A ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION
DECEMBER 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
December 2025 Advantage Magazine
What’s Inside
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FEATURE 2026 Legislative Preview: Insights from Area Legislators FEATURE Shadowing Success: Students Explore Potential Paths
COMMUNITY NEWS • Mayo Clinic named Newsweek's 'World's Best Smart Hospital' • Think Bank Volunteers 1,200 Hours in Just One Day • County Announces Retirement of Longtime Leader Pete Giesen
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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT Southeast Service Cooperative
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NEWSREEL New Roles and Celebrations
MEET THE MEMBER Skare Spine & Performance
RIBBON CUTTINGS Grand Openings, Anniversaries, New Members, and Other Celebrations
CHAMBER NEWS • Upcoming Events • Recaps: Kickball Tournament, EduTech Outlook, and RYT Summit • Chamber Welcomes Back Kali • Get Ready for Gift Season & Support Your Fellow Chamber Members • Rochester Area's Young Talent Network
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NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the Chamber
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2 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
CHAMBER STAFF & BOARD
December 2025 Advantage Magazine
Chamber Staff
CHAMBER PRESIDENT, Ryan Parsons | 507-288-1122
MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Kali Aldrich
EVENTS & PROGRAMS DIRECTOR Shannon Gowen
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Tim Shea
WORKFORCE INITIATIVES & RYT NETWORK DIRECTOR Claire Henneman
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brady Strickland SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN Sophia van Oss
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Emma Esteb
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS Michaela Freyler
SENIOR DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Jonathon Krull
Chamber Board Officers
CHAIR OF THE BOARD Gwen Stevens People's Energy Cooperative
AT LARGE Scott Eggert Broadway Plaza
TREASURER Kelsey Vaszily Kraus-Anderson Construction
VICE CHAIR Jarett Jones Merchants Bank
SECRETARY Heather Donovan Sterling State Bank
Chamber Board Members
SANTHI ARUNACHALAM Xylo Technologies Inc.
DOUG HOLTAN Mayo Clinic
JENNA OBERNOLTE Short Elliott Hendrickson
DR. JEFFREY BOYD Rochester Community and Technical College
BEN KING Dunlap & Seeger
SYLWIA BUJAK OLIVER 125 LIVE
CHAD LAUNDERVILLE Hy-Vee
DR. ALLISA SONG Nanodropper
ADAM DICKINSON IBM
TOM LEIMER Knutson Construction
KRISTY SUTTON Olmsted Medical Center
WADE FENSKE Kreofsky Building Supplies
OMAR NUR Somali American Social Services Association
ULISES GONZALEZ Baser Freight
Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate. VISION
The Chamber promotes business success which supports a thriving community. MISSION
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Emma Esteb at eesteb@rochestermnchamber.com
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 3
2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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Hear from local legislators on what they foresee as the most important issues impacting the business community and their expectations and priorities for the upcoming session.
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• Promoting economic development through tax reform and streamlining the permitting process • Supporting legislative efforts to remove the nuclear moratorium to enhance grid reliability and strengthen baseload power • Addressing regional housing needs through the development and expansion of resources such as the City of Rochester’s request for funding to increase sewer capacity
Over the past three years, the Minnesota Legislature has experienced a DFL trifecta, a historic tie, and narrow partisan majorities, and the upcoming 2026 legislative session promises to be just as interesting. As the session nears, many candidates and elected officials already have their sights set on election season. In the 2026 cycle, Minnesotans will see a number of offices on the ballot, including governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the entire Minnesota Legislature, and numerous local offices. Given the narrow margins in the state legislature, federal policy changes, and 2026 being an election year, the upcoming session promises to be a unique one. As the session approaches, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing our 2026 legislative priorities derived from input from a diverse makeup of Chamber members, including small businesses, mid- size employers, and community partners. This year, the top two priorities return from our 2025 legislative agenda. These include the support of the City of Rochester and Olmsted County’s bonding projects and legislative support for efforts to address talent attraction, retention, and training that sustains and empowers the diverse workforce of the Rochester region. Additionally, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts will focus on: • Securing state bonding funds for the development of interchanges on Highway 14 in Byron at the intersection of Highway 14 and County State Aid Highways 3 and 5 • Addressing business concerns through modifications to mandates such as Paid Family Medical Leave • Reducing barriers to employment and addressing workforce needs
The Chamber’s legislative agenda will be announced in mid-December. Once released, it can be viewed at www.rochestermnchamber.com/advocacy or via the QR code.
The Chamber is committed to keeping you, our members, informed of our advocacy efforts and legislative developments. Our Advocate newsletter, sent out bi-weekly during legislative session, shares relevant policy updates, opportunities to engage in the legislative process, and relevant local, state, and national news. As a preview of the upcoming legislative session, the Chamber connected with our local delegation and invited them to share their perspective on what they view as the top priorities of the business community and their personal expectations and goals for the upcoming session. With the February 17th start of session nearing, we encourage you to view the responses of legislators to learn more about their outlook and expectations for the coming year. Thank you to you, our members, for your continued engagement in our advocacy efforts as we work to share the voice of the Rochester area business community with our elected officials in St. Paul.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The publication of the candidates statements therein do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. At the time of publication, a response was not available from Sen. Steve Drazkowski (20), Rep. Duane Quam (24A), Rep. Tina Liebling (24B), and Rep Kim Hicks (25A).
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 5
2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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Sen. Liz Boldon
DISTRICT 25
What do you believe are the most pressing issues impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed during the 2026 legislative session? As we see more cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and our social safety nets at the federal level, residents of Rochester have less and less disposable income to drive our local economies and support local businesses. At the same time, businesses, farmers and everyday Minnesotans continue to get squeezed by tariff policies. These unnecessary, cruel policies only harm working families in Minnesota. We need to address affordability issues, not make them worse. Making sure childcare, housing, and healthcare are affordable for the residents of Rochester will help get us out of the economic tailspin our federal government has sent us into.
What are your expectations for the 2026 legislative session? What potential legislation should the business community be aware of? Starting in 2026, our state will roll out our Paid Family Medical Leave program. I’m proud that our state is providing this benefit for hardworking Minnesotans. No longer will they be forced to choose between caring for a loved one or raising a family, and a paycheck. Minnesota is giving mom-and-pop small businesses a better footing for competing with the giant corporations who can attract a talented workforce with larger benefits. We’re ensuring a greater quality of life for Minnesotans and building our local economies from the ground up. At the same time, we’ll need to continue to address affordability. A top-heavy economy in which working class families are having to spend all of their paycheck on groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, and childcare is not healthy. Policies that support working families benefit small businesses too, fostering sustainable economic growth. With continued cuts to our social safety nets and nonsensical tariff policies by Trump and Republicans in Congress, it’s more important than ever that we support working families and small businesses that are struggling. What are your top priorities for the 2026 legislative session? I got involved in community organizing and eventually ran for office for a lot of reasons. One of the biggest motivations for me was the need to take action on gun violence. This summer has been a wake-up call for our state. We have witnessed mass shootings targeting our children, assassinations targeting my colleagues in the Legislature, and more senseless violence that claims innocent lives. I will be continuing to fight for common sense gun violence prevention reforms, because Minnesotans deserve safe communities, free from gun violence. At the same time, I will keep prioritizing food security and affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing in my work next session. While Congress is walking away from their responsibilities, working families are hurting. They are simply unable to handle the squeeze from corporate landlords, inflated grocery prices, and unaffordable childcare costs. I’ll continue to fight for Minnesotans and help them afford their lives; we all deserve better.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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Rep. Andy Smith
DISTRICT 25B
What do you believe are the most pressing issues impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed during the 2026 legislative session? I think the most pressing issue impacting businesses in Rochester is consumer confidence. I've talked to several small business owners in many different industries and all have the same message: business is down significantly from this same time in 2024. Uncertainty in personal finances from federal chaos, programs like SNAP being defunded, loss of public sector jobs, loss of grants (particularly in STEM fields), have hurt household budgets and caused many consumers to tighten their belts. We need to give consumers stability at the state level and help them with the rising cost of living: healthcare, rent, food, transportation, etc.
What are your expectations for the 2026 legislative session? What potential legislation should the business community be aware of? The 2026 session will be tumultuous, as the partisan lines are drawn just about evenly. I think with 2026 being an election year and the fact that the legislature already passed a budget in the 2025 session for this year, my expectation is that very little legislation will get passed. I'm hopeful for some work to help Minnesotans in the wake of federal chaos, such as support for local foodbanks, will be able to be passed. What are your top priorities for the 2026 legislative session? As I said above, more funding for food services, particularly food banks, in light of the Trump Administration's cuts and funding delays. Anything that is passed should have a laser focus on making life more affordable for Minnesotans.
Bringing the Voice of Business to St. Paul
The Day at the Capitol brings together business and community leaders to share the voice of business in the Rochester region. Featuring legislators from both the Rochester delegation and throughout the state, Chamber members can share the issues impacting their business directly with those making the decisions in St. Paul. Stay tuned for more details!
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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Sen. Carla Nelson
DISTRICT 24
What do you believe are the most pressing issues impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed during the 2026 legislative session? The most pressing challenge facing Rochester’s business community, and really all of Minnesota, is the cost of living made worse by the decisions of state leaders over the last few years. Families and small businesses are feeling squeezed. Taxes and state spending have climbed at an unsustainable pace that makes life more expensive in nearly every area, from housing to healthcare to energy. In just one legislative session, the Democrat trifecta spent an $18 billion surplus, imposed $10 billion in tax hikes, and raised state spending by 40%, leaving us facing a projected $6 billion deficit around the corner. In 2025, taxes were raised
another $4.2 billion. That pattern cannot continue.
Another serious problem is the out-of-control fraud in Minnesota. Former Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said that “billions” of our tax dollars have been stolen. That money should have helped people who truly need it or been used to ease the burden families and small businesses are facing. Instead, it disappeared. I have brought forward proposals to strengthen oversight and accountability, but these ideas were defeated by my friends on the other side of the aisle. In 2026 I hope we can recommit to protecting taxpayers and restoring trust in how their money is used. What are your expectations for the 2026 legislative session? What potential legislation should the business community be aware of? I am hopeful the 2026 session will begin with a renewed spirit of cooperation. The tragedies that took place this summer were difficult for all of us, and many leaders have talked about the need to turn down the volume and focus on our shared goals. I plan to hold them to those words. One obvious area where we can work together is fraud prevention. The governor’s decision to begin a third-party audit of Medicaid spending is a good step (and one that should have happened long ago), but pausing payments for 90 days has created anxiety for legitimate providers and the vulnerable people who depend on them. We need to target the fraudsters without hurting those who are doing the right thing. Another area is the state’s tax and regulatory climate. The new paid leave program was well-intended, but I talk to small businesses every day who tell me about the very real challenges they have in implementing it. I also hear from schools that are still facing budget stress despite large funding increases, and from families whose paychecks do not stretch as far as they once did because our taxes and spending have climbed so high. I will continue to speak up for smarter budgeting, fairness, and relief for workers and small businesses alike. What are your top priorities for the 2026 legislative session? My priorities for the upcoming session focus on restoring stability and affordability for Minnesota families and small businesses. We have to stop waste and fraud in government programs; every stolen dollar is one that cannot be used for relief, education, infrastructure, or care for the elderly and disabled. We also need to provide meaningful regulatory relief. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They need fewer obstacles, not more. I hope to continue discussions about exempting the smallest employers from paid leave and earned sick time requirements and cutting back on unnecessary red tape. Finally, I will continue advocating for local priorities such as the Highway 14 improvements and the interchanges at County Roads 3 and 5. A focused bonding bill that prioritizes infrastructure would help our communities grow and keep Minnesota moving forward.
If we can work together with respect and common sense, I believe we can make Minnesota a place where families and businesses can thrive.
8 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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Rep. Steve Jacob
DISTRICT 20B
What do you believe are the most pressing issues impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed during the 2026 legislative session? PFML (Paid Family Medical Leave) is still a top burden for businesses across our state. In 2026, I am hopeful we can provide relief for small businesses from the broad and sweeping language in the PFML bill. A one size fits all approach is onerous for many small and family- owned businesses. My district contains many small towns and farms of almost every size. To expect a small business or a farm to provide the same sick time and paid family leave as a Walmart or large corporation is unrealistic and needs to be addressed. Finding replacement workers when people are out for weeks at a time is nearly as problematic as the costs of the program. Democrats seem to be very supportive of PFML as it stands, so it will be a challenge to find the votes needed to make this a program that works better for our business and agricultural community. In 2025 we saw the unprecedented strategy from House Democrats to refuse to come to work for the first 35 days of session, all while they continued to take paychecks funded by our taxpayers. Since we are not coming off an election year in 2026, I am hopeful we will have a somewhat more normal session. Taxpayers have a reasonable expectation that their elected officials will come together in a bipartisan fashion and get the business at hand accomplished in a professional manner. It is hard to predict exactly what legislation will come forward in 2026, but people can expect that I will consistently work to defend them from traditional expansions of government. What are your expectations for the 2026 legislative session? What potential legislation should the business community be aware of? In 2026 people can also expect that, in contrast to when democrats had the trifecta of the House, Senate, and Governor’s office in 2023 and 2024, that every bad idea the Democrats bring forward will fail for a lack of majority in the House of Representatives again in 2026, just as it played out in the 2025 session. What are your top priorities for the 2026 legislative session? My priorities remain to defend the taxpayer and reduce government overregulation and overreach. My philosophy is to be as involved in as many areas of government as I can and stand in the way of typical government growth and expansion. Some legislators pride themselves on how much legislation they introduce. Where I differ from those legislators is that I believe there are far too many bills introduced each year. I certainly bring forward any legislation that is important to my district, but my focus is on limiting legislation and overall government size. I don’t want to “feed that beast” so to speak. I will continue to carry on with my very conservative voting record both on the House floor and at the committee level. Some legislators are perpetually stirring the pot. Stirring the pot is not in my nature, I wait until issues in my district arise and then educate myself and act in the best interest of my district. I also pride myself on being willing to work across the aisle and gain bipartisan support.
Get the Latest Advocacy & Event Updates Sign up for The Advocate and other Chamber email newsletters by scanning the QR code or visiting https://bit.ly/4cJzOTi
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 9
SHADOWING SUCCESS: STUDENTS EXPLORE POTENTIAL PATHS
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Students Explore Potential Paths Shadowing Success:
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SHADOWING SUCCESS: STUDENTS EXPLORE POTENTIAL PATHS
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Written by: Maura Keller
By spending time with professionals in the workplace, students can observe daily tasks, learn about job responsibilities, and see how classroom lessons apply in real- life settings " " PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS
Providing realistic career insights, facilitating the development of essential skills, and enabling valuable networking opportunities, is often paramount to a student’s success. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched its Student Job Shadow program, connecting high school students with careers through a hands-on approach. Job shadowing is often seen as a “peek behind the curtain," offering students the chance to experience the day-to-day realities of a particular profession. These insights simply can’t be gleaned from classroom learning alone. “By spending time with professionals in the workplace, students can observe daily tasks, learn about job responsibilities, and see how classroom lessons apply in real-life settings,” says Claire Henneman, Workforce Initiatives and RYT Network Director at the Chamber. “Not only does the experience help students make decisions on their future career paths, but it also helps them develop essential skills like communication, professionalism, and time management.” The Chamber has built on its career pathway programming in recent years, seeing continued growth in the STEAM Summit, both in the number of exhibitors and in student participation. The event plays a vital role in raising awareness among students about the wide range of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math careers available right here in the Rochester region, helping them see future opportunities close to home. Alongside STEAM Summit, initiatives such as the RYT Network, which connects and develops young professionals, and the Educator Industry Experience, which gives teachers firsthand exposure to local industries and the skills employers are seeking, all contribute to building a stronger, more informed talent pipeline for the region.
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 11
SHADOWING SUCCESS: STUDENTS EXPLORE POTENTIAL PATHS
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“Our Student Job Shadow program is another important addition to our offerings,” Henneman says. “By working with local schools and employers, we are building an important partnership to the community.” HOW IT WORKS As part of the Student Job Shadow program, 30 students were placed across six different employers where they spent three days learning about a career field in which they are interested, including marketing, sales, hospitality, and engineering. Students received tours of offices and job sites, spent one-on-one time with industry experts, learned about operations and emerging trends, saw the day-to-day responsibilities, and practiced networking skills. “During this opportunity, I was hoping to get better insight into different industries and meet some people in RPU (Rochester Public Utilities),” said Aiden, Mayo High School. “This program was a great step forward in my journey to discovering my future career. Currently I’m interested in the trades, science, and technology. This experience answered many questions I had, and also gave me ideas about different directions I could go outside of high school. I was surprised by the amount of different positions in RPU, being able to see behind the scenes and reading the job titles on name placards outside of offices and seeing how many different roles people play.” Sophia, a student with MNSync Online, a synchronous- first online school for K-12 students that offers real-time, live classes and is an alternative to traditional in-person learning, had the opportunity to spend time at Rochester Motor Cars as part of her Student Job Shadow Experience. “I was hoping to learn what a typical day looks like for them, if they enjoy their jobs, the types of education and training needed, and the characteristics of a successful sales person and manager. All of my questions were answered,” Sophia says. “This experience has helped me decide that I really want to go into business and become a sales person and work my way up to a management position.” EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVES Participating employers shared similar enthusiasm for the program, noting how valuable it is to connect with students and introduce them to career paths they may not have otherwise considered. At Kahler Hospitality Group, Shannon Hannah, Corporate Director of People & Culture, shared that they wanted to partner with the community and share hospitality career
I was hoping to learn what a typical day looks like for them, if they enjoy their jobs, the types of education and training needed, and the characteristics of a successful sales person and manager. All of my questions were answered. " "
12 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
SHADOWING SUCCESS: STUDENTS EXPLORE POTENTIAL PATHS
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information with students. Their hope for the student that they would see “that a career in hospitality is fun, rewarding, and can take you anywhere in the world.” Giving them a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work in hotels was one of the most rewarding parts of hosting the student. At the Chamber itself, staff also participated as hosts. “We believe in investing in future professionals and giving students a real-world glimpse into the variety of roles that make an organization run,” says Sophia van Oss, Senior Director, Communications & Design, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. “Participating in the job shadow program is a valuable way to support career exploration and help students connect classroom learning with practical experience. It was incredibly rewarding to see the student’s curiosity and engagement. As someone who in the past benefited from shadowing professionals who helped guide me along the path to my career, I know firsthand how impactful this can be. Being able to provide that guidance and see the
student’s excitement and growth firsthand was a truly meaningful experience.”
LOOKING AHEAD The Chamber is excited to see the Student Job Shadow Experience program continue to grow and develop into an important piece of its workforce initiatives. If interested in learning more on how your business can get involved, the Chamber is looking for new employers to join us in fall 2026. “In the long run, this early career exploration program ensures Rochester has a strong talent pipeline and that candidates are more informed and ready to succeed,” Henneman says. “It is an important piece to our workforce initiatives as Rochester and the surrounding areas continue to grow.” GET INVOLVED If your company or organization is interested in participating in next year’s program, contact Claire Henneman at chenneman@rochestermnchamber.com.
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13
SOUTHEAST SERVICE COOPERATIVE
Non-Profit Spotlight
Non-Profit Spotlight: Southeast Service Cooperative Taking an in-depth look at a local non-profit, Southeast Service Cooperative and their community impact
SSC is recognized for its workplace flexibility practices and its productive culture. We are an award-winning regional service agency with a sound track record of superior service, financial stability, and innovative thinking. What inspired the founding of Southeast Service Cooperative in 1976? Southeast Service Cooperative has grown into a trusted partner and advisor for our members. Over the years, we’ve expanded our work beyond education to support local governments and nonprofits with innovative programs, workforce development, continuing education, technology solutions, and other shared services that help stretch limited resources. What hasn’t changed is our mission: We mobilize resources, add value, and promote continuous improvement through member-focused solutions. Today, SSC continues to evolve by listening closely to our members’ needs and developing solutions that strengthen our communities, both now and for the future. Please share a highlight of how your organization has impacted the region. One of the most impactful ways Southeast Service Cooperative has supported our region is through our collaborative health insurance pools. By bringing schools, cities, and counties together, we’ve helped members save millions of dollars while ensuring access to high-quality, affordable coverage for thousands of employees and their families. Beyond financial savings, this collaboration strengthens the stability of local governments and school districts, allowing them to reinvest resources into classrooms, community services,
Tell us about Southeast Service Cooperative. Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) is a nonprofit organization that has served the southeast Minnesota region since 1976. Our members include more than 100 schools, city and county governments, and other partner organizations. SSC is proud to support the diverse communities in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties that make our region strong. SSC’s workforce of 35+ staff and consultants deliver services such as facilities management, volume purchasing, health insurance pool management, wellness programming, and marketing services. Education solutions include professional development, CTE and career-connected learning services, student enrichment programs, STEM-focused supports, and a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education to implement COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student
Success). We are also home to the Wood Lake Meeting Center, a popular event space with abundant parking, advanced
COMPASS Working with School Staff
technology, and world class customer service.
and the people they serve. It’s a clear example of how SSC mobilizes resources and creates member-focused solutions that make a lasting difference in southeast Minnesota.
Students at Summer Academy
SOUTHEAST SERVICE COOPERATIVE
Non-Profit Spotlight
How can the business community become involved in the important work Southeast Service Cooperative does?
The business community plays a vital role in the work we do at Southeast Service Cooperative. Through initiatives like STEM Forward and FutureForward TM we connect thousands of students each year with local employers, colleges, and hands-on learning opportunities. These experiences help students explore career paths, develop critical skills, and understand the opportunities available right here in southeast Minnesota. Career-connected learning programs at SSC are designed to promote careers that are in high demand in
School Health Conference
College and Career Fair
our region, including an annual Student Welding Competition, Mobile Science Career Labs, STEM Day at the Fair, Discover Healthcare, Lead CTE Network, and more! SSC’s FutureForward TM offers a free online platform that connects students with local employers and mentors across Minnesota. Businesses can create a free profile to showcase their industry, offer classroom presentations, facility tours, job shadowing, or internships - and help students discover the many rewarding career paths available right here in our region. By engaging with FutureForward TM at www.futureforward.org, local employers can inspire the next generation of talent and strengthen the future workforce that keeps southeast Minnesota thriving. What’s an interesting fact about Southeast Service Cooperative that most people don’t know? Many people are surprised to learn that Southeast Service Cooperative helps bring some of the region’s favorite regional student programs to life! SSC coordinates regional competitions for Math Masters, Spelling Bee, and Knowledge Bowl, giving students a chance to showcase their academic skills and represent their schools at the regional and state levels. Our region’s Spelling Bee winner even gets to compete in the Scripps Spelling Bee on ESPN in Washington D.C.! We also host Young Authors, Young Artists Conferences for elementary and middle school students, offering the opportunity for students to participate in active, motivating, idea-generating sessions taught by professional authors, illustrators, and other artists. Together, these programs highlight SSC’s commitment to supporting learning, creativity, and student growth beyond the classroom.
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DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 15
SKARE SPINE & PERFORMANCE
Meet the Member
SKARE SPINE & PERFORMANCE
Meet the Member
Meet the Member: Skare Spine & Performance Each month, we learn from a Chamber member about their business, history, a unique fact, and their outlook
Movement is at the heart of everything we do, from how we work to how we live. At Skare Spine & Performance, that belief shapes every aspect of care. Founded by Dr. Nate Skare, the clinic takes a modern, performance-driven approach to chiropractic and sports rehabilitation, helping people recover from pain and injury while building lasting strength and resilience. Combining chiropractic care with functional rehab, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and strength training, the team empowers clients to stay active for life, sport, or work. We spoke with Owner, Dr. Nate Skare, to learn more about the clinic’s mission, innovative approach, and how they are helping the Rochester community move and feel better every day. Q: Tell us about Skare Spine & Performance. What does your company offer to the Rochester region? A: Skare Spine & Performance is a chiropractic and sports rehabilitation clinic offering evidence-based care designed to help people break free from pain and injury and stay active. We combine chiropractic techniques, soft tissue therapies, dry needling, functional rehabilitation, and strength training to not only treat pain but also address its root cause. Whether someone is recovering from injury, improving mobility, or looking to enhance performance, our goal is to deliver individualized, results- driven care that empowers people to stay active for life, sports, or work. Q: How did it start for Skare Spine & Performance? A: Skare Spine & Performance began with a simple mission: to bring a modern, performance-driven approach to chiropractic care and sports rehab. As a former athlete, Dr. Nate Skare experienced firsthand the frustration of being sidelined by injury. That experience fueled his vision to create a clinic that goes far beyond the traditional “quick crack and go” approach—blending chiropractic care with progressive, movement-focused rehab similar to what high-level athletes receive. Instead of just treating symptoms, Skare Spine & Performance helps people understand their bodies, build strength, and take an active role in their recovery.
Q: Skare Spine & Performance has been a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce for two years. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: The Chamber has provided a great platform for connection and growth. Through networking events and local partnerships, it has helped us build meaningful relationships with other business owners and community leaders. It’s been a valuable way to stay engaged with Rochester’s growing business community and contribute to the region. A: Unlike many traditional clinics, we take a modern, integrated approach to care. A visit here isn’t just about a quick adjustment—it’s a combination of hands-on treatment, targeted movement strategies, soft-tissue work, and strength training designed to create real, lasting change. We believe everyone deserves access to the same high-level care typically reserved for athletes, so they can stay active, resilient, and performing at their best. Q: What is a unique fact people should know about Skare Spine & Performance? Q: What is the outlook for your organization and industry? A: The demand for holistic, movement-based care continues to grow as people become more proactive about their health and longevity. We’re excited to keep expanding our offerings, from shockwave and dry needling to Tonal strength services. Our vision is to be a long-term resource for the Rochester community— helping people not just recover from pain and injury, but truly thrive at every stage of life.
To learn more about Skare Spine & Performance, visit www.skarespineperform.com
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 17
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Calendar of Events View and register for all Chamber events at www.rochestermnchamber.com/events DECEMBER 5 AM Espresso - Haley
6 AM Espresso - EA Therapeutic Health & Hanger Clinic Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Hanger Clinic 20 Women's Roundtable Time : 7:30am-9:00am Location: TBA 26 Business After Hours - Rochester Golf & Country Club Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Rochester Golf & Country Club MARCH 5 Annual Celebration Time: 5:30pm-8:45pm Location: Mayo Civic Center
16 Business After Hours - Haley Comfort Systems Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Haley Comfort Systems 17 Women's Roundtable Time : 7:30am-9:00am Location: TBA MAY 1 AM Espresso - AMS Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: AMS 18 Mini Golf Mixer Time : 3:00pm-5:30pm Location: Blue Lagoon Mini Golf 21 Business After Hours - Rochester Title & Escrow Company Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Rochester Title & Escrow Company 22 Women's Roundtable Time : 7:30am-9:00am Location: Rochester Title & Escrow Company, Inc. JUNE 5 AM Espresso - Mill Valley Kitchen Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Mill Valley Kitchen 6 Lemonade Day Location: Byron, Rochester, and Stewartville 17 2026 Annual Golf Outing Time : 10:00am-6:00pm Location: Willow Creek Golf Course
Comfort Systems Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Haley Comfort Systems 11 Business After Hours - Majestic Events Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Majestic Events 18 Women's Roundtable Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Real Deals JANUARY 9 AM Espresso - Reagan Outdoor Advertising Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Reagan Outdoor Advertising 16 Women's Roundtable Time : 7:30am-9:00am Location: TBA 19 We Have a Dream Celebration Time : 8:30am-10:30am Location: Mayo Civic Center 22 Business After Hours - Severson Auto Service Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Severson Auto Service FEBRUARY 3 Economic Summit Time: 7:30am-11:00am Location: Mayo Civic Center
13 AM Espresso - Hope Lodge
Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Hope Lodge
12 Business After Hours - 125 LIVE Time : 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 125 LIVE 20 Women's Roundtable Time : 7:30am-9:00am Location: TBA APRIL 3 AM Espresso - Benedictine Living Community Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Benedictine Living Community - Rochester Madonna Towers
18 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
A Roaring Night to Remember Step into the glamour of the jazz age at the Chamber’s biggest celebration of the year
You are cordially invited to a dazzling evening of glitz, glamour, and good company at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration, taking place Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Mayo Civic Center Ballroom. Join us for a night that captures the spirit of the roaring twenties, celebrating the success and growth of the Rochester area business community. Enjoy lively conversation, exquisite dining, and entertainment that will keep the energy high all evening long. Our members are the cat’s pajamas. Thank you for being part of this annual gathering as we raise a glass to the future of our region together.
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS View the full list of event sponsors for Annual Celebration on page 20.
Interested in sponsoring Annual Celebration? Email Shannon Gowen for more information at sgowen@rochestermnchamber.com.
AGENDA • 5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking and Introduction • 6:15pm: Program, Dinner and Entertainment • 8:00pm: Networking
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 Time: 5:30pm-8:45pm Location: Mayo Civic Center - Ballroom 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester
Admission: $95 for members, $115 for general admission, $900 for a table of eight plus company name in promotion of the event, registration required by Friday, February 20 Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/46xipg2
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 19
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
AM Espresso is a monthly morning structured networking event. Come expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy a delicious breakfast and refreshments. This monthly event represents an excellent opportunity to reach business professionals in a variety of sectors.
DECEMBER HOST
JANUARY HOST
In December, join us at Haley Comfort Systems! Since 1990, Haley Comfort Systems has grown to provide our community with a wide variety of solutions for our homes. They offer the latest trends and technology in HVAC, Fireplaces, Lighting, Plumbing, and Electric.
In January, join us at Reagan Outdoor Advertising! Reagan Outdoor Advertising is a proud, family-owned business that operates true to their values and integrity. They provide a powerful, unavoidable medium through which their clients build their business and their brand.
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 Time: 7:30am-9:00am
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Reagan Outdoor Advertising, 3185 41st St NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Location: Haley Comfort Systems, 3708 N Broadway Ave, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4hrPIVP
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4o8ldqw
22 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Join us for Business After Hours, a monthly event to network and build valuable business relationships. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while connecting with a variety of businesses operating in the greater Rochester area. This event is a great opportunity to increase your organization’s visibility and generate productive business leads.
DECEMBER HOST
JANUARY HOST
In December, join us at Majestic Events! Majestic Events is based out of Rochester, Minnesota. With quality service and customer satisfaction being their #1 priority. They specialize in weddings, festivals, graduation parties, corporate events, city/community gatherings and so much more. No event is too small. They are here to help you with all event needs from linens, to tables and chairs, to pole tents, structure tents, and everything in between. Don’t know what you need? Call them today so an event specialist can help make your event come to life!
In January, join us at Severson Auto Service! Severson Auto Service is a family-owned business that values trust, quality, and community. Founded by Derek Severson and his wife, Cassandra, in 2024, their mission is simple: to keep you moving with well grounded car repairs and exceptional customer service. Whether you drive a domestic, foreign, or electric vehicle, they have the expertise to handle it all!
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Severson Auto Service, 1601 3rd Ave SE, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Majestic Events, 522 6th Avenue NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/47gzz1X
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4o5d5qu
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 23
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Exploring the Local Economy Including panels, business outlook survey results, and a featured keynote
The Economic Summit provides a current snapshot and forecast of the year ahead for the local, regional, and national economy, including insight into the economic trends impacting businesses in the Rochester region. Join us for this premier event on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 to learn from industry leaders and our keynote speaker. AGENDA • Small Business and Entrepreneur Panel Discussion • Colleen Foehrenbacher, Executive Director, Eagle Bluff • Scott Eggert, General Manager, Broadway Plaza • Mike Paradise, President, Bigelow Homes LLC • Business Outlook Survey Results Presentation • Aiden Opatz, Senior Economic Impact Analyst, University of Minnesota Extension • State Demographer Forecast : Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer • Featured Keynote : Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group Agenda subject to change. Additional panelists to be announced. Environmental Learning Center • Nick Sargent, Owner, Sargent's • Industry Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Time: 7:30am-11:30am, doors open at 7:00am Location: Mayo Civic Center - Ballrooms 2 & 3 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester
Admission: $50 for members, $60 for general admission, $550 for a table of eight plus company name in promotion of the event, registration required by Friday, January 23 Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4m6yhe5 Interested in being an event sponsor? Email Shannon Gowen at sgowen@rochestermnchamber.com for more information.
24 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
PRESENTING SPONSOR Event Sponsors
GOLD SPONSOR
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group Bernard Baumohl is Chief Global Economist at The Economic Outlook Group. He is well known for being ahead of the curve in assessing the direction of the U.S. and world economy. The Wall Street Journal has twice recognized him (2019 & 2025) as the nation’s top economic forecaster. Mr. Baumohl began his career with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank specializing in international affairs and national security. He later served as senior economist at European American Bank with responsibilities to monitor the global economy. Mr. Baumohl was also an award-winning journalist with TIME magazine who covered the White House, Federal Reserve and Wall Street. He is the author of an international best seller, The Secrets of Economic Indicators: Hidden Clues to Future Economic Trends and Investment Opportunities. The book is in its 3rd edition and has been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and German. Mr. Baumohl is a member of the Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Panel and his projections on the economy and geopolitical risks are frequently cited in the news media. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs and Economics from Columbia University. He has also served as a visiting professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and at the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies in Seoul, South Korea.
HOST SPONSOR
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSORS
Minnesota Energy Resources People's Energy Cooperative
TABLE SPONSORS
Alerus Bank | Benike Construction DBS Group | Destination Medical Center Eagle Rock Bank | Hawkins Ash
MBT Bank | North Rock Real Estate & Hospitality Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. | Premier Bank Rochester Motor Cars | RSP Architects | Think Bank
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 25
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
PRESENTING SPONSOR Event Sponsors
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - We Have a Dream Celebration is an annual community event held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to commemorate the life and work of Dr. King. With hundreds in attendance, this event is an excellent opportunity to promote a welcoming and inclusive community. AGENDA • 8:30am: Doors Open and Breakfast is Served • 9:00am: Program Begins • 10:30am: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom March Rally (First Floor of the Mayo Civic Center)
HOST SPONSOR
CELEBRATION SPONSOR
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026 Time: 8:30am-10:30am Location: Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester Admission: Free, open to the public
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/3X0lYWp
Event Partner
MEDIA SPONSOR
26 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2025
Chamber News
Develop relationships within this supportive group of women leaders who meet the third Friday morning of each month. The Women’s Roundtable provides a small, safe environment for women to: practice and refine skills, discuss challenges specific to women in positions of leadership, learn together and empower each other to take risks. Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 and Friday, January 16, 2026 Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm in December 7:30am-9:00am in January Admission: Free, registration required Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/40UL8Xi
A Kickin’ Day of Connection Teams from across the region came together for a fun, informal day of competition, conversation, and connection at our fourth Annual Kickball Tournament last week! While there were plenty of great plays on the field, the real win was the opportunity for members to strengthen existing partnerships and spark new ones. A huge congratulations to our defending champions, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., as well as our Best Dressed Team, Smart-HR. We appreciate everyone who participated, supported, and made the day a success.
Event Welcome Sponsors
Minnesota 97.5 & Winona State University - Rochester
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Must move in by January 31st, 2026. Additional restrictions apply. Enjoy 3 months FREE & a year of streaming on us *
PRESENTING SPONSOR Event Sponsors
DUGOUT SPONSORS
silverlakecrossing.com — (507) 669-7276
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 27
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