ROCH ESTER A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication
November 2021
PTECH & CTECH CUTTING EDGE PROGRAMS Provide ESSENTIAL WORKPLACE LEARNING
8
12
10
MEET THE MEMBER Ryan Windows and Siding
2022 ANNUAL CELEBRATION You’re invited to the Chamber’s 2022 Annual Celebration!
2021 ECONOMIC SUMMIT Dr. Roger Tutterow announced as the featured keynote speaker.
November 2021
What’s Inside 5
Feature PTECH & CTECH: Cutting Edge Programs Provide Essential Workplace Learning
8
Meet the Member
18
Ribbon Cuttings
20
Newsreel
Ryan Windows and Siding
Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com
Advantage Information and Questions: Katie Becker kbecker@RochesterMNChamber.com
STAFF
Chamber President Ryan Parsons 507-288-1122
2021-2022 CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS Chair of the Board Christy Blade
Post Bulletin, LLC
Membership Brent Ackerman Development Director 507-424-5666
Vice Chair John Eckerman RSP Architects
Administrative Assistant Cherie Thurlow
Treasurer James Kelly
Director of Operations Cheryl Krage
Secretary Emily Benner
507-288-1122
Preventice
507-424-5699
Communications Director Katie Becker 507-424-5661
Member and Community Morgan Shaw Engagement Director 507-424-5665 Membership Director Tim Shea
507-424-5663
2020-2021 CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS Santhi Arunachalam
Lizzy Haywood
People’s Food Cooperative
Dr. Christine Beech* Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies
Doug Holtan
Mayo Clinic
Chad Behnken
Hamilton Real Estate
Marge Kelley
Express Employment Professionals
Emily Benner
Preventice
Sarah Miller
White Space, LLC
Dr. Lori Carrell
University of Minnesota - Rochester
Matt Morehead
Carlson Capital Management
Teresa Czaplewski
Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home
Dan Nistler
Merchants Bank
Steve Dunn
Taco JED
Omar Nur
Somali American Social Service Assoc.
Scott Eggert*
Broadway Plaza
Sylwia Bujak Oliver 125 Live
Jessica Eidem
IBM Corporation
David Pederson
Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.
Shawn Fagan
Fagan Studios
Jack Priggen
Cardinal of MN, LTD.
Abel Garcia
Remodeling D.L, LLC
Joselyn Raymundo Rochester Home Infusion
Karen Hanson
Home Instead Senior Care
Sharon Schneller
Olmsted Medical Center
Gwen Stevens
People’s Energy Cooperative
Xylo Technologies Inc.
*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
N Note from the President
Note from the President D
ear Members,
We’re nearing the end of the year and the Chamber team will soon host the Economic Summit event on December 2nd at the Rochester International Event Center. This annual event is an excellent opportunity to share insight into the area business community and the challenges and opportunities they encountered through 2021 and for their forecast of the year ahead. Providing that perspective is made possible through our members involvement in the recent Business Outlook Survey that was distributed in early October. While the Rochester Chamber has presented surveys in the past, the Business Outlook Survey was developed with the intention of providing participants an opportunity to share insight and data from the past year and to provide their expectations for the year ahead. The goal is to be able to show historical data to provide a picture of trends and impacts to businesses in the region over time. In addition to the presentation of the survey results, the Economic Summit will also feature panel discussions highlighting industry, small business and entrepreneurship. These conversations are an excellent opportunity to showcase the challenges and opportunities impacting employers and business startups throughout the Rochester region. We look forward to providing a local perspective on the economy and will pair that with an entertaining look into the national and international economies, including how they impact the Rochester region, with our featured keynote speaker, Dr. Roger Tutterow, Professor of Economics, Director of Econometric Center, at Kennesaw University. More information is available on this year’s Economic Summit in this month’s issue of the Advantage. The Chamber team looks forward to this year’s event and encourage you to join us on December 2nd. Have a safe and fun start to the holiday season. Thank you for your support and involvement in the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Ryan Parsons President
4 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Feature F
An Introduction to PTECH & CTECH By Maura Keller
Both the PTECH and CTECH programs are an example of successful collaboration between education and industry to create career pathways.
Schools. Classes are available to all RPS students as well as students from Dover-Eyota, Pine Island, and Byron through inter-district agreements. Founded in the fall of 2016, C-TECH is funded by Rochester city sales tax dollars. And although C-TECH students are not enrolled as RCTC students, should they choose to enroll at the college later, some coursework can transfer as equivalent (i.e., nursing assistant) or articulated credits (i.e., automotive, veterinary technology and welding) into RCTC programs.
Communities across the country are
embracing new and innovative ways to offer credit and non-credit workplace learning opportunities for high school students seeking unique ways to obtain experience and degree credits. These programs are far more learner centered, innovative, and relevant than ever before. Rochester Public Schools and other partners have joined forces to offer two different workplace learning programs, P-TECH 535 and C-TECH, which are structured career pathway programs that provide essential workplace learning including professional mentoring, individualized academic support with secondary and postsecondary faculty, paid internships and an opportunity to earn an industry credential or Associates degree. Specifically, C-TECH (Career and Technical Education Center) is the result of a collaboration between the City of Rochester, Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC), and Rochester Public Schools (RPS). “We provide upper level CTE courses in nine different pathways (agriculture, computer science, construction, culinary, education, engineering, health sciences, human services, and manufacturing),” says Dr. Kent Pekel, interim superintendent of Rochester Public
November 2021
Likewise, P-TECH is a public/private partnership that provides a cost-free high school and post-secondary diploma within one of two pathways: information technology and practical nursing. Students have up to six years to complete the program that includes workplace learning, mentorships, and paid internships. P-TECH 535 is the first of its kind in Minnesota. P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) opened its doors this past fall semester and is a collaboration between Rochester Public Schools, RCTC, IBM and Mayo Clinic that received funding through the Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota Department of Education to create pathways for students interested in information technology or practical nursing. “High school students enter the pathway in ninth grade and by grade 11 take courses for both high school and college credit,” says Dr. Jeffery Boyd, president of Rochester Community & Technical College. “Students enrolled in P-TECH will have unique workplace experience through job shadows, mentorships, and paid internships. P-TECH classes are offered on the RCTC Campus. Both programs provide unique opportunities for students to gain the training and skills necessary to enter the workforce sooner in high-demand fields, and it gives students
Advantage Magazine | 5
F Feature a more streamlined pathway from high school to college to career.” Similar to RCTC advisory committees, Boyd says the P-TECH and CTECH partnerships allow for business and industry to provide critical feedback and advice directly from the “front-lines” of their sectors. “Employers know what is working – and what is not – from their perspectives, and that kind of input is invaluable in creating programs relevant for today,” Boyd says. “Students need and want to learn current skills, and employers need highly skilled and compotent employees, so it’s a win-win for everyone.” Indeed, as Pekel explains, RPS works very hard to align its career pathway programs with regional workforce needs and are increasing each year the number of programs that partner directly with Rochester area employers including Mayo Clinic, Sargent’s Nursery, New Horizon Academy, Rochester Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance, to name a few. “These partnerships are a win-win for all parties involved. Students and families enjoy the direct connection with local employers,” Pekel says. “RPS is able to access a level of experience and knowledge otherwise unavailable, and our community partners are able to access a potential future workforce to boost their recruiting efforts.”
at graduation.“We participate in the promotion and marketing of this event while helping to answer student and parent questions about the program,” Finne says. In regards to C-TECH, the Mayo Clinic knows, based on student follow-up surveys, that they can expect two things from their graduates. “Many of our graduates use the knowledge, skills and, in some cases, industry credentials to leaver either full-time or part-time work (while in college),” Finne says. “In particular, with our certified nursing assistant students, many of these students use this education to work while in college or to start working full-time.” In regards to P-TECH, the partnership with the Mayo Clinic is more intentional. “This is truly a career pathway from high school through college to an employer for employment,” Finne says. “As this program continues to mature, Mayo Clinic desires to see 25 to 30 hires a year from this program investment.” PTECH and CTECH programs prepare high school students to fill critical workforce needs in a variety of industries.
Partners in Progress
With C-TECH, the Mayo Clinic participates in the advisory council, which helps to guide the various career pathway offerings. Mayo Clinic has classroom presenters to help confirm the learnings within those classrooms. “We support the HOSA Chapter that is associated with this partnership,” says Guy Finne, director of workforce development at Mayo Clinic. “We also support the Nursing Skills Lab with consumable materials needed to educate students about nursing assistant.” With P-TECH, the Mayo Clinic participates in the steering committee as well as the practical nursing advisory. In this role the Mayo Clinic talks about curriculum, the student experience, work-based learning opportunities, paid internships and the eventual hiring opportunity that awaits the student
6 | Advantage Magazine
Finne stresses that he truly values public and private partnerships. “I have been blessed to be involved in many of these efforts and I can honestly say that each one of those partnerships are better due to the varying perspectives that are brought to the table by those from the public sector, as well as those from the private sector,” Finne says. “We bring forward our strengths and our weaknesses and together we can hone in on the diverse nature of our strengths in order to have a better partnership outcome.” The P-TECH program with IBM directly addresses both education and workforce development issues. P-TECH addresses the global “skills gap” to strengthen regional economies by building a
November 2021
Feature F workforce with the technical and professional skills required for new collar jobs of the future. And it provides underserved youth with an education opportunity that enables them to earn a two-year degree, along with the workplace skills required to continue their education or garner new collar competitive careers. The IBM team says the reason P-TECH is powerful is that at its foundation, P-TECH is a partnership that combines the expertise of public and private systems and institutions – school districts, community colleges and industry – with high-level government support. “I hope it continues to provide access to education and good paying careers to students, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities,” says Heidi Kraemer, P-TECH operations manager at IBM. “I hope it continues to fill local pipeline needs with local talent helping support and sustain healthy local economies.”
Legislative Support
As Senator Carla Nelson explains, Minnesota desperately needs a highly-trained workforce to fill jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). “The pandemic exacerbated this need,” Nelson says. “P-TECH graduates will be first in line for a job or can continue on for further education. P-TECH will produce highly educated and trained students in high-wage, in-demand jobs. P-TECH is a win-win-win for students, industry, and a thriving Minnesota economy.” The partnership, with both public and private entities, is essential to the C-TECH and P-TECH programs. “The public private partnerships are crucial right from the beginning. Industry partners directly serve public school students through innovative leadership, apprenticeship, and technical assistance,” Nelson says. “This includes workplace learning by industry professionals, mentorships, worksite visits, speakers, and paid internships. Students who complete the P-TECH program are first in line for a job with participating business partners.” As with any legislative committee, Nelson says it is important to have support from the committee chair. As former chair of the Senate E-12 Committee, Nelson was happy to have been the chief author
November 2021
and lead negotiator of the final bill.“Our senate hearing included great testimony for the highly successful P-TECH model in New York, as well as a few representatives from IBM in Rochester who testified as the lead industry partner,” Nelson says. “My goal is to have a P-TECH model in each of the economic regions of our state. This will require further legislative approval.” Business partners throughout the state, as well as public schools throughout the state, have been inquiring about how to get the P-TECH model in their area. “I look forward to supporting this effort as we move further, but I am very pleased to have been a part of the opening of the P-TECH school in Rochester this year, and I look forward to the success of each and every student who participates,” Nelson says.
Looking Ahead
According to Dr. Pekel, RPS has had several community business partners describe hiring current and former students as well as several who have hired parents of current students as a result of their partnership with RPS.“P-TECH has the ability to expand into other pathways and/or add additional cohorts of students,” Pekel says. “CTECH is always looking to add pathways that align workforce needs with student passions.” Boyd pointed out that graduates of these programs will fill the critical workforce needs for businesses and organizations. “Working collaboratively with secondary and post-secondary educators and business partners to develop curriculum and work-based learning experience, ensures that the future workforce has the skills necessary for careers in these critical fields,” Boyd says. “Preliminary discussions are already underway to explore the expansion of these types of partnerships for other high demand career pathways.” The Mayo Clinic desires to see these programs continue to grow and mature into talent pipelines for employment. “More so than ever, I believe we need to count on properly prepared and passionate talent coming out of our high schools to meet the various workforce needs in our communities,” Finne says. “Having both a strong CTECH and PTECH in our backyard will be part of our workforce talent shortage solution.”
Advantage Magazine | 7
M Meet the Member
Meet the Member: Ryan Windows and Siding Your home is a reflection
of who you are, and is an important aspect of your daily life. After all, you leave the same home every morning and return to the same home every night. At Ryan Windows and Siding, they know how important your home is to you. Whether you are replacing windows, siding, doors, roofing, or more, Ryan Windows and Siding brings their professional expertise to help you with your unique project.
Sales and Marketing Manager, Austin Ryan, enjoys walking each customer through the entire process of their unique project.
Q: Tell us about Ryan Windows and Siding. What
does your company offer to the Rochester region? A: There’s no other home in the world exactly like yours. Your home is a reflection of you – whether it’s swarming with activity, a peaceful retreat, or a hodgepodge of both. It’s your home. We know how important that is for you, and that is why we treat every home we work on like our own. That is what sets Ryan Windows & Siding apart – our experienced team and their commitment to our customers, their homes, and our craftsmanship. Whether you are replacing windows, doors, siding, roof or just adding some attic insulation, our team members take you through the entire process, from start to finish (and beyond)! We’re here to listen to you, communicate with you, do the job right—it is what we do. Whether you have 5 questions or 50, we will take the time to work with you to find the perfect solution for your home and lifestyle. We know your home is as unique as you are, so you can rely on the Ryan Windows & Siding team to listen, assess, and provide you with a custom solution for you and your home.
8 | Advantage Magazine
“OUR TEAM MEMBERS TAKE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS, FROM START TO FINISH (AND BEYOND)!” Q: How did it start for Ryan Windows and Siding? A: “I did not want to do things the cheapest and
most profitable way, I wanted to do things the best way with better products and the most skilled labor,” said Bruce Ryan, Founder and President of Ryan Windows & Siding. “In order to achieve the level of customer satisfaction and quality that I wanted, I knew I needed to go out on my own.” In a world of planned obsolescence, Bruce wanted to provide homeowners with products that they could rely on to keep them safe and comfortable for years to come. So, in 1991 Ryan Windows & Siding was formed – installing Renewal by Andersen windows. One of the most trusted and long lasting window brands available.
November 2021
Meet the Member M Q: Ryan Windows and Siding has been a member
of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce since 1992. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is full of networking opportunities. Even though we do not primarily do business to business sales, it is a great opportunity to meet potential customers, get referrals, and build lasting community connections.
“THE ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS FULL OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES.” Q: What is a unique fact people should know about
Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry?
A: More than ever before, our homes have become
our haven – it’s where we sleep, cook, gather, and now work. We need homes that make us feel safe and comfortable, but also meet the changes the pandemic has wrought on our living spaces. More and more businesses are keeping their employees at home – switching to a remote position. This workplace shift has caused a home renovation boom that will continue as homeowners acclimate to their new working environment. Visit Ryan Windows and Siding in person at 3750 85th St. NW, Oronoco, MN or online at www.ryan-ws.com.
Ryan Windows and Siding? A: Ryan Windows & Siding sponsors about fifty youth sports teams each year – soccer, baseball, hockey, football and more. Many of the kids that played for our teams have grown up and are now customers – 15 or 20 years later!
At Ryan Windows and Siding’s showroom, located at 3750 85th St. NW in Oronoco, MN, the team is happy to work with each customer to find the perfect solution for their home.
November 2021
Advantage Magazine | 9
C Chamber News
Dr. Roger Tutterow to Speak at 2021 Economic Summit Featured Keynote: “Where We Go From Here: Navigation in a Post-COVID World” Dr. Roger Tutterow, Professor of Economics, Director of Econometric Center, Kennesaw State University Dr. Roger Tutterow’s analysis of the economic, business and political environments have been featured in a variety of media, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, CNN, CNBC, NBC, NPR’s “Marketplace” and “All Things Considered,” Dr. Roger Tutterow, 2021 Economic Summit feature keynote speaker.
Economic Summit provides a current snapshot and forecast of the year ahead for the local, regional, and national economy, including insight into the economic trends impacting businesses in the Rochester region. Join us for this premier event on Thursday, December 2, 2021 to learn from industry leaders and this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Roger Tutterow.
In addition to his work in academia, Dr. Tutterow has served as a consultant on financial economics and statistical modeling for corporate clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to closely held businesses.
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.
10 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Chamber News C
Agenda: Industry Panel Discussion • Michelle Blomberg, President/CEO, AgVantage Software • Adam Brase, Division Chair, Strategic Intelligence, Mayo Clinic • Scott Eggert, General Manager, Broadway Plaza Additional panelists to be announced Small Business and Entrepreneur Panel Discussion • William Forsman, Co-Owner/General Manager, Café Steam • Seamus Kolb, Owner, Carroll’s Corn Additional panelists to be announced Business Outlook Survey Results Presentation • Jennifer Hawkins, Extension Educator, Community Economics, University of Minnesota Extension • Brigid Tuck, Senior Economic Impact Analyst, University of Minnesota Extension Featured Keynote: Where We Go From Here: Navigation in a Post-COVID World • Dr. Roger Tutterow, Professor of Economics, Director of Econometric Center, Kennesaw State Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021 Time: 7:30am-11am Location: Rochester International Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester, MN Admission: $45 Member, $55 General Admission, $30 Virtual Member, $40 Virtual General Admission
Presenting Sponsor:
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsor:
People’s Energy Cooperative Table Sponsor:
Altra Federal Credit Union Home Federal ISG RSP Architects SEH Inc.
November 2021
Advantage Magazine | 11
JANUARY
13
5:30 PM
Join the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce for a night under the stars on Thursday, January 13th, 2022. This gala will celebrate the success and growth of the business community in the Greater Rochester Area.
REGISTER BY VISITING https://bit.ly/3CjLoT7 Date: Thursday, January 13, 2022 Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm Location: Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, MN Agenda: 5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking and Introduction 6:15pm: Program and Keynote Speaker 8:00pm: Networking Admission: Member Admission: $60 General Admission: $80
Presenting Sponsor:
Featured Keynote Speaker Elliot Kotek! Joining the Rochester Chamber as our featured keynote for the 2022 Annual Celebration is Elliot Kotek! A leader in innovation, technology and media, Elliot produced the first ever user-generated feature film, steered the storytelling about a social robot for kids with cancer, enabled a farmer with ALS to independently tell his wife he loves her, and produced the world’s first lab to produce 3D-printed prosthetic limbs.
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsors:
As CEO of The Nation of Artists, Elliot has collaborated on virtual reality and documentary-style content and tech for the likes of AARP, Accenture, Aflac, Amgen, CNBC, Habitat for Humanity, Hyundai, LEGO, National Geographic, Netflix, NBC Peacock, and Whirlpool and, even during COVID, The Nation of Artists has deployed film crews to more than 30 cities in 14 countries on 5 continents. Elliot is a Kellogg School of Management Innovation Fellow who has received recognition for his work from the U.S. Congress, the House of Representatives and other legislative bodies - his projects have landed in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art and have won five Cannes Lions, four SxSW innovation awards, an Emmy, recognition from the International Trade Council, and dozens of other shiny paperweights. As businesses continue to evolve, Elliot will bring an entertaining keynote message of innovation, empathy and the impact they can have on an organization and their teams to the 2022 Annual Celebration!
Bronze Sponsors: ISG Minnesota Energy Resources Rochester International Airport RSP Architects West Bank Table Sponsors: Altra Federal Credit Union Bolton and Menk Hawkins Ash CPA’s MetroNet Think Bank Winona State University
C Chamber News
Inspire Students at STEAM Summit Platinum Sponsor:
The STEAM Summit encourages more than 1,700
middle and high school students to pursue science, technology, engineering, art, and math careers by connecting them to business and higher education institutions which offer STEAM courses in a highly interactive, hands-on format. The future success of the Southeast Minnesota economy depends on a well-prepared pipeline of students with the education and skills needed to keep the region’s business and industry competitive. This summit brings together business, higher education, local government, and our community to prepare students for an increasingly competitive global marketplace and to encourage interest in in-demand careers. “The STEAM Summit might seem like just a one-day event, but I have heard that for the students who attend, it is very often much more than that. It is an event that exposes students to new ways of being in the world and reinforces the power of paths that some students were previously hesitant to follow. The STEAM Summit matters, and I hope you will join me in opening this door to the future for the young people of our community,” Said Dr. Pekel, Interim Superintendent for Rochester Public Schools. Register at https://bit.ly/3ESQ1FA to participate as an interactive exhibitor! Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Time: 9:00am-2:30pm Location: RCTC Regional Sports Center, 851 30th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
14 | Advantage Magazine
Host Sponsor:
Silver Sponsor:
Bronze Sponsors:
Altra Federal Credit Union Bolton and Menk Minnesota Energy Resources Preventice WSB & Associates
Folder Sponsors:
Rochester Community and Technical College Winona State University - Rochester
November 2021
Chamber News C
AM Espresso
AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event
brought to you by the Chamber. 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. This month, you are invited to the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Date: Friday, November 5 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, 601 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
Business After Hours
Come and connect, make new connections,
expand your network, and build community while enjoying Merchants Bank’s space. Date: Thursday, November 18 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Merchants Bank, 3586 55th St. NW, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required
We share your home dreams. Building a home that’s uniquely you - that’s important. It starts by talking about your goals so we can help you find a financing option that makes sense for you. As your financial partner, our team is committed to making your dreams a reality.
Let’s build together. Katie Lund
(507) 535-1543
Nicole Williamson (507) 536-3901
Subject to approval. Member FDIC
November 2021
Advantage Magazine | 15
C Chamber News
Eggs & Issues: Career Pathways with PTECH and CTECH Recap
Two students on the Eggs & Issues Panel share insight into their PTECH and CTECH experience.
Rochester Community and Technical College
(RCTC) hosted Eggs and Issues: Career Pathways with PTECH and CTECH, on September 30, 2021. This session introduced the new Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) program that has recently been added to RCTC through a partnership with Rochester Public Schools, Mayo Clinic, and IBM.
Series Sponsors:
PTECH joins the Career Technical Education at Heintz (CTECH) to promote career readiness for in-demand fields and offer access to new job opportunities. These two cutting-edge programs provide high school students with a direct pathway into their chosen career field and fill critical workforce needs. The session included guest speakers Dr. Jeffery Boyd, President of RCTC, Senator Carla Nelson, and Darren Saner, Career Pathways Counselor with Rochester Public Schools. There was also a panel featuring Kari Kolling Anderson, Assistant Principal with Rochester Public Schools, Zoey Chen, current CTECH student, Guy Finne, Workforce Development Director for Mayo Clinic, Heidi Kramer, PTECH Operations Manager, IBM, and Rachel Kuol, a current PTECH student. All the guest speakers had great insight on both of these programs.
Session Sponsor:
The session concluded with tours of the PTECH facility and a ribbon cutting ceremony.
16 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Community News C
Marketing Your Niche Product By Dean Swanson, volunteer Certified SCORE Mentor and former SCORE Chapter Chair, District Director, and Regional Vice President for the Northwest Region
Several requests for mentoring have come from
small business CEOs that want help in bringing to market the unique product that they have developed, or they have a service that they want to bring to a limited target market. In this column, I will provide several suggestions that I have discussed with this type of CEO request. Successfully marketing a niche product or service requires a different set of strategies and tactics than a mass consumer product. The basic considerations are to carefully consider the needs of the customer, the current market, and how you’ll engage a small pool of potential buyers as you develop a marketing plan. Marketing a niche product means that you are not selling to everyone. Having a narrow pool of potential customers comes with challenges and ultimately means more work on your part to find those people who fall within your niche. However, marketing a niche product also has advantages, once you identify your customers. Successfully marketing a niche product starts with an in-depth understanding of your potential customer. The strategies and tactics put in place to market a mass consumer product – something almost anyone can use - are going to be much different than the ones you’d use to market your niche product. When you are targeting a small pool of buyers, you need to understand who is most likely to buy your product and how your product can tap directly into their needs.
Rochester Makes Livability List Rochester has been named one of the 2021 Top
100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com, outpacing more than 1,000 cities with populations between 20,000 and 1 million in this data-driven ranking. “This year’s list is a testament to loving where you live, in a time where more of us than ever can live anywhere we want,” says Cara Sanders, Livability. com managing editor. “These past two years have shown us how important it is that the places we live meet our needs and offer up affordability, opportunity and plenty of amenities. If we can work from anywhere, then these 100 cities are places you would want to live and make remote workers’ needs a top priority.” The 2021 rankings were guided by an exclusive remote working study conducted by Livability.com in partnership with Ipsos. More than 1,000 adults aged 18 and up from across the country were surveyed to determine which livability characteristics they value in their future communities. Respondents were asked if they could work from anywhere, which factors would be most heavily considered when choosing to relocate and how housing needs and priorities have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Since March 2020, more than 42% of the U.S. population has either moved or considered moving. Home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN is a small but mighty city with a thriving downtown scene, tons of professional networking opportunities, and lots of family-friendly activities to keep little ones busy.
For more entrepreneurial articles, visit SCORE’s website: https://bit.ly/3lC7k6d
November 2021
Advantage Magazine | 17
C Community News
Mayo Clinic Announces New Chief Administrative Officer currently leads Mayo Clinic in Florida. Zorn is a member of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees and Mayo Clinic Board of Governors, and she serves on many other institutional committees and leadership groups.
Mayo Clinic’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Christina Zorn, J.D.
The Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees has named
Christina Zorn, J.D., Chief Administrative Officer of Mayo Clinic. She will succeed Jeff Bolton, who announced in August that he will retire from Mayo Clinic on Nov. 30. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Christina in her new role as Mayo Clinic’s Chief Administrative Officer,” says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., Mayo Clinic’s President and CEO. “She is a values-driven servant leader with a strong track record of contributions to our organization. She brings unique qualifications and leadership qualities to this position, and I look forward to partnering with her to advance health care transformation at Mayo Clinic and beyond.” Mayo Clinic has a long-established commitment to leadership development and succession planning, which underpins the organization’s history of smooth and coordinated leadership transitions from the time of the Mayo brothers through today. In her new role, Zorn will be Dr. Farrugia’s administrative partner, advancing Mayo Clinic’s 2030 strategic plan, overseeing the organization’s administrative functions and providing financial stewardship of Mayo Clinic’s resources.
She began her career at Mayo in 2002 as a legal counsel. She was named chair of the Florida division of Mayo Clinic’s Legal Department in 2009. Previously, she oversaw Information Technology, Information Security, Human Resources, Planning Services and Enterprise Analytics across Mayo Clinic. Before joining Mayo Clinic, Zorn practiced with the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, focusing on health care and transactional law. She has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she earned her law degree from Creighton University School of Law. “I join Gianrico in congratulating Christina on being named Mayo Clinic’s new Chief Administrative Officer,” says Jeff Bolton. “Her commitment to our patients and staff, and her demonstrated success empowering innovation, problem-solving and operational excellence make her the right person to partner with Gianrico to lead Mayo Clinic to Cure, Connect and Transform health care.” “When you speak to our patients, staff members, benefactors, and business and community partners, there is an appreciation for how extraordinary and unique Mayo Clinic truly is,” says Zorn. “I am honored and humbled to serve Mayo Clinic in this role and advance the transformation of health care. It is a privilege to work for an organization that puts the needs of our patients first and to support our staff in this shared mission.” Zorn will work with Bolton over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. She will formally assume her new role on Dec. 1.
Since 2015, Zorn has been Chief Administrative Officer of Mayo Clinic in Florida. In partnership with Kent Thielen, M.D., CEO, Mayo Clinic in Florida, she
18 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Ribbon Cuttings R
Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to the following members on their successful Ribbon Cuttings!
P-TECH
Janky Gear
851 30th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN 55904
204 N Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN 55906 www.jankygearrochester.com
EA Pediatrics
Rochester Community Warming Center
2539 Broadway Ave. N, Rochester, MN 55906 www.exercisabilities.org
200 4th St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904 www.ccsomn.org/programs/warming-centers
The Fit Loon
Avis Budget of Rochester
P-TECH at RCTC celebrated the launch of this new program with a ribbon cutting on September 30. P-TECH Students cut the ribbon.
ExerciseAbilities celebrated their 10th Anniversary and expansion of EA Pediatrics with a ribbon cutting on October 14. CEO, Executive Director and Founder, Melanie Brennan, cut the ribbon.
The Fit Loon celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on October 19. Co-Owner, Alli Sella, cut the ribbon. 210 N Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN 55906 www.facebook.com/thefitloon
November 2021
Janky Gear celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on October 8. Owner, Paige Jahnke, cut the ribbon.
Rochester Community Warming Center celebrated their Grand Re-opening and Renovation Expansion with a ribbon cutting on October 15. Center Coordinator, Rudy Naul, cut the ribbon.
Avis Budget of Rochester celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location with a ribbon cutting on October 29. Owner/Operator Kristen Jones cut the ribbon. 5335 E Frontage Rd., Suite E, Rochester, MN 55901 www.avis.com
Advantage Magazine | 19
N Newsreel
Newsreel Updates from the Chamber member community. Epp Appointed New VP of Insurance
New Hire at RSP Architects Rochester
Trust Department Receives Recognition
New Sales Manager Announced
Think Bank is pleased to announce that Steve Epp has accepted the position of Vice President of Insurance. Steve is an experienced leader with strong insurance and financial industry knowledge, a passion for providing exceptional customer care, and a proven ability to inspire others.
We are pleased to announce that Amber Frandrup has joined RSP Architects’ Rochester office. An interior designer with eight years of broad experience, Amber will focus on advancing RSP’s work in the healthcare, corporate and dental sectors.
The Merchants Bank Trust Department has been recognized as a Premier Partner by investment management partner BTC Capital Management for the department’s growth, according to Masood Dehnavifar, Trust Department Manager (pictured).
The North Rock Hospitality Group has appointed Matthew Schimek as Sales Manager for their hotel portfolio, including the Home2 Suites by Hilton and TownePlace Suites by Marriott both in Rochester, Minnesota. He will report to Area Director of Sales, Andy Thilges.
New Director of Economic Development Pederson Promoted
New Senior Director of Olmsted County Economic Development Receives Aaa Rating
Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) announced the hiring of Kirk Bustrom to the position of Director of Economic Development. He most recently worked for Northwest Bank & Trust Company as Assistant Vice President for their Economic Development Division.
Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) today announced the appointment of Michael Flynn to the position of Senior Director of Economic Development. He previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah).
Nick Pederson was promoted to Vice President/Commercial Banker at Merchants Bank, where he has been since 2016. His supervisor, Dan Nistler shares, ”[u]nderstanding his client’s businesses is important to Nick, and he believes in being a true partner for their growth and success.” Learn more at merchantsbank. com/rochester.
Despite economic uncertainties and other challenges due to the pandemic, in 2021, Olmsted County once again received an Aaa credit rating (with a stable outlook) – the highest possible rating – from Moody’s Investors Service. The rating designation equates to significant taxpayer savings.
Does your company have a new hire, recent promotion, or recognition to announce? Submit your Newsreel to Katie Becker at kbecker@rochestermnchamber.com.
20 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Event Lineup E
Event Lineup NOVEMBER 5
NOVEMBER 16
AM Espresso - TownePlace Suites by Marriott
STEAM Summit 2021
Date: Friday, November 5, 2021
Time: 9:00am-2:30pm
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: RCTC Regional Sports
Location: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester
Center, 851 30th Ave. SE, Rochester, MN
Mayo Clinic Area, 601 2nd St. SW Rochester, MN
Free and open to all schools grades 7-11 residing in
FREE - Registration required
Southeast Minnesota
NOVEMBER 18
Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021
NOVEMBER 19
Business After Hours - Merchants Bank
Hybrid Women’s Roundtable
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021
Date: Friday, November 19, 2021
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Location: Merchants Bank, 3586 55th St. NW,
Location: Rochester Area Chamber
Rochester, MN
of Commerce and Virtual Zoom Meeting
FREE - Registration required
FREE - Registration required Sponsored by: Mayo Clinic, Think Bank, and Wells Fargo
DECEMBER 2
DECEMBER 3
Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021
AM Espresso - Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Rochester Campus
Time: 7:30am-11:00am
Date: Friday, December 3, 2021
Location: Rochester International
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester,
Location: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
MN
Rochester Campus, Cascade Meadow, 2900 19th
Member Admission: $45
St. NW, Rochester, MN
Virtual Member Admission: $30
FREE - Registration required
Economic Summit 2021
November 2021
Advantage Magazine | 21
W Welcome New Members
Welcome to The Chamber! Introducing our newest members. Janky Gear
GFL Enviromental
The Home Collective
Titan 360 Commercial Real Estate
160 Driving Academy
T-Mobile
Best Western
Cafe Relish
Insperity
The Fit Loon
Paige Jehnke (507) 202-1545 204 N Broadway Ave., Rochester, MN 55906 www.JankyGearRochester.com
Todd Wickre (507) 216-8787 1219 7th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 www.homecollective.com
Alex Hammond (608) 242-8160 2450 Marion Rd. SE, Rochester, MN 55904 www.160drivingacademy.com
Danielle Robards (507) 289-8866 1517 16th St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 www.bestwestern.com
Jeremiah Drobney (952) 960-5323 8500 Normandale Lake Blvd., Suite 300, Bloomington, MN 55437 www.insperity.com/bpa/jeremiah.drobney
David Meyer (507) 281-5850 4245 Hwy 14 E, Rochester, MN 55904 www.gflenv.com
Mark Steege (507) 361-3770 2746 Superior Dr. NW, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55901 www.titan360.us
Katie Erickson (507) 358-4727 4400 W Frontage Rd. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 www.t-mobile.com
Jason Groen (507) 287-9333 3100 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901 www.caferelishmn.com
Sam Robinson and Allie Sella (507) 206-9047 210 N Broadway Ave. Rochester, MN 55906 www.facebook.com/thefitloon
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.
22 | Advantage Magazine
November 2021
Periodical Postage
220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 507-288-1122 www.RochesterMNChamber.com
PLEASE SHARE THE
PAID
Rochester, MN