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W W W . R O C H E S T E R M N C H A M B E R . C O M

A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

August Events

Cruising in August

Business News4 6 11Fall

Showcase 9Scott Rindahl and Wendell Pittenger

Willow Greek Golf Course 2

Advantage

W hat was the spark that ignited Willow Creek Golf Course owner, Wendell Pittenger’s, passion for golf? As he looks to turn 78 this August, still hitting golf balls every day (wintering in Florida), the moment remains crystal clear.

“When I was about 12 years old, my friend Carl got a set of clubs as a gift. A set of 3, 5, 7, 9 Spaldings and a putter. I went out to Bunker Hills [in Dubuque, Iowa] to caddy for him. It cost a quarter for juniors to play.”

While it turned out Carl didn’t have a knack for it, “I was hooked!” says Pittenger. “The first ball I hit was probably better than I should have hit it, and I’ve been trying to duplicate it ever since!”

He turned professional at age 19, and was a teaching golf pro for over a decade. He worked the 1965 U.S. Open at Bellerive in St. Louis, where he played Jack Nicklaus. At age 30, he moved to Rochester, working as the head golf pro at Rochester Golf & Country Club before building Willow Creek in 1973.

His passion for the game has never dimmed. “I encourage young people to play because it’s a game for a lifetime. It encourages social networking and business networking,” says Pittenger.

His best golf tip? “Seniors tend to swing too hard with their arms, and forget about their lower body. If they’d swing slower, they would hit the ball harder.”

It was only a handful of years after Willow Creek Golf Course opened that he encouraged the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce to host a summer outing on the links. Always a strong supporter of the Chamber (including serving as an Ambassador for over a dozen years), Pittenger said, “I thought it would be a good vehicle for businesses to get to know each other.” He ran the first year’s outing, helped by Al Heartman the 2nd, then the Ambassadors took charge of the event.

A hit from the start, this year’s 34th annual Chamber Golf outing held on July 23 drew over 500 business professionals out of the office to get together and enjoy a beautiful summer day. “It’s the biggest golf tourney that I know about,” says Pittenger. “I don’t know of any more active than this. It’s always well done, and the numbers are good.”

As Willow Creek celebrates its 40th anniversary, when it comes to changes over the years, most notably, “In 1973, there were probably 50,000 people in town, now we have over 100,000.”

Having been involved in the Chamber’s golf outing from day one, Pittenger has seen his share of ‘characters’. But when it comes to most memorable moments, what stands out for him are “the

people who are no longer with us who participated, or who have retired so they’re no longer working or participating. I have fond memories of them.”

He’s also grateful to have had a longstanding team of staff around him who’ve helped make Willow Creek a Success: General Manager and Head Golf Pro Scott Rindahl is in his 28th year, Course Superintendent Rod Johnson, 19 years, Chef Dave Leino, 15 years, and Event Coordinator Sandy Roberts 13 years.

As Rindahl nears the 30-year mark of handling the event, he still looks forward to it. “I tell people it’s a social event with golf mixed in.” For Chamber members, “Participating in events is great. It lets you get to know people, and see what they have to offer. It’s a great way to interact,” says Rindahl.

In 2000, they opened a nine-hole Executive Course, Little Willow, “a great place for kids, or people who can’t manage or don’t care to manage long course,” says Pittenger. Wednesdays after noon, kids can play free with their parents on Little Willow. “It’s wonderful to see the kids and families.”

They’re looking forward to the growth promised by Destination Medical Center. “We’re excited to be in the Chamber, and to be in Rochester,” says Rindahl. “We’re looking forward to continued growth.”

It’s not just about golf.

“If the Chamber’s golf event didn’t exist, I’d still say the Chamber makes it a good business community for everyone,” says Pittenger. “They make the business environment encouraging. The question isn’t, ‘What does the Chamber do for YOU’, I would say, ‘What does the Chamber do for all of us?’”

“I can’t think of a better town in the U.S. for my business to be in right now,” says Pittenger. “We think our best days at Willow Creek are ahead of us.”

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF SPOTLIGHT (COVER STORY)

Chair of the Board Brent Buchan, Energy Products & Design, Inc.Chair-Elect Sue Reinke Walch, Minnwest BankPast ChairScott Heck, RBC Wealth ManagementTreasurerMike Busch, Paramark, Inc.SecretaryElaine Garry, People’s Energy CooperativeChamber Interim PresidentJerry Williams

Fritz Banfield, Heartman InsuranceAaron Benike, Alvin E. Benike, Inc.Audrey Betcher, Rochester Public Library Angie Bowman, Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm/Custom CommunicationsMark Carlson, IBM CorporationLisa Clarke, Mayo ClinicAlan DeKeyrel, CWS, Inc.Sheryl Good, Grandeville at Cascade LakeJenny Hosfeld,Think Mutual Bank Scott Hoss, Paramark CorpGreg House, House ChevroletDave Kilburn, Crenlo Shannon Knoepke, Townsquare Media Tessa Leung, SontesKevin Patton, Flowers by JerryJoe Powers, Powers VenturesSteve Prigge, Pro Image Promotions & Apparel Dharani Ramamoorthy, Xylo TechnologiesAngie Richards, DoubleTree by HiltonMyron Salz, Best Western Soldiers FieldAhmad Siddiqui, The UPS StoreGary Smith, Rochester Area EconomicDevelopment, Inc.Tim Weir, Olmsted Medical Center

2013-2014 chamber board

OFFICERS

2013-2014 chamber

BOARD

chamber

STAFF

220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 P: 507-288-1122 F: 507-282-8960 www.RochesterMNChamber.com

Judy Braatz, Membership Development Director jbraatz@rochestermnchamber.com | 285-1995

Cindy Dunbar, Administrative Specialist cdunbar@rochestermnchamber.com | 288-1122

Julie Fiesel, Government Affairs Director jfiesel@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5665

Paula Hofstad, Operations Specialist phofstad@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5661

Melanie Hoppenworth, Finance & Operations Director mhoppenworth@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5699

Ryan Lais, Workforce/Advocacy Project Coordinator rlais@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5678

Laurie Mona, Communications Manager ljmona@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5683

Becca Stiles-Nogosek, Membership Events Coordinator bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5662

Jessi Strinmoen, Workforce Development/Education Director jstrinmoen@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5687

Jerry Williams, Interim President

jwilliams@rochestermnchamber.com | 288-1122

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chamber

OFFICE HOURS:Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Chamber office is closed on legal holidays.

Chamber Boardroom and Conference Room are available to Chamber Members by request pending availability.

To request and book usage of Chamber Boardroom or Conference Room, contact Chamber Administrative Specialist Cindy Dunbar.

Billing questions? Contact Operations Specialist Paula Hofstad.

the chamber’s

MISSION:To Lead, Inform, Advocate, and Advance business interests for members; and to promote a healthy community and a growing economy.

member

I encourage young people to play because it’s a game

for a lifetime.

Wendell Pittenger and Scott Rindahl

EVENTS:upcomingMARK YOUR CALENDAR CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS

wednesday

AUGUST 20

wednesday

AUGUST 13

THANKSto our

SPONSORS

septemberSAVE THE DATES

Business After Hours 5 - 7 p.m. Haley Comfort Systems | 4320 US 52 N West Frontage Road

member business expoCHAMBER FALL SHOWCASE

Online registration available. Visit www.rochestermnchamber.com or call 507-288-1122 to register.

We do small business banking.

thinkbank.com/bizMember FDIC

Dan runs a small business.He banks at Think.

Dr. Dan, chiropractor and owner of Polaris Chiropractic, coaches youth basketball and baseball. Just like Think, he believes in a balanced lifestyle and healthy relationships.

07_July2014_RChamber_BizDan.indd 1 5/20/2014 8:37:57 AM

Join hundreds of Chamber Member professionals to network, win door prizes and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Cost: Free, no registration required.

Join Rochester business leaders and community members for an informative and fun-filled day with members of the Rochester City Council and Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. Cost: $50, includes bus transportation, cruise, forum and buffet dinner.

platinumSPONSOR:

hostSPONSOR:

hostSPONSOR:

wednesday

AUGUST 6

Cruising with Local Leaders 2:30 - 10 p.m. Treasure Island | Red Wing

AM Espresso is a free and convenient way to network at a member’s place of business while enjoying coffee and continental breakfast. Cost: Free

eventSPONSOR:

SIGN UP TO SHOW YOUR STUFF, SHOW UP TO NETWORK

Wed, Sept. 17, 1-7 p.m.Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada

The Chamber Fall Showcase highlights member businesses in a friendly atmosphere with plentiful networking opportunities. This event will be held in conjunction with the popular Women in Business Event right next door. Grow your business by meeting hundreds of prospects face-to-face! The Fall Showcase also includes the opportunity for exhibitors to participate in FREE one-on-one expert business consults in the afternoon prior to traditional “Extra” evening exhibitor networking time.

*Event FREE and open to the public 1-7 p.m.3-5 p.m. Special opportunity for Vendors: Participate in special one-on-one business consults with experts in a variety of fields - sign up TBA5-7 p.m. Cash bar available

friday

AUGUST 1AM Espresso 7:30 - 9 a.m. Thrivent Financial | 5721 Bandel Road NW

friday

AUGUST 15

Chamber 101 4-5 p.m. Chamber Boardroom | 220 S Broadway, Suite 100

Meet the Chamber staff to get the facts about how we can serve you and your business. Cost: Free, registration requested

premierSPONSOR:

SEP 10 SEP 18

SEP 17 Chamber Fall Showcase 1- 7pmCanadian Honker Events at the Ramada1517 16th St SW

SEP 12

Passion for Service 8am - noonDoubletree Hotel | 150 S Broadway

Success Story of Hot Mama 11:30am - 1:30 pm

Events at the Ramada | 1517 16th St SW

4 For Lunch 11:30am - 1pmSonte s | 4 3rd St SE

New Member Luncheon 11:30 am - 1pmHoliday Inn Downtown, Thyme Restaurant220 S Broadway, 2nd Floor

SEP 25

Women’s Entrepreneurial Roundtable 7:30 - 9 a.m. Chamber Boardroom | 220 South Broadway, Suite 100

A resource for small business owners. Cost: Free, registration required.

Summer Business After

Hours moved to Wednesday!

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com 4 ADVANTAGE 5

SEP 5 AM Espresso 7:30 - 9amMarriott, Ballroom 1 | 101 1st Ave SW

SEP 17

Business After Hours 5-7pm WEDNESDAYSmith Schafer & Assoc. | 220 S Broadway

Questions? Contact Becca Stiles-Nogosek at bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com, or call the Chamber at 288-1122.

Debate for candidates for the Governor of the State of Minnesota. Cost: Free to public.

Gubernatorial Forum 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Mayo Civic Center, Presentation Hall | 30 Civic Center Dr SE

thursday

AUGUST 21

friday

AUGUST 22Comm. Matters: Higher Education 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada | 1517 16th St NW

Guest Larry Pogemiller, Commissioner, MN Office of Higher Education. Topic: Business Engagement in Education. Cost: Members $25, Non-Members $35, includes lunch.

sessionSPONSORS:

seriesSPONSOR:

SEP 19Women’s Entrepreneurial Roundatable 7:30 - 9amChamber Boardroom | 220 S Broadway Ste 100

eventSPONSOR:Booths Now Available for all Chamber Members!

Single 8’ x 10’ booth $275 Double booth $500Space is limited and offered on first-come, first-served basis.Register online or call 288-1122.

silverSPONSORS:

SCISSORS AND SHOVELS

3551 Commercial Dr SW Ste 400 | (507) 271-7899Nissa & Philip Kraling, Michelle & Brian Rand, Co-OwnersNew Business | www.deutschfurniturehaus.com

DEUTSCH FURNITURE HAUS

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE6 7

MEMBER ONLY EVENT RIBBON CUTTINGS

PLAYERS SPORTS GRILLE

DWELL LOCAL, LLC

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to help you make your ribbon cutting and grand opening a special event. For guidelines that can assist you in making arrangements for your event, visit our website at www.rochestermnchamber.com or contact Becca Stiles-Nogosek at (507) 424-5662 or send an email to bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com.

401 6th St SW | (507) 288-2677Myron & Michelle Salz, Owners | New Namewww.soldiersfield.com

821 Civic Center Drive NW | (507) 424-2908Eric Lange, District Manager | New Business

Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings

CENTERSTONE PLAZA HOTEL SOLDIERS FIELD

4622 602 7th St NW Paul Bennett, Owner | New Business www.dwellLocal.com

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES

4353 Canal Place SE | 507) 289-4200Andy Thilges, General Manager | New Location www.lq.com

THE LOST CAJUN

2025 S Broadway | (507) 258-5192Joe Peplinski, Manager | New Business www.thelostcajun.com

AGAPE CHIROPRACTIC

275 37th St NE, Ste 100 | (507) 226-8325Liz Raymond, Owner | New Location www.agape-chiropractic.com

Your employer is aChamber Memberand so are

YOU!

As a member of theRochester Area Chamber of Commerce,you are invited to join us for:• training opportunities• networking events• public affairs meetings• and so much more!• and so much more!You can also get more involved in the community through service on one of the many Chamber committees.

507-288-1122 www.RochesterMNChamber.com Contact: bcpitcher@pairingtoperfection.com

952-358-1285 • Facebook.com/PairingtoPerfection

Let WSET Advanced Certified Sommelier &

President of Pairing to Perfection,Barbara C. Pitcher,

show you how!

Want to create Wine & Food memory-making momentsfor business associates, family & friends?

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE

FOUNDATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

8 9

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTA PASSION FOR SERVICE: WIN - AND KEEP - CUSTOMERS

AFFAIRS:government

2014 CANDIDATE DEBATE

Popular New Series:

Women in Business Event

Building a competitive workforce

seriesSPONSORS:

thursday

AUGUST 21Gubernatorial Forum3:30 - 4:30pm Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall30 Civic Center Drive SE Cost: FREE to public

community matters seriesSPONSOR:

session SPONSORS:

Over the last 10 years, 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have sent attendees through presenter Bill Drury’s lively half day customer service workshops. Businesses large and small give this workshop rave reviews. Sign up your team for this full morning customer service workshop to train with the best, right here in Rochester!

Prof. Dev.: Passion for Service Workshop8 a.m. - Noon 4-5:30 . Doubletree Hotel, Members $89, Non-Members $99Register online at www.rochestermnchamber.com

friday

AUG 22Community Matters: Higher Education Event11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Registration/Exhibits open 11-11:30 a.m., 11:30 lunch)Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada1517 16th St SWRochester

premierSPONSOR:

Beat the August Heat:Don’t Miss the Boat! Cruising with Local LeadersJoin Rochester business leaders and community members at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing for an informative and fun-filled day with members of the Rochester City Council and Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. City and County administration will also be in attendance and participating in the local issues discussion. $50 cost includes bus transportation to and from Red Wing, cruise, forum and buffet dinner.

Speakers will include:Randy Staver, Rochester City Council PresidentMatt Flynn, Olmsted County Board Chair

Register online at www.rochestermnchamber.com

wednesday

AUGUST 13Cruising with Local Leaders2:30pm - 9:00pmSee website event calendar for more information atwww.rochestermnchamber.com

The legendary Zig Ziglar gave Bill this recommendation: “Bill has conducted over 300 workshops for the Zig Ziglar Corporation – we always got good reviews. He knows what he’s talking about.”

silverSPONSORS:

transportation SPONSOR:

seriesSPONSORS: session

SPONSOR:

wednesday

SEPT 10

Bill Drury

An Entrepreneurial Success Story:CEO Megan Tamte of “Hot Mama”

wednesday

SEPTEMBER 17CEO Megan Tamte, Hot Mama Founder and CEO11:30am - 1:30pmSee website event calendar for more infor-mation atwww.rochestermnchamber.com

Megan Tamte opened her first Hot Mama store in Edina in 2004. Since then, her dream of a boutique that caters to professional moms has grown to a retail chain with 41 retail locations. Hot Mama is debt-free, and funds its expansion with its own profits. Hot Mama aims to operate 500 stores with annual sales of $1 billion by 2020. (Note: Hot Mama officially changed its name to EverEve July of 2014.)Megan will share her story of entrepreneurship, growth and expansion. She will also offer attendees inspiration through her discussion of Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, written by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer.Megan’s keynote address will be followed by a luncheon networking event. Join us before and after the event at the Chamber’s Fall Expo where you can shop, network, learn and connect.

Megan Tamte

Topic: Business Engagement in EducationGuest: Larry Pogemiller, Commissioner, MN Office of Higher Education

Commissioner Larry Pogemiller

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE

CHAMBER EVENT NEWS LOCAL NEWS IN & ABOUT THE TOWN

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Rochester International Event Center, 5-9 p.m.Keynote: Dr. Mehmood Khan

The Chamber’s Annual Member Celebration is an evening of good food, great entertainment and networking. The event also showcases the Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Business of the Year award winners. More than 700 members attend this event. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Dr. Mehmood Khan, Executive Vice President, PepsiCo Chief Scientific Officer, Global Research and Development.

Nomination forms for the Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Lamp of Knowledge Education Award are on the Chamber website at www.rochestermnchamber.com/pages/AnnualMemberCelebrationSubmission Deadline: Sept. 12, 2014.

Cost: $80/individual. Table Sponsorships: Table of 4- $400, Table of 8- $800,Table of 10 - $960.

Save the dateANNUAL MEMBER CELEBRATION LOCAL NEWSREEL

BUSINESS NEWS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGEVisit RochesterMNChamber.com and click on the Member Center Marketing tab. Submission deadline: 10th of the month prior to month of publication.

WSB & ASSOCIATES announced the hire of Leslie McGillvray-Rivas as a planner in WSB’s Rochester office. Rivas worked at McGhie& Betts (now a division of WSB) and Olmsted County prior to joining WSB. Rick Groth has been hired as an engineering specialist. He has an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Winona Community College. Prior to joining WSB, Groth was the materials lab chief/principal engineering technician for Hennepin County.

ROCHESTER PET & COUNTRY STORE welcomes Jennifer Hains as Office Manager. Jennifer’s past experiences include purchase management, marketing, networking and customer services.

WESTWERK recently acquired Seattle-based Press75, an iconic WordPress product shop. This acquisition gives Westwerk an established channel for web-based products, and also reinforces Westwerk’s foothold as the leading strategic, design and development agency within the WordPress community.

WADDELL & REED is pleased to announce that Jill Minette-Stacey recently attained the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA™) designation. Jill has been a professional in the financial services industry for ten years, and works with clients through the Rochester Area on their ongoing financial pursuits and goals.

JOHNSON PRINTING has achieved Great Printer Certification. The Great Printer Environmental Initiative is a certification program of the Printing Industry Midwest that recognizes members who go beyond and maintain compliance with all environmental, health and safety rules, regulations and laws.

GOODWILL is excited to welcome David Schlobohm as the new Store Manager of the retail store in Rochester. He has more than 20 years of business management experience, most recently with Kohl’s and prior to that Shopko. David looks forward to helping Goodwill achieve their mission of eliminating barriers to employment and independence for people.

HGA ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS hired three new design professionals in the Rochester office. Marissa Guggisberg is a Project Coordinator with approximately nine years of architectural drafting and project coordination experience for healthcare, hospitality, education, cultural and housing work. Luke Mandle is a licensed Architect with more than 20 years of national design experience. Before joining HGA, he was founding principal of Two Ton Inc., an architecture and furniture design studio in Rochester that combined his background in architecture, construction and fabrication. Josh Zimmerman is a Drafter with more than two years of integrated mechanical, electrical and plumbing experience on a variety of projects through all phases of design development.

POST-BULLETIN CO. welcomes Randy Petersen as editorial page editor. He came to the Post-Bulletin from an editor position at The Hawk Eye — Burlington, Iowa’s daily newspaper. Petersen also has worked at newspapers in Albert Lea and Miami, Okla., where he was the managing editor of the Miami News-Record. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and English from Winona State University.

EO JOHNSON BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES was recognized by the Photizo Group as a leader in Managed Print Services (MPS). EO Johnson was one of 13 independent providers that Photizo Group selected to participate in the 2014 Leaders Index for MPS Channel Providers, based on demonstrated leadership in MPS. Seven of the selected companies are in the US and EO Johnson is the only one in the Midwest. This is the second consecutive year EO Johnson has been selected for the Index.

THINK MUTUAL BANK named Eileen Oliver to succeed Tom Floyd as senior vice president and chief technology officer. Oliver has 29 years of experience in the banking industry, 22 of those with Think. She has held positions in a variety of areas at the bank including direct customer care, deposit operations, lending operations, project management and technology. She joined the organization as a teller and has held roles as a banker, loan processor, deposit account support specialist and loan services system administrator, as well as director-level positions in lending.

3VISIT THE CHAMBER ONLINE WWW.ROCHESTERMNCHAMBER.COM for the most up-to-date information on Chamber events and issues. The site features an interactive events calendar, a Membership Directory search engine, and all you need to know to get involved.

ATTEND CHAMBER EVENTSWhether it’s networking, government affairs, education & workforce, young professionals or professional development, there is no shortage of events for members. Get involved and keep informed by clicking on our Events Calendar tab on the site.

LISTEN TO KROC’S CHAMBER CHATDuring Rapid Rich Peterson’s Monday morning show, Chamber staff and guests inform the public of actions the Chamber is taking on behalf of the community. The Chamber also promotes Chamber events and programs. Chamber Chat airs the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:45 a.m. on KROC 1340 AM.

ways to STAY CONNECTED with the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LOOK FOR THE 2014 GOLF PHOTOS

in our SEPTEMBER

ISSUE!

thursdayOCT 23

Workplace Wellness: Quick Tips to Stay Office Healthy!

Find a bright and motivating water bottle to keep at your desk. Having H2O handy means you will be more inclined to drink, refill and increase productivity through proper hydration.

Pack your fruits and veggies. Prep those healthy to-go snacks and lunches in advance or better yet, stock the office fridge with enough carrots, celery, apples, humus or yogurt dips to keep you fueled and energized.

Find a walking route and buddy. Even a brisk 10-minute walk can recharge, increase your focus, release steam and burn calories. Grab a colleague to support, motivate and advance a healthy office culture.

BONUS: Set calendar alerts to MOVE it! Stand, stretch, and refill that water bottle. It doesn’t take much but those 1 minute move it alerts can really impact your health, mood and productivity. For more Smart-HR insights, visit http://smart-hr.com/smart-hr-news/

Insight for business

ART ON THE GO ROCHESTER, LLCNicki Novotne (507) 244-1942http://artonthegorochester.com

COLOR ME MINEJulie Schroeder(507) 258-5436 www.rochester.colormemine.com

DOUBLE A APPAREL AND PROMOTIONS Aalix Dydell (507) 261-4273

DWELL LOCAL, LLCPaul Bennettwww.dwellLocal.com

FAT WILLY’S GRILL AND BARBill Henderson(507) 206-4301www.fatwillysburgers.com

FRESHENSDonna Caflisch(507) 285-2727http://www.kahler.com/dining/freshens

GODWIN LAW OFFICEJames Godwin(507) 401-4295

HANDIVANChelsea Habberstad(507) 281-3600www.myhandivan.com

LOCAL NEWSREEL

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE

LOCAL NEWS IN & ABOUT THE TOWN NEW MEMBERS

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SUBMIT A BUSINESS NEWS ITEMVisit RochesterMNChamber.com and click on the Member Center Marketing tab. Submission deadline: 10th of the month prior to month of publication.

OLMSTED MEDICAL CENTER VP of Clinical Operations, Lois Till-Tarara, earned the professional designation of Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE). This designation officially is given to an individual when s/he passes rigorous essay and objective examinations that assess knowledge of the broad scope of medical practice management skills. These include business operations, financial management, human resource management, information management, organizational governance, patient care systems, quality management, and risk management.

ADVANCED BUSINESS SYSTEMS co-owner Steve Lathrop has retired. Ron and Anne Schmal remain sole owners, celebrating 30 years in business as a local independent Mailing solutions dealer.

ABC 6 NEWS is moving to a new Rochester studio, tripling the size of its present space. The new facility will be in the TJ Maxx Plaza, 1300 16th St SW. It will increase the ABC 6 News footprint to over 9,500 square feet. The facility will house a much expanded studio and bring the local news operation more under one roof, along with nearly $1 million in improvements including state of the art High Definition. The operation is currently split between Rochester and Austin studios. Over 45 staffers will work out of the new location. ABC 6 News will also maintain its office and studio in Austin.

POWERS VENTURES The Powers Family was named a finalist in a nationwide search for America’s Best Restaurant families for 2014 by Jones Diary Farm. The contest looked for restaurants who make customers feel at home and like family. The Powers family is honored to be recognized for their welcoming, warm, inviting environment and excellent service that have made people feel like family for over 30 years.

KNUTSON CONSTRUCTION has been selected as the “best value” contractor for the third phase of the MnDOT District 6 Headquarters renovation. The project will remodel the State Highway Patrol Center, including: installation of a new data center and call center for the 911 dispatch, creation of a new material testing lab for highway and road materials, and new conference rooms and offices for staff. Knutson will also build a new mezzanine in the existing garage and install solar panels on the roof. New chillers & boilers will also be installed.

ENVENTIS CORPORATION and Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. have approved an agreement to a merger. On a pro forma basis, the strategic combination results in a company with approximately $785 million in revenue and $332 million in adjusted EBITDA (before synergies) for the 12 months ending March 31, 2014. Enventis is also launching and expanding its business cloud services. New Enventis services include Cloud Compute, Data Protection and Cloud Wifi and Enventis SingleLink unified communications has been enhanced to provide even greater customer benefits.

MLT GROUP announces the additions of Andy Hastings (Development Specialist) and Jack Thumser (Digital Marketing Specialist). Andy’s areas of expertise include 3D animation, web development, and website design. At MLT Group, he will build, maintain, and update clients’ websites. Jack is an experienced internet marketing professional who will coordinate search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising services for MLT Group’s customers.

MARCO has partnered with Applied Global Technologies (AGT) on their new Marco Managed Video (MMV) cloud-based video collaboration offering. MMV is powered by AGT’s Video-as-a-Service platform that connects HD conference systems, desktops, web browsers and mobile devices in a single conference.

2014 TOP WORKPLACESOur Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Members named to the list of Top 100 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune, ranked by size: Large: Keller Williams Realty, Edward Jones, Kwik Trip, AgStar Financial Services, Mortenson Construction, FedEx, CHS, Inc. Midsize: WSB & Associates, Werner Electric Supply, Counselor Realty, Marco, Inc. Small: Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. The full report can be found online at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces 2014. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate, rankings based on employee responses.

NEW MEMBERS:welcome to our

HERSHBERGER FURNITURETina Maroo(507) 258-5422

HOMES FOR HEROESTara Johnson (507) 993-0121www.MNHomesForHeroes.com IGNITE NUTRITIONHannah Ziemann (507) 944-2004www.goherbalife.com/hziemann

IT WORKS - DANYEL HYSELLDanyel Hysell (507) 261-9021www.danyel.myitworks.com

KZAIKEN ENTERPRISES, INCKen Zaiken(507) 289-3297www.kzaikenenterprises.com

MAKE-A-WISH MINNESOTATammy Block (612) 767-2757 http://mn.wish.org

MILLER LEGAL STRATEGIC PLANNING CENTERS, P.A.Timothy Hansen (507) 252-0123www.millerlegal.com

MINNESOTA HOMEOWNERS ALLIANCEChristine Berger (651) 262-5973www.mnhomesmatters.com

PLAYERS SPORTS GRILLEEric Lange (507) 424-2908

RELIABLE MEDICAL SUPPLYDebra Strelow (507) 218-3880www.reliamed.com

ROCHESTER FRAMING & FINE ART PRINTINGValerie Becker (507) 208-4949www.RochesterFraming.com

SUN CONTROL OF MINNESOTA Randy Jensen(507) 252-2005wwww.suncontrolmn.com

WAUSAU HOMES ROCHESTERDarek Davidson(507) 258-0455http://wausauhomes.com

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

August 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com the chamber ADVANTAGE

MEMBER MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

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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 #10 Volume #6 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 | Brent Buchan, Chair of the Board | Laurie Mona, EditorPrinted by Johnson Printing | Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com

MEMBERS:THANK YOU to these renewing members for their continued investment!

renewing

12th Street Dental Office Adair Electric Company Adam’s Pest ControlAdvanced Disposal Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Altra Federal Credit UnionAn Abbey At Viola Suites, LLC Augsburg College Back To Health Chiropractic Clinic BEVCOMMBorder States Electric Brains Together For A CureCamy CoutureCardinal of Minnesota, LTD. Cascade Creek Apartments Casey’s General Store - Chester’s Kitchen & Bar CityLites USA Courtyard by Marriott - Rochester St. Mary’sDaube’s Cakes & Bakery Diseworth at Somerby Association

Elcor Construction Elcor Realty of Rochester Farmers Insurance Group - Steve Strauss Flaherty & Hood, P.A. Ford Metro Glass Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Hampton Inn RochesterHimle Rapp & Company IBM Corporation Intercultural Mutual Assistance AssociationJohn Hardy’s Bar-B-Q North Joseph M. Mahoney, CPAJunge Family Chiropractic, PLLC Key Builders, Inc. Kiscaden, Sheila Kraus-Anderson Construction CompanyKuehn Motor Co. Lake City Chamber of Commerce Liberty Tax

Maas Companies Inc. McGough Construction Northgate Chiropractic Clinic OfficeMax Print and Document Services Outback Steakhouse Palmer, Shaun C. Pedal Pub RochesterPodein’s Power EquipmentPrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company Ramada Hotel & Conference CenterRochester Area Builders, Inc.Rochester Clinic, plcRochester Visitor Publishing & Printing Co. Roscoe’s Rootbeer & Ribs, Inc. SaversSchwickert Company SEMVA Art Gallery Servicemaster Distributor Operations SNG Research Corporation Sorensen & Sorensen Painting & Decorating Inc Spectrum Pro-Audio

Suk Law Firm Ltd Taco John’s & Steak Escape The Rochester Trolley & Tour CompanyThrivent Financial for LutheransTile Superstore & More Waters Medical Weatherstone Townhome AssociationWendland Utz, LTD WildWood Sports Bar & Grill Associates in Psychiatry & PsychologyD-NailsJoe’s Auto CareImage Smartz, LLCExceptional Carpet Care, Inc. Med City Limousine Family Financial Group Inc. Med City Driving School Blu H2O Salon Clarey’s Safety Equipment Waddell & Reed Rainbow Cafe Kelly Dentistry Carson Framing

WidsethSmithNolting.com | 507.292.8743Alexandria | Baxter | Bemidji | Crookston | East Grand Forks | Grand Forks | Rochester

ARCHITECTURE ENVIRONMENTAL

ENGINEERING SURVEYING

Let’s discuss your next project.

use your membershipPROMOTE YOUR BUSINESSWANT TO HOST AN EVENT?Contact Becca Stiles-Nogosek for more information and available dates at bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com, or call (507) 424-5662

AM ESPRESSO is a great way to expand your customer base and unveil new business leads. AM Espresso goes from 7:30 - 9 a.m. and is a convenient way to network at various member businesses while enjoying coffee and continental breakfast.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS (BAH) is Rochester’s award-winning, premier networking event held at your place of business from 5-7 p.m. BAH is superb for networking, featuring door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Reach your target audience with FULL-COLOR ADS in our newsletter MAILED TO THOUSANDS of area business professionals each month.

Contact:Laurie Mona, Communications Manager, Chamber of CommerceEmail: ljmona@rochestermnchamber.comPhone: (507) 424-5683

NEWSLETTER ADS

Have you connected with the Chamber socially yet? Be sure to "like" our Facebook page, "follow" us on Twitter, and join our (members only!) LinkedIn Group! Click the icons on our website for the links.

Friend, Follow and Join Us

FINISHED WITH THE ADVANTAGE? PASS IT ON!

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ROUTE AROUND YOUR OFFICE

Get your money’s worth from your Chamber investment. Every employee in your firm is a member of the Chamber.

Please route to:

220 South Broadway, Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55904 P: 507-288-1122 F: 507-282-8960 www.RochesterMNChamber.com

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