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)!

30th Annual Golf Outing Marketing Opportunity

Promote your business to more than 500 individuals at our 30th Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 28th, with our targeted coupon book!

Cost to Participate:
$50 Payment is due with submission of art work.

Distribution:
The coupon book will be inserted in bags that more than 500 individuals will receive at the golf tournament (this year's theme: Hollywood). Bags will contain the coupon book and other gift items; no loose coupons will be allowed.

Specifics:
- 3” tall x 7.5” wide
- One-sided
- Black & White
- Printed on light green paper
- PDF – Print Ready Artwork

How To Reserve Your Space:
Ad space reservations should be submitted to http://my.rapidnewsletter.com/redirect.php?mailID=10101&addrID=&email=&href=mailto:

Deadline for Submission:
Ads are due to the Chamber by Noon on Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fuel Rochester turns 1

Join us to celebrate Fuel Rochester's first birthday! The Chamber introduced Fuel Rochester to the community on April 30th, 2009 at Goonie's Comedy Club, and brought in more than 300 young professionals. Today the organization has more than 250 members and 30 volunteers, was awarded the Known for Networking award by the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau, and continues to provide relevant networking, social, educational, community engagement and professional development opportunities for Rochester's young professionals. To learn more about Fuel Rochester or to join, click here.

Happy Birthday!
On Friday, April 30th, Fuel Rochester will take over Whiskey Bones Road House to celebrate its first birthday! We will have a live band (incognito), birthday cupcakes, giveaways (Korn tickets and more!) drinks, and more! Cost to attend is free for Fuel members or $5 for the general public.

In the News:
Young Professionals Power Rochester's Growth (Post-Bulletin)

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.

Fuel Rochester Happy Hour this Thursday!

It's that time again! Join us for Fuel Rochester's monthly Happy Hour this Thursday at McMurphy's Sports Cafe in Rochester. Enjoy drink specials from 5-7 p.m., connect with fellow young professionals and Fuel members and learn more about Fuel Rochester and what it has in store for the remainder of the year.

Fuel Happy Hours are open to anyone, however, Fuel members receive one free drink by showing their membership/discount card. If you have no received your Fuel card in the mail, be sure to pick it up at McMurphy's! Attendees will also have the chance to sign up for Fuel if interested.

See you there!

Cruising with Local Leaders Photo Gallery & Recap

Thank you to everyone who made the trip up to Red Wing last week for the Chamber's annual Cruising with Local Leaders event. We couldn't have asked for better weather as more than 100 people joined Rochester business leaders and community members at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The day was capped off with a cruise onboard The Spirit on the Water down the Mississippi River.

In addition to the photos below, courtesy of Mike Pruett at MLT Group, a pair of recap articles from the Post-Bulletin can be found below. Also, a huge thank you to our sponsors: Treasure Island Resort & Casino, HGA, Home Federal, Boldt Construction, Rochester City Lines and People's Cooperative Services.

• Cruising with Local Leaders - Smooth Sailing (Kiger's Blog/Post-Bulletin)
• Federal process threatens 65th Street N.W. interchage
  
  
  

Fuel Rochester Happy Hour this Thursday

It's that time again. Fuel Rochester's next Happy Hour is this Thursday, June 25, from 5-7 p.m. on Kathy's roof top patio. Cost is free and the happy hour is open to anyone, however, Fuel Rochester members receive one free drink by showing their membership/discount card.

Enjoy drink specials from 5-7 p.m., network with fellow young professionals and Fuel members and enjoy the summertime at one of downtown Rochester's most unique establishments.

Attendees will also have the chance to sign up for Fuel. To learn more about Fuel or how your business can get involved, visit http://www.fuelrochestermn.com/.

Fuel Rochester (young professionals) - Informational Happy Hour

Thursday, April 30, 2009
5 - 7 p.m. (Open Mic Night to follow)
Goonies Comedy Club;
7 2nd St. SW
Cost: Free (registration required)
Register

Join us for Fuel Rochester’s inaugural Happy Hour event at Goonie's Comedy Club and learn more about the Chamber’s latest initiative - a young professionals group. Enjoy drink and food specials from 5 - 7 p.m., network with fellow young professionals and hear what Fuel Rochester has in store for the upcoming year - including monthly happy hours, a variety of social networking and professional development events and a several huge parties.

This event is free and open to the public. For those interested in learning how to join Fuel, more information will be available at Goonie's.

Following Happy Hour, stick around and check out Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. for the best up and coming comics from around the Midwest at no cost.

Join Fuel Rochester on Facebook and stay up to date on the latest Fuel news and happenings!

2009 Annual Golf Outing Save the Date & Theme

Save the date! The Chamber's Annual Golf Outing (going on its 29th year) is one of the area's premier networking/golf events. Spend a full day at the Chamber's themed golf outing while enjoying food, drinks and games at each member-sponsored hole along the course. This year's tournament - That 70's Chamber Golf Tournament - will be held Wednesday, July 22nd at Willow Creek Golf Course.

Join 275 others and add the Chamber on Facebook today!

Last October, the Chamber started a Facebook page as another avenue to reach out to our members and prospective members. Our goal for the page is to keep our members - especially those in the 25-34 age range - better connected with the Chamber.

Today, more than 275 individuals have joined the Chamber's Facebook group. Facebook is also a great way for you to upload your photos taken at Chamber events and to make virtual connections with other Chamber members, as well as stay up-to-date on Chamber events and happenings.

Please help spread the word and give us any feedback you may have! Click here to see the page! If you don't have Facebook already, it only takes minutes to sign up and is free and easy to use.

Chamber Night at the Comedy Club is tomorrow!

Just a reminder that if you are planning to attend Chamber Night at Goonie's Comedy Club tomorrow, registration is required. This event is open to all Chamber Members and their guests. So come tickle your funny bone with us and enjoy the stand-up comedy from the Thompson Brothers (Tommy and Shannon). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009). Cost is $10/person. Seating is limited; registration required. Click here to register!

Just for Laughs! Chamber Night at Goonie's Comedy Club

Come Tickle your funny bone with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at Goonie's Comedy Club on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 for a private showing for Chamber Members only! Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the showing starting at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 person (cash bar available). Seating is limited; registration required.

Comedians
Tommy Thompson - Co-headliner
Shannon Thompson - Co-headliner
Damien Green - MC

Click here to register!

RCVB's Must Do List for next week - Featuring John Eckerman promoting Rochester on Tour

Check out the video below of the Chamber's own John Eckerman, Vice President, Government Affairs, promoting next week's Rochester on Tour at the Capitol event on the RCVB's Must Do List video for next week. Deadline to register is today! Visit http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/ or call 507-288-1122!

An invitation to Rochester on Tour from Board Chair Don Supalla

"As Chair of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I invite you to join hundreds of your fellow citizens in St. Paul for the January 28th sixth annual Rochester on Tour at the Capitol. Minnesota’s premier community advocacy day includes a morning kick-off rally, lunch with legislators at the RiverCentre, rally in the Rotunda, tour of the Capitol, visits with legislators, gala reception at the St. Paul National Guard Armory and more.

For just a $35 registration fee, you’ll enjoy lunch, entertainment and the Grand Reception. If you prefer to leave the driving to us, just $10 (free for senior citizens and students) gets you round-trip bus transportation. Registration for Rochester on Tour at the Capitol is due Friday, January 23 and is available online at www.rochestermnchamber.com or by calling 507-288-1122.

Legislators from across the state need to know what the Rochester area needs to keep this vital statewide economic engine healthy. That message is best delivered by you!"

Don Supalla
Board Chair

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

Thursday's Business After Hours - band and parking information

We are expecting a large turnout for Thursday's (1/15/09) Business After Hours this week at the Kahler Grand Hotel Heritage Hall (20 2nd. Ave. SW). This event is open to all members and will take place from 5 - 7 p.m. Kahler will also be providing entertainment by area band KnuFunK. Please note that parking is free in all downtown city ramps starting at 5 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Power Network networking lunch tomorrow - 11:30 - 1 p.m. Register today! + Last Friday's AM Espresso re-cap!

Fight the cold and come out to tomorrow's Power Network lunch hosted by Rochester Golf & Country Club from 11:30 - 1 p.m. Cost is $25 (Chamber Members only) and includes priceless networking opportunities and a 3-course meal.

Power Network offers bi-monthly luncheons that provide valuable and practical information on how to develop strong relationships that lead to powerful results. The Power Network team will enable you to network better and easier than ever before! Look forward to powerful tips that can motivate you to be more productive and effective when working with people. Please bring 80-plus business cards to the session. A marketing table will be provided for additional materials.

Click here for more information or to register - we hope to see you there!

And if you missed last Friday's AM Espresso morning networking event, check out Kiger's Blog (Post-Bulletin) for a good re-cap. It was the Chamber's largest AM Espresso to date with more than 130 Chamber Members attending the event at Sam's Club.

2009 Business After Hours & AM Espresso dates & locations announced

Grab your calendar and save the following dates! The Chamber is proud to announce the dates and times of all of its 2009's Business After Hours and AM Espresso premier FREE networking events. Dates and times are listed below or by visiting http://www.rochestermnchamber.com/.

Note: These networking opportunities are available to Chamber Members only. If you are interested in a Chamber membership, please contact Judy Braatz at 507-285-1995.

AM Espresso is a great way to start your Friday off by expanding your customer base and unveiling new business leads. AM Espresso -similar to Business After Hours, but in the morning - is a convenient way to network at various member businesses' while enjoying coffee and continental breakfast. This free, informal event will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business to more than 65 Chamber members. Remember to bring lots of business cards!


Upcoming AM Espressos:
• Friday, Jan. 9, 2009 - Sam's Club
• Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 - Broadway Residence & Suites by Bridgestreet and Naoko Esthetics Spa & Shiatsu
• Friday, March 6, 2009 - Flamingo Bingo and Sterling State Bank
• Friday, April 3, 2009 - mark it! advertising
• Friday, May 1, 2009 - Bear Creek Services
• Friday, June 5, 2009 - United Way of Olmsted County
• Friday, July 3 - Location TBA
• Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 - Hampton Inn Hotel
• Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 - Minnesota School of Business
• Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 - Rochester Senior Center
• Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 - The Homestead of Rochester
* Dates & Locations Subject to Change

Business After Hours (BAH) is Rochester's award-winning, premier networking event held at a different member's place of business each month from 5 - 7 p.m.. BAH, which won the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureaus' Known for Networking award in 2007, brings together upwards of 250 businessmen and women for networking, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. You won't want to miss this valuable networking opportunity!

Upcoming Business After Hours:
• Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 - C.O. Brown Agency, Inc.
• Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 - The Affiliated Group
• Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 - Kahler Hotels
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2008 - Home Federal
• Thursday, March 19, 2009 - Wachovia & Willow Creek Golf Course
• Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.
• Thursday, May 21, 2009 - U of M Rochester (BAH Extra!)
• Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Warners' Stellian
• Thursday, July 28, 2009 - Ability Building Center
• Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 - Counselor Realty of Rochester, Inc.
• Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 - Park Place Motors
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 - Rochester Arts Council & La Quinta Inn
• Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 - Channel One Food Bank & Food Shelf
* Dates & Locations Subject to Change

Photo Gallery: 2008 Annual Member Celebration

Again, thank you to all who supported the Chamber's Annual Member Celebration last night - both attendees and our many gracious sponsors. We at the Chamber had a great time putting this event on for our members and hope everyone had a wonderful time as well. A huge thank you to Howard Lower of Lower Photography & Studio for volunteering his time to take photos at the event.

Business After Hours photo gallery - Oct. 2008 (hosted by Charter Business)

Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center last night for the Chamber's Business After Hours networking event hosted this month by Charter Business. It was a great crowd and we couldn't put on events such as this without the support of our wonderful members and sponsors. Thank you again!