Custom Alarm and CWS, Inc. Named Top 100 Small Businesses in the U.S. for Second Consecutive Year

YOUR Vote Needed for Which Business Should Win the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Award

Cast Your Vote for Rochester’s very own- Custom Alarm/Custom Communications, Inc.

Two Rochester area small businesses have once again been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for each being one of the top 100 small businesses in the United States. Custom Alarm/Custom Communications, Inc., has been named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner and CWS, Inc, has been named a Free Enterprise Honoree. The awards are designed to recognize businesses that demonstrate excellent business practices in several areas, including: business strategy, employee development, community involvement and customer service.

As a Blue Ribbon winner, Custom Alarm is also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, decided by online public voting, taking place now through March 11. To cast your vote for Custom Alarm, visit: https://dreambigaward.wufoo.com/forms/community-excellence-award-2011 and click on the VOTE HERE button. Select “Custom Communications – Rochester, MN” from the pull down menu, complete the form and press SUBMIT.

“Being singled out for this national honor two years in a row clearly indicates that Custom Alarm and CWS, Inc. are doing the right thing in how customers and employees are treated,” says John Wade, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. “These national awards are positive proof of the value of having each of them in our community.”

Out of the top 100 Small Businesses named, four came from Minnesota. "Small businesses not only survive in Rochester but thrive as well,” says Gary Smith, president of Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. “These businesses combined provide thousands of jobs and contribute their time, talent and resources to help make the Rochester area a great place to live, work and invest. Custom Alarm and CWS, Inc, represent our best of class. Both are significant contributors to our area's quality of life and economic vitality."

All winners will be recognized in America’s Small Business Summit, May 23-25 in Washington, D.C.

About Custom Alarm
http://www.custom-alarm.com/

Since 1968, Custom Communications, Inc., also known as Custom Alarm, has been providing the best in sales, installation, service and monitoring security and sound systems. This family owned and operated business is located in Rochester, Minnesota where you will find their UL Listed Central Monitoring Station. There are also two branch offices located in Winona and St. Paul, Minnesota.

About CWS, Inc.
http://www.cws.net/

Founded in 1998, CWS is the area’s leading integrated agency that delivers web solutions (design and programming); strategy led marketing, communication plans, public relations, video production, graphic design, media placement and social media marketing.

CWS believes in strengthening our communities and puts a high value on our overall corporate social responsibility and involvement. In 2010, alone, CWS has donated more than $25,000 of time, talent and resources to area non-profits and organizations.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More information can be found at the U.S. Chamber's Web site.

2010 Wage and Benefit Survey

The Express Employment Professionals’ Wage and Benefit Survey is an internet-based multi-industry tool providing employers with current and accurate compensation and benefit information needed to attract and retain quality employees. The survey allows participants to share wage and benefit information with each other while maintaining complete confidentiality. This survey will provide you, as an employer, with the information needed to make critical wage and benefit-related decisions! Best of all, this survey and results are free of charge.

Based on the size of your company and the number of employees, expect this survey to take about 30 minutes to complete. In order to expedite the process, please review the document here prior to taking the survey, which is also linked on the aforementioned document.

Nominate a local business for United Way's 10 Who Make a Difference

10 Who Make A Difference is in its 17th year of recognizing outstanding community members across southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. United Way of Olmsted County in partnership with KTTC-TV is seeking individuals and groups who are making their community better through volunteerism. Nominations are currently being accepted through May 3, 2010. If you know an individual or group who deserve to be recognized, visit www.uwolmsted.org/volunteercenter/difference.html to complete an online nomination form, or call 507-529-4831 for more information.

Ten volunteers will be recognized in six categories:

• Adult (18-54 yrs) - Recognizes dedication of an individual age 18 to 54 years of age who has contributed to the improvement of his/her community through volunteerism.
• Business - Recognizes businesses that demonstrate community involvement by encouraging employee volunteerism, actively participating in community service events, and/or by providing pro-bono assistance.
• Family Unit - Recognizes a family that exemplifies a spirit of “family volunteerism” in their community and is a coordinated effort from all members.
• Group (2 or more) - Recognizes the dedication of a group who has contributed to the improvement of their community through volunteerism.
• Senior/Senior Group (55+ yrs) - Recognizes the dedication of an individual or group age 55 years of age or older who has contributed to the improvement of his/her community through volunteerism.
• Youth/Youth Group (under 17 yrs) - Recognizes the dedication of an individual or group 17 years of age or younger who has contributed to the improvement of his/her community through volunteerism.

Winners will receive public recognition and a prestigious award at a special ceremony during Rochester’s RochesterFest Celebration on June 23, 2010, 1 p.m. at the Civic Center Drive Stage.

Nominate Your Company for the Minnesota Business Ethics Award

The deadline for nominations for the 2009 Minnesota Business Ethics Award is this Friday, Jan. 30. This award, now in its 10th year, was developed to raise the bar for ethical performance in Minnesota's business community and to honor companies that exhibit ethical excellence.

If you know of a business that should be recognized, including your own and/or one of your customers, suppliers or competitors, please nominate at least one.

The process is simple: Click on the image or visit http://www.mnethicsaward.org/. Click "Nominate a Business." You can complete the form online or print it out and fax it in.

Family Mediation Training offered by Mediation & Conflict Solutions

Interested in Being a Peacemaker? Mediation & Conflict Solutions is offering a valuable opportunity to become trained as a community mediator. Make your community a better place by becoming a volunteer mediator!

The 40-hour Family Mediation Training will be held in Rochester, Minnesota on Jan. 27-31, 2009. Janeen Massaros, an experienced trainer from Bloomington, Minn., has conducted the certified mediator training for both the civil and family rosters and advanced training seminars.

Attendance is required for each full day of training. Applications and registrations are due Jan. 23. This training is FREE for approved participants who volunteer with Mediation & Conflict Solutions for at least two years. The cost is $700 for those who want the training for personal/professional purposes, but can’t commit to volunteering at this time.

Call 507-285-8400 or email answers@mediationandconflictsolutions.com for more information!

Steps to a Healthier Rochester offering small grant funds for employee wellness initiatives

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.

Applications are due Friday, Feb. 13th.

To download the application and find out more visit the Steps to a Healthier Rochester website!

Business Survival Summit and Workshop - sponsored by Augsburg College MBA Program, Post-Bulletin and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

A Business Survival Summit and Workshop, sponsored by the Augsburg College MBA Program, Post-Bulletin and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is being held on Tuesday, Jan. 27th from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Hear from two local business leaders, including Kelly McDonough, CEO and President, First Alliance Credit Union, about reacting to economic challenges and attend two interactive workshops on strategic thinking and marketing and advertising effectiveness designed to help you survive and prosper in these challenging times.

The workshops will be conducted by two Augsburg College business professors who are also business consultants. The summit is part of the "Connecting with the Community" learning series. This summit will be held in Bethel Hall at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Avenue SE, Rochester and is free and open to the public. No registration is needed. Contact Dave Conrad at 507-287-7791 or conradd@augsburg.edu for more information.

Recycled Materials Become a Rain Barrel Fundraiser for Partner Project

The Zumbro Watershed Partnership (ZWP) is part of a multi-partner project to convert old water softener tubs into functional rain barrels for the community. Using barrels donated from Culligan Water Conditioning, and new hardware purchased from Arrow Ace Hardware, we are ready to take orders for the first pick-up date in May 2009.

Rain barrels are available for purchase to anyone in the 6-county watershed and greater Rochester region. Project partners include Olmsted County SWCD, Rochester Public Utilities, Hiawatha Valley RC&D and the City of Rochester. The rain barrels sell for $60 each plus tax, with proceeds used to help support local water conservation programs. Order forms are available for pick-up, online or mailed at request.

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a storage device commonly made of plastic or wood to capture roof water and store it for watering at a later time. Any building or structure with a gutter can take advantage of a rain barrel to conserve and protect water resources. In addition to storing water, it also helps reduce the peak volume of water reaching storm sewers after every rain event.

If you would like an order form mailed to you, or would like to know more about the rain barrel program, contact the Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District at 507-280-2850. You can also visit the web site for more information, and to download an order form at www.zumbrowatershed.org.

Ninth Annual Beat the Odds Celebration Event

Mark your calendars for the Ninth Annual Beat the Odds Celebration Event Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at the Heritage Hall in the Kahler Grand Hotel. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 and the program at 7:30.

Beat the Odds is a special evening of celebration recognizing high school seniors who experienced tremendous challenges in their young lives and then beat the odds to achieve personal and academic success to prepare for the next stage in their lives… attending college. Last year, more than 300 community leaders joined us in recognizing these scholarship recipients from a thirty mile radius of Rochester.

This is the ninth year of celebrating remarkable youth and the adults who help them transition their lives. Proceeds from this event support Beat the Odds student recipients, provide the Rochester Community and Technical College Foundation with resources to help RCTC students and programs, and pay an annual stipend to Minnesota Children’s Defense Fund, founder of Beat the Odds. To date Beat the Odds has provided over $105,000 in scholarships to its recipients.

Individual tickets are $75 with approximately $50 being tax-deductible. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 507-281-7771 or email jean.jech@roch.edu.

SYSCO MN Named Minnesota Restaurant Association Allied Vendor Of The Year

Sysco Minnesota was named the 2008 Minnesota Restaurant Association Allied Vendor Of The Year at the Association's Holiday Party at Murray's Restaurant in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Restaurant Association's Allied Vendor of the Year Award is presented annually to an industry vendor who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the industry and community.

For Sysco, it began with a promise to assist foodservice operators in providing consumers with solutions for meals consumed away from home. Since the initial public offering in 1970, when sales were $115 million, Sysco has grown to $37 billion in sales for fiscal year 2008.

Previous recipients include:
2007 - Hockenbergs Foodservice Equip. & Supply, Minneapolis
2006 - Upper Lakes Foods, Cloquet
2005 - Appert's Foodservice, St. Cloud

For more information, visit http://www.sysco.com/.

Wehrenberg Theatres Annual Cans Film Festival

Mark your calendars! -- Wehrenberg Theatres Annual Cans Film Festival is Saturday Dec. 6, 2008! Your donated cans will benefit The Salvation Army to help those in need this holiday season. Donate five cans per person and enjoy a movie for free! Donate an additional 10 cans (that's 15 cans per person) and receive a pass to come back. The largest donation over all Wehrenberg Theatre locations receives a year-long pass for 2009. Note: Deal valid only for matinee performances before 5 p.m.

KTTC Drive-By Toy Drive for Christmas Anonymous

The KTTC Drive-By Toy Drive for Christmas Anonymous is Saturday, Dec. 6th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the KTTC Television Studio.

You can help by donating new toys, games, bicycles – or any gift for:
- Infants
- Children
- Teenagers

KTTC News Talent and staff, as well as Christmas Anonymous volunteers will be on hand all day long accepting gifts. You don’t have to get out of your car; KTTC news talent and employees will be there taking donations. The first 300 cars will receive a certificate for a six-inch sub from Subway. People can also stop by KTTC anytime during the week (Dec. 1-5) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and drop gifts off inside.

Every donation stays in Olmsted County. Christmas Anonymous will distribute these gifts to needy families. The STORE DAY is Saturday, December 13th at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester. For more information call Christmas Anonymous at 507-285-3940.

Christmas Anonymous is a 100 percent volunteer organization whose sole mission is to help families and people in need in Olmsted County. This Rochester organization has been in effect for more than 50 years.

Loquella Speech & Language Services Open House

You are invited to an Open House for Loquella Speech & Language Services on Thursday, Dec. 4th from 3 - 7 p.m.. Come to learn more about the services we provide, enjoy festive refreshments and enter to win a gift basket. We hope to see you there!


For more information, click on the image to the left to view a full-size open house postcard.

NOTE: The phone number on the postcard is incorrect. The correct phone number is: 206-6200.

University of Minnesota Rochester presentation on Ethical Leadership

Chamber members are invited to attend a presentation on Ethical Leadership with David Logan - felon and former CEO.

In 2002, former City Administrator, CEO, and Minnesota native David Logan was convicted of conspiracy, misapplication of bank funds, bribery, and mail fraud. He was sentenced to 71 months imprisonment, $250,000 extraordinary restitution, $250,000 fine and forfeiture of $250,000. After almost five years in the United States
Bureau of Prison system, Mr. Logan speaks publicly about his path from professional to white collar criminal.

Joining Mr. Logan for this event is the prosecuting attorney in Mr. Logan’s case, Mr. Henry Shea, and University of Minnesota Duluth Professor of Marketing, Dr. Stephen Castleberry. Mr. Logan travels across the United States speaking to students, organization and community leaders, and the public about this unforgettable story of how missteps caused by greed and arrogance can turn into criminal acts, and how redemption and healing can result from rediscovering values.

Please join us for this free event on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Rochester - Room 417 (4th floor of University Square).

Cutting for a Cause at Salon Chic

On Sunday, Dec. 7 between Noon and 3 p.m., Salon Chic will be holding "Cutting for a Cause." Stop in and bring with you a minimum of four nonperishable food items or an unwrapped children's gift and receive a FREE haircut! All proceeds go to Channel One and Toys for Tots. Salon Chic is located at 1625 N. Broadway. For more information, call 507-285-1888 or visit http://www.mysalonchic.com/.

Good News in a Grim Economy - KAAL News Story featuring Chamber President John Wade

Yesterday, Chamber President John Wade was featured on KAAL-TV in a news story about today's economy. To view the video, click here.

Clara Claus available for entertainment at your holiday gathering

After taking a few year's off to soak up the sun in Maui, Clara Claus is back in town! Invite Mrs. Claus (aka Vicki Snyder of Communication Connection) to entertain at your holiday gatherings. For more information, contact the cheerful chubby lady in the authentic Holiday costume at cctraining@prodigy.net or call 507-269-1170.

Gamehaven of Southeastern Minnesota - A Service to Our Community Breakfast

As friends of scouting, you are invited to attend the Gamehaven of Southeastern Minnesota's "A Service to Our Community Breakfast" on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 7 - 8 a.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Rochester.

This is an opportunity to hear about the latest Scouting adventures and service activities in our community and a great time to show your support of Gamehaven Scouting.

A Call To Action For Our Community
Our nation was built on service. Americans have always made an extraordinary difference in the lives of their neighbors and in their communities by lending a helping hand. Our Scouts intend to carry on that tradition. They are encouraged to perform selfless tasks or random acts of kindness without any thought of a prize or award. Our Scouts have . . .

“A Litter Bit Better!”
The Rochester Scouting Community helped the city of Rochester & its volunteers collect over 24,000 pounds of trash. That’s over 12 tons of pollution not ending up in our waterways!

In July 2007, Eagle Scout Matthew James Osten saved an 8 year old boy from drowning at the Bent Trout Lake Campground. Upon recommendation of the National Court of Honor, Matt received the Heroism award for demonstrating heroism and skill in the saving of a life.

Please join us on Dec. 4 for breakfast and Scouting fellowship. Your investment in the future will insure that Scouts can continue developing into young adults with, strength of character and an understanding of true citizenship. Be part of the tradition. Scouting for Life!

Support Global Entrepreneurship Week

A worldwide celebration of entrepreneurs will take place Nov. 17-23, 2008 during the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week. This international initiative is the brainchild of The Kauffman Foundation, and it will join business owners, entrepreneurs, organizations, associations, academic institutions, corporations and governments in more than 75 countries in hosting activities to support, mentor, celebrate and assist entrepreneurs all over the world.

Corporate sponsors include IBM Corporation, NYSE Euronext, and Ernst & Young, all of which are looking forward to inspiring and unleashing new ideas.

This is a "virtual" celebration, so there is no conference location. Spread the word, get involved and help us make this a truly GLOBAL initiative.

Ideas on how YOU can get involved:
· Teach an entrepreneur class for a day at a local school or college
· Mentor another entrepreneur for a day
· Sponsor or host an entrepreneurial "idea" or "think tank"
· Bring entrepreneurs together via social networks such as Facebook, MySpace or Second Life
· For more information go to: http://www.unleashingideas.org

Adalia Photography Grand Opening Party & Open House

Chamber members are invited out to Adalia Photography tomorrow night (Saturday, Nov. 8) for their Grand Opening Party. Come check out Rochester's newest photography business while enjoying drinks and appetizers, along with live music by Flo Motion from 7 -9 p.m. Also, enter to win several give-aways!

If you can't make the Grand Opening Party on Saturday, stop out on Saturday or Sunday, Nov. 15, 16, 22 or 23, between 1 - 7 p.m. for their Open House. For more information, click on the image to the left.