September 2020 Advantage Magazine

September 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 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

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

40th Annual Golf Outing:

Who will claim the President’s Cup? The Chamber’s 40th Annual Golf Outing sponsored by Treasure Island Resort & Casino will take place on September 28 at Rochester Golf and Country Club. Which team will emerge victorious and claim the Presidents Cup Trophy? Follow along on the Chamber’s Facebook page for live updates the day of the tournament!

PREMIER 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 #9 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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P R E S I D E N T ’ S U DAT E

Fall 2020 School-aged Childcare As summer transitions to fall, the Chamber wants to do all it can to help the thousands of working parents with school-aged childen find the necessary daycare options as they juggle work and helping their children with remote school scheldues. Below is information the Chamber has gathered which we hope will be helpful, to parents in meeting this critical challenge. We encourage all employers to share this resource with their employees. Please contact the Chamber if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely, Kathleen Harrington President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

125 Live WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.125livemn.org | (507) 361 - 1732

DATE & TIME:

Every Wednesday starting September 9 | 1 - 3pm

COST:

$120 per month per child

GRADE(S): Elementary (1 - 5) 125 is partnering with Mathnasium of Rochester to deliver an exclusive learning pod program for elementary-aged children. Mathnasium’s tutors and 125 Live’s instructors will provide math & reading help, physical fitness, and art & media activities. In addition, parents who enroll their children in this program recieve 20% off 125 Live membership, waived membership fees, and use of all available facilities and amenities. Call (507) 361-1732 to register.

Air Insanity WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.airinsanity.com | (507) 322 - 6197

DATE & TIME:

September 8 | Full day

COST:

Full week: $265.99 | 3-day: $159.99 | Single-day: $70 (all priced do not include tax)

GRADE(S): 1 - 8 Air Insanity will be offering an Insane Study Camp Program starting September 8. This virtual schooling program allows for dedicated study rooms for students, safe social interaction, and physical activity within the park. Students will bring their technology & school supplies, and Air Insanity’s college-aged staff will facilitate study sessions.

Camp Victory WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.campvictory.com | (507) 843 - 2329

DATE & TIME:

September | Full Day Camps

COST:

3-day Camps: $200 | 5-day Camps: $325 | *Multi-child Discount Available*

GRADE(S): School-aged Camp Victory is offering weekly fall day camp and tutoring programs. Students rotate through indoor and outdoor activities each day wth college-age counselors. In addition, counselors will assist students with their online school sessions. Visit www.campvictory.com or call (507) 843 - 2329 to register.

P R E S I D E N T ’ S U DAT E

Epic Endeavors Preschool Academy WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.epicendeavorsacademy.com | (507) 319 - 5709

DATE & TIME:

September 3 | Half or Full day offerings

COST:

Variable on package / duration

GRADE(S): Preschool (age 3-5) | K - 2 Epic Endeavors Preschool Academy is offering a variety of options for its 2020-21 school year. It will have STEM preschool or school age enrichment on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and STEAM classes in the afternoons for 3 or 4 hours. TEXT to set-up a tour or ENROLL: 507-319-5709.

Family Circle Learning Center WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.familycirclelearningcenter.com | (507) 735 - 0092

DATE & TIME:

September | 6:30am - 5:30pm

COST: TBD GRADE(S): School-aged (through age 12) Family Circle Learning Center will work with each family as part of their school age program to determine their individual child’s needs and distance learning schedule. Whether full- or part-time, the Family Circle staff will provide cirriculum during the remaing parts of the day which emphasize areas such as Science, Math, Physical Education, English, Social Studies, and more. Children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and a PM snack.

Rochester YMCA -WEBSITE & PHONE: www.YMCANorth.org/Rochester | (507) 287- 2260 DATE & TIME:

September | 7am - 5:pm

COST:

A “session” is defined as one full-day of care that costs $40 per child

GRADE(S): Kindergarten - 5 The YMCA will provide flexible, full-day school age care with distance learning support. This program will offer a safe space where Y team members support students completing distance learning, a ratio of one staff person to every 15 children, and access to the pool and gym space. Flexible 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 day per week options. Learn more or register by visiting website listed above.

Sylvan Learning WEBSITE & PHONE:

www.sylvanrochester.com | (507) 517 - 3466

DATE & TIME:

Monday-Thursday: 10am - 1pm and 4 - 7pm | Friday 10am - 1pm and 4-6pm

Saturday: 9am - 12pm

COST:

TBD

GRADE(S):

Kindergarten - 12 Sylvan Learning is happy to be offering day and evening sessions to provide a dedicated environment for students to be productive with their school work. Sylvan will offer homework support to assist students with their school assignments, while continuing to offer their programs in Math, Reading, Writing, Study Skills, and College Prep. Visit the webiste or call (507) 517 - 3466 for more information.

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.

SBDC_September2020_Ad.indd 1

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.

8/25/20 11:13 AM

As a SCORE Volunteer, Paulette Teigen brings 30 years of experience in business ownership. She has experience in Wholesale, Retail and Foodservice. She has managed all departments involved with business ownership including accounting, human resources, and operations.

Paulette enjoys sharing her experiences to help others grow their business and to assist with creating and implementing her clients' ideas. She offers a solid sounding board along with creative ideas to help other business owners succeed.

https://seminnesota.score.org/

Learn more about our full-day or part-day licensed child care at ymcanorth.org/rochester or call 507-287-2260

FULL DAY CARE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING SCHOOL DAYS

Financial assistance available.

20-SAC09

DESIGNED TO SUPPORT DISTANCE LEARNING AND HYBRID MODELS GRADES K - 5 | 7 AM - 5:30 PM ROCHESTER YMCA If your family is planning to do all or part of school via distance learning, the Y is here to offer convenient and consistent support during the school day.

709 1st Avenue SW Rochester, MN 55902 507-287-2260

This flexible, full-day care program offers: • A safe space where Y team members support students completing distance learning. Access to pool and gym space.

Register online at ymcanorth.org/rochester

• A ratio of 1 staff person per 15 kids to maintain our best social distancing, cleaning procedures, and health practices.

• Flexible 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 day options.

20-SAC09 RO Advantage Ad_SAC.indd 1

8/24/20 12:36 PM

Thank you,

Ambassadors!

Our Clean and Safe Ambassadors have made a noticeable impact in our downtown. From disinfecting public spaces to picking up trash to removing graffiti, here are just a few stats from our Ambassadors' work in July.

1,428 pieces of infrastructure disinfected 213 instances of graffiti removed 154 bags of trash collected 90 hospitality assists (i.e. providing directions and recommendations) 47 biohazards removed If you notice something that needs our Ambassadors' attention in downtown Rochester, call 507-316-7511.

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B OA R D U P DAT E

Chamber Board Welcomes Six New Directors Following an open application period and extensive review process, the Chamber Board of Directors Nominating Committee recommended a slate of six new directors to the full board during their August meeting. The Board voted unanimously to appprove the recommendations of the Nominating Committee, and we are extremely pleased to introduce you to the six newest members of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Christine Beech

Executive Director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Assistant Professor of Business Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Christine Beech has been an active member of the Rochester Area Chamber, including collaborating on WE Forum Events, attending AM Espressos, and helping to facilitate Shop Local First sessions. In her current role as director of the Kabara Institute, Beech instructs aspiring entrepreneurs, and she partners with various entities to promote startups and entrepreneurism in our region. Before joining Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Beech owned a successful management consulting business.

Dave Pederson

Attorney / Shareholder Dunlap & Seeger, PA

During the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Pederson stepped forward and, together with his colleagues, provided helpful advice and information to businesses as part of the Chamber’s Path Forward Webinar Series. As an attorney with the local firm of Dunlap & Seeger, PA, Pederson cares deeply about the success of the Rochester area. In addition to his work with clients, Pederson has volunteered on numerous community boards, including the Olmsted Medical Center Foundation and the West Bank Community Board.

Omar Nurr

Founder & Executive Director Somali American Social Service Organizatiton

Omar Nurr has been working with the Rochester Somali community since 2000 in areas of healthcare, education, small business development, and women’s empowerment. In addition to his work as the Founder & Executive Director of the Somali American Social Service Organization, Nurr has served on several committees and boards, providing a unique perspective on the issues facing small businesses in our community. A dedicated community leader, Nurr believes that the best way to have a positive impact in our community often relies on the relationship we have with our local organizations.

Golf & Stay

AT THE ISLAND H O T E L PA C K A G E S N O W AVA I L A B L E

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TIcasino.com | 1-800-222-7077

B OA R D U P DAT E

Sharon Schneller

Chief Nursing Officer Olmsted Medical Center

Sharon Schneller is an experienced healthcare leader, with experience in the areas of acute care, ambulatory care, health plan, and employer benefits. Schneller is actively involved in community projects that focus on workforce supply and development, promoting the growth of small entreprenurial busness, and improving the health and wellbeing of the community population. As a member of the board, Schneller is interested in how we can influence the success of local small businesses.

Sylwia Bujak Oliver Executive Director 125 Live

Sylwia Bujak Oliver is passionate about the local community. As a Rochester resident for the past 8 years, Oliver has volunteered on numerous occassions to support local non-profits while also serving as Executive Director of 125 Live. Prior to her time in the U.S., Oliver had owned a small business when she lived in Europe, so she understands and appreciates the Chamber’s commitment to serving small businesses in the Rochester area.

Oliver holds a masters degree in law from University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poland.

Teresa Czaplewski

Public Relations Director & Grief Support Specialist Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes

Teresa Czaplewski has deep roots in the Rochester community and a genuine passion to be involved in creating a stronger and thriving community. A current Chamber Ambassador, Czaplewski is familiar with the Chamber’s commitment to service, having greeted hundreds of new businesses and connected members to countless programs, resources, and services. Prior to her time at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, Czaplewski ran the wellknown Festival of Trees fundraiser for Hiawatha Homes and went out of her way to build a diverse, welcoming, and prosperous community.

2020 Chamber Board of Directors Nominating Committee • • • • • • • •

Aaron Benike, Benike Construction, Chair Lizzy Haywood, People’s Food Coop, Vice Chair Emily Benner, Preventice Jim Kelly, Construction Partnership Dr. Lori Carrell, University of Minnesota, Rochester Sarah Miller, White Space Scott Eggert, Broadway Plaza Kathleen Harrington, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

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

E L E C T I O N S U P DAT E

Pre-Primary Forums Delivered Insights, Information to Voters In accordance with the Chamber’s commitment to civic engagement and encouraging voting in all elections, the Chamber partnered with the League of Women Voters, the Rochester Post Bulletin, and the Rochester Public Library to host a series of candidate forums. These live-streamed events featured candidates for local City Council and County Commissioner seats.

Monday, July 20 Olmsted County District 5 • Brian Morgan • Jim Bier • Regina Mustafa Tuesday, July 21 2nd Ward Candidate Forum • Denise Welte • Mark Bransford • Michael Wojcik

Wednesday, July 22 4th Ward Candidate Forum • Abel Brito • Katrina Pulham • Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick • PJ Calkins Thursday, July 23 6th Ward Candidate Forum • Craig Ugland • David Diercks • Donavan Bailey • Molly Dennis • Thomas Rigby • Todd Pisarski

To view on-demand recordings of the forums, visit:

www.http://rochestercitymn.iqm2.com/Citizens/Media.aspx 10

E L E C T I O N S U P DAT E

Fall Public Affairs Programming: Candidate Forums This fall’s Public Affairs programming, including Eggs and Issues, will be dedicated to the Chamber’s participation in candidate debates at all levels of government. The Chamber is grateful to our Public Affairs program sponsors Mayo Clinic, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Charter Communications, MN Energy Resources, Wells Fargo, and West Bank for their support. These forums, which will be done in partnership with the League of Women’s Voters, the Rocheser Public Library and the Post Bulletin, will be streamed online and recorded for on-demand viewing. The Chamber is pleased to provide this significant public service. More info: www.rochestermnchamber.com/civic-engagement/.

September 14: School Board Seat One • Don Barlow

September 28: County Commissioner District 1

• Justin Cook

• Stephanie Podulke

September 16: School Board Seat Three • Karen MacLaughlin • Deborah Seelinger September 17: School Board Seat Five • Jess Garcia • Mark Schleusner September 21 MN Representative 25a • Duane Quam • Kim Hicks September 21: MN Representative 25b • Kenneth Bush • Liz Boldon September 22: MN Representative 26a • Gary Melin • Tina Liebling September 22: MN Representative 26b • Nels Pierson • Randy Brock September 23: MN Senate 25 • Dave Senjem • Sarah Flick September 24: MN Senate 26 • Carla Nelson

• Robert Beeman September 29: City Council President • Kathleen Harrington • Brooke Carlson *In the interest of full transparency, the Chamber will not be asking questions at this debate, nor sharing questions ahead of time with any of the above candidates.

September 30: County Commissioner District 5 • Jim Bier • Regina Mustafa October 1: County Commissioner District 7 • Wale Elegbede • Mark Thein October 6: Rochester City Council Ward 2 • Michael Wojcik • Mark Bransford October 7: Rochester City Council Ward 4 • Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick • Katrina Pulham October 8: Rochester City Council Ward 6 • Molly Dennis • Craig Ugland

• Aleta Borrud

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L G R G R A D UAT I O N

Final LGR Session: Launching Leaders and Graduation At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, the LGR Class was preparing to attend the Working With Local Government Session, the seventh of ten sessions planned for the 2019-20 program. Following the cancellation of all in-person events, the Chamber pivoted to the virtual delivery of learning sessions.

With patience and good humor, the LGR participants joined in the virtual sessions, asked penetrating questions, and made the most of a difficult situation. On August 13, when it was deemed safe, the class gathered for their final session Launching Leaders. This socially-distant session -postponed three months from its origninal

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date -- allowed the class to reconnect, reflect back on their experiences, and celebrate their Community Impact Project accomplishment; raising more than $25,000 dollars worth of cash and in-kind donations for the Rochester Public Schools’ Community Resource Rooms.

2.

3.

4.

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Clockwise from top: Bethany von Steinbergs leading the StrengthsFinder session (1), The class participating in a socially-distant Strengths Artifacts activity (2), A member of the class conquering the high ropes course (3), Prepping to go up on the high ropes course (4)

Congratulations to the 2020 LGR Class!

L G R U P DAT E

Thank you to their sponsoring employers Think Bank

Ability Building Community

Home Federal Bank Think Bank

Spark

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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C H A M B E R U P DAT E

Programs, Information, & Advocacy define Chamber’s Ongoing Service to Members, Community Throughout the pandemic, the Chamber has continued to deliver services in accordance with our mission: to promote business success which supports a thriving community. In the last month alone, the Chamber team has delivered an array of programs and services in support of small businesses and the community, including a mask distribution event, Path Forward Webinars, mulitple enhanced visibility opportunities for members, and high quality virtual networking events. See below for snapshots of the past month, and visit www.rochestermnchamber.com to view the webinars and event recordings.

The Chamber team distributed 130,000 masks in one day

AM Espresso attendees shared information and safety best practices with one another

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Two Chamber member businesses -- Beyond Kitchens and GEOTEK -- celebrated their 25 and 30 year company anniversaries, respectively.

R O C H E S T E R R E A DY U P DAT E

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RENEWING MEMBERS

RENEWING MEMBERS

Thank you for your continued investment in our community.

Ads & Art Affordable Dentures & Implants Rochester II PC Altra Federal Credit Union ANCOM Communications/Midwest Radio Rentals Archery Addiction LLC Bell Bank Mortgage Bolder Options Brains Together For A Cure Cardinal of Minnesota, LTD. Coordinated Business Systems Cornerstone Financial Resources CRW architecture + design group Elcor Construction Exercisabilities Finery Bridal Chic Just For Kix Rochester Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Kraus-Anderson Mannino Marketing McGough Construction

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McNeilus Companies Merrill Lynch Podein's Power Equipment PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company RF Print & Design River Bend Senior Living Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester Inn Schad Tracy Signs Schwab Construction Schwickert Company Servicemaster Distributor Operations Sheila Kiscaden State Farm Insurance - Matt Kechely Ins Agency Suk Law Firm Ltd The Pinske Edge The Prow Company, Inc. Thrivent Financial Villas on Pepin

C H A M B E R C E L E B R AT I O N S

Member Anniversaries Beyond Kitchens - 25 Years in Business

The Chamber congratulates Beyond Kitchens as they celebrate 25 years in Rochester! They offer full-service kitchen and bathroom design along with a step-by-step remodeling process where they work with the client from the first appointment to the finished product. Visit them at 2002 2nd St SW or online at www.beyondkitchens.com.

GEOTEK - 35 Years in Business

The Chamber congratulates GEOTEK, Inc. on 30 years of doing business in our region! During this span, GEOTEK has evolved as an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer, and distributor of reinforced fiberglass pultrusion products for the electric utility field and animal containment markets. Learn more about the company and employment opportunities by visiting www.geotekinc.com/careers.

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Hawkins Ash CPAs

NEWSREELS

www.hawkinsashcpas.com Rochster, Minn. -- Hawkins Ash CPAs is extremely proud to announce the following employee promotions: Matt Cantlon, CPA has been promoted to Tax Supervisor. Cantlon joined the Hawkins Ash CPAs team in 2017 with several years of experience in public accounting. In his new role as a Tax Supervisor, Cantlon focuses on working with businesses, estates, individuals and trusts. “I enjoy working with clients to help them achieve the best possible tax outcomes,” he said. “I also like learning about tax laws and regulations, both new and current.” Cantlon received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of CPAs, Cantlon also is active in the local community as a member of the Rochester Rotary Club.

Morgan Haag has been promoted to Senior Associate. Haag joined Hawkins Ash CPAs in 2017. Now, as a Senior Associate, she is in charge of all 1099 processing for the Rochester, MN office of the firm. Haag also assists with bookkeeping and preparing tax returns. “I enjoy helping clients and helping to develop younger staff,” she said.

Haag received an Associate of Science in Equine Science from Rochester Community and Technical College and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Haag was recognized as Hawkins Ash CPAs Employee of Excellence for Quarter 1 in 2019.

Jennifer Kiehne, CPP has been promoted to Senior Associate. Kiehne joined Hawkins Ash CPAs in 2014. In 2019 she became a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)—a career accomplishment of which she is most proud. Since beginning bookkeeping and accounting work in the late 1980s, Kiehne’s experience spans more than 30 years.

Now, as a Senior Associate, she specializes in payroll processing and assists with quarterly payroll tax returns. In addition, she works with clients to determine sales tax and provider tax. She also performs work comp audits. “I enjoy working with my clients, who range from farmers to restauranteurs and construction workers to chiropractors,” she said. “The list is endless!” Kiehne attended Rochester Community College. She is a Certified QuickBooks Desktop ProAdvisor and Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. In addition, Kiehne is a member of the American Payroll Association and the American Payroll Association’s NorthStar (Minnesota) Chapter.

Home Federal

www.justcallhome.com Matt McMartin Home Federal is proud to announce that Relationship Manager Matt McMartin has been named a Top Producing Loan Officer by Minnesota Housing for their Fix-Up Fund program in 2019. Fix-Up Funds provide affordable loans for home improvement projects, and Matt has been recognized for his depth of knowledge of the program, while helping many local home owners successfully finance their home repairs and upgrades with Home Federal.

Sterling State Bank

www.sterlingstatebank.com Justin McNeilus Sterling State Bank is pleased to announce that Sterling State Bank President Justin McNeilus has been promoted by the Bank’s Board of Directors to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. McNeilus will assume this new role and title in addition to his current responsibilities as President of the Bank. “Justin has worked in and around banking for most of his life,” said Sterling State Bank Chairman and CEO Denzil McNeilus. “These experiences have imparted a deep appreciation for our customers, our employees and for the important role that community banks play in supporting our local economy.”

DBS Group

www.dbsg.com DBS Group has hired Jeff Anneke of Rochester, Minnesota, as Vice President of Business Development. In his new role, Anneke will advance the design-build construction company’s key priorities and drive strategic partnerships.

Anneke began his sales and management career in the pharmaceutical industry, earning top distinction for his ability to help clients achieve their business objectives. He also brings property development expertise from developing and managing investment properties for the past 20 years, and he holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. For more information regarding DBS Group, visit DBSG.com or call (608) 881-6007.

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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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