

Date: Thursday, July 21, 2022 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: American Waterworks, 1307 Valleyhigh Dr. NW, Rochester, MN

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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.

Admission: Free, registration required

July 2022

Chamber News C

CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER!

hosted by Jonathon Krull

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is 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. Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. In August, you are invited to PossAbilities Date: Friday, August 5, 2022 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: PossAbilities, 1808 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required

July 2022

thrilled to introudce the newest addition to the Chamber team!

Jonathon Krull joins the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce as the Public Affairs and Leadership Development Director. Jonathon is a fresh graduate of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota- Winona Campus with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He joins us with over two years of chamber experience, having served as the Government Affairs Intern and Workforce Development Specialist for the Greater Green Bay Chamber. Born and raised in Seymour, Wisconsin, Minnesota has become a second home to Jonathon. In his free time, he enjoys hiking at the nearby state parks, biking and running around Rochester, cheering on Wisconsin’s sports teams, and volunteering in the local community. At the Chamber, Jonathon will serve as the Chamber administrator of the Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) program in addition to promoting advocacy and government relations events, programs, committees, and communications.

Advantage Magazine | 9

THE 2022 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING WAS UN-FORE-GETTABLE! to attend our Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 20th. Each team played a great game, but the Merchants Bank team came out on top and took home the trophy for the 3rd year in a row! We hope to see you all out on the green again next year. Special thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting this event! Over 140 golfers participates in the 2022 Annual Golf Outing.

The 42nd Annual Golf Outing at Willow Creek Golf Course was a hit! Even in the hot weather, community members showed up in force to play a great game of golf. Some hole sponsors had water guns, hoses, and small pools to keep golfers cool. Thank you to all the golfers who braved the heat

Articles THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Title Sponsor:

Eagle Sponsors:

Lunch & Dinner Sponsor:

Cart Sponsor:

Drink Station Sponsor:

Birdie Sponsors:

Hole Sponsors: Altra Federal Credit Union APX Construction Group CLA Custom Alarm DBS Group F & M Community Bank

Haley Comfort Systems KIMT KNXR - MN 97.5 La Crosse Sign Group MetroNet Northwestern Mutual

Driving Range Sponsor:

July 2022

Olmsted Medical Center ONB Bank Premier Bank Rochester Reagan Outdoor Advertising ServiceMaster of Rochester Think Bank

Tee Prize Sponsor:

Labovitz MBA

Advantage Magazine | 11

C Chamber News

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS PARTICIPATE IN LEMONADE DAY! Main Squeeze Sponsor:

ROCHESTER, MN

On June 11th, young entrepreneurs all across the

Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:

Rochester area set-up their lemonade stands to participate in Lemonade Day, a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business - a lemonade stand. This was the first year of Lemonade Day in Rochester, and it was a great success! Over 330 young entrepreneurs registered for Lemonade Day, and over 35 had a branded lemonade stand on June 11th. The Chamber team enjoyed stopping by the lemonade stands in the area and cannot wait to do it again next year.

Lemon Drop Sponsors:

Through the Lemonade Day process, registrants received Lemonade Day curriculum and learned how to develop a business. Participants experienced all the aspects of developing and maintaining a business such as creating a product, establishing a budget, designing a marketing plan, and so much more! Thank you to all our young entrepreneurs and sponsors for making this program possible!

Lemon Drop Sponsor: Wells Fargo

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July 2022

C Community News

LOCAL CANDIDATE FORUMS BEGIN JULY 11 The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce,

League of Women Voters, the Post Bulletin, and the Rochester Public Library are partnering to host a series candidate forums featuring those running for city and county positions in the August 9th primary. These forums can be viewed in person at the Rochester Public Library or online at https://www.youtube.com/user/RochPubLibrary. In-person seating is limited and doors open at 6:00pm. The schedule of the dates and times for each forum can be found on the League of Women Voters website: https://www.lwvrochester.org/

Opportunity to Submit Questions

If you are interested in submitting a question for potential presentation in the upcoming candidate forums, please submit your question at www.surveymonkey.com/r/JSBQ36K. With limited time available, not all questions will be used. If your question is not presented, it will potentially be utilized to refine the questions presented. Please submit your questions for school board candidates by Friday, July 8th at 5:00pm. Questions for city and county candidates should be submitted by Friday, July 15th at 5:00pm.

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July 2022

Community News C

TIPS FOR CREATING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE By Dean Swanson, volunteer Certified SCORE Mentor and former SCORE Chapter Chair, District Director, and Regional Vice President for the North West Region

As the nation’s employers struggle to attract talent and retain valued employees, many companies remain culturally short-sighted. While American businesses are still impacted by The Great Resignation, companies must look beyond merely offering competitive salaries and benefits. Local CEOs struggle with practical steps to get this done. In an employee-dominated marketplace, an inclusive workplace culture greatly influences employee job satisfaction and dedication to their employer. Nellie Akalp, one of SCORE’s several content partners has identified several tips that are applicable to our small businesses. She is a passionate entrepreneur, business expert, professional speaker, author, and mother of four. I share her work on this topic.

and I” in all aspects of the business. But for organizations to succeed, leaders must realize that while there is no “I” in “team,” there is an “I” in “responsibility.” Once your team trusts that you have their best interests at heart, creating an inclusive workplace is easier. To read more, visit SCORE’s website at https://bit.ly/3lC7k6d

In Deloitte’s latest report, “Unleashing the Power of Inclusion,” 80% of surveyed employees say inclusion is essential when choosing an employer, and 39% report they’d consider leaving their current companies to work for more inclusive employers. In addition, creating an inclusive workplace pays off for a growing company. Research shows that companies with inclusive cultures are six times more likely to be innovative, six times more likely to anticipate change and respond effectively, and twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets. As the owner of a growing company, I constantly strive to provide my employees with a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and encourages individuals to be their authentic selves. But to get your people on board, it’s not enough to be a boss—you have to be a leader. And inspire them. How do you do that? Keep the “I” out of Team. We’ve all heard the age-old phrase, “There is no I in team.” As an entrepreneur, it is easy to take a path of “me, myself,

July 2022

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C Community News

RCTC AWARDED HILTON RECIEVES GRANT AWARD Rochester Community and Technical College

Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area has been

RCTC will use the grant funds to support the on-campus food pantry, the Hive Supply. Currently enrolled RCTC students have access to the Hive Supply which is stocked with non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and other items such as toilet paper, laundry soap, pans, and utensils. Students can visit once a week and collect up to ten items per visit at no cost.

The Connie Award is the highest award granted by Hilton Worldwide and showcases the ‘best of the best’ for each brand within the Hilton portfolio. The winner of the Connie Award is selected based on a combined ranking of overall experience and overall service, in addition to quality assurance audits, measuring cleanliness, hotel condition, compliance with brand standards and property accommodations.

(RCTC) was awarded a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist® grant to support students’ basic needs.

RCTC has seen a rapid increase in student use of the Hive Supply over the past year. Each month the College’s Hive Supply continues to set new records for the number of students served. RCTC has been able to reduce the burden of food insecurities for students and their families but needs additional funding to continue. “No one should have to choose between going hungry and going to college. But sadly, 35% of students face that difficult choice. We are so grateful for this Neighborhood Assist grant from State Farm that will ensure our students have regular access to healthy food so they can stay in school, focus on their classes, and get a degree,” stated Kristin Mannix, Advancement Coordinator for the RCTC Foundation. “Thank you to all our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members who voted for the RCTC HIVE Supply as part of the grant process. Your commitment to RCTC will provide a better future for our students and their families.” For more information about supporting RCTC students’ basic needs, contact Kristin Mannix at the RCTC Foundation at foundation@rctc.edu or 507-281-7771.

awarded the prestigious Connie Award by Hilton Worldwide, as part of its 2021 Brand Awards & Recognition program.

The Connie Award embodies founder Conrad Hilton’s dream, of spreading the light and warmth of hospitality. “With many of our hotel guests being here for medical appointments or business travel, it is very important for our team to provide authentic and heartfelt interactions with our guests,” said Miki Radovanovic, General Manager of Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area hotel. “Rochester is a unique community, unlike most destinations. We make it our mission to find thoughtful ways to accommodate our guests. We are honored to receive this award and be recognized for the work that we do and for a spotlight to be shined on the city of Rochester.” Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area will celebrate the award with an event hosted by Avra Hospitality, the hotel’s management company. “Words cannot express how proud I am of the Hilton Rochester team,” said Andy Chafoulias, Chief Executive Officer of Avra Hospitality. “We are grateful for this recognition and are honored to be a part of such an impactful and healing community.” For additional hotel information visit www.rochestermayoclinicarea.hilton.com

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July 2022

Community News C

FIRST RISE FOR YOUTH PROGRAM COHORT BEGINS Mayo Clinic and NAACP Rochester Branch

Over the next four weeks, participants will:

welcomed 40 promising high school and college students to RISE for Youth, on Monday, June 6. This program, which is in its inaugural year, is designed to help Black and underrepresented students find pathways to success in education and employment. RISE stands for Reflect, Inspire, Strengthen and Empower, and is an approach developed by Anjali Bhagra, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

•

“We are excited to get to know our first cohort of scholars,” says Wale Elegbede, president of NAACP Rochester Branch. “They are a group with incredible potential.”

Elegbede. “We believe this kind of investment will have great returns in the lives of our scholars.”

• • •

Learn about various topics, including public speaking, entrepreneurship and leadership development. Learn about job opportunities at Mayo Clinic. Tour area businesses. They also will be matched with a mentor.

“This program is a step toward leveling the playing field for Black and underrepresented students,” says

The RISE for Youth program will provide participants with knowledge and experiences to remove barriers to equity in education and employment. It features a professionally designed curriculum, as well as mentorships and partnerships with area businesses. “We’re incredibly excited about the program we’ve developed for our scholars,” says Dr. Bhagra. “We have created a pathway that will help remove barriers to equity that many of our participants face.”

Need an agent who gets your small business?

The June 6 kickoff event featured remarks from Elegbede and Dr. Bhagra, as well as from public and private leaders. David Jorgenson, Agent 401 16th Avenue NW Suite 105 Rochester, MN 55901 Bus: 507-216-5274 david.jorgenson.vacw9s@statefarm.com Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm

I understand the unique needs of small business owners, because I run a small business too. Contact me today for your small business insurance.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

Let’s talk today.

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX 2101257

July 2022

Advantage Magazine | 17

C Calendar of Events

CALENDAR of EVENTS

JULY

AUGUST

Date: Thursday, August 25 Time: 9:45am-11:00am Location: 30 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

AM Espresso - AAA

AM Espresso PossAbilities

Date: Thursday, July 14 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 1535 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Friday, August 5 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 1808 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Women’s Roundtable

Businesss After Hours Premier Bank Block Party

Hospitality 1st Roundtable

Chamber Weekend Kickoff

Date: Friday, August 26 Time: 11:30am-1:00pm Location: 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Friday, July 15 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 220 S Broadway Ave. Suite 100, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Tuesday, August 16 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 421 1st Ave. SW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Business Development Exchange (BDX)

Date: Wednesday, July 20 Time: 8:30am-10:00am Location: 210 Woodlake Dr. SE, Rochester, MN Free for members, $10 GA

Date: Friday, August 19 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 220 S Broadway Ave. Suite 100, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Thursday, September 15 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 30 3rd St. SE, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Businesss After Hours American Waterworks

Date: Thursday, July 21 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 1307 Valleyhigh Dr. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

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Women’s Roundtable

WE Forum -Emotional Intelligence

Date: Thursday, August 25 Time: 8:00am-9:00am Location: 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

SEPTEMBER 15 Businesss After Hours - ISG

Women’s Roundtable

Date: Friday, September 16 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 220 S Broadway Ave. Suite 100, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

July 2022

Newsreel N

NEWSREEL Updates from the Chamber member community. Masters Joins RSP Architects

Katie Lund Recieves Promotion

Cindy Harrison Promoted

New President/ Executive Director

RSP Architects is excited to announce that Adam Masters recently joined our firm as Senior Project Architect. Adam brings over 10 years of design, creative problem solving and project management experience to RSP. His strong design and planning capabilities, paired with a dedication for client service, perfectly complement our growing team.

Katie Lund has been promoted to Commercial Banker at Merchants Bank. Katie has been with Merchants for over 10 years, most recently as a Mortgage Lender from 2016-2022. She is looking forward to serving businesses as a trusted advisor. Reach Katie and the Rochester team at merchantsbank. com/rochesternw.

Cindy Harrison is now Chief Credit Officer for Merchants Bank, She joins the Company’s Executive Leadership Team and oversees all credit operations. Cindy is committed to continuing Merchants’ strong credit culture, a key benefit for businesses and families looking for a strong financial partner. Learn more at merchantsbank.com.

Pat Heydon, previously Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Steele/Waseca, brings her years of nonprofit experience and leadership to Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity. As the new President/ Executive Director, Heydon looks forward to serving the families in SE Minnesota in need of affordable housing and home repairs.

New Emergency Management Director

New Hires at Kraus-Anderson

New Executive Director at C2C

The City of Rochester is pleased to announce the selection of Kyle Mirehouse as the new Emergency Management Director. This concludes the national search that occurred following the retirement of Ken Jones, who previously served in the role. Mirehouse brings extensive experience to the role

Mike Stafford (left) worked for Knutson Construction Services in Rochester for 15 years, most recently as a project manager. He also worked for Schwab Construction in Winona, where he was an estimator. Michael Hayes (right) previously was a project coordinator at Wenger Corporation in Owatonna and a project superintendent at Fendler Patterson Construction in Savage.

Brock Erickson (left) served as a project manager for Knutson Construction in Rochester. He earned a B.S. in Construction from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Emily Taylor (right) was a title support specialist at Closing USA, LLC. She received a B.A. in Individualized Studies from Winona State University.

Cradle 2 Career (C2C) is excited to announce Julie Ruzek has accepted the role of C2C Executive Director. Julie has been engaged with Cradle 2 Career since its inception, both by supporting the work of the High School Graduation Network through facilitation of data pulls and the genesis of an integrated database system.

July 2022

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R Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings

Congratulations to the following members on their successful Ribbon Cuttings!

Stinson Services

Prinvest Advisors

821 3rd Ave. SE, Suite 105, Rochester, MN www.stinsonservices.com

2774 Commerce Dr. NW, Suite A, Rochester, MN www.prinvestadvisors.com

MOKA - Peace Plaza

Thrive Outside Winter Activities Trailer

18 1st St. NW, Rochester, MN www.mymokacoffee.com

www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/ parks-and-recreation

Country Boom

Cafe Aqui

P.O. Box 1942, La Crosse, WI www.countryboom.com

1811 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN www.aqui.coffee

Stinson Services celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting on May 17th. Project Manager, Aaron Martin, cut the ribbon.

MOKA - Peace Plaza celebrated their Grand Re-Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on May 18th. General Manager, Kirsten Rueb, cut the ribbon.

Country Boom celebrated their new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on June 3rd. Jon Holthaus cut the ribbon.

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Prinvest Advisors celebrated their new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on May 18th. Wealth Advisor, Ben Farrell, cut the ribbon.

The 2022 LGR class celebrated the Grand Opening of their CIP Project, Thrive Outside Winter Activitie Trailer, with a ribbon cutting on May 21st. Mayor Kim Norton cut the ribbon.

Cafe Aqui celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on June 7th. Owner, Michelle Fagan. cut the ribbon.

July 2022

Welcome W

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER! Introducing our newest members. LC’s Venue

D-BAT Rochester

Centered Hypnotherapy

Foot Care Professionals LLC

Eastwood Grill

John Buckingham Home Team - Keller Williams

Cassie Fenstra (507) 254-4711 310 Broadway Ave. S, Rochester, MN www.lcsvenue.com

Adam Lien (507) 696-2686 3921 15th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN www.CenteredHypnotherapy.com

David Nogosek (507) 282-1631 3505 Eastwood Rd. SE, Rochester, MN www.facebook.com/Eastwood-BarGrill-461370747652731/

Luke Kroeplin (507) 722-2042 4430 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN www.dbatrochester.com

Sheila Buehler APRN, CNP, CFCS (507) 269-7827 125 Elton Hills Dr. NW, Suite 112, Rochester, MN www.footcaremn.com

John Buckingham (507) 226-8282 2765 Commerce Dr. NW, Rochester, MN www.buckinghamteam.com

Rentex Rentals

Herr Branding Company

Cheeky Monkey Studio

Sekapp Orchard

Cafe Aqui

Healent Acupuncture

Isaac Johnson (507) 292-8794 612 11th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN www.rentexrentals.com

Cara Carisch (507) 272-4575 Rochester, MN www.cheekymonkeystudio.com

Michelle Fagan (507) 884-8376 1811 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN www.aqui.coffee

Samantha Herr (507) 722-2480 3562 6th St. NW, Rochester, MN www.herrbrandingco.com

Fred Kappauf (507) 282-4544 3415 Collegeview Rd. E, Rochester, MN www.sekapporchard.com

Seth Woodson (507) 533-3559 2660 Superior Dr. NW, Suite 103, Rochester, MN www.healentacupuncture.com

Do you know of a business that has recently opened in Rochester? Are you connected to a business-owner looking to expand their network? Then a Chamber membership is right for them! Please contact chamber@rochestermnchamber.com with any referrals.

July 2022

Advantage Magazine | 21

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220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 507-288-1122 www.RochesterMNChamber.com

Rochester, MN

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