Attend America's Small Business Summit 2011 in D.C.

America’s Small Business Summit (May 23-25 in Washington, D.C.) brings together business owners and local and state chamber executives in Washington to rally for free enterprise, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

Over the course of three days, summit attendees will network, meet with their elected officials to advocate for pro-growth policies and hear from Washington insiders and business experts on policies that are impacting American businesses.

Contact Julie Fiesel at jfiesel@rochestermnchamber.com or 507-424-5665 if you are interested in learning more or attending with a group of Rochester Chamber members.

Here's what a few of last year's attendees had to say about the summit.

“The U.S. Chamber Small Business Summit should be given consideration to attend. I would highly encourage anyone who is thinking about attending to get more information and considering being a part of the Rochester contingency. I enjoyed networking with potential clients on a national scale as well as learning about issues that are affecting small businesses (like health care). The speakers were outstanding.”
- Alan DeKeyrel, CWS, Inc.

"Why should someone go? To hear first hand from key economists in the country and other senior level people about what is going on at the national level and how we can make changes on a local level. The sessions were energized with business leaders and owners all wanting to find out how we can grow jobs in America and turn our economy around. From the panelists to the speakers there are many messages to take back home and share with others on how we can all do more in our own business and communities. As a business owner, CEO, or senior manager, the opportunities to meet with various legislators and senators and to share “best practices” with other business owners is invaluable."
- Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm

Building a Better Community: High Standards, Efficiency and Effectiveness are Essential

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, through the support of the Bush Foundation, the Minnesota Chamber, and our Members, funded an extensive study with an eye toward improving effectiveness and efficiency of Rochester’s development and permitting process.

“If we are going to succeed in building the world’s premier destination medical community, then we must have a process that reflects not only the highest quality standards, but the best service model as well,” said John Wade, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. “This isn’t about who’s right and who’s wrong, it’s about developing the best model for service in the country.”

Rochester Chamber’s Development Services Re-design Report Leads the Way to Job Creation and Much Improved Business – Government Working Relations

By Glenn S. Dorfman, Common Sense Solutions

After the two days interviewing City development staff, owners, developers, builders, architects, and engineers, it was easy to conclude that there is an obvious and serious disconnect between the service expectations of the Development Community and the mindset of the City development staff.

The business community considers the current plan review and permitting process to be capricious, inflexible, inconsistent, time-consuming, and unnecessarily bureaucratic. The City Development Staff distrust the word of many development community representatives based upon their experience with the lack of follow-through/word-keeping in regard to agreed upon development plans or permit conditions/requirements.

Both groups raised legitimate concerns and both groups need to make changes in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the permitting process to save Rochester taxpayers, homeowners, homebuyers, and businesses (those who always pay the cost of inefficiency) time, money, and inconvenience while still protecting public safety, quality of life, and natural resources.

Over the past ten years, and accelerating since the deep national recession of 2007, an increasing number of jurisdictions, supported by forward looking and thoughtful Business Leaders and Local Government Officials, the construction industry, and building owners, architects, engineers, and others have recognized the importance of streamlining building and land use regulatory systems and have put in place reforms to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The goals have often included the spectrum from increasing economic competitiveness to increasing energy conservation and disaster resiliency. Given the stubbornly high unemployment numbers, reflected in the faces of frustrated unemployed American workers, the goal of improving American economic competitiveness in a rapidly expanding world economy cannot be understated.

Government services re-design is not about regulatory abandonment, but rather it is about spending both government and private sector dollars more prudently. It is not about blame but rather improvement. This puts the Rochester Chamber and the City at the forefront of business government innovation.

An executive summary of the report can be downloaded here.

Chamber Partners with SCORE to offer Small Business Roundtables

Article by Dean L. Swanson, South East Minnesota Chapter of SCORE

Small business owners are learning that it helps to be able to talk to other owners about issues and learn from each other. This is not a new idea, but there are getting to be more of these groups across the country. In fact, large corporations have used the idea of a “Round Table” or “Think Tank” for several years. The mission statement for one such national group states that they focus on “Helping entrepreneurs to help each other have happier personal lives and more successful businesses. We are there for those who want to be in business for themselves but not just by themselves.”

In general, many of these groups recruit entrepreneurs into membership (there’s usually an annual membership fee). They are placed in a group with about 10 to 30 other entrepreneurs, carefully selected so there are no conflicts of interest among the group members. Each member signs a Confidentiality Contract, promising never to disclose anything that is discussed in a group meeting. Under the guidance of the organizers, the group meets once per month for about three hours to discuss business (and sometimes personal) problems, challenges and opportunities. The whole idea is to allow each member to tap into the collective wisdom and experience of the group to help them prevent mistakes, solve tricky business situations and to maximize their opportunities.

A Business Round Table provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity to discuss with their peers business matters of importance to them. They can bounce ideas off the others, get new ideas about solving old problems and share each other’s experiences in order to help each other become more successful in business.

A newly created Small Business Round Table series launched last month as a joint effort between the South East Minnesota Chapter of SCORE and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and will use the concept of peer interaction and support to assist small business owners in this part of the State to be successful.

A key feature of this endeavor will be the Peer Network which will provide a supportive environment, allow for the building of useful contacts, and a variety of perspectives. The benefits of this will be to help the business owner learn what works, get peer feedback, test your ideas with a supportive group of entrepreneurs, and learn from their successes and experiences, while growing your business network.

Another key component of this new Small Business Round Table will be the useful business topics. Each meeting will feature a different “hot topic”. These will be based on the participants needs, ranging from business plans and structures to marketing and budgets for example. The group will identify the topics for future meetings.

The structure of the Small Business Round Table will be a guided discussion through a facilitated format lead by a SCORE mentor. The sessions will be informal and conversational.
For more information about participating in the new Small Business Round Table or expanding or operating a small business here in Southeast Minnesota, contact SCORE at www.score-rochester.org or 507-282-8960.

UPCOMING ROUNDTABLE:
How to Effectively Market Your Business

How is your business marketing going? The “Hot Topic” for the next Small Business Round Table, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 26th, will be How to Market Your Business. Are you pleased with your current marketing results? Are you getting more customers? Are your marketing dollars worth it? What is working for you and what isn’t working? Do you need more sales? Are you meeting your sales projections? Do you keep doing what you did last year and expect different results? Is your 2011 marketing plan in place?

Come to the next Small Business Round Table and listen to and discuss your marketing efforts with our Hot Topic presenter, Jacque Hahn of markit, a marketing firm in Southeast Minnesota. For more information or to register, click here.

Last Chance to Advertise in the 2011 Community Guide & Business Directory

Friday, Dec. 10th. is the advertising reservation deadline for the Chamber's annual Community Guide & Business Directory - the Chamber’s most in-demand publication.

• Published to support the local economy and encourage use of member services
• Thousands will be distributed and direct mailed throughout the community
• This entire publication and all content links to the www.villageprofile.com Community Profile Network which currently receives over 2 million visits a month with reciprocal link on the Rochester Area website.
• All advertisers will be accessible 24/7 online via mobile cell phone at http://www.vpmobile.us/
• NEW for 2011-VP Smartphone App for both iPhone and Droid platforms to Qualified Advertisers.
• Very reasonable ad rates with FREE ad copy and design preparation available.
• View the current 2010 publication on line at:
  http://www.villageprofile.com/minnesota/rochester/
  

Advertising in your Chamber publication has even more advantages. A national study recently conducted showed, "consumers are 63% more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company that they believe is a member of the local chamber" and "they are 44% more likely to think favorably about the business." Thank you in advance for your support.

For more information, contact Sue Price at 608‐485‐1000 or sprice.vp@villageprofilemail.com.

Thank you to our participating advertisers as of Nov. 23rd:
Broadway Residence & Suites
Chad Johnson Photography
College Nannies & Tutors
Comfort Suites
Eastwood Bank
Guesthouse Inn & Suites
HGA Architects & Engineers
Holiday Inn Express
IRET Properties
NAMI
Ohly Real Estate Office
Exclusive Buyer Broker Agency
Olmsted Medical Center
Outside Services Inc.
Phone Station
Premier Bank
Quality Building Maintenance
Rochester Community & Technical College
Rochester International Airport
Smith Schafer & Associates
SOVRAN Inc
Think Mutual Bank
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
US Bank
Winona State University - Rochester
Wood Lake Meeting Center
Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center

Chamber to publish new community guide and membership directory.

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that sales for its upcoming community guide and membership directory are now underway. The 3,500 guides are on target to print next summer, and will be distributed in and around the Chamber service area.

The forthcoming Rochester community guide and membership directory will act as an ideal community reference guide with the ability to serve as an informational relocation publication and exceptional Chamber membership recruitment tool. This customized publication will feature a refreshing writing style, coupled with eye-popping design and colorful pictures - grasping the distinct character of the community. In addition to the profile portion, the publication will include a complete Chamber membership directory and/or comprehensive buyer's guide (category listing).

Advertising in the Rochester community guide and membership directory has unrivaled advantages. The multi-platform advertising bundle goes beyond the traditional print publication to include: a community Website and downloadable NewView eBook®, which convert the publication's editorial, pictures and design elements into a digital format; on-the-go wireless access via various Web-enabled devices; and the searchable vpMobile.us® Business Directory Portal, featuring the Chamber's entire membership directory, available wirelessly, 24/7. Since 1996, the Village Profile(R) website has seen over 230,000,000 hits from Internet locales around the world and from all manners of users. This considerable traffic will prove beneficial to the entire Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce community. The vpmobile.us site totaled 6,445,900 hits in 2009.

In addition, new in 2010 is a user-friendly Smartphone app--accessible via the iPhone and Android--an extension of Village Profile's enhanced connectivity not offered anywhere else in the Chamber publishing industry. All of these elements come together to offer the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, participating advertisers and the community valuable added exposure to a global audience.

This technologically advanced, royalty-generating publication is produced at NO COST to the Chamber.

This leading-edge publishing program is made possible through a partnership between the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Village Profile® - an innovative Chamber publisher that has worked with the Chamber since early 2010.

For publication and advertising information, contact the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or Sales Representative Susan Price at 507-288-1122 to reserve ad space now.

Annual Member Celebration Award Nominations

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Celebration is an evening of good food, great entertainment and networking. The event also showcases the Volunteer of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Lamp of Knowledge award winners. To nominate a candidate for one of the following awards, visit the link below by Sept. 10, 2010.

Business of the Year Award: The Business of the Year Award is presented to a Chamber-member business. To attain this award, the business must show commitment in the areas of community service, client relations, investment in employees, business ethics and business improvement and growth.

Jan Warfield Volunteer of the Year Award: The Jan Warfield Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of the Chamber who has demonstrated outstanding participating and leadership in Chamber activities. This award is given in Jan Warfield’s memory in honor of her dedication and commitment to the Chamber.

For detailed criteria or to nominate a candidate, visit http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/annualawardsnomination/.

In the News: Chamber Annual Golf Outing

You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day than yesterday as more than 270 golfers hit the links at Willow Creek Golf course for the Chamber's 30th Annual Golf Outing. The tournament, themed Hollywood, had the golfers' and sponsors' creative juices flowing, many of which were captured by area businesses and the media. Although we will have the "official" results for the tournament in an upcoming edition of the Chamber Advantage magazine, we thought we'd share some fun tidbits we found floating around the Web!

• Hollywood Takes Over Willow Creek (Fox 47)
• Snapshots at Roch. Chamber golf bash 2010 (Kiger's Blog/Post-Bulletin)
• Fox 47's Facebook Fan Page Album
• Olmsted Medical Center's Facebook Fan Page Album
• CWS's Facebook Fan Page Album

If we missed an album or any media coverage, please let us know (email bolson@rochestermnchamber.com)!

Chamber Launches Foundation Web site

The Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its newest Web site, focusing primarily on building a competitive workforce.

http://www.competitivewf.com/ is home to the Foundation’s workforce and education programming, and is a valuable resource guide for various workforce and educational initiatives available in the community.

Site features include a Workforce News blog, Foundation calendar, helpful links and resources, and much more. The site is also home to a new and improved Business Learning Network (BLN) calendar.

The BLN calendar consists of various Chamber-member events that provide relevant, applicable and superior educational opportunities to Chamber members. These opportunities encourage professional growth and instill tools necessary for recruiting and retaining employees in today’s ever growing and changing market. Chamber members are encouraged to submit their educational events by visiting the Web site and clicking on the BLN calendar tab.

2010 Business Directories Now Available

The annual Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Community Guide and Business Directory is now available! Stop by Business After Hours EXTRA! on Tuesday, May 11 between 4:30 and 7 p.m. at the Rochester International Event Center or swing into the Chamber at 220 S. Broadway, Suite 100, during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) to pick up your copy.

Do you have more than one employee that could benefit from having a directory? New in 2010, multiple directories are available for Chamber member businesses. Just let us know how many you need! For large quantities (20-plus), please inform us at least 24 hours prior to pick-up.

Become a fan of the Chamber on Facebook

Due to Facebook policy changes, your Chamber's current Facebook page will be transitioning to a Fan Page. Our current page, which is set up as an individual, will be deleted in the near future. Become a fan today by clicking here. You can also follow us on Twitter @rochmnchamber.

Electronic Message Center Sign Ordinance Amendment Defeated

The February 8th Rochester City Council Committee of the Whole meeting was a successful night for Rochester businesses. For several years, the Rochester/Olmsted County Planning Department has been advocating for a stricter zoning ordinance for electronic business signs. Since this was first brought forward, the Chamber has been working diligently against this through a task force of businesses who have a vested interest in fighting the stricter ordinance.

Many businesses have invested thousands of dollars in these electronic message centers which market their products and services to the public. These signs are frequently used to promote non-profit and community events. Two of the main proposed ordinance changes would have limited sign locations and how often the sign message could change.

If the proposed ordinance would have been enacted, it would of made many of these signs essentially static.

By filling the room with local businesses, the Chamber, along with the business community, was able to get the issue tabled until a federal study on electronic messaging is complete. It is unknown when the study will be finished or if the study will even review electronic message centers.

"This was a long process and in the end it was good to have the council see that at this time there was no real issue with the electronic signs," says Mike Thom, manager at Home Improvement Professionals. "We business owners thank the council for their patience, understanding and support throughout this process."

The Chamber thanks the city council and staff for supporting our task force efforts. They agreed that there was not a public outcry to enforce a stricter ordinance. There was not a problem to fix. You can be confident that if this issue pops up again in the future, the task force will be re-mobilized to fight against this unnecessary zoning ordinance amendment.

Your Chamber is a conduit between the business community and local, state and federal government officials. We take this role very seriously in advocating for our members. Contact John Eckerman at 507-424-5687 for any questions or concerns regarding this valuable service.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede and Chamber President John Wade Urge Rochester Citizens to Fill the Capitol on Feb. 24th at Rochester on Tour

Rochester area projects are in jeopardy. We need you at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Chamber’s Rochester on Tour at the Capitol event to save our projects from being on the chopping block. As a community, this is a chance to make a huge difference in the future of Rochester. Rochester is a driving economic engine in Minnesota, but all in the state do not recognize this.

Rochester’s bonding projects are in jeopardy of not happening! The Mayo Civic Center expansion project alone will have a huge impact on the regional and state economy. It is expected to create 1,200 jobs (400 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs) and increase the Mayo Civic Center’s economic impact by $44 million per year.

These tourist dollars fill hotels and restaurants. Tourists shop in Rochester stores and keep our residents employed by bringing their business here. This, and other projects in the bill, is essential to Rochester’s economy. We need to make sure Rochester receives the tools to prosper economically and retain and grow jobs!

Rochester area bonding projects include:

• Southern Rail Corridor
• Mayo Civic Center Expansion
• Classroom additions and renovations at RCTC
• Co-location of Workforce Development Center at the RCTC Campus
• Multipurpose Corridor Acquisition
• Lake Zumbro Restoration
• Rochester MnDOT facility upgrade
• National Volleyball Center

Register today for Rochester on Tour. To register, click here or call 507-288-1122. We have extended the registration deadline to Noon on Monday, Feb. 22.

Tomorrow's (1/21/2010) Power Network with a Twist event cancelled

Tomorrow's regularly scheduled Power Network with a Twist networking event has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please check back on our Events Calendar on our Web site as well as our weekly Chamber E-News Update for upcoming Power Network and other networking events.

A note from Chamber President John Wade regarding Minnesota's 1st District congressional seat

"While honored by the support and invitation of many of my friends and colleagues, I will neither pursue nor accept the Republican Party's endorsement for Minnesota's 1st District congressional seat.

As the front door to the free enterprise system, I believe our focus should and will continue to be on growing and protecting jobs, building a world-class competitive workforce, and further establishing Rochester as the world’s premier destination medical community. This is where my commitment remains."


Sincerely,
John

DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizes that entrepreneurs in America - as a key pillar of the free enterprise system - create the jobs, innovation, and opportunity that make our nation prosperous. The U.S. Chamber is proud to provide special recognition to the small business community by presenting one business with the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club®.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, criteria, recognition levels and how to apply, click here. The award presentation will take place at the May 18 luncheon at the Omni Shoreham Hotel during America’s Small Business Summit, held May 17-19 in Washington, D.C.

Chamber President John Wade recognized at NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet as George Gibbs Award winner

This past weekend, Chamber President John Wade was recognized as the 2009 winner of the George Gibbs Meritorious Community Service award presented for leadership, dedication and faithful service to the entire Rochester community. Please find the text below, taken directly from the script at the celebration:

"Our first winner is known to all is not just about all of us in this room. They have resided in Rochester for many years and lead a major entity within our community. Our winner, the recipient of the George Gibbs Award for community service, embodies the spirit of all that makes Rochester a great place to live and work.

This individual is tireless in their support of activities and initiatives that move Rochester forward in a positive and meaningful way. They are always eager to help build bridges in our community across racial, economic, social and political lines. Their support for diversity is visible and continuous.

Most of us may know this from the role this individual plays in partnership with our branch to put on one of the state’s largest and I would argue, one of the country’s finest breakfast’s in celebration of the birthday of Dr. King. He has also worked hard to champion and support business diversity, and I happen to know that this was going on way back before it became an imperative in these tough economic times. Today under his guidance and leadership, diversity is a real part of the work and programming of the activities of the number one business organization in our community, and as long as he is at the helm I know that it will always be a key priority.

Our winner could just do his job and choose to avoid the tough issues and activities that might to some seem controversial and unpopular, but this individual has never wavered in his insistence that causes that are important to us be causes that are important to the Rochester business community, too. I happen to know, as most of you do, too, that our winner and I are on the very opposite ends of the political spectrum; I lean left and he leans right, but when it comes to equity, fairness and working hard to make Rochester the kind of city we all know it can be, we all walk together, hand in hand.

Ladies and gentleman, please join me in congratulating our 2009 winner of the George Gibbs Meritorious Community Service award presented for leadership, dedication and faithful service to the entire Rochester community, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. John Wade."

Registration now open for the 2009 Annual Member Celebration

One Very Special Evening.............
Click here to register

Join us for membership recognition and appreciation, entertainment and laughter as we celebrate and honor the Volunteer of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Lamp of Knowledge and more!

5:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Program & Entertainment
Hosted by: Rochester International Event Center

Entertainment featuring The Water Coolers. Think Seinfeld set to music. The Water Coolers are a high-powered, laugh-out-loud combination of sketch comedy and music about what we go through just making each day happen – life, work, kids, husbands, wives, travel, technology – and trying to balance them all. The Chicago Sun Times says that The Water Coolers are "Guaranteed to make you laugh!"

Click here for more information or to register!

Rochester Business Gives

Rochester Area Business Gives is an excellent way for businesses to receive recognition from their peers and their community for the many contributions they make to their local community. Businesses are recognized for giving cash and/or in-kind contributions to charitable organizations amounting to 2 percent or more of their pretax earnings.

Your business can participate and be recognized by completing the participation form online and submitting it to Loree Flick at the Chamber by Friday, Sept. 25. Business Gives winners will be recognized at the Annual Member Celebration on Oct. 29. Click here for more information or to apply.

Nominate a local business for one of the Chamber's annual awards. Deadline for nominations is Monday, Sept. 10.

Nominate a local business for one of the Chamber's annual awards. Deadline for nominations is Monday, Sept. 10, 2009. To learn more about the Annual Member Celebration, slated for Thursday, Oct. 29, click here.

Business of the Year Award
The Business of the Year Award is presented to a business member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.To attain this award the business must show commitment in the areas of community service, client relations, investment in employees, business ethics, and business improvement and growth.

Criteria:

• Commitment to the Community - Assistance to Chamber, community organizationa
• Commitment to Excellence - Excellent service, business ethics, friendliness
• Commitment and/or Service to Employees
• Commitment to Business Improvement
• Commitment to business expansion and growth
  

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Jan Warfield Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is presented annually to a member of the Chamber of Commerce who has demonstrated outstanding participation and leadership in Chamber activities. This award is given in Jan Warfield's memory in honor of her dedication and commitment to the Chamber.

Criteria:

• Volunteer efforts for the Chamber
• Chamber participation at events and activities
• Leadership and motivation in Chamber activities and events

Click here to nominate a business and/or volunteer.

2009 Sloan Award Recognition Breakfast Photo Gallery

Congratulations to the 2009 Sloan Award winners and honorable mention! These organizations are nation-wide leaders in using workplace flexibility as a core business strategy to increase workplace effectiveness and yield positive business results. For more information about the Sloan Awards (photo gallery available below), click here.

Winners:

• Cardinal of Minnesota, Ltd.
• Custom Alarm/Custom Communications, Inc.
• First Alliance Credit Union
• Rochester Area Family YMCA
• Rochester Community & Technical College
• Senior Citizens Services, Inc.
• Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency
• United Way of Olmsted County
• Venture Computer Systems

Honorable Mention:

• Express Employment Professionals