ROCH ESTER
May 2022
A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication
back in session a unique time for higher education
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MEET THE MEMBER Rochester Farmers Market
2022 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING See you on the green at our Annual Golf Outing!
LEMONADE DAY Register your young entrepreneur!
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YEARS OF SIGNAGE
CONSULT
Our mission is to help companies make an extraordinary first impression. This mission, paired with our expertise in custom fabrication and design, fuel our cause of helping our communities and local businesses succeed.
Learn more at LaCrosseSign.com or (608) 781-1450
SER VICING THE TRI-STATE AREA
DESIGN
FABRICATE
INSTALL
First Impressions Are Impor tant, Have La Crosse Sign Group Create Yours.
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Feature Back in Session: A Unique Time for Higher Education
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Meet the Member
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Chamber News
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Community News
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Newsreel
Rochester Farmers Market
May 2022
What’s Inside
Cover Photo Credit: Mayo Clinic Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com
Advantage Information and Questions: Katie Becker kbecker@RochesterMNChamber.com
At TSP, we believe in that little extra something. We understand the power of details and strive for the unexpected surprise. Our team of architects, engineers, planners, and interior designers work alongside our clients to create some of the area’s most innovative solutions.
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
Sarah Miller
White Space, LLC
Teresa Czaplewski
Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home
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
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BACK IN SESSION: A UNIQUE TIME FOR HIGHER EDUCATION By Maura Keller
Walk through college Photo Credit: Winona State University - Rochester campuses in the Rochester area and you’re bound to see students sitting side-by-side in classrooms or studying on blankets spread under the springtime sun. Others may be enjoying a casual game of basketball or sharing a meal together in the dining hall. A year ago, this same walk would have looked vastly different Winona State University - Rochester found – with few students on that mental health services were essential campus, and those that to supporting students and employees were, donning masks during the pandemic. and socially distancing. In the face of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the face of higher education changed dramatically as Although we were still impacted by COVID earlier schools shifted to online learning, and students and this year in terms of masks and distancing, students professors had to alter the entire college were excited to again interact face-to-face in the experience. So how have higher education classroom. institutions in the Rochester area faired during the pandemic, and what does the future hold? That said, students, faculty, and staff also were negatively impacted by death or long-COVID According to Jeanine Gangeness, Ph.D., Associate challenges of friends and family members, as well as Vice President – Rochester, Academic Affairs Dean other issues. “As a result, mental health and wellness for the School of Graduate Studies at Winona State support services have been essential to supporting University (WSU), the COVID pandemic reinforced students and employees at Winona State University,” what we knew already: Good teaching is good Gangeness says. teaching. The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, “It doesn’t matter whether teaching is delivered under the leadership of Fredric Meyer, M.D., Waugh online, in-person, or a combination, it’s the quality of Executive Dean of Education, mobilized remote the instruction that matters. What impacted faculty learning modules to sustain excellence in learning and students when COVID hit wasn’t moving at all five schools at the onset of the pandemic. The instruction online, it was moving instruction online college pivoted rapidly to ensure uninterrupted quickly,” Gangeness says. “Higher education didn’t enrollment and matriculation. have enough time to prepare properly. What was done during the early days of COVID should not Specifically, the college converted more than 400 be considered ‘online instruction’ but ‘emergency courses online and activated a hybrid learning remote instruction.’” module within six weeks to enable students and learners to graduate on time. As the pandemic
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F Feature Students and faculty had to adapt to new ways to learn and teach at Rochester Community and Technical during the height of the pandemic.
learning prior to the pandemic. We are unique in the sense that Mayo Clinic is our campus and our classroom. Most of the hands-on activities that are essential to health care professions, things like providing patient care and using the specialized equipment on campus, require students to be in person. This was critical for students to experience as they are training to be the health care workforce of the future. It was important that we teach them how to safely work in the hospital and clinical environments, rather than shield them from it.” In Spring 2020, when many colleges and businesses migrated to remote learning and working, Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) kept its doors open with three priorities in mind: Ensure a healthy and safe environment to learn and work; provide instruction and support for students to finish the semester; and keep the campus open to provide essential services for faculty and students. “Students were impacted, but every effort was made to minimize that impact, and their response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Jeffery Boyd, RCTC President, “Just as our faculty and staff had to learn new ways to teach and work, our students were just as dedicated to learning new ways to learn, complete their assignments and finish their degrees.”
Photo Credit: Rochester Community & Technical College
continued, the college instituted remote recruitment for uninterrupted enrollment and matriculation. Telemedicine curriculum used remote diagnostics and monitoring became standard in all schools. Mayo Clinic School of Professional Development also converted to all virtual sessions and produced COVID-19 educational content to meet the needs of its own staff and medical professionals globally. As Troy Tynsky, Administrator of Operations, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science explains, “the students have really been amazing and have shown a lot of determination throughout the pandemic. Many of our programs were already heavily using blended learning and flipped classroom models of
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Boyd also doesn’t believe the biggest impact for RCTC’s students the past two years has been from shifting from in-person to online learning, but it has been experiencing heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and dealing with unexpected financial burdens and other basic need challenges, such as inadequate housing and food insecurities. “Through our partnership with Zumbro Valley Health Center, a licensed mental health therapist is available to our students on campus to help them deal with the many unknowns in this world,” Boyd says. In addition, the RCTC Foundation has a student emergency account established called the Yellowjacket Emergency Support (YES) Fund where students needing some financial assistance can go to help pay for rent, utilities, or other expenses. Students also have free access to an on-campus food pantry, of which anyone can donate non-perishable food and personal hygiene items directly to the pantry or make a monetary donation through the RCTC Foundation.
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Faculty Response
Minnesota – Rochester is not surprised that from the first moment of the move to remote learning in March 2020, UMR faculty have been extraordinary, even heroic, in their efforts to support their students.
“Their willingness to be flexible and compassionate during what can only be described as a stressful time was beyond what any president could hope for,” Boyd says. “When the pandemic first hit Minnesota, our faculty and the academic affairs leadership worked together to convert 93% of our face-to-face instruction to online in a short period.” Some faculty had to learn new technologies with little time for training. Others had to change how they taught to ensure students would continue to learn the subject matters, even if it was through an unfamiliar format.
“What an incredible challenge to dramatically revise active learning lesson plans for multiple scenarios and stages of this unpredictable pandemic – unsure if a particular class session would be delivered in-person, remotely, or hybrid,” Carrell says. “Chemistry labs and community engagement courses held special challenges – and our creative faculty found ways to adjust - with at-home lab kits and new ways of engaging with community organizations that were also impacted by the pandemic. One team of faculty designed a new curricular sequence focused on solving problems in the healthcare industry, reporting that the design process fueled their energy in an otherwise difficult time.”
Boyd at RCTC uses one word to describe the faculty’s response to the pandemic’s impact on the learning environment, “Incredible.”
“And our staff worked just as diligently to ensure the support services were also there for our students, whether that meant helping them determine their class schedules over a virtual meeting or delivering food to students at their homes,” Boyd says.
Lessons Learned
Gangeness stresses that through this pandemic we In the early days of the pandemic, the faculty at have learned that we can leave the classroom and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences also worked move online without bringing the education process tirelessly to make sure that the things they were to a halt. used to doing in person were adapted to the virtual world. “When a lot of employees were sent home “As a system, higher education was initially and patient appointments were decreased to unprepared to make this transition. However, we prepare for the surges of patients with COVID-19, succeeded through local efforts. Winona State the faculty were at their busiest figuring out how to instructors were able to pivot quickly because of the keep the education programs going, how to meet support received prior to and during the the learning objectives in new ways, and how to keep During the pandemic, faculty at the Mayo our students on-track for Clinic College of Science and Medicine graduation and worked to make sure that in-person courses employment,” Tynsky says. “I were well adapted for the virtual world. hold their efforts in the same high esteem as those of the heroic men and women who cared for patients throughout the darkest days of the pandemic.” Like its counterparts, University of Minnesota – Rochester is a very student-focused campus. As such, Dr. Lori Carrell, Chancellor at University of
May 2022
Photo Credit: Mayo Clinic
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F Feature pandemic,” Gangeness says. “WSU gained a new appreciation for the time we spend together face-to-face and how to use that time most effectively. Students congregating in classrooms listening to a lecture is traditional, which we found can be done just as effectively online. We learned that when face-to-face, we should take into consideration the advantages of this learning style to make the most of our time together.”
Photo Credit: University of Minnesota - Rochester
For the Mayo Clinic, the pandemic accelerated its path toward a model of education that is more digital, student-centric and responsive. Several faculty members shared specific examples of learning activities that turned out even better in the virtual delivery model. And, it wasn’t only in the curriculum, Mayo also found positive outcomes in areas such as its admission processes and in recruitment. “Working virtually provided equity and expanded our reach in ways that we hadn’t expected,” Tynsky says. “Having the hands-on experiences should always be an essential aspect of teaching and learning in the kind of clinical education we do, but the pandemic taught us that we can do more virtually than we previously thought.” And Dr. Carrell at UMR has learned that students coming of age in this time of multiple disruptions have a unique perspective to share and a deepened commitment to learning and leadership. “Over the coming years, we will witness a generation of difference-makers, solving problems related to the planet, to justice, and to health – contributing to their communities and leading us forward. At UMR specifically, we are thrilled to have grown enrollment 13% from fall 2019 to fall 2021 – noting that these are students still passionate to make a difference in the world through a career in health, in spite of the challenges they have witnessed among current healthcare professionals,” Dr. Carrell says. “Higher education is notoriously slow to change, but we’ve now demonstrated to ourselves that we are more adaptable and agile than we knew.”
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University of Minnesota - Rochester designed a new student engagement platform and a new fast track into careers during the pandemic.
Partners in Progress
The Rochester area business community and higher education partnerships have grown in the last few years, and the pandemic only slightly altered these partnerships. For example, WSU has been actively working with their Rochester partners throughout the past two years (actually 100+ years) in three key areas including the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing Education program with Mayo Clinic; the Multicultural Education Certificate with multiple organizations in Rochester; and mental health first aid course, which is part of a suite of internationally acclaimed and evidence-based, accredited training programs that empower and equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence
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Feature F needed to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis such as being suicidal. There’s also a lot of discussion going on between education programs and employers about how to solve today’s acute staffing shortages. “The shortage of healthcare workers has been one of the ongoing challenges through the pandemic, and what we’ve seen in education is a need to rapidly expand our enrollment, so we’re providing more well-prepared graduates into the health care system,” says Melissa Majerus, Ph.D., Director of Student Development, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. “This is true for all levels of jobs, from entry-level professions like phlebotomists and pharmacy technicians, to respiratory therapists and our advanced practice providers like nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates. Mayo Clinic has recently announced the opening of an Office for Academic Partnerships. This office, a collaboration between the Education and Research Shields and Human Resources, will be looking to develop very formal, documented and measured partnerships with key academic partners. These partnerships will provide exchange experiences for both learners and faculty as well as potential research collaborations and intentional talent pathway building.
Photo Credit: Winona State University - Rochester
May 2022
At UMR specifically, they have used the lessons learned in this disruptive period to design a new student engagement platform with Google Cloud and a new accelerated yet experiential approach to college education – a fast track into careers in the business and leadership of healthcare. This NXT GEN program offers a low cost, world-class college degree for students whose ambition to move forward to career launch just can’t wait. “We’re looking for trailblazers who are ready to get started in August of 2022, with paid internships, scholarships, small classes, a success coach and career opportunities,” Dr. Carrell says. “With the many societal needs competing for state funding and increasing workforce shortages, public higher education will become more and more interdependent with our values-aligned partners.” UMR’s partnership with Mayo Clinic has continued to expand in the last year, with the development of new NXT GEN internships in progress. “One of the most important endeavors in the pandemic period was a deep dive qualitative study into the specific competencies that Mayo Clinic hiring managers seek in non-patient care roles,” Dr. Carrell says. “We’re ensuring that NXT GEN students develop those competencies and can showcase that career-connected learning for future employers.”
There has been a lot of discussion between education programs and employers about how to solve today’s acute staffing shortages.
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M Meet the Member
MEET THE MEMBER: ROCHESTER FARMERS MARKET Farmers markets are an
important aspect to any community, as they provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products and help meet the demand for locally sourced food. The Rochester Farmers Market has been vital in strengthening the ties between local farms and the community since the market began in 1985. Market Manager, Abby Shepler, was able to provide us with some more information about the Rochester Farmers Market.
Q: Tell us more about the
Market Manager, Abby Shepler (center) at the Chamber ribbon cutting to celebrate the Rochester Farmers Market.
Rochester Farmers Market. What does it offer to the Rochester region? A: The Rochester Farmers Market is a year-round growers market that operates Saturdays from 7:30 am – 12 pm at Graham Park. We support sustainable agriculture and the family farm by sponsoring a market to provide farmers with a well-organized retail marketplace, providing local access to quality farm products, and strengthening the ties between the family farm and the community. We are more than just a market! In partnership with 125 Live, we offer FREE community exercise classes at the market every Saturday morning from 8 am – 9 am followed by live, local music from 9 am – 12 pm. Saturday mornings at the farmers market are wonderful opportunities for quality time with friends and families. Wagons packed with kids, berries, and fresh corn is a common sight. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to get updates on our weekly events, chef demos, and our exercise classes and musicians!
Q: How did it start for the Rochester Farmers Market? A: Our market officially started in 1985 with just a handful of vendors selling locally grown produce. As
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the years have gone by, the market has continued to outgrow location after location to where we are today at Graham Park. In the very beginning (before certain food safety codes became a thing) the vendors would cook up eggs, sausage, and pancakes at the market and give it out for free to customers as a way to entice people to come down to the market!
Q: The Rochester Farmers Market became a
member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in March of 2021. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: Joining the Chamber has been extremely valuable for us! Our ribbon cutting ceremony was well planned and executed with great attendance from the Chamber Ambassadors. Brent was very communicative and fun to work with on planning the event. It was a nice touch to have a photographer there as well to capture the moment, which we were too busy to do. We had over a thousand visitors that day, and I believe that the ribbon cutting and support from the Chamber
May 2022
Meet the Member M helped with the huge success we had that day! I also love being able to attend the various networking events that the Chamber puts on. We are always actively searching for business partnerships to help support our programming, and it helps to have a resource like the Chamber to help initiate opportunities for me to connect with potential sponsors.
Q: What is a unique fact people should know about
the Rochester Farmers Market? A: The Power of Produce (PoP) program is a farmers market initiative that promotes healthy eating and local agriculture for young people by empowering them to choose their own fresh produce. All kids 4-12 years-of-age are eligible to receive $2 in tokens each week to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the farmers market. The PoP program connects all ages to local agriculture, gets them excited about produce, and transforms the farmers market into a family affair. You can be a Power of Produce (PoP) sponsor! We are looking for community members to help strengthen and build our PoP Club program. Email rochfarmmkt@gmail.com or call 507-273-8232 for more information!
Q: What is the outlook for your business and
industry? A: Minnesota now has over 350 farmers markets, with even more starting up in 2022! Certainly some of this growth is attached to the food shortages that COVID-19 highlighted in long-supply food chains. Many Minnesota farmers markets, with our short-supply chain (farmer directly to customer), actually saw growth in 2020 and 2021. This year alone we had over 120 applications to sell at the market. As Minnesota’s farmers market community continues to grow, we see more Minnesotans starting small farms and food businesses than ever before. Key word, small. Farmers markets are known as small food business incubators with our low entry cost to get into sales and test new products, so we’re a great stepping stone for people looking to start food businesses that are still in the early stages. It’s very exciting and rewarding to be able to help support these budding businesses while keeping it all local. The Rochester Farmers Market takes place on Saturday’s from 7:30am-12:00pm at Graham Park in Rochester, MN.
The Rochester Farmers Market provides small, local farms with an opportunity to sell their locally grown produce.
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C Chamber News
hosted by
hosted by
Join us for Business after Hours (BAH), a monthly
AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event
Come and connect, expand your network, and build community while enjoying Haley Comfort Systems on Thursday, May 19, from 4:30PM - 6:30PM.
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 Home Federal Savings Bank.
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.
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Haley Comfort Systems, 3708 N Broadway Ave., Suite 150, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
Register here: https://bit.ly/37i1lOZ
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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.
Date: Friday, June 3, 2022 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Home Federal Savings Bank, 2048 Superior Dr. NW, Suite 400, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
Register here: https://bit.ly/3t2xulZ
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Chamber News C
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE (BDX): SOCIAL MEDIA Series Sponsors:
Are you looking to boost your social media marketing content? Join the Rochester Chamber, Curve, and SCHEELS at the Jeremiah Program to learn more about why social media marketing is important and new ways you can generate more traffic with different social media platforms. Snacks, beverages, and door prizes will be provided. Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm Location: Jeremiah Program Rochester, 2915 Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN Admission: Free for members Agenda: What social media is and why it’s important • Megan Poczos, Sales and Account Executive, Curve • Dina Abo Sheasha, Owner, Curve Use of social media platforms and best practices • Ally Goltz, Social Media Marketing Specialist, SCHEELS Q&A Door Prizes Register here: https://bit.ly/3vmbXWI
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LETS PAR-TEE AT THE 2022 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING! Sheehan at asheehan@RochesterMNChamber.com to be placed on the waitlist or to inquire about sponsorships. We are thrilled that Knutson Construction is now the Title Sponsor for our 2022 Golf Outing! The 2022 Annual Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 20th at Willow Creek Golf Course.
The 42nd Annual Chamber Golf Outing will take
place on Monday, June 20th at the beautiful Willow Creek Golf Course! The day will be filled with great networking, good food and exciting golf. The team with the lowest score will be awarded the President’s Cup. We are currently sold out of teams, but please call (507) 424-5687 or contact Ally
Date: Monday, June 20, 2022 Time: 9:30am-7:00pm Location: Willow Creek Golf Course, 1700 48th St. SW, Rochester, MN Agenda: Registration: 9:30 - 11:00AM Shotgun Start: 11:00AM Dinner & Awards: 5:00PM-7:00PM
While teams are currently sold out, we do have a waitlist and a few sponsorship opportunities still available!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
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Title Sponsor:
Eagle Sponsors:
Lunch & Dinner Sponsor:
Cart Sponsor:
Birdie Sponsors:
Drink Station Sponsor:
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
Olmsted Medical Center ONB Bank Premier Bank Rochester Reagan Outdoor Advertising ServiceMaster of Rochester Think Bank
Driving Range Sponsor:
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C Chamber News
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LGR CLASS OF 2021-2022! Presenting Sponsor:
The 2021-2022 LGR class will graduate from the program on May 17, 2022.
After 10 months in the Leadership Greater
Graduation Sponsor:
Rochester (LGR) program, the LGR class of 2021-2022 will be graduating from the program on May 17, 2022, and will join the over 950 current LGR alumni. This year’s LGR class experienced a wide variety of informing sessions ranging from economic development and the local arts scene, to workforce development and building a sustainable community. The LGR class also worked on their Community Impact Project. Through enriching conversations, behind-the-scenes tours, and work on the Community Impact Project, the LGR experience builds lifelong relationships and provides opportunities for business and community leaders to shape and contribute to the fabric of the greater Rochester area. We look forward to seeing what all these amazing leaders go on to accomplish! Congratulations to the LGR class of 2021-2022! To view the full class roster, please visit www.rochestermnchamber.com/leadership-greater-rochester
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Program Supporter Sponsor:
Scholarship Sponsor:
Refreshment Sponsor:
May 2022
C Chamber News
SQUEEZE THE DAY - REGISTER FOR LEMONADE DAY! Main Squeeze Sponsor:
ROCHESTER, MN
Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning
Fresh Squeeze Sponsors:
program that teaches local youth entrepreneurial and life skills as they learn how to start their very own business. Learn how to develop a business and experience 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! Each child that registers receives access to the Lemonade Day curriculum that teaches them lessons like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community. Along the way, they acquire skills in goal-setting, problem solving, and gain self-esteem critical for future success. They keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some.
Lemon Drop Sponsors:
Date: Saturday, June 11, 2022 Location: Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
Register here: lemonadeday.org/rochester-mn Lemon Drop Sponsor: Wells Fargo
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May 2022
Community News C
SMMPA EARNS MINNESOTA SAFETY COUNCIL GOVERNOR’S SAFETY AWARD The Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) will be recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2022 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference, May 3-4. SMMPA is one of 191 employers to be honored through the awards program. This is the fourth consecutive year that SMMPA has received the Governor’s Safety Award.
Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers with exceptional safety performance. Applicants are judged on several years of injury data as it compares with their industry’s national statistics, and on their progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program.
“We place a high priority on ensuring that our entire team returns home safe and healthy at the end of each workday,” said SMMPA Chief Executive Officer Dave Geschwind. “We are honored to join like-minded employers around the state in being recognized for our efforts to foster a safety-oriented work culture.”
Meetings made easy...
210 Wood Lake Drive SE Rochester, Minnesota 507-281-6699 www.woodlakemeetingcenter.com
May 2022
Ideal for professional meetings, trainings, and events with flexible catering, technology tools and support, ample free parking, and world-class customer service. Advantage Magazine | 19
C Community News
WOMEN CEO’S SHARE CHALLENGES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM By Dean Swanson, volunteer Certified SCORE Mentor and former SCORE Chapter Chair, District Director, and Regional Vice President for the North West Region
In my recent business column, I urged more
women to consider the opportunities of starting your own business. Now I want to share what women CEOs have identified as some of their most prominent challenges that they have faced, and how they overcame them as reported by Brett Farmiloe, one of SCORE’s content partners. He is also the Founder & CEO of Markitors, a digital marketing company that connects small businesses to customers through organic search. He enjoys converting insights from small business owners into high-quality articles for brands. To help women entrepreneurs and small business owners overcome their challenges, he asked founders and CEOs this question for their best advice. Here are some of what he found out. Finding the Right Network Audrey Hutnick, Smallwave Marketing shared this. After hundreds of hours spent at various networking groups, I struggled as a woman to find a community where I felt I truly belonged. Time and again, I was told that I was too young and inexperienced or looked down upon because I was a woman networking in an older man’s world. This challenge disappeared as soon as I found a group called Women Belong. Even the name told me I was in the right place. As soon as I tapped into a community with other strong and empowered female leaders, I knew I was in the right place! Perfectionism Beryl Krinsky, B.Komplet reported this. When I started B.Komplete, I was the one doing just about all of the content development, programming, and more. There would be times when I would work on one PowerPoint slide for hours until I realized that no one besides me would notice if the font were “exactly” the proper size or if the shade of the background was a little too bright. When I let go of
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the idea of perfectionism, I gained massive productivity and business growth. Perfect is boring! And one of my mantras now is, “good enough, move on.” Achieving a Work-life Balance Alisha Taylor, Alisha Taylor Interiors responded. As business leaders, it is often difficult to have a work-life balance. With the added responsibilities of being a wife, mom, and caregiver to our families, there is never enough time in the day. When it comes to business, you have to show up and do your best work every day and support your team in the process. Each day there is so much responsibility on our shoulders that we can’t take for granted. While these roles and responsibilities are a blessing, they ultimately challenge our ability to find and maintain a work-life balance. To read more, visit SCORE’s website at https://bit.ly/3lC7k6d
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Community News C
ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RECEIVES AWARD federal, state, and local partnership. We successfully completed Phase 1 of the Runway 2/20 project on-time and under budget with the help of our valued partners Mead & Hunt, Inc., Hoffman Construction Company and support from the city and our local and state legislators,” said Reed.
Project leaders, including RST Executive Director John Reed, along with Rochester Mayor Kim Norton accepted the award.
The total cost of the Runway 2/20 project is $79.2 million. Phase 1 of Runway 2/20 project was complete in November of 2021. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3OIPr1I
The Minnesota Council of Airports (MCOA)
awarded Rochester International Airport (RST) their prestigious “Project of the Year” award during its annual Minnesota Airport Conference held April 6-8 at the Mayo Civic Center. Selecting from a record number of airport nominations from across the state MCOA recognized RST, project consultant Mead & Hunt, Inc., and contractor Hoffman Construction Company for Phase 1 construction on a multi-year, multi-phase runway improvement and reconstruction project of Runway 2/20. The award honors the significant time and investment to airport operations that result in improved airport efficiency, safety, or facility enhancement to further the growth and development of aviation in Minnesota. “Runway reconstruction projects are complicated endeavors that require hard work of staff and partners with a strong commitment to safety and coordination. We are honored to receive recognition for the first phase of the project and our efforts that support our critical users: the airlines, air cargo and Mayo Medical Transport,” said John Reed, Executive Director. “The Runway 2/20 project is a large-scaled collaborative effort that involves
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N Newsreel
NEWSREEL Updates from the Chamber member community. Nessler Named Executive Director
Next Director of PRL for Olmsted County
New Hires at RSP Architects
Breaker Joins Family Service Rochester
The Board of Directors of SPARK is pleased to announce Heather Nessler has been named as the organization’s new Executive Director effective April 18th. Heather joins the team at SPARK with an extensive background in leadership, marketing and communications.
Mary Blair-Hoeft will became Olmsted County’s next Director of Property Records and Licensing (PRL) effective April 25, 2022. Blair-Hoeft will have the opportunity to train under current Olmsted County PRL Director Mark Krupski until his retirement on May 31, 2022.
We are pleased to announce that Emily Paetzel (left) and Matti Gjovig (right) have recently joined the RSP Architects Rochester office. In her role as job captain, Emily will work on projects within the healthcare and life sciences sector.
Justin Breaker joins Family Service Rochester as Child Welfare Program Supervisor. Justin has a bachelors in social work from Winona State University, a MBA from Augsburg, and years of experience in child protection and counseling.
Majors Named Deputy Commissioner
New Staff Welcomed at RST
Gronholz Receives Promotion
New Merchants Bank President Announced
Following an extensive search, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced Marc Majors as its new Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development. Majors was selected to fill the position vacated by Hamse Warfa’s departure.
The Rochester International Airport (RST) has named Laura Archbold (left) as the airport’s new Communications Manager and Benjamin Watkins (right), as Parking Manager.
Holly Gronholz has been promoted to Mortgage Lender at Merchants Bank. With Merchants since 2007, she is looking forward to serving customers in a new way, helping them fulfill their home dreams. Holly is located at the Bank’s Rochester-Northwest office. Get to know Holly at merchantsbank.com/ hgronholz.
Jarett Jones is now President for Merchants Bank, overseeing the Bank’s two locations in Rochester. In addition to his leadership role, he will continue to serve as a Commercial Banker for business clients putting his 20 years of banking experience to work for them. Reach Jarett and the Rochester team at merchantsbank.com/ rochesternw.
22 | Advantage Magazine
May 2022
Event Lineup E
EVENT LINEUP MAY 6
MAY 17
AM Espresso - Southeast Service Cooperative
Leadership Greater Rochester Graduation
Date: Friday, May 6, 2022
Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Southeast Service Cooperative, 210
Location: TBD
Woodlake Dr. SE, Rochester, MN
Invite only
FREE - Registration required
MAY 19
MAY 19
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
Business After Hours - Haley Comfort Systems
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
Location: Cascade Meadows, Saint
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Mary’s University - Rochester Campus, Meeting
Location: Haley Comfort Systems, 3708 N Broadway
Room 102, 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN
Ave., Suite 150, Rochester, MN
FREE - Registration required
FREE - Registration required
WE Forum
MAY 20
Women’s Roundtable
MAY 25
Date: Friday, May 20, 2022
Business Development Exchange (BDX)
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Location: Rochester Area Chamber
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
of Commerce Conference Room, 220 S Broadway
Location: Jeremiah Program Rochester, 2915
Ave., Ste 100, Rochester, MN or Virtual Zoom
Jeremiah Lane NW, Rochester, MN
FREE - Registration required
FREE - Registration required
May 2022
Advantage Magazine | 23
R Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to the following members on their successful Ribbon Cuttings!
Castle Realty of Rochester
Wedding Day Diamonds
200 N Main St., Stewartville, MN www.onlinecastles.com/rochester/
815 Apache Lane SW, Suite 110, Rochester, MN www.weddingdaydiamonds.com
Chip Shots
Rochester Elks Lodge #1091
3708 N Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN www.chipshots.us
1654 Hwy 52 N, Rochester, MN www.rochesterelks.org
Castle Realty of Rochester celebrated their new location and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on March 25th. Realtor, Eva Hygrell cut the ribbon.
Chip Shots celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on April 4th. Owner, Ryan Utterback, cut the ribbon.
Wedding Day Diamonds celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on March 29th. Owner, Sean Nasifoglu, cut the ribbon.
Rochester Elks Lodge #1091 celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on April 27th.
Hope Central by Texteijl
Hope Central by Texteijl celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on April 29th. Owner David Van Eijl and Co-Owner Aikong See cut the ribbon. 415 Broadway Ave. S, Rochester, MN www.texteijl.com
24 | Advantage Magazine
May 2022
Committed to local, community leadership. Congratulations, Jarett Jones, on being named President for Merchants Bank in Rochester.
We’re proud to share that Jarett was promoted to President and will now oversee Merchants’ two locations in Rochester. He will also continue to serve as a Commercial Banker and put his 20 years of banking experience to work for business clients.
I’m looking forward to continuing to build relationships with my customers and be a proactive advisor working toward their success together, while also having the opportunity to mentor those on our Rochester team. - Jarett Jones
Jarett Jones President (507) 535-1542 jejones@merchantsbank.com 3586 55th Street NW, Rochester
Put my experience to work for your business - call or stop in anytime. Member FDIC
W Welcome
WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER! Introducing our newest members. Chapter Aesthetic Studio
New Spin Bicycle Shop
Attain Chiropractic& Wellness
Real Deals
Mezza9 Cafe & Bakery
FASTSIGNS Rochester, MN
Hope Central by Texteijl
Slain Coaching LLC
Gray Duck Entertainment LLC
Nautical Bowls
Alyse Tiedeman (507) 226-9065 815 Apache Lane SW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN www.mychapter.com
Dr. Danielle Priestley (507) 405-0965 84 Grande Valley Ave. SW, Unit 262, Rochester, MN www.attainchiropracticandwellness.com
Sammi Loo (507) 261-2612 20 3rd St. SW, Rochester, MN /www.mezza9cafebakery.com
Aikong See (507) 358-8319 415 Broadway Ave. S, Suite 101, Rochester, MN www.texteijl.com
Andrew Smith (507) 322-5465 619 6th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN www.grayducktheater.com
Nate Nordstrom (507) 322-6999 5335 E Frontage Road, Rochester, MN www.newspinshop.com
Ashley Moberg (507)244-0609 2050 Jordyn Rd. NW, Rochester, MN www.realdeals.net/rochester
Rachel Durst (507) 405-3232 3717 Commercial Dr. SW, Rochester, MN www.fastsigns.com/2078
Andy Slain (507) 405-2027 224 1st Ave. SW, Unit 17, Rochester, MN www.slaincoaching.com
Jeffrey Kothenbeutel (507) 261-1630 230 20th Ave. SW, Rochester, MN www.nauticalbowls.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.
26 | Advantage Magazine
May 2022
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Rochester, MN
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