July 2020 Advantage

July 2020

2019-2020 Chamber Board

OFFICERS Chair of the Board Aaron Benike

Benike Construction

Treasurer James Kelly

Construction Partnership

Secretary Emily Benner Preventice

Chamber President Kathleen Harrington

MEMBERS Laurie Ackerman Opportunity Services Chad Behnken Hamilton Real Estate

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

Christy Blade Post Bulletin, LLC Jonathan Buck Five West Kitchen + Bar Dr. Lori Carrell University of Minnesota Rochester Steve Dunn Taco JED John Eckerman RSP Architects Scott Eggert Broadway Plaza Jessica Eidem IBM Corporation Cathy Fraser Mayo Clinic Greg Griffiths Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.

Kathleen Harrington PRESIDENT 507-288-1122

Brent Ackerman ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 507-424-5666

Sam Gill DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS 507-424-5687

Lizzy Haywood* People’s Food Cooperative Kevin Higgins Olmsted Medical Center Marge Kelley Express Employment Professionals Samuel Kwainoe Farmers Insurance Sarah Miller White Space Matt Morehead Carlson Capital Management Michael Muñoz Rochester Public Schools Dan Nistler Merchants Bank Ryan Nolander Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.

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

Nate Nordstrom Brandhoot Jack Priggen Cardinal of Minnesota Joselyn Raymundo Rochester Home Infusion John Reed* Rochester Airport Co. Therese White Think Bank *Denotes at large members of the Executive Committee

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Cherie Thurlow RECEPTIONIST 507-288-1122

Rochester Area Chamber Statement The tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd calls for us to condemn injustice, discrimination and the perpetuation of systemic racism in our communities.

The events of the past couple weeks have reminded us that we must continue to listen and learn from one another in safe and inclusive environments that welcome and respect different perspectives and backgrounds. We hope people can begin to heal by reaching out to one another and acknowledging the extraordinary responsibility we all must share to foster change for a better future.

The Rochester Area Chamber exists to promote and support forprofit and non-profit member organizations and their employees.

Our vision is that Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate, and we encourage all businesses to cultivate a workplace setting that focuses on the Chamber’s core values of diversity, proactivity, integrity, innovation and collaboration.

We welcome your feedback on how we can continue to build a business community that is free from racial injustice and inequality of all kinds. And please know that the Chamber is committed to continue to advocate and promote inclusion, equal opportunity and prosperity for all. Please join us in this effort.

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 #7 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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A N N UA L M E M B E R & C O M M U N I T Y C E L E B R AT I O N

Rochester Rocks Together Virtual Concert Celebrating community and our commitment to one another

Sponsored by: Wells Fargo, Mayo Clinic, ABC 6 News, & the Castle

A N N UA L M E M B E R & C O M M U N I T Y C E L E B R AT I O N

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C H A M B E R U P DAT E

Path Forward to Recovery Series

Chamber webinars deliver information, context, & guidance The Chamber’s Path Forward webinar series was launched in late March with a goal of bringing together content experts and professionals to deliver relevant, timely, and helpful information and guidance to local businesses in our community. Free of charge and open to all, this series covered an array of topics from financial relief programs to the steps needed to deep clean and sanitize workplaces.

Partnering Organizations - Thank you!

Dunlap & Seeger, PA (www.dunlaplaw.com) Express Employment Professionals (www.expresspros.com) Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org) Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program (www.healthyliving.mayoclinic.org) Smith Schafer & Associates, CPAs (www.smithschafer.com) ServiceMaster Restore (www.svmrochester.com) Olmsted County Public Health (www.co.olmsted.mn.us) Paramark Real Estate (www.paramark.us) Post Bulletin (www.postbulletin.com) RSP Architects (www.rsparch.com) Small Business Development Center (www.rochestersbdc.com)

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PAT H F O RWA R D

Path Forward Webinar Snapshot Access the full list of webinar recordings at

www.rochestermnchamber.com/path-forward-webinars

Path Forward By-the-numbers • 19 total webinars • 4,620 registered attendees • 4,117 YouTube views

A DVO C AC Y U P DAT E

Paycheck Protection Program Information, Education, & Advocacy

In addition to continually advocating to reduce the cost of doing business during the pandemic, the Chamber’s recent public affairs efforts have focused extensively on unemployment insurance / benefits and the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program -- reviewing its existing provisions and seeking (and securing) necessary technical corrections. Below is a snapshot of recent Chamber actions, from breaking down the program and its provisions to bringing policymakers in to hear YOUR concerns as business owners and operators.

PPP

Introduction of the PPP

Once the PPP passed, the Chamber acted quickly, hosting a webinar with Dunlap & Seeger, PA to review the provisions and offer guidance to businesses looking to strategize.

Agency Clarifications & Rules Following the release of additional PPP guidance from the SBA, the Chamber partnered with Dunlap & Seeger, PA and Smith Schafer CPAs to cover the new rules and regulations.

Advocated for Essential Corrections to PPP • The Chamber invited Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Outreach Director Chuck Ackman and Deputy Legislative Director and Senior Economic Advisor Doug Calidas to hear directly from businesses their concerns about essential technical fixes to the PPP program.

• Senator Tina Smith participated in a Chamber board meeting to listen to business concerns about the essential technical fixes needed for the PPP program.

Compliance, Forgiveness, Corrections After the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) was signed into law, the Chamber sponsored another webinar featuring Dunlap & Seeger, PA and Smith Schafer, CPAs that informed businesses of these important changes in the PPP program.

To view the full recordings of these webinars, visit the Chamber’s YouTube page

www.youtube.com/user/RochesterChamber

C H A M B E R U P DAT E

Chamber in the News

Local Media Covers Chamber Advocating for YOU “What You Can Do to Help Rochester Out of This Recession” KIMT | June 11, 2020

“Rochester Chamber of Commerce Helps Business Prepare for Reopening” KIMT | June 9, 2020

“Rochester Chamber of Commerce Vows to Help Restaurants Amid Walz Order” KTTC | May 22, 2020

“Reopening Small Businesses and the Equity in Retail” ABC 6 News| May 11, 2020

“Kathleen Harrington: Pandemic Takes Toll in Many Ways” Post Bulletin | April 28, 2020

Post Bulletin

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N E T WO R K I N G P L U S

On June 5, the Chamber hosted its second Virtual AM Espresso with ONB Bank and Gift of Life Transplant House. The morning started with attendees stopping by ONB Bank’s main location to pick up breakfast to-go courtesy of Charlie’s Eatery & Pub. Afterwards, attendees hopped on Zoom to network digitally and learn more about the recent work of ONB Bank and Gift of Life.

Attendees were invited to pick up a drive-through Charlie’s Eatery and Pub breakfast prior to the virtual AM Espresso.

N E T WO R K I N G P L U S

ONB Bank

ONB Bank sponsored this virtual AM Espresso in alignment with its strong support of the Rochester-area community, including nonprofits and local charities. Thank you to the ONB Team who helped distribute drive-through breakfasts and to the entire organization for supporting the Chamber!

Facts about ONB Bank: • Locally-owned Bank • More than 100 shareholders

ONB President Brad Becker welcomed AM Espresso virtual attendees and shared great examples of ONB Bank’s commitment

• 3 loactions, newest in Stewartville

to our Rochester community

• Processed 160 Paycheck Protection Program loan applications totalling approximately $15 million

Gift of Life Transplant House

Gift of Life Transplant House Executive Director Mary Wilder shared some of the new steps the House is taking to keep guests safe and presented a powerful video featuring current residents of Gift of Life and their experiences staying at the House during COVID-19.

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PA R T N E R U P DAT E

Clean and Safe Ambassador Program Launches July 1 Clean Team Ambassadors will provide these daily services within the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s 44-block special service district: Sanitizing high touch areas of public spaces Power washing sidewalks Picking up litter Pulling weeds Removing graffiti Answering questions and providing directions Look for the Clean Team Ambassadors in their bright orange shirts starting July 1 and find program details at DowntownRochesterMN.com/CleanAndSafe.

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ChamberAdvantage-halfpage-ad2020.indd 1

6/5/2020 10:27:51 AM

PA R T N E R U P DAT E

Let's start your business journey together!

Online Program July 7th August 25th, 2020

Basics of Entrepreneurship:

From Idea to Customer www.collider.mn/boe

Join the team committed to helping businesses through the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus outbreak. Volunteer as we recover and return to the “New Normal” in these positions: ✓ Mentors offer confidential business guidance, either in person or online. ✓ Subject Matter Experts provide focused knowledge based on their professional skills or industry. ✓ Workshop Presenters lead seminars and events to help entrepreneurs meet their goals and achieve success.

✓ Chapter Support Volunteers share their skills in marketing, tech, finance, fundraising and more to help expand the outreach of SCORE.

Cheryl Thode is passionate about helping small businesses identify and achieve their business goals.

Cheryl enjoys learning from clients and sharing 20 years of marketing and communications expertise with the local business community.

SCORE is a resource partner with the SBA, that is committed to helping businesses through the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. Cheryl believes that challenging times call for trusted business guidance and resources. SCORE volunteers offer practical advice and insightful tips based upon years of experience for FREE.

https://seminnesota.score.org/

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The members of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee include: Lizzy Haywood of People’s Food Coop, Dr. Lori Carrell of University of Minnesota, Rochester, James Kelly of Construction Partnership, Sarah Miller of White Space, Emily Benner of Preventice Solutions, Scott Eggert of Broadway Plaza, and Aaron Benike of Benike Construction who served as Committee Chair.

The members of the committee are committed to reaching out and doing all that is possible to be inclusive and offer the opportunity of service on the board to as many people who are interested. The following application process was developed to assist in achieving this goal.

Aaron Benike

Lizzy Haywood

Dr. Lori Carrell

Emily Benner

Sarah Miller

James Kelly

Scott Eggert

Board of Directors Nominating Process & Application Form Thank you for your interest in being considered for membership on the Board of Directors of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Serving on the Board is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for both important community service and professional growth.

The nomination process and application form is outlined below.

You may find it helpful to read through the entire application and job description before completing it. Please return the completed application to the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce 220 S Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904 or scan and email to Cheryl Krage at ckrage@rochestermnchamber.com by 7/20/2020.

This application will be kept confidential and on file at the Chamber office. Applications will be reviewed by the Chamber’s Nominating Committee, which will in turn make recommendations to the Executive Committee and full Board of Directors. The candidates are elected by a majority vote of current Board Members.

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

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Member of the Board Job Description Members of the Board of Directors are chosen because of their interest in the Chamber, their business experience and involvement in civic affairs, and their commitment to making Rochester a great place to live, work, and do business. The duties of an individual Board member can be broken down into the following general areas: Commitment to Personal Engagement 1. Regularly attend and prepare for Board and committee meetings. The Board of Directors meets the 4th Wednesday of every month at 7 a.m. July meetings are usually cancelled. Meetings last a maximum of 1.5 hours. An annual calendar of meetings will be provided and any modifications of meeting schedule are provided as far in advance as possible.

2. Provide leadership and engagement in Board meetings consistent with the highest standards of professional conduct and personal integrity.

3. Openly and generously share your perspective, the benefit of your personal and professional experiences in the governance of and activities of the Chamber.

4. Support the Chamber mission through your business sponsorship and financial/in-kind support of Chamber’s service mission and related activities.

Appreciation of and Compliance with the Chamber Governance Model 5. Act in accordance with the Chamber’s governance model and bylaws. Serve in the organizational oversight capacity as outlined within the governance model and the bylaws.

6. Commit to strengthening the organization through active support of the mission, vision and values of the Chamber of Commerce and by sharing your professional expertise, personal experience and concern for the community.

7. Exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of conduct and integrity while serving on the Board.

8. Support ethical integrity of the Chamber’s policies, practices, and operations, and ensuring compliance, transparency and accountability.

Commitment to Civic Engagement 8. Use personal platforms and professional opportunities to support, educate and exhibit the mission, values and vision of the Chamber.

9. Directors are encouraged to engage in other meaningful service activities which assist in promoting a strong community.

10. Directors are encouraged to participate in Chamber activities/events/service projects to help increase the service reach of the Chamber, deepen business community connections and strengthen the fabric of the entire community.

11. Directors are strongly encouraged to proactively reach out to new businesses, non-members and diverse communities with the intent of supporting individual businesses, building new relationships and strengthening both the Chamber and the community in general.

Terms and Conditions of Service 12. Directors serve a minimum of one three-year term on the Board and are eligible to serve 2 three-year terms.

13. Director agrees to step down from the Board if unable to serve as needed.

Download your application here: https://bit.ly/raccboardapp Once you have filled out your application, please email the final version to Cheryl Krage at ckrage@rochestermnchamber.com 15

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Thank you for your investment in our community.

OWL Therapy Services

(218) 750-7653| www.owltherapyservices.com OWL Therapy Services serves Rochester, MN and surrounding areas and is dedicated to providing quality in-home speech and language services to children, adults and their families. OWL Therapy treats many different areas, including speech/sound disorders, language delays, stuttering, and autism.

Budget Blinds

(507) 258-4429| www.budgetblinds.com Budget Blinds of Rochester has been serving the community with custom window treatments and excellent customer service for over 20 years, featuring brands such as Hunter Douglas, Enlightened Style, Norman, and many others.

We offer a full line of blinds, shutters, shades and drapes, as well as home automation, and commercial window treatment solutions.

Broadway Plaza

NEWSREELS

www.rochester broadwayplaza.com Broadway Plaza’s managing company, RESIDE Worldwide, recently launched “RESIDE Right Experience” delivering Duty of Care & CDC-Compliant Sanitation. The focus is on enhanced cleaning protocols and expanded employee training. The Broadway Team has been dedicated to helping to flatten the COVID-19 curve by revising cleanliness protocols to align with CDC regulations. The multi-faceted “RESIDE Right” initiative builds upon the company’s award-winning service and standards leveraging the following five Hospitality Pillars: Duty of Care - encompassing the most recent CDC Guidelines, Disinfection – In partnership with Ecolab to design comprehensive up-todate cleaning protocols, Innovations – added new equipment to ensure a deeper, wider, more targeted sanitization, Training – developed “Clean, Sanitize & Disinfect'' Training Program for its Teams, Trust – distributed its new cleaning standards and protocols to enhance duty of care for guest and build trust. In unprecedented times like these, Broadway Plaza is committed to deliver a more highly progressive and dynamic accommodations experience, focused on what is right for our guests, partners and employees.

ONB Bank Beth Schmidt ONB Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Beth Schmidt as Assistant Vice President, Relationship and Branch Manager of the Rochester locations. Beth brings over 31 years of banking experience to ONB, in roles such as personal banking, small business, and lending.

Beth will have a pivotal role in building relationships with new and existing clients, and assist with the growth of ONB’s retail banking.

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

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RENEWING MEMBERS

Thank you for your continued investment in our community.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 18

Absolute Theatre Blades To Ballet Bob The Bug Man, LLC Bremer - Rochester Brookmoor Townhome Association Carpet One Century Hills Townhomes I Chiropractic First Choral Arts Ensemble Coldwell Banker River Valley, Realtors Comfort Home Health Care Group, Inc. Cottagewood Senior Communities Coulee Bank Creative Hardwood Floors D6 Games LLC DBS Group, LLC Dentistry for Children & Adolescents, LTD Deutsch Furniture Gallery Family Promise Rochester Hillcrest Barber Shop Home2 Suites by Hilton House Chevrolet Co. IMEG CORP JBC Mobile DJ KNXR - Minnesota 97.5 Kruesel General Merchandise & Auction Co L Hanson Consulting LWJM Professional Tax Services LLC Melaleuca Independent Marketing Executive Wettleson Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Pace International Pappy's Place Priority Claims Service General Contractor R & M Development Redemptive Roofing LLC

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

Regency Multifamily Rochester Athletic Club Rochester Jaycees Rochester Motor Cars Rochester Title & Escrow Company, Inc. Super Target - North Ted W. Smith Insurance Agency Transworld Business Advisors of Minnesota Village on the Green II Association WA Insurance Group Winona State University Rochester on Broadway Zumbro Education District Alzheimer's Association American Family Insurance Shawn Capelle Agency, Inc. Anderson Law Firm Anderson Memorials Rochester Granite Co. Andy's Liquor Arment and Associates, LLC Bear Creek Services Jane Belau Bob's Auto Body Bowlocity Byron Public Schools Amy Caucutt Custom Retaining Walls & Landscaping CWS, Inc. Design Studio B DeWitz Home Builders Elias Construction First Alliance Credit Union Floorco Ginny's Fine Fabrics & Support Group Great Planes Aviation Grisim School Bus, Inc. Haley Comfort Systems

• Healing Rhythms Music Therapy, LLC • HGA • HOPE Ranch - Kit Muellner, LICSW • Kariel Staging & Decor • Lindstrom Design • Matik Management • Mavo Systems • Merry Maids • Neuro Hospitality House • Nuss Truck Group Inc. • Obermiller Nelson Engineering • Paul's Lock & Key Shop • Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. • Remjoy Medical Supply Store • Rentex Rentals • Schoeppner Inc. • SE MN Realtors • Sheri's Tailoring • Sola Salon South • Southeast Service Cooperative • Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency • Southpoint Motors Inc. • Sterling State Bank - NW • Tessa's Office • Tulip Tree Studios • Waste Management of Rochester • Website Design & SEO by ProWeb365 • West Bank • Whitlock-Sonnenberg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #1215 • Willow Point Townhomes Homeowners Assoc., Inc. • Zumbro Valley Medical Society

Periodical Postage

PAID

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

Rochester, MN

Expanding

our community in Minnesota

West Bank Team Rochester team from left to right: 2nd Vice President Natalie Jones, Vice President Mike Schletty, Vice President Don Paulson, CEO Dave Nelson, Market President Mike Zinser, 1st Vice President Michele Sursely and Client Relations Representative Deb Anderson

For more than 125 years, West Bank has placed community and relationships at the center of banking.

We proudly brought that focus to Rochester in 2013 and now we’ve expanded our footprint to include St. Cloud, Owatonna and Mankato.

As a local business bank, we simply focus on the things that are important to anyone running a business.

We attribute our success to valuable, long-standing business relationships based upon mutual respect and enduring connections.

2188 Superior Drive NW • Rochester, MN 55901 • 507-252-2970 • westbankstrong.com • Member FDIC

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