Advantage Magazine | September 2022

ROCH ESTER

September 2022

A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

COLLIDER Supporting local entrepreneurs

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MEET THE MEMBER Good Earth Village

NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Chamber welcomes new Board members

HIGHER EDUCATION OUTLOOK Hear from the regions higher education institutes

STAFF Chamber President Ryan Parsons 507-288-1122

Membership Brent Ackerman Development Director 507-424-5666

Public Affairs & Leadership Jonathon Krull Development Director 507-424-5677 Membership Director Tim Shea

507-424-5663

Events & Program Ally Sheehan Director 507-424-5687

Membership Director Kali Aldrich

507-424-5665

Communications Director Katie Becker 507-424-5661

Administrative Assistant Cherie Thurlow 507-288-1122

Director of Operations Cheryl Krage 507-424-5699

2021-2022 CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS Chair of the Board Christy Blade

Treasurer James Kelly

Post Bulletin, LLC

Individual Member

Vice Chair John Eckerman

Secretary Emily Benner

RSP Architects

Boston Scientific

2021-2022 CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS Santhi Arunachalam

Xylo Technologies Inc.

Lizzy Haywood

People’s Food Cooperative

Dr. Christine Beech*

Copiavia

Doug Holtan

Mayo Clinic

Chad Behnken

Hamilton Real Estate

Marge Kelley

Gillette Pepsi

Dr. Lori Carrell

University of Minnesota - Rochester

Omar Nur

Somali American Social Service Assoc.

Steve Dunn

Taco JED

Sylwia Bujak Oliver

125 Live

Scott Eggert*

Broadway Plaza

David Pederson

Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.

Jessica Eidem

IBM Corporation

Jack Priggen

Cardinal of MN, LTD.

Shawn Fagan

Fagan Studios

Joselyn Raymundo

Rochester Home Infusion

Abel Garcia

Remodeling D.L, LLC

Sharon Schneller

Olmsted Medical Center

Karen Hanson

Home Instead Senior Care

Gwen Stevens

People’s Energy Cooperative

*Denotes at large members of the Executive Committee

VISION

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

Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate.

VALUES As a service organization, the Chamber is committed to conducting our work in accordance with the following values:

Collaboration | Diversity |Innovation Integrity | Proactivity Chamber Advantage USPS 446-900 is published monthly by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 220 S Broadway Ste 100 | Rochester, MN 55904 | Phone: 507-288-1122 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | Christy Blade, Chair of the Board | Editor: Katie Becker Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com

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SEPTEMBER 2022

What’s Inside Feature Collider: Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

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Meet the Member

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Chamber News

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Community News

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Newsreel

Good Earth Village

Cover Photo by William Forsman Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com

Advantage Information and Questions: Katie Becker kbecker@RochesterMNChamber.com

At TSP, we believe in that little extra something.

We understand the power of details and strive for the unexpected surprise. Our team of architects, engineers, planners, and interior designers work alongside our clients to create some of the area’s most innovative solutions.

F Feature

COLLIDER: SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

By Maura Keller

Marketing executives use it as a key tool

for their success. Financial consultants use it to obtain new clients and often make it a key part of their overall business strategies.

Entrepreneurs see it as a necessary effort to obtain insights into their visions and expand their business opportunities. What is it? It’s networking, and thanks to the founders of Collider, Rochester-based entrepreneurs now have a unique space to connect with others and catapult their entrepreneurial vision to the next level.

Photo by Corrie Strommen

Collider provides a space for area entrepreneurs to connect with others and catapult their entrepreneurial vision to the next level.

(Pictured from left to right: Amanda Leightner and Manasseh Kambaki)

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in October 2019 in Rochester, Collider activates, empowers, and connects early-stage entrepreneurs. As Amanda Leightner, interim executive director of Collider explains, the organization’s vision is a community with zero barriers to entrepreneurship for anyone with a good business idea and a passion to see it grow.

“All of our services are aimed at removing barriers for entrepreneurs and supporting a community where business ideas can grow and thrive,” Leightner says.

While Collider was officially established as a nonprofit in 2019, the organization started as a for-profit co working space in 2016. The space was where entrepreneurs and other creatively minded people could get together to provide a community of support for each other, and to provide accountability, community, and shared knowledge.

“Collider was originally started when Hunter Downs and I renovated the now Conley-Maass-Downs building,” says Traci Downs, board chair at Collider.

“We had co-started Cafe Steam and loved the connections and relationships that were made by running into people while getting coffee. We wanted to see if we could help take things to the next level by having these connections turn into business relationships and startups.”

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Jamie Sundsbak was a local entrepreneur instigator that had a morning BioAm coffee meet-up. As Downs explains, he had been passionate about helping Rochester grow an entrepreneurial ecosystem for many years and he agreed to join the charge to get Collider Coworking going.

“Amanda Leightner joined the team and things evolved from a coworking space to a non-profit that included memberships that have access to co-working space, but now so much more,” Downs says. “This includes classes to help startups, pairings with mentors, connections to other community resources, events, and a focus on reaching less represented groups within Rochester to make sure that the barriers to entry are removed for anyone with the passion and great idea for a new business.”

Today, Collider offers low-cost coworking space to help entrepreneurs connect and collide with other business owners and people who can support their growth to spark new ideas. The organization also offers storytelling in the form of weekly articles and a monthly podcast, called Rochester Rising.

September 2022

Feature F “Through these efforts we broaden the definition of what an entrepreneur is and share the stories of what it’s really like to start and grow a business in this community. We also offer ecosystem navigation services,” Collider says. These are free, confidential support services for early-stage starters in Rochester.

Through this work, Collider takes a highly individualized approach, meeting with entrepreneurs to understand challenges they’re facing with their business and working to remove those barriers through advice and consultation and forming a trusted bridge to other organizations in the community that are a good fit for that entrepreneur.

“And lastly, we offer a program called CO.STARTERS to help starters think through their business idea, get connected into the community, and figure out the next steps they need to take to turn their idea into action,” Leightner says.

The Current Landscape

Just like all things in business, the entrepreneurial landscape in Rochester ebbs and flows as the economy warrants. As Leightner points out, the rate of new entrepreneurship across the U.S. has been on the rise since the start of the COVID pandemic. However, this has largely been out of necessity, not opportunity.

“The demographics of who is an entrepreneur is also changing. The percentage of new entrepreneurs who identify as White has been steadily decreasing in the U.S.; the LatinX population has seen the largest increase in the rate of new entrepreneurs in the U.S. over the last few years, and new entrepreneurs who identify as Black have seen a steep increase since the start of 2022,” Leightner says. “But everyone who wants to start a business does not have the same access to resources, opportunities, and networks to help their business start and thrive.” Collider’s research has shown that women and entrepreneurs of color in Rochester feel barriers to starting a business at a rate up to three times higher than their White male counterparts.

who want to pursue entrepreneurship in this community,” Leightner says. “We’re seeing a lot of individuals who want to start a business and pursue a passion, but aren’t sure of the first steps to take. We hope to be able to mitigate some of the challenges they will be facing to get their idea up and running and give them the best chance of business success in this community.”

On the Horizon

With three years under its proverbial belt in Rochester’s nonprofit and entrepreneurial space, Collider continues to gage the impact of the organization’s services to make sure they are creating and building things that meet gaps facing entrepreneurs in the community.

“We will continually connect with the people we want to serve and gage gaps in services to these individuals to consider where Collider should move toward in the future,” Leightner says.

Downs adds that Collider is growing and making a bigger and bigger impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rochester.

“Teaming up with the Rochester Economic Development Center on the 6th floor of the Biobusiness Center, which will house RAEDI, SBDC, the Black Entrepreneurship Team, and over 11,0000 square feet of Collider co-working space, the group will be a go-to place for a range of services to help Rochester entrepreneurs,” Downs says. “Come check us out.”

Collider is growing and making a bigger and bigger impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rochester.

“However, multiple resources in the community, and a steady employment landscape, offer opportunities to people

Photo by Corrie Strommen

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 5

M Meet the Member

MEET THE MEMBER: GOOD EARTH VILLAGE The bluffs of Southeastern

Minnesota are arguably an underrated hidden gem in Minnesota. From beautiful views to fascinating wildlife, this area is a great place to get outdoors, Nestled in the bluffs in Spring Valley, Minnesota is Good Earth Village, a full-service retreat center offering summer camps, leadership training, trails, events, and more.

Executive Director of Good Earth Village, Dianna Parks, provided us with some more information about Good Earth Village.

Good Earth Village offers year-round programming, including summer camp.

Q: Tell us about Good Earth

Village. What does your company offer to the Rochester region?

A: Good Earth Village is one of the most special places in the world. We are located on 477 acres of beautiful forest and prairie at the edge of the bluffs. We offer year-round programming including summer camp, fall youth retreats, adult education, fun events, and worship opportunities. Additionally, we host secular and faith-based groups for retreats, meetings, family reunions, weddings, and more.

Q: How did it start for Good Earth Village?

A: There was a man named Hamm Muus who was

an advocate for outdoor ministry. He approached a group of leaders in the region to consider starting a camp here. At first folks were skeptical - “You can’t have a camp without a lake!” - but Mr. Muus persisted. The Barr family donated much of the property and the first summer camp was hosted in 1971.

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Q: Good Earth Village became a member of the

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001.

What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization?

A: The networks of people are incredibly valuable.

We have built many relationships through Chamber events.

Q: What is a unique fact people should know about

Good Earth Village?

A: You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy Good Earth Village! Our site is open to the public most days for hiking and fishing - we have a gorgeous trout stream on our property, Spring Valley Creek. Also, our facilities are available for rent, and we have a full-service kitchen. We host family groups, church groups, business meetings, holiday parties, weddings, graduation parties, large camping groups, gaming weekends, writing workshops…the list goes on and on. We are very inclusive, and have hosted a wide variety of groups and interests.

September 2022

Meet the Member M Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry?

A: The outlook is great. Like a lot of businesses, the pandemic created opportunities among the cancellations, and the market changed, too. We recently ended our 2022 camping season, and there were a lot of families dropping off children that had not been apart in three years. The parents had reverse homesickness! But like life, we grow and adapt and improve all of the time while keeping the fundamentals of skills for self-reliance, faith, fun, nature, and connectedness.

Located on 477 acres of beautiful forest and prairie at the edge of the bluffs, Good Earth Village is also open to the public most days for hiking and fishing.

Good Earth Village is located at 25303 Old Town Dr., Spring Valley, Minnesota and can also be found online at www.GoodEarthVillage.org

EMPOWERING STUDENTS. IMPACTING COMMUNITIES.

Check out more ISG Education projects! bit.ly/education_ISG

Congratulations to Byron Public Schools on the recent groundbreaking of multiple district projects!

Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning | ISGInc.com

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 7

C Chamber News

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER’S INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce will

welcome three new directors to serve on its board of directors in October: Dr. Jeffrey Boyd, President at Rochester Community & Technical College, Heather Donovan, Assistant Vice President Commercial Lending at Sterling State Bank, and Jarett Jones, Market President at Merchants Bank, will be the new additions to the Chamber’s board of director.

As Directors, this new slate of leaders will join the existing board in providing fiduciary oversight of the organization and strategic guidance to the President.

Dr. Jeffrey Boyd

Rochester Community & Technical College

We would also like to recognize the following outgoing Board members for their outstanding service and commitment through the years: Emily Benner | Preventice (outgoing Secretary) Teresa Czaplewski | Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home Shawn Fagan | Fagan Studios Karen Hanson | Home Instead Senior Care Lizzy Haywood | People’s Food Cooperative James Kelly | Individual (outgoing Treasurer) Sarah Miller | Neighborly Group Matt Morehead | Carlson Capital Management Joselyn Raymundo | Rochester Home Infusion

Heather Donovan Sterling State Bank

Jarett Jones

Merchants Bank

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September 2022

Chamber News C

WELCOME TO THE 2022-2023 LEADERSHIP GREATER ROCHESTER (LGR) CLASS! Congratulations to all the individuals who have

PINNACLE SPONSOR

been selected to participate in the Chamber’s premier leadership program, Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR)!

This 10-month program immerses three dozen leaders in sessions examining everything from economic development and the local arts scene, to workforce development and building a sustainable community. Through enriching conversations, behind-the-scenes tours, and work on the Community Impact Project, the LGR experience builds lifelong relationships and provides opportunities for business and community leaders to shape and contribute to the fabric of the greater Rochester area.

LEADERSHIP GREATER ROCHESTER

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

ANJUANNA NAPUE, 2023 Program Chair, Mayo Clinic BRIAN MORGAN, 2023 Vice Chair, Short Elliot Hendrickson

John Angeli, Mayo Clinic Kaytlyn Anzivino, United Way of Olmsted County Jake Beckel, Mayo Clinic Cory Behnken, Think Bank Alex Berlick, Short Elliot Hendrickson John Bigler, Advanced Financial Consulting Adam Copeland, Mayo Clinic Jacob Dreyer, Ronald McDonald House

Numrah Fadra, Mayo Clinic Ian Farrell, Associated Bank Stephen Fischer, Mayo Clinic

September 2022

PROGRAM SPONSORS

WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2023!

Teri Alcott, Mayo Clinic

Meagan Driskill, Mayo Clinic

GRADUATION SPONSOR

Colleen Foehrenbacher, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center Sarah Franzen, Think Bank Kaitlyn Glasswell, Boys & Girls Club of Rochester Marissa Guggisberg, HGA Stephanie Hedrick, KTTC Katie Hendrickson, Southeast Service Cooperative Pat Heydon, Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity Ilaya Hopkins, Mayo Clinic Kristin Mannix, Rochester Community & Technical College Heidi Mason, Olmsted Medical Center

Stephanie Rudeen, Hiawatha Homes Erin Schambureck, CRW architecture + design Chris Scobba, Smith Schafer & Associates Alex Scrabeck, IBM Katie Spring, Mayo Clinic Sarah Stevens, Olmsted County Public Health Charlie Sweeney, Kraus-Anderson Construction Ben Trehey, Coulee Bank Melody Trimble, Mayo Clinic Marty Walsh, People’s Energy Cooperative

Ben Mulholland, KTTC Virginia Nowakowski, Olmsted County Public Health Tessa Olive, Post Bulletin

Advantage Magazine | 9

C Chamber News

EGGS & ISSUES: THE IMPACT AND ISSUES OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN EVENT SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor

The latest installment of the Eggs and Issues series

highlights the impact and issues of the supply chain.

Join us as the panel discusses the impact and issues of the supply chain on a local, state, and national level. Joining the discussion will be representatives from industry, trade, and more.

Opening Remarks John Drake, Vice President, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Supply Chain Panel Discussion Moderator - Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce • Gabrielle Gerbaud, Executive Director, Minnesota Trade Office • Ulises Gonzalez, Director of Operations, Baser Freight • Tom Leimer, Senior Vice President/General Management, Knutson Construction • Moses Kanyomoo, Director of Materials, Crenlo • Micah Rupprecht, Category Management Supervisor, Kwik Trip

Session Sponsors

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Time: 8:30am-10:00am Location: Doubletree Rochester/Downtown, 150 S. Broadway, Rochester, MN Admission: $25 members , $40 general admission

Register here: https://bit.ly/3A8YO5z 10 | Advantage Magazine

September 2022

Chamber News C

2022 HIGHER EDUCATION OUTLOOK EVENT SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor

Higher education plays a key role in training our

future leaders and also employs a significant number of residents in the Rochester region. It is crucial that the business community remains engaged and close with our higher education institutions.

Table Sponsors

WELLS FARGO

Higher Education Outlook is an opportunity for the region’s higher education institutions to share an outlook on their campus, ranging from updates on projects and initiatives to identifying emerging workforce trends.

WILLIAMS & REE Friday, October 14 Tickets $19+

Current agenda to include: • Dr. Jeffery Boyd, President, Rochester Community and Technical College • Dr. Lori Carrell, Chancellor, University of Minnesota Rochester • Dr. Jeanine Gangeness, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Winona State University – Rochester • Dr. Matthew Gerlach, Interim Provost and Dean of Faculties, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 Time: 8:30am-10:30am Location: Admission: $30 members $45 general admission

Register here: https://bit.ly/3pguRdz

September 2022

RON WHITE

INTO

Friday, November 18 Tickets $49+

KATHLEEN MADIGAN Saturday, November 19 Tickets $39+

Live!

IN THE ISLAND EVENT CENTER T I c a s i n o . c o m | 1 - 8 0 0 -2 2 2 -7 07 7 © 2022 Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Advantage Magazine | 11

C Chamber News

hosted by

hosted by

AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event

Join us for Business after Hours (BAH), a monthly

Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments.

For September, you are invited to Gillette Pepsi Rochester.

ISG is a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm.

brought to you by the Chamber. Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. We believe there is value for all in building a supportive business community. As the local economy shifts towards recovery, it is more important than ever to interact with each other to share ideas and best practices.

Date: Friday, September 23, 2022 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Gillette Pepsi Rochester, 3393 Commercial Dr. SW, Rochester. MN Admission: Free, registration required

Register here: https://bit.ly/3Rjvy2W

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networking function which brings professionals together to network and build valuable business relationships. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while connecting with a variety of businesses and organizations operating in the greater Rochester area. This event is a great opportunity to increase your organization’s visibility and generate productive business leads.

Come and connect, expand your network, and build community at ISG! Date: Thursday, Sep. 29, 2022 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: H3 Plaza, 30 3rd St. SW, Suite 600, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required

Register here: https://bit.ly/3SGWx95

September 2022

Chamber News C

Start your weekend with the Chamber team! The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back Chamber Weekend Kickoff!

We welcome members to join us for a free lunch and connection with other fellow members. The Chamber will be grilling and serving lunch from 11:30am-1:00pm at the Saint Mary’s University Rochester Campus.

Quantities are limited and registration is requested and greatly appreciated.

Thank you to EO Johnson, Saint Mary’s University Rochester Campus, Pepsi-Cola and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe for their partnership and support of the Chamber Weekend Kickoff.

Date: Friday, September 30, 2022 Time: 11:30am-1:00pm Location: Saint Mary’s University Rochester Campus, 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required

Register here: https://bit.ly/3dgtnxn SPONSORED BY

hosted by

AM Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event

brought to you by the Chamber. Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. We believe there is value for all in building a supportive business community. As the local economy shifts towards recovery, it is more important than ever to interact with each other to share ideas and best practices.

Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments.

In October, you are invited to ONB Bank!

Date: Friday, October 7, 2022 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: ONB Bank, 975 34th Ave. NW, Suite 101, Rochester, MN Admission: Free, registration required

Register here: https://bit.ly/3CdysRJ

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 13

C Chamber News

CHAMBER KICKBALL TOURNAMENT - A KICKIN’ GOOD TIME! EVENT SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor

Get your kicking foot ready! The Rochester Area

Chamber is excited to bring a Kickball Tournament to our event lineup! Join us this September for a friendly game of Kickball amongst other business leaders. This event is a great opportunity for the Chamber members and their staff to get out of the office and enjoy a fun day of networking, building relations, and team bonding, all while playing a friendly game of kickball!

Dugout Sponsor

Assemble a team of 10 players, or come with a few and we will create a team for you! Single elimination, all skill levels welcome. Awards will be presented to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best Dressed Team.

Brush off your gym shoes and get ready for a kicking good time with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Community. Space is limited so get your team registered today!

Run Sponsor

Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022 Time: 11:00am-5:00pm Location: McQuillan Fields , 1655 Marion Rd. SE, Rochester, MN Admission: $30 per individual $300 per team (10 players)

Register here: https://bit.ly/3AZadpp 14 | Advantage Magazine

September 2022

Community News C

RST RECEIVES GRANT TO RECRUIT NEW NONSTOP SERVICE

Rochester International Airport (RST) has been

awarded a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant from the Department of Transportation. The $850,000 grant will be used to recruit new nonstop service to a western hub from RST. “We are thrilled with the news of this important award and want to thank the Department of Transportation for recognizing the critical needs of our region when it comes to air travel,” said John Reed, executive director. “Rochester International Airport’s air service was hard-hit from the pandemic; the ongoing shortage of pilots only exacerbates the issue. We have strong demand for air travel in our region, pushing load factors over 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic. We are suffering from lack of capacity. We recognize the historically challenging time our airline partners continue to face. We are working hard to recruit service to replace some of our lost capacity.” said Reed.

The SCASDP grant is an important resource that will be used to help recruit air service for the needs of the community and the region. A SCASDP grant was awarded to RST in 2020 for successful recruitment of new air service with United Airlines nonstop daily flights to Denver operated by Sky West Airlines. In 2012, RST was awarded a SCASDP grant for successful recruitment of nonstop service to Delta Air Lines hub in Atlanta. The federal grant is not a guarantee of new air service. Ultimately the airlines make decisions on the routes they will serve.

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 15

C Community News

REEVE FOUNDATION CREATING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH 125 LIVE The Reeve Foundation National Paralysis

Resource Center distributes several grants under the Quality of Life program, awarding grants in different categories, varying in different amounts. 125 LIVE was the recipient of a Direct Effect Quality of Life Grant. The grant from the Reeve Foundation enabled 125 LIVE to expand services to be more accessible for adults in our community who use ambulatory aids like wheelchairs. Our goal through this partnership is to provide everyone a place to work out without creating a “clinical” atmosphere.

Instead, offering a fun fitness center experience modified to accommodate almost all abilities and forms of mobility.

125 LIVE created a welcoming atmosphere by knocking down barriers to accessibility. 125 LIVE provides power door openers in our locker rooms, an aquatic wheelchair for the ramp into the warm water pool that we share with the Rec Center, a helpful team, and the accessible equipment we have installed throughout our facility.

125 LIVE, formerly known as the Rochester Senior Center, has been part of the Rochester community since its incorporation in 1961. Since then, 125 LIVE has been working to provide holistic aging well services for older adults in southeast MN. With the new name and location opening in 2016, 125 LIVE emphasizes positively impacting all the dimensions of wellness by providing services that engage our community via arts, social services, support groups, volunteerism, nutrition services, educational programs, entertainment, and fitness wellness. Since opening the doors at our current location, we have grown from approximately 400 members in 2016 to 4,700 members in 2022. 125 LIVE’s growth is partly thanks to the diversity of programs and services provided at the center, and 125 LIVE continues to expand services to serve even more people better.

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The grant from the Reeve Foundation enabled 125 LIVE to expand services to be more accessible, including their fitness center.

With the $22,266.00 of support from the Reeve Foundation, 125 LIVE can add more accessible/ adaptive fitness equipment to our Fitness Center. We can expand staff education to help support members and guests with differing needs and upgrade our facility to be more accessible. 125 LIVE supports our members by providing services that enable everyone reasonable access to activities they enjoy. Such as our “Accessible Cycling Studio,” which features standard bikes, recumbents, a tandem cycle, and an arm cycle accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. Also, we offer independent use of our Fitness Center, which features equipment accessible to people who benefit from a wheelchair. Anyone interested in learning more, please call 125 LIVE to schedule a tour at 507-287-1404.

September 2022

Community News C

CRISIS CENTER MAKES AN IMPACT ON COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH many individuals within our communities and will support many more. This is not done without the hard work and tenacity of those on the front lines and those that help us behind the scenes with our board and committee members.”

In it’s first year, over 800 people have utilized the crisis response services at the Southeast Regional Crisis Center.

After its first year of service, the Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) has shown the need for its services in the community.

“This year we’ve had to work through all the challenges of starting something new. And we’ve gotten really good at problem solving,” Mucheck said of launching this first-of-its-kind program in Minnesota. “It’s been one of laughter and coming together, especially when times have been tough. The story here at SERCC is a story of grit with staff that show up to work to help those who many times do not show us their best selves but show us their most

vulnerable moment.”

SERCC opened July 28, 2021, to serve the immediate mental health needs of southeastern Minnesota. Within hours of opening, community members were already seeking stabilization support.

Since then, over 800 people have utilized the crisis response services including over 375 stays in SERCC’s short-term residential programming – with the majority being adults under the age of 30 struggling with anxiety and depression. The short-term stays can be as long as 10 days, but SERCC is seeing most people are feeling prepared to return to the community after six days receiving the high-level support in the residential program.

Beyond the crisis stabilization and short-term residential services, SERCC also supports individuals in finding appropriate supports in the community. In this past year, they’ve assisted 185 individuals in finding outpatient care for psychiatry, psychotherapy, and diagnostic assessments.

SERCC Executive Director Nicole Mucheck shared these numbers with staff and community partners at a one-year celebration last week, saying, “The data here speaks for itself. The service has supported

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 17

R Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings

Congratulations to the following members on their successful Ribbon Cuttings!

D-BAT Rochester

Doma Title

4430 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN www.dbatrochester.com

2483 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN www.doma.com

Joy Ridge Event Center

Med-City Moonshots

273 Mill Creek Road NW, Chatfield, MN www.joyridgeeventcenter.com

414 5th Ave. NE, Byron, MN www.facebook.com/moonshotsbaseball

Tailwind Concessions RST

American Waterworks

D-BAT Rochester celebrated their new Chamber membership and Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting on July 11th. Co-Owner, Luke Kroeplin, cut the ribbon.

Joy Ridge Event Center celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on July 15th. Owner, Mike Tangen, cut the ribbon.

Tailwind Concessions RST celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on July 20th. Chief Operating Officer, Jess Backhaus, cut the ribbon.

7600 Helgerson Dr. SW, Rochester, MN www.tailwindconcessions.com

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Doma Title celebrated their Grand Opening and new Chamber membership with a ribbon cutting on July 14th. Escrow Officer, Michelle Hansen, cut the ribbon.

The Med-City Moonshots celebrated their new Chamber membership and kicked off their Hometown Heroes game with a ribbon cutting on July 16th. Owner, Carie Delaney, cut the ribbon

American Waterworks celebrated their new location with a ribbon cutting on July 21st. Owner, Steve Breland, cut the ribbon.

1307 Valleyhigh Dr. NW, Rochester, MN www.american-waterworks.com

September 2022

Event Lineup E

CALENDAR of EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 16

Women’s Roundtable

Date: Friday, September 16 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 220 S Broadway Ave. Suite 100, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

20

Eggs and Issues

Date: Tuesday, September 20 Time: 8:3-am-10:00am Location: 150 S Broadway Rochester, MN FREE - $25 Members, $40 GA

22

Chamber Kickball Tournament

Date: Thursday, September 22 Time: 11:00am-5:00pm Location: 1655 Marion Rd. SE, Rochester, MN $300 per team of 10, $30 individual

23

AM Espresso - Gillette Pepsi Rochester

Date: Friday, September 23 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 3393 Commercial Dr. SW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

September 2022

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WE Forum - Who is Your Customer?

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Date: Thursday, September 29 Time: 8:00am-9:00am Location: 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Tuesday, October 11 Time: 8:30am-10:30am Location: TBA $30 Members, $45 GA

29

Businesss After Hours - ISG

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2022 Higher Education Outlook

Business After Hours Altra Federal Credit Union

Date: Thursday, September 29 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 30 3rd St. SE, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Thursday, October 20 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 3833 Cascade St. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

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Chamber Weekend Kickoff

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Date: Friday, September 30 Time: 11:30am-1:00pm Location: 2900 19th St. NW, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Date: Friday, October 21 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 220 S Broadway Ave. Suite 100, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

OCTOBER 07 AM Espresso - ONB Bank

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Date: Friday, October 7 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: 975 34th Ave. NW, Suite 101, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Women’s Roundtable

Hospitality 1st Roundtable

Date: Thursday, October 27 Time: 9:45am-11:00am Location: 30 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester, MN FREE - Registration required

Advantage Magazine | 19

N Newsreel

NEWSREEL Updates from the Chamber member community.

Penz Dental Care Welcomes New Dentist

Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award

White Space rebrands to Neighborly Creative

Beal AARP MN 50 Over 50

Dr. Matt Penz, owner of Penz Dental Care, is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Christina Pauley. A Rochester native, Dr. Pauley looks forward to caring for patients in the community she was raised in. Her favorite aspect of being a dental provider is connecting with her patients and putting them at ease. She has a special interest in working with kids!

Shawn and Michelle Fagan of Fagan Studios are the latest recipient of the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award. Shawn and Michelle first opened their photography studio doors in 2007. Built in the late 1800s, the space at 324 South Broadway needed extensive renovation to bring it to code.

White Space is excited to announce their rebrand to Neighborly Creative.

Their operation started in 2011 as a one-women business and continued to expand. Their mission remains focused on creating and expanding brands grounded in an understanding of the community they serve.

They are thrilled to have played a role in helping many locally loved brands. To learn more visit https://neighborlycreative.com/

Dave Beal, Family Service Rochester marketing and communication manager, is among the AARP Minnesota and Pollen 2022 50 Over 50 Honorees recognizing Minnesotans over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions and achievements in their communities. Beal also serves FSR as the Age-Friendly Olmsted County Coordinator

Promotions at Knutson Construction

New Hires & Promotion at Knutson Construction

New Community Development Director

Angie Richards Joins Experience Rochester

Tom Leimer (left) has been promoted to Senior Vice President/General Manager for the Rochester, Mankato, & Iowa offices. Tom assumed his new role overseeing the strategic operations for the four offices in May. Michael Johnson (right) was promoted to Senior Project Manager for the Rochester Office.

Torrey Kistler (left) has been promoted to Director of Preconstruction for Knutson Construction over the Rochester and Mankato Offices. Adam Holmvig (right) has been promoted to Superintendent. Jerid Ramaker (not pictured) joins Knutson Construction as Superintendent.

The City of Rochester is pleased to announce the selection of Irene C. Woodward as the new Community Development Director.

Woodward, who most recently worked as the Director of Planning & Zoning for the City of Allentown, PA joined the City in the role on July 18, 2022.

Experience Rochester has announced the appointment of Angie Richards to the position of Vice President of Sales.

She previously held the position of Area Director of Sales for Avra Hospitality in Rochester, Minn. Richards will lead Experience Rochester’s sales team.

20 | Advantage Magazine

September 2022

Welcome W

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER! Introducing our newest members.

Shurson Group LLC

Metro Sales Inc.

State Farm - David Jorgenson Agency

Amy Swain Hearing Centers

LAUNCHKIT

Credence Apex

Raydiant Wellness LLC

Cashmere Lux Hair Salon

Interventional Orthopedic Solutions

Honey Hair Couture

Med-City Moonshots

Applied Aerosol Technologies R&D LLC

Kayla Shurson (507) 206-0677 2222 18th Ave. NW Suite 100, Rochester, MN www.shursongroup.com

David Jorgenson (507) 216-5274 401 16th Ave. NW, Suite 105, Rochester, MN www.jorgensoninsurance.com

Gordon Liu (651) 239-0655 Rochester, MN www.launchkit.co

Malia Ray (507) 242-8746 1027 7th Street NW, Suite 202, Rochester, MN www.raydiantwellness.com

Catherine McBride (507) 361-0411 2560 2nd Street SW, Suite 120, Rochester, MN www.iosrochester.com

Jeremy Delaney (507) 206-9267 414 5th Ave. NE, Byron, MN fb.me/moonshotsbaseball

Emily Langr (507) 778-5027 1610 14th St NW, Suite 200, Rochester, MN www.metrosales.com

Mackenzie Springman (507) 322-4241 2150 2nd Street SW, Suite 130, Rochester, MN www.amyswainhearingcenters.com

David Timm (507) 261-7696 3038 Jeremiah Ln NW, Rochester, MN www.credenceapex.com

Folashade Oloye (507) 202-4795 1915 Greenview Place SW, Rochester, MN www.cashmereluxhairsalon.com

Madison Reichart (507) 718-0601 2571 Clare Ln NE, Rochester, MN www.honeyhaircouture.glossgenius.com

Tamara Larson (507) 258-4089 2900 37th Street NW, Bldg 103, Rochester, MN www.appliedaerosol.com

Do you know of a business that has recently opened in Rochester? Are you connected to a business-owner looking to expand their network? Then a Chamber membership is right for them!

Please contact chamber@rochestermnchamber.com with any referrals.

September 2022

Advantage Magazine | 21

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