November 2020 Advantage Magazine

November 2020

ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

#ShopLocalSafely

2020 - 2021 Chamber Board

OFFICERS Chair of the Board Lizzy Haywood

People’s Food Co-op

Vice Chair Christy Blade

Post Bulletin, LLC

Treasurer James Kelly

Construction Partnership

Secretary Emily Benner Preventice

Chamber President Kathleen Harrington

MEMBERS Laurie Ackerman Opportunity Services

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

VISION 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

Christine Beech Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Chad Behnken Hamilton Real Estate Aaron Benike Benike Construction Dr. Lori Carrell University of Minnesota Rochester Teresa Czaplewski Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home Steve Dunn Taco JED John Eckerman RSP Architects Scott Eggert* Broadway Plaza Jessica Eidem IBM Corporation

Kathleen Harrington PRESIDENT 507-288-1122

Brent Ackerman ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 507-424-5666

Sam Gill DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS 507-424-5687

Cathy Fraser Mayo Clinic Greg Griffiths Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. Marge Kelley Express Employment Professionals Sarah Miller White Space Matt Morehead Carlson Capital Management AnJuanna Napue Mayo Clinic Dan Nistler Merchants Bank Nate Nordstrom Brandhoot Omar Nur Somali American Social Service Association

Cheryl Krage DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 507-424-5699

Nick Rethemeier

Tim Shea

MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR 507-424-5670

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND DEVELOPMENT 507-424-5663

Sylwia Bujak Oliver 125 Live Dave Pederson Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. Jack Priggen Cardinal of Minnesota Joselyn Raymundo Rochester Home Infusion John Reed* Rochester Airport Co. Sharon Schneller Olmsted Medical Center John Wade RAEDI *Denotes at large members of the Executive Committee

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Cherie Thurlow RECEPTIONIST 507-288-1122

Annual Economic Summit: Registrations Open for Virtual Event

FEATURED TOWNHALL SPEAKER:

per registration

PINNACLE SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

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 Issue #11 Volume #12 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | Aaron Benike, Chair of the Board | Editor: Kathleen Harrington and Sam Gill Printed by Johnson Printing | Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com

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LET TER FROM THE PRE SIDENT

Chamber Launches #ShopLocalSafely Campaign to Encourage the Community to Support Local Businesses Dear Members, The Rochester Chamber, Olmsted County Public Health and a community-wide coalition, including our Rochester Ready partners, are working together to support you - our local businesses - by encouraging our community to #ShopLocalSafely, especially during the holiday shopping season.

Whether shopping safely in-store or using local online shopping options, this multi-month, multimedia campaign is designed to drive home the message that shopping local is both safe and critical to our community’s economic recovery and to protecting one in three jobs that small business provides in Olmsted County.

I encourage you to get signed up on the retail directory (featured on page 5).

Please hang up your holiday posters when you receive the material in the mail.

Pass out your stickers to employees and wear them knowing that together we can recover.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

Stay Healthy, Kathleen Harrington President Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

#ShopLocalSafely Tools You Can Use

MAIL TOOLKIT #ShopLocalSafely Toolkits were mailed out to local businesses containing posters and stickers to display in their store. The two-sided posters (regular and holiday themed) can be displayed in windows or other visible places (such as a cash register). The stickers can be given to employees and/or customers. The more visibility for the message, the better.

FREE GRAPHICS To help maximize the impact of this campaign, the Chamber is also providing FREE GRAPHICS that people and local businesses can use to help spread the important #ShopLocalSafely message. Download the images and post them to social media, your website, anywhere where people will see them!

NEW ONLINE DIRECTORY The Chamber has also created a new online #ShopLocalSafely Retail Directory.

Consumers can search for products and services from local businesses using this one-stop tool for shopping local. If your business is not yet set up on the Retail Directory, here is the stepby-step instructions to register.

#ShopLocalSafely

AROUND TOWN The goal of the Chamber and its partners during this multi-media, multi-month outreach campaign is to flood the community with the #ShopLocalSafely message using social media, e-blasts, videos, billboards, earned media and more. A great example of partner support is Mayo Clinic adding #ShopLocalSafely signage to some of their shuttles.

The #ShopLocalSafely Billboards are featured in prominent locations around town and, with a variety of designs, are sure to capture consumers’ attention!

www.Shop-Local-Safely.com Sign up your business for the Chamber’s new #ShopLocalSafely Retail Directory. This online website allows consumers to search for your business based on your GOODS, PRODUCTS, and SERVICES!

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From toolkits in the mail (left) to #ShopLocalSafely graphics in prominent shopping locations like Apache Mall (below), this campaign is an all out blitz. No matter online or out in the community, we want to emphasize that one local purchase makes a BIG difference!

Lizzy Haywood, CEO of People’s Food Co-op and Chair of the Chamber Board, showcasing the toolkit.

Posters and stickers were mailed out to thousands of businesses in the Rochester area, and many are already appearing in windows! Are you a business that has yet to receive your toolkit? Contact the Chamber to receive your #ShopLocalSafely toolkit today!

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Making spirits bright with holiday programming in downtown. All activities provide a positive, community-spirited experience for the public to enjoy. Help promote all the free, physically distanced ways for families to celebrate together downtown during the holidays.

Here Comes Santa Claus Holiday Sidewalk Sessions Hiawatha Homes Festival of Trees Small Business Saturdays November 16-27 November 27-December 19 November 27-29 November 28-December 19

Find full details at DowntownRochesterMN.com

As a SCORE volunteer, Stephen Troutman brings a diverse set of skills acquired from selling mid-range computer systems, working as a Business Transformation Consultant, acting as an IBM Process Owner, and being a nonprofit Board member. Steve's experience includes 23 years in the US Naval Reserve, 30 years at IBM, ten years as a community volunteer, and earning an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Venture Management. As a result, Steve is familiar with the public sector's operations and issues, the private sector, and nonprofits.

SCORE can assist YOU with FREE

business mentoring on almost any issue in which you need help, from pre-planning, to startup, to helping an existing business, or even, exiting a business.

Don't need assistance? You can share your expertise and experience by joining us as a SCORE volunteer. Mentoring is fun and can make a real difference to our clients.

To acquire a Mentor or become a Volunteer please go to WWW.SCORE.ORG and follow the prompts or give us a call at 507-200-0760.

.

THIS PAST YEAR: We amplified the stories of Rochester entrepreneurs through 47 podcasts and 92 articles, with over 39,000 podcast downloads.

We provided 1:1 assistance to 60+ local businesses.

We partnered with 23 organizations to better serve Minnesota-based innovation.

VIEW OUR ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT:

We launched 5 initiatives with community partners to assist #rochmn businesses at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HTTPS://RB.GY/QZQTYO

Our coworking tenants raised $1.3M+ in seed funding and created 9 local jobs.

MINNESOTA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS -SOUTHEAST REGION-

PLAN NOW

What are your immediate needs?

Ensure success no matter what stage you’re in of the business life cycle by understanding the steps.

semnsbdc@gmail.com http://rochestersbdc.com/

INNOVATE

LAUNCH

GROW

RENEW

TRANSITION

Have you been thinking about turning your dream into reality?

Taking an idea to business is an exciting but stressful experience. The Rochester SBDC and its partners can provide start-up and planning training services, tools, and resources to help evaluate your business idea, make sound business decisions, and pursue your dream of business ownership.

It’s official, your business is open. Congratulations!

But, now what? How do you attract customers, manage daily operations, and plan for the future?

The Rochester SBDC has the resources and experts to guide you in this formative stage of business—where business decisions often mean the difference between business success and failure.

Your business is well-established and customers are returning.

Business is good, but not growing. How can you take it to the next level?

The Rochester SBDC has professionally certified business consultants work one-on-one with motivated businesses who want to grow and expand. Our consultants help research, design, and implement sustainable strategies that help your business achieve its growth potential.

There comes a time in every business when change is needed. Being flexible and seeking ways to help your business adjust to a changing marketplace is the best recipe for success. The Rochester SBDC works with mature businesses to identify new business opportunities, chart new paths, and plan for the long-term future.

As an entrepreneur, your thoughts are dominated with growing your business. However, there does come a time when you must say goodbye. Do you have a plan? Will you be selling, merging, or closing your business?

The Rochester SBDC can help you project the valuation of your business and prepare for the transition.

1926 College View Road SE | Rochester, MN 55904 8:00am - 4:30pm | 507-285-7536 | rctc.edu RCTC is a member of Minnesota State and an equal opportunity employer/educator.

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Calendar of Events November 12

Hospitality 1st

December 10

Hospitality 1st

Location Virtual Zoom meeting

Location Virtual Zoom Meeting Time

9:45am - 11:00am

Time

9:45am - 11:00am

Chair

Andy Thilges, Home2Suites by Hilton

Chair

Andy Thilges, Home2Suites by Hilton

WE Forum Marketing with Social Media

December 11

November 19

Location Virtual Zoom Meeting

Location Virtual Zoom Meeting Time 8:00am - 9:00am Sponsors St Mary’s University of MN - The Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, RAEDI, & Chamber

November 20

Virtual Women’s Roundtable

Location Virtual Zoom Meeting Time 7:30am - 9:00am Sponsors Mayo Clinic, Think Bank, & Wells Fargo Chair Zoey Jantsan, Realtor, Edina Realty

December 4

Sponsors

7:30am - 9:00am

Sponsor

Chamber & TBD

7:30am - 11:00am Merchants Bank, Mayo Clinic, People’s Energy Cooperative, Rochester Public Utilities, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Virtual Women’s Roundtable

Location Virtual Zoom Meeting

Time Sponsors Chair

Economic Summit Our Path Forward 2021

A special Thank You to this month’s

Time

December 18

Location Virtual Annual Conference Time

Virtual AM Espresso

7:30am - 9:00am Mayo Clinic, Think Bank, & Wells Fargo Zoey Jantsan, Realtor, Edina Realty

To register for any of these events, please visit www.rochestermnchamber.com/events

NEW MEMBERS

Converting Your Ideas to Life At Pepin Manufacturing, we are in the business of providing unique, turn key manufacturing solutions. We are problem solvers, innovators and creators. We enjoy challenging projects that others shy away from.

We contract manufacture custom medical consumables that utilize tapes, adhesives, and films.

Our core capabilities include: • • • •

Precision rotary die-cutting Printing Multi-layer lamination Contract assembly and packaging

Check us out at www.pepinmfg.com Need A Manufacturing Solution?

Contact us at 800.291.6505 or Email us at converting@pepinmfg.com

MAZING

OU

HERAPY

Helping you on your steps to inner peace.

Providing outpatient mental health therapy for

Specialities include: Birth to five and Child Parent Psychotherapy

Phone: (507) 722-1139 Email: casey@amazingyoutherapy.com

www.AmazingYouTherapy.com

RENEWING MEMBERS

RENEWING MEMBERS

Thank you for your continued investment in our community.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Apple Tree Dental ArchKey Technologies Beckley's Inc. Bishop Management Co. Boys & Girls Club of Rochester Fran Bradley Broadway Plaza Bruce Buller College Nannies, Sitters + Tutors D2E, LLC Danielle's Consignment Boutique Davies Printing Ellingson Insurance Group, LLC Experience Rochester MN F & M Community Bank Fernbrook Family Center First Farmers & Merchants State Bank Fleet Farm Gramercy Park Cooperative of Rochester Hey! Original Storytelling Homewood Suites by Hilton Jeffrey D. Reimer, CPA, PLLC Karel M. Weigel Kraft Therapeutic Massage La Crosse Sign Group Leeann Chin - Rochester

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Majestic Tents and Events MenSalon LLC MetroNet Metropolitan Market Place LLC South Penz Dental Care Platinum Experience Consulting, LLC PMC Events & Consulting Realty Growth, Inc. Rochester Downtown Alliance Rochester Indoor Golf Center SFM - - The Work Comp Experts Shaun C. Palmer Solar Connection Inc. Sound and Media Solutions Stantec Consulting Services Inc. State Farm Insurance - Sue Madden Agency The UPS Store Tuohy Furniture Corporation University of Minnesota Rochester Victoria's Fine Italian Cuisine W. Mark Krupski Weber Johnson Public Affairs WellSpring Acupuncture Clinic WT Lighting 125 LIVE

893 2.5 4c

ENERGY REBATES FOR YOUR BUSINESS THE SMART MOVE FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE cashrebatesnow.com 866-872-0052

Keeping your business rolling forward Every small business needs help with the essentials. Visit wellsfargoworks.com to find strategic insights and tools that may help you with your business.

© 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-25893

25893_CBCL-CB-CB_2020_Adshop[8x2.5][V1]_P1.indd 1

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4/2/20 3:37 PM

NEWSREELS The Rochester Salvation Army www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org

The Salvation Army Red Kettles are out! Sign up to ring a bell between Nov. 13 and Dec. 24 at one of 20 Red Kettle locations across Rochester, Stewartville, Byron, and Chatfield. We want to keep our bell ringers safe and healthy, so we ask that all ringers wear masks and mittens/gloves while they ring. We also ask that no one rings with more than one other person at a time in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines outside stores and inside entryways.

Virtual Red Kettles are also available to those that do not feel comfortable ringing a bell in person. Just visit www.registertoring.com and click “I’m a Virtual Ringer” to start your own virtual kettle. Merry Christmas!

Southeast Service Cooperative www.ssc.coop

Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) has achieved national Gold Level recognition in the American Heart Association’s 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index for building a culture of health in the workplace. SSC is one of 776 organizations that completed the Index assessment this year, and is one of just two small organizations nation-wide to receive Gold status. SSC Executive Director, Steve Sallee, shared, “We are so honored to receive the Gold recognition this year. This has been a goal of our staff, and we are proud to have earned it. Nicole LaChapelle-Strumski leads our efforts in wellness and has embedded the importance of it into our everyday culture at SSC.”

Nuss Truck & Equipment www.nussgrp.com

Nuss Truck & Equipment has received the U.S. Department of Labor HIRE Vets Gold Award for the second year in a row. Last year, they were the first car or truck dealer in the U.S. to receive this recognition. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

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Periodical Postage

PAID

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

Rochester, MN

COMMITTED TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY At Merchants Bank, we’re committed to creating vibrant local economies and helping our customers succeed. It’s who we’ve been for the last 145 years.

We’re ready to be your trusted advisor, your partner, and join you every step of the way as we work toward your business’s financial goals together.

Are you prepared for 2021? Get together with one of our local bankers for a financial check up today. Call us to get started.

Jarett Jones Commercial Banker

Nick Pederson Commercial Banker

 (507) 535-1520  3586 55th Street NW, Rochester  (507) 282-7535  1600 Greenview Drive SW, Rochester  www.merchantsbank.com

Dan Nistler Market President

Member FDIC

PLEASE SHARE THE

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