EB305: The Next Step to Consumer-Driven Healthcare - a Free Seminar by Associated Financial Group & Associated Bank

While many companies have taken a step towards implementing a Consumer Directed Health Plan (CDHP), HSA or HRA, most have expressed concerns with "what's next?"

Associated Financial Group and Associated Bank invite you to join them for a FREE seminar that will focus directly on what you can do to help curb health care costs today, but more importantly, the strategies that many companies are taking to develop a long-term plan towards controlling their costs for both the employer and the employee. Click here for more information.

May 7, 2008
1 - 5 p.m.
Social hour with hors d'oeuvres following the seminar

Ribbon Cutting: Lillian's

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Mr. Tom Mansager and Ms. Dawn McClintock and Lillian's to the Chamber yesterday afternoon with a Ribbon Cutting. Lillian's - a Chamber member since December of last year - is located at 223 N. Broadway.

Open only four days a month, Lillian's, a handbag speciality store, has made a reputation for themselves by giving women of all ages the newest trend of a main street shopping experience. For more information about the franchise, visit http://www.lilliansshoppe.com/ or call 507-252-1650. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family!

Rochester Human Resource Association (RHRA) Receives Distinguished Award

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Alexandria, Va. has awarded the Superior Merit Chapter designation to the Rochester Human Resource Association (RHRA) for its scope of work in perpetuating and supporting the mission of the organization in 2007.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. The Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 225,000 members in over 130 countries, and more than 575 affiliated chapters.

For more information, visit http://www.rhra.org/

Courtney Lawson joins IMAA Staff

IMAA (Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association) is pleased to announce that Courtney Lawson has recently joined the staff as program manager of Healthcare Access & Education Services.

Lawson comes to IMAA from the Diversity Council where she was the development and communications director for the past 1 1/2 years. With a Masters of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan, Lawson is ready to tackle the challenge of managing the Community Health Worker program that works to reduce health disparities by building bridges between diverse communities and health care systems. Lawson, who is also a Chamber Ambassador. will also head up the Nursing Career Academy at IMAA which supports college education for immigrants and refugees in health care fields.

Chamber Chat Show - April 2008

This morning, Jess Ihrke, director of workforce and education at the Chamber, joined Tracy McCray on KROC AM 1340's Chamber Chat show to discuss the Educators in the Workplace Institute. This program provides an opportunity for businesses to play a major role in the development of a community partnership between business and education. The Institute is a three-day (June 23, 24 & 25) workshop of classes, panel discussions and interactive work-site visits designed to give educators a better understanding of the business environment and the community. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/ or contact Jess at jlihrke@rochestermnchamber.com or 507-288-1122.

Custom Alarm/Custom Communications, Inc. is Honored by GE Security with “Security Is A Family Matter and Company Benefit” Award for 2007

GE Security, a leading manufacturer of high-quality security solutions, announced on April 19th that Custom Alarm/Custom Communications, Inc. has received the company’s “Security Is A Family Matter and Company Benefit” Award. GE Security measured the winners on the dealer’s history of supporting of community services and commercial enterprises that help build strong families and safer communities.

Custom Alarm was recognized among other things for their role in helping communities in Southern Minnesota who were hit hard by the flooding last summer. The volunteer committee at Custom Alarm saw that these communities that were affected had a great need for assistance. The company’s volunteer committee arranged for a group to go to Alba, Minnesota and provide and serve dinner at a Red Cross assistance station.

What resulted was a change in policy for the company as they then adopted a volunteer program where each employee can take one day each year paid to volunteer. Some employees used their day to go to Alba on additional days to help.

The goal of the Security Is A Family Matter and Company Benefit is to encourage GE Security Pro Dealers to not just sell security systems but to help build better and stronger communities by engaging in the community and supporting those in need.

Olmsted Community Action Program to Host a Walk & Rally in Honor of their 25th Anniversary

Walk around Silver Lake to celebrate the Olmsted Community Action Program and the achievements CAP has made assisting low-income people to become self-sufficient. The rally will feature guest speakers, families and individuals who have been assisted by CAP. Anyone in the community is invited!

The walk will take place on May 17, 2008 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the East Silver Lake Shelter.

For more information, contact the Olmsted Community Program at 507-328-6333 or go visit http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/family/community_action_services.asp.

Reminder: Final Eggs & Issues tomorrow!

Just a reminder that the Chamber's final Eggs & Issues of the year is tomorrow, Saturday, April 26 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center. Details below:

Southeast Express: Rochester's connection to Minnesota passenger rail

Representative Alice Hausman, House Capitol Investment Chair and long-time passenger rail proponent, will discuss a state-wide passenger rail plan that includes Rochester’s connection to the Twin Cities and beyond.

Speaker: State Representative Alice Hausman
Moderator: Tim Geisler, Mayo Clinic

This series provides you with an excellent opportunity to ask our area legislators about the issues that affect your business and your community, as well as to hear the latest news from the 2008 session. All area state elected officials are invited to attend this event.

Saturday, April 26, 2008; 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Location: Ramada Hotel & Conference Center; 1517 16th St. SW

Cost: Member - $17, Non-Member - $27

Register

United Way Technology Summit

The United Way of Olmsted County's Technology Summit aims to inspire the nonprofit and government sectors with innovative ways to achieve efficiencies and dedicate more resources to their missions of helping people.

The summit also introduces technology resources and spotlights successes of several area organizations whose way of doing business has been significantly improved through their incorporation of technology solutions.

Keynote speaker, Bill Matson, came to Pathways from the nation’s largest nonprofit organization, where he coordinated housing and drug treatment services for a large metropolitan area.

Date: Thursday, June 5
Location: University of Minnesota-Rochester, Room 417
Time: 7:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Cost: $10
Register: Click here (event code: tech)

For schedule and additional event details, click here.

Rochester Chamber City Maps Now Available

Fresh off the truck this afternoon, the official 2008-2009 Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Rochester area map is now available. To pick up a copy, swing into the Chamber office today! If you or your business has a need for multiple maps, please call Brian Olson at the Chamber at 507-424-5683 to work out details. A huge thank you to Howard Lower of Lower Photography for the map photography and all of the map's sponsors located througout the publication. Also included in this year's map is the downtown hospital complex and subways and skyways routes. And as always, there is no cost to the map.

DEED's Pathways to Employment Video Conference Series: Training and Technical Assistance

Pathways to Employment and the MN Department of Human Services' Disability Services division are sponsoring a five-part video conference series running between May and December. The series will feature focused training and technical assistance topics related to employment of people with disabilities.

The first session, on May 16th, is Resources for Employers and Employees with Disabilities. Aimed at employers and Employee Assistance Programs, this training will provide concrete, easy to reference resources to share with employees who have a disability. This training will also give participants the opportunity to ask questions or share their experiences in different topic areas. Pre-registration is required by May 9. For more information, please refer to the flyer here.

Ribbon Cutting: Three 31 Bar & Grill

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Mr. Bruce Born and the Three 31 Bar & Grill to the Chamber this afternoon with a Ribbon Cutting. Three 331 Bar & Grill- a Chamber member since March - is located at 7386 Airport View Drive SW in the Rochester International Airport Business Center, near Shoppes on Maine. Three 31 Bar & Grill, which opened on 3/31, features a uniquely bold setting, both indoors with its striking design and outside with its incredible patio and amphitheatre. For more information about the new restaurant, visit http://www.331barandgrill.com/ or call 507-424-0331.Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family!

Become a Vendor in the CivicFest Marketplace during the 2008 Republican National Convention

Organizations and individuals interested in participating in CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration may now apply for a space in the 60,000 square-foot vendor Marketplace. The mission of the CivicFest Marketplace is to showcase a variety of products to the CivicFest audience, with an emphasis on locally produced and designed merchandise.

CivicFest, which will be held August 29 – September 4, 2008 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, is a one-of-a-kind event that will include more than 35 exhibits celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. Presidency. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend CivicFest, which will be open to the general public.

To apply, vendors much complete an online application available at http://www.civicfest.org/ and provide photos or samples of the products they wish to sell, promote or display in their booth. Vendors will be selected based on how well they fit into the mission of the Marketplace and CivicFest. Preference will be given to entities selling merchandise that is both appropriate and appealing to the Convention audience, with greater preference given to companies presenting “Made in Minnesota” and “Made in U.S.A. merchandise."

MSP 2008, which is producing CivicFest, will begin making contact with interested vendors on May 1, 2008. Tina Volpe is the Marketplace Executive with MSP2008 overseeing vendor operations and can be reached at 651.677.2987 or tvolpe@msp2008.com.

For more information, click here.

Cisco Network on Wheels

Cisco Systems and Enventis invite you to the Network on Wheels on May 7 at the Mayo Civic Center. Come experience the latest real world, small and medium-sized business solutions from Cisco Systems in a mobile showcase designed to educate, entertain and interact with you.

The Cisco Network On Wheels (NOW) is a 25-foot mobile showcase equipped with the latest Cisco networking technologies designed to enhance your competitive edge - maximize productivity and ROI, enhance customer care and loyalty, increase user satisfaction and reduce operating costs - ultimately driving your business growth.

For more information or to register for this free event, click here.

2008 SADBOC Government Procurement Fair

Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend the 2008 SADBOC Government Procurement Fair on April 29, 2008. Coupling education with marketing strategies, this event will provide small businesses an opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 Federal, State and local departments, commercial/ prime contractors and nonprofit organizations; access available technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts.

Small businesses also have the opportunity to be matched with a government or corporate buyer interested in their particular product/service. Online registration for a 10-minute appointment begins April 1 at http://www.minnesotafeb.org/. All appointments must be scheduled in advance. On April 25, the schedule of appointments will be posted at www.sba.gov/mn.

The fair runs from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minn. For more information, click here.

Chamber Internships

We are currently accepting applications for two internships at the Chamber. We will be posting several more in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! The two intern positions we are currently seeking to fill are the When Work Works Project Lead internship and the Graphic Design internship. Please forward these opportunities on to anyone you may think is interested! Thanks!

• When Work Works Project Lead Intern
• Graphic Design Intern

Grow Rochester Tackles Storm Water Fee

The Grow Rochester Coalition is an advocacy group consisting of representatives from the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors and the Rochester Area Builders. The coalition was formed to bring together the three largest member groups in Rochester. Formed in 2007, its mission is to promote orderly growth and development of the Rochester area through advocacy, education and awareness.

For the past several weeks the group has been researching the city’s proposed fee and rate increases for the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). To assist in this research the group retained the services of Jeff Broberg, Professional Geologist and Vice President of McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc.

Click here for full story

Ribbon Cutting: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were on hand this afternoon at Thrivent Financial for Lutheran's ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of its new professional office practice. Thrivent has been a member since June of last year, and the Chamber is proud to welcome their new services to the community. For more information, visit http://www.thrivent.com/.

Rockin' for a Reason: A Benefit for Habitat for Humanity

A "Rockin' for a Reason" concert to benefit the Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity (RAHH) will take place on May 8th from 7 - 11 p.m. at the UCR Regional Sports Center. For more information, click on the image to the right or contact RAHH at 507-252-0849.

Ribbon Cutting: Express Employment Professionals

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were on hand today to celebrate Express Employment Professional's ribbon cutting and open house. The open house was held to celebrate their last 35 years of business, as well as to look forward to the next 35 years as they evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace. Express also made some significant changes, as you may have noticed, including a name change from Express Personnel to Express Employment Professionals (see the new logo below the ribbon cutting photo). For more information, visit Express on the Web at http://www.expresspros.com/us/.

Ribbon Cutting: Z-Wireless

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Mr. Jeremy Girgen and Z-Wireless to the Chamber yesterday afternoon with a Ribbon Cutting. Z-Wireless - a Chamber member since March - celebrated its grand opening along with the ribbon cutting. For more information about Z-Wireless, visit them on the web at http://www.gozwireless.com/ or stop into the store at 102 20th St. SE, Ste. 500. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family!

Leadership Greater Rochester mentioned in Chicago Sun-Times

It may not have been a full-fledged article, but this year's Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) class made their way into the Chicago Sun-Times early last week. The article, which highlights the Seneca corn water tower, ends with a word from Scott Greer about Graham Park - a member of this year's LGR class. Click here to read the story.

To view a comprehensive list of media hits of this year's LGR class, click here. If you notice we are missing any, please contact Brian Olson at bolson@rochestermnchamber.com.

In the News: Congressman Tim Walz Luncheon

After each Chamber event that lands media coverage, we try our best to make it available to our members - typically by way of our blog. Below are two news stories picked up by the local media (one print, one television) on last Friday's Tim Walz luncheon. To see photos of the event, click here.

Economy Outlook (KTTC-TV)

Walz speaks to Chamber about free trade, health care (Post-Bulletin)

Channel One's Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament

Channel One is pleased to announce a partnership with Somerby Golf Club to present a golf outing fundraiser which will be held on Monday, June 9th at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. Planning for this exciting event is well underway. The day promises to be filled with excellent food, fun, and top notch golf on one of the area’s finest courses.

The tournament will be a scramble format, and will feature lunch, dinner and entertainment. In addition, all golfers will be automatically entered into a raffle for three high quality drivers that will be given away that day. Individuals can register to play for $175 ($700 for a foursome). More information, including registration materials will be made available in early April.

Click here for registration information.
Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

For additional questions, contact Charla Irwin-Buncher at 507-424-1721.

Bear Creek Services to host open house celebrating new office location

Bear Creek Services central office has moved to a new location: 3108 Highway 52 North (map) - located just south of the 37th St NW Exit. They will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, May 13th from 4 - 7 p.m., with a Chamber rubbing cutting at 4:30 p.m..

Everyone in the community is invited; refreshments will be available and door rizes will be given out! The new building is located on the E. Frontage Road - just south of Baker's Square, Subway and Quiznos restaurants - in the old First Christian Church building. Call Angie at 507-288-7195 for more information.

Ribbon Cutting: King's Flooring

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Mr. Monte King and King's Flooring to the Chamber this morning with a Ribbon Cutting. King's Flooring, a Chamber member since March, is located at 6301 Bandel Rd. NW, Ste. 102. For more information about King's Flooring, give them a call at 507-206-6111. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family!

Steps to a Healthier Rochester offering grant funds to Rochester employers

Steps to a Healthier Rochester is offering small grant funds through the Wellness Works Coalition for employee wellness initiatives. Eight ($500) grants with incentive packages (valued up to $200) will be awarded to Rochester employers for the purpose of improving employee health and increasing healthy behaviors. The request for proposals was released yesterday at the Wellness Works Coalition meeting. Additional information is posted on the Steps to a Healthier Rochester website.

Administrative Professionals Workshop by RCTC's Business & Workforce Education

There are still several spots open for RCTC's Business & Workforce Education Administrative Professionals Workshop next Thursday. Below is all the information you need!


RCTC Business & Workforce Education: Administrative Professionals Workshop
Date: Thursday, April 17
RCTC Heintz Center - Room HB117
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $99/person (lunch included)
Register: Click here

The Administrative Professional’s role is crucial to the operations of a successful
business. In today’s environment Administrative Professionals are many times the
first impression of an organization and that impression can leave a lasting image
on the customer or visitor. This workshop recognizes the challenges an Administrative Professional has within his or her position and will provide tips and techniques to be more effective in that important role.

This day long session focuses on energizing yourself and your workplace. The
participants will have an opportunity to select break out sessions on the following
topics: building a professional image, assertive communication, business writing,
and organizing desk and office clutter. Participants will be able to enhance their skills through presentations, group discussions, networking and sharing of personal stories.

Continuing Education: 5.5 contact hours

Instructors:
Catherine Davis
Michon Rogers
Juleen Kulver
Rashmi Roy

Congressman Tim Walz Luncheon - Photos

More than 75 business men and women attended this afternoon's Congressman Tim Walz Luncheon at the Rochester Golf & Country Club. Below are some photos. More information about this luncheon, including media stories, to follow next week! Have a great weekend!

Wine Tasting Event Tonight

The Early Risers Exchange Club presents its 34th Annual Wine & Spirit Taste, an event that supports many youth organizations in the community. The event kicks off tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Rochester International Event Center with wine tasting lasting until 9 p.m. Light appetizers will be served, with a dance to follow with music by Lost Faculties. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 507-269-7703. Must be 21 years or older to attend.

'08-'09 Leadership Greater Rochester brochures/applications now available

Applications for the Chamber's Leadership Greater Rochester program (LGR) 2009 - Rochester's premier leadership program - are now available. Swing in today to pick your brochure up or click here to learn more about the LGR program.

Congressman Tim Walz Luncheon Tomorrow

Just a reminder that the Chamber's luncheon with Congressman Tim Walz is tomorrow from Noon - 1:30 p.m. at the Rochester Golf & Country Club. Congressman Tim Walz will discuss the state of the U.S economy, Minnesota business climate, healthcare reform and other business-related federal issues. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Register here or download the event flyer for more information here.

Registration is required. Seating is limited. Register today.

Ribbon Cutting: About Face

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Ms. Michelle Kalina and About Face to the Chamber yesterday afternoon with a Ribbon Cutting.

About Face is an open-sell cosmetics concept boutique, stocking the best international cutting edge brands, in a unique customer focused environment. They offer skincare products, cosmetics and fragrances and are located in the center of Downtown Rochester in the Peace Plaza area across the street from Mayo Clinic and the Marriott Hotel.

Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family.

About Face
112 1st Ave. SW
507-292-0922
www.aboutfacerochester.com/

Sam's Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Sam's Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a nationwide weekend-long open house to appreciate existing members and associates.

New businesses and families who want to learn more about the benefits and discover the savings Sam's Club members have enjoyed the past 25 years are also welcome to attend. Consistent with its heritage, Sam's Club plans generous food and dessert samplings known as "demos" throughout the weekend.

In honor of the silver anniversary, Sam's Club has stocked up on special products at exceptional values from digital cameras to high definition TVs, to lawn mowers and luxe pillows. In addition, everyday items, choice meats and produce will be featured.

When:
10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 18
9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, April 20

For more information, contact Susan Koehler at susan.koehler@samsclub.com.

Rochester among the best cities to live and launch a small business in 2008

Rochester was recently named as the No. 53 best place to live and launch a small business in 2008 by Fortune Small Business.

Rochester was one of three Minnesota cities to make the list, with Minneapolis coming in at No. 23 and St. Cloud at No. 75. Bellevue, Wash., topped the list with Georgetown, Texas, Buford, Ga., Marina del Rey, Calif., and Bethesda, Md., rounding out the top five.

Fortune said it compiled the list based on exhaustive statistical and qualitative research including housing prices, schools, cultural and recreational attractions, quality of labor force, taxes and regulatory climate.

"Information technology and medical research converge in Rochester," Fortune said of Rochester. "The city is a major biotech hub, hosting a University of Minnesota campus, a branch of the Mayo Clinic that employs more than 25,000 area residents, and IBM Rochester's genetics supercomputer, BlueGene."

Notable cities ranking below Rochester include Winston-Salem, N.C. (No. 56), San Jose, Calif. (No. 66) and Orlando, Fla. (No. 73).

For a complete listing, pick up a copy of April's issue of Fortune Small Business or visit money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/bestplaces.

Express Personnel Services Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Express Personnel Services will be holding an open house on Thursday, April 17, for several announcements, a ribbon cutting, lunch and networking. We were told they will be celebrating their last 35 years of business and looking forward to the next 35 years as they evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the workplace. For more information, call 507-285-1616.

Also, while checking out Express Personnel's Web site, I ran across an article that may be handy to quite a few people about this time of year. It's called Spring Clean Your Business from the Inside Out: Make Your Business Look Better and Run Smoother. Here is the link if you are interested!

Business After Hours - Rochester Golf & Country Club

Thank you to everyone (and there were a lot) who swung over to Rochester Golf & Country Club yesterday evening for the Chamber's monthly Business After Hours. More than 200 members attended and enjoyed the drinks and appetizers at the gathering, which also included entertainment by the Booker & Mini band. Thanks to the Rochester Golf & Country Club for a wonderful time and for hosting Business After Hours.

Note: A couple additional photos of the event can be found on Kiger's Blog at the Post-Bulletin Web site here.

Mark your calendars: The next Business After Hours will take place Thursday, May 8, at Rochester Toyota.

April Chamber Advantage Available Online

April's newsletter is now uploaded and available online, along with all of the past and current year's Chamber Advantage issues.Visit http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/advantage/index.html and check it out!

Do you want a piece of the newsletter? Here are several options for your business:

1. Advertise in the Chamber Advantage. Chamber Advantage is sent out monthly to more than 1,900 individuals representing more than 1,260 area businesses. For more information about advertising in the Chamber Advantage, contact Brian Olson at bolson@rochestermnchamber.com or 507-288-1122.

2. Submit a Business News blurb. Has your firm recently reached a significant milestone? Or maybe you've changed store locations, hours, added a new product line or service? Has someone in your business recently been promoted? Is there a special event coming up in your business? We'd like to know about it so we can share your news with other chamber members by printing it in one of our upcoming newsletters, as space permits. Briefly give us the details by following this form's guidelines and sending it to Brian Olson at bolson@rochestermnchamber.com. DEADLINE: 10th of the month for the next month's edition. Newsletters are published at the beginning of each month.

Harlem Globetrotters coming to Mayo Civic Center this weekend

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Mayo Civic Center on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the arena box office or online at Ticketmaster.com. To order by phone, call 507- 252-1010. Chamber members can enter the promo code "BOGOBL" on Ticketmaster.com, and receive a 'buy one get one free' special – buy one $24 ticket, get one free! This offer is only valid on the $24 tickets.

Kathy Ohm Named Internet Director at KTTC-TV/FOX 47 KXLT

KTTC-TV (NBC) has named veteran broadcast news producer Kathy Ohm as the station's first-ever Internet Director. The expansion of the station's commitment to delivering news and information on its web site coincides with a complete re-design of both http://www.kttc.com/ and http://www.myfox47.com/ in late April. KTTC produces news for Fox affiliate KXLT under an agreement approved by the Federal Communications Commission. Ohm will oversee the operation of the web sites of both stations.

Chamber Chat Show - March 2008

Last week, John Eckerman of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce joined the KROC AM 1340 Morning Show for the monthly Chamber Chat segment. Eckerman recapped the 5th annual Rochester on Tour event as well as discussed Grow Rochester's stance on the proposed new storm water fees. Tune into 1340 the fourth Monday of each month at 9:50 a.m. to hear the show live! You can listen to past Chamber Chat shows by clicking here.

Augsburg College to sponsor the Women in Leadership Conference in May

The Women in Leadership Conference event, being held on Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m., is sponsored by the Augsburg College MBA Program and is part of the "Connecting with the Community" education series. This conference will be held in Bethel Hall at Bethel Lutheran Church (810 3rd Avenue SE) in Rochester and is free and open to the public. No registration is needed. Featured speakers include Mayo Clinic Chief Administrative Officer Shirley Weis and community leader, appointed public official and former corporate executive, Jane Belau, who will also field questions at the conclusion of their talks.

Enventis and Cisco Network On Wheels (NOW) Event

Enventis and Cisco invite you to experience the very best in real-world business solutions from Cisco in a mobile showcase that's educational and entertaining on Wednesday, May 7 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

Sessions run on the hour every hour; select the session that works best for you.

The Cisco Network On Wheels is equipped with the latest Cisco networking technologies. This unique showcase provides hands-on demonstrations of proven integrated networking solutions that are customizable to your business size and needs.

This FREE event includes refreshments served and breakout conversations held inside the Mayo Civic Center.

To register, click here or contact Scott Bauserman at 507-780-8101 or sbauserman@enventis.com.

Formal Inauguration of UMR's First Chancellor Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle

The formal inauguration of the University of Minnesota-Rochester's first chancellor, Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle, will be held tomorrow, Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. in Phillips Hall in the Siebens Building on Mayo Clinic Campus (200 1st St. SW). The inauguration and reception immediately following the ceremony are both free and open to the public. The reception will be held at the University of Minnesota Rochester (111 S. Broadway).

For more information about Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle, visit the UMR Web site here.

4th Annual Red Cross Heroes Campaign

The Southeast Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross is kicking-off the 4th Annual Red Cross Heroes Campaign May 1 with a goal of raising $100,000. The concept for "heroes" is fun and simple. Heroes can do anything they want to (as long as it's legal!) to raise $1,000 for the Red Cross. Heroes can be individuals, teams, businesses, clubs, schools, colleges…anyone!

Heroes raise dollars in unique ways from dressing up as super heroes to simply wearing jeans on Fridays. Heroes enjoy the camaraderie and competition that occurs when voting for cutest baby or funniest hairdo photo. Others enjoy holding raffles for a vacation day, vacation package, or beautiful gift baskets. Several heroes choose to simply write a check for $1,000 or offer sponsorship opportunities to the Red Cross.

For more information about the Heroes Campaign, click here or contact Colette Gallagher, Communications & Development Coordinator at 507-287-2250 if you’d like to be a hero for the Red Cross or support the campaign.

Families and Work Institute Announces Release of 2008 Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work; Plus - Apply Today to Become a Sloan Award Winner

The Families and Work Institute recently announced the release today of their new 2008 Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work that details the latest and most innovative trends in effective and flexible workplace practices, based in large part on employees' ratings.

The initiatives highlighted in the Guide were culled from 129 Sloan Award-winning organizations located in 24 communities that represent 30 precent of the U.S. population. Visit the When Work Works Web site to download a copy of this new guide and to read the press release about the guide that went out over the wires.

And tomorrow, April 2, there will be an ad in USA TODAY congratulating all of the winners of the Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility.

As a Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce member, your business may be eligible for the Sloan Award. For more information about the award and to see if you are eligible, click here. Applications are only being accepted through April 14, 2008, so don't put off this wonderful opportunity. Winners will be announced in June. Click here for application instructions. Click here to apply.

Ribbon Cutting: Sushi Itto

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Alex Schwartzman and Sushi Itto to the Chamber yesterday afternoon with a Ribbon Cutting. Sushi Itto is a brand new sushi restaurant located at 318 S. Broadway. Sushi Itto, a Chamber member since February, is now open for business. Please join us in welcoming them to the Chamber family. For a few more photos of the event, check out our friend Jeff Kiger's blog on the Post-Bulletin Web site here.

Sushi Itto
318 S. Broadway
507-280-0034
www.sushiittorst.com

Ribbon Cutting: Gorilla's

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Gorilla's to the Chamber last week with a Ribbon Cutting. Gorilla's, formely known as Golden Corral, joined the Chamber in 2001 but is now celebrating their new name, look, etc.! Please join us in welcoming Gorilla's to the Chamber family.

Gorilla's
2775 43rd St. NW
507-282-2180

Reliance Teleservice VOIP Technology Open House

Reliance Teleservice is sponsoring and presenting a technology open house that you "can't afford to miss." All Chamber members are welcome to be a guest on April 17 & 18 from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel & Plaza and meet the experts behind the VOIP (Voice over IP) Technology that will propel your business enterprise to it's full potential in an inflationary economy. To RSVP, contact Reliance Teleservice today at techopenhouse@relianceteleservice.com. For additional information about the technology open house, click here.