Advantage Magazine | October 2025

A ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION

OCTOBER 2025

CEO PROFILE: DAVE GESCHWIND, SMMPA MEET THE MEMBER: BRAUN INTERTEC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

October 2025 Advantage Magazine

What’s Inside

FEATURE From Classroom to Career: The Value of Internships

PAGE 4 A Roundtable with interns, employers, and educators on the value of internships

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CEO PROFILE Dave Geschwind, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

MEET THE MEMBER Braun Intertec

CHAMBER NEWS • Upcoming Events • Chamber Welcomes Incoming Board Members • Where Young Talent Connects • Shop Local - Holiday Gift Guide • Educator Industry Experience • Sponsorship Enrollment Opens • Gwen Stevens, Chamber Board Chair, Selected as Next CEO of People’s Energy Cooperative • Linking Leaders and Industry COMMUNITY NEWS • Reimagining Sixth Avenue W • Businesses Report Cautious Optimism, but Higher Costs, for Year Ahead • 2026 National Small Business Week Awards Nominations are Open

PAGE 14 Dave Geschwind

PAGE 16 Braun Intertec

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RIBBON CUTTINGS Grand Openings, Anniversaries, New Members, and Other Celebrations

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2 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025

CHAMBER STAFF & BOARD

October 2025 Advantage Magazine

Chamber Staff

CHAMBER PRESIDENT Ryan Parsons

EVENTS & PROGRAMS DIRECTOR Shannon Gowen

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Tim Shea

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Emma Esteb

WORKFORCE INITIATIVES & RYT NETWORK DIRECTOR Claire Henneman

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brady Strickland SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN Sophia van Oss

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

OCTOBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 3

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

A ROUNDTABLE WITH INTERNS, EMPLOYERS, AND EDUCATORS ON THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

EMPLOYERS: Why is it valuable to host internships, and where should someone start if they have not offered them before?

Scott Anderson, Senior Software Engineer Manager, IBM

Christa Holmen, Talent Acquisition Manager, Knutson Construction

To build a talent pipeline, bring in new excited talent who are hungry to learn the construction industry, and provide opportunities for current employee growth in mentorship / leadership. They should start with looking at each department and based off their growth, determine what future roles or talent they would like to build up. They should create a structured internship program that includes start / end dates, identify an intern program manager, identify current employees who would benefit / grow from leading / teaching someone underneath them. They should also look at colleges that have degree programs that would fit the candidate experience / qualifications they would need for each specific internship role.

Internships are a strategic way to engage high- potential talent early in their professional journey. Waiting until graduation to recruit can significantly narrow the hiring pool, as many candidates will have already accepted offers. By offering internships, organizations gain early access to emerging professionals, allowing time to assess skills, cultural fit, and long-term potential before making full-time hiring decisions. When launching an internship program, begin by identifying entry-level roles your organization frequently hires for. These positions offer meaningful experience and align well with long-term talent needs. Next, build a structured program with clear learning objectives, mentorship, and performance feedback. Promote it through university job platforms and engage directly with students via career fairs or virtual info sessions to attract strong candidates.

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

Internships are more than just short- term work experiences — they are critical bridges between education and career, helping students gain real-world skills while strengthening the local talent pipeline. To explore the value of internships from every angle, we spoke with interns, employers, and higher education leaders. Participating organizations included IBM, Knutson Construction, Hawkins Ash CPAs, Rochester Community and Technical College, University of Minnesota Rochester, and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, their perspectives highlight how internships benefit students, businesses, and the community as a whole.

Lance Campbell, CPA, Partner, Hawkins Ash CPAs

Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

First steps in implementing an internship program include identifying which field of work such as marketing, accounting, computer-aided design, or nursing would offer the most meaningful experience for students and best showcase your organization. Next, develop an outline for the internship position; resources are available online, or you can contact the Chamber to discuss ideas. Finally, connect with local higher education partners and instructors who can help facilitate student engagement—the Chamber can assist with these connections, so feel free to reach out to learn more.

Interns get real-life hands-on experiences compared to a classroom setting. They get to see what a tax season is like, and gives them a picture of what public accounting is. It is a very valuable experience for our firm as we can see the work the intern does and that can lead to getting a job position offer. If you have not offered an internship before, I would recommend working with a college nearby to see what options they have for intern programs and for you to have a plan on what tasks you will have the intern do. We also attend a lot of career fairs at colleges and that is a good way to get your name out to students and colleges.

OCTOBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 5

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

EMPLOYERS: How important are internships in building a pipeline of local talent?

Scott Anderson, Senior Software Engineer Manager, IBM

Christa Holmen, Talent Acquisition Manager, Knutson Construction

Internships offer students valuable, hands-on experience that helps them understand what it means to work professionally in the community they are familiar with. This early engagement not only supports career development but also strengthens their connection to the community, increasing the likelihood they’ll remain post-graduation. For organizations, internships provide a strategic advantage by attracting talent already invested in the area, reducing reliance on national recruitment and improving workforce retention. This approach fosters long-term stability and contributes to broader economic development.

For companies who focus on promoting within, this is the perfect opportunity to teach students both business acumen and skills they will need to be successful at starting their career. Interview once, hire twice meaning the goal of an internship is to convert top talent into full-time positions. There is importance with diversity of thought so I would not limit the internship to only local talent / schools.

University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is expanding partnerships with organizations in Rochester and beyond to grow our diverse portfolio of internship offerings for all students. Our evidence-based approach to internships supports student success. Internships help students 1) explore and make decisions about their career options, 2) gain relevant competencies and skills for personal, professional, and career growth, 3) gain insights into industry and market trends for career decision-making, and 4) gain a chance at competitive entry-level jobs. In fact, research indicates that students who complete paid internships are more likely to earn higher wages compared to peers in unpaid experiences. At UMR, internships are a non-negotiable best practice. We are grateful to our industry and community partners for their continued commitment to mentoring UMR student interns. Employers who want to offer internships but are concerned about capacity or resources can start with low-stakes, high-impact opportunities such as job

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

Lance Campbell, CPA, Partner, Hawkins Ash CPAs

Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

It is very important for the overall success of hiring and retaining new staff. Our firm typically hires up to 25 interns for tax season and we have the ability to offer positions to some of the interns in our various offices. We have a lot of staff that started as interns within our various offices.

Internships play a key role in raising awareness of career opportunities available to students as they plan their futures. Students gain hands-on experience that better prepares them for careers in specific fields and helps them acclimate to professional environments. This includes developing essential soft skills such as time management, adaptability, teamwork, and more. These skills are critical in shaping future professionals who can contribute immediately to a team. Internships are also a valuable recruiting tool. They allow you to engage with candidates as they prepare to take the next steps in their careers and build experience along the way.

express strong interest in future employment with the company. Finally, employers benefit from offering internships. Employers should anticipate a demonstrable increase in, for example, their employees' team- work, mentorship, and industry or technical skills. This recalls the often-cited declaration -- "docendo discimus" : by teaching, we learn. Another important benefit for employers is the chance to cultivate new talent for critical need roles or entry-level jobs for the company, industry or field. Employers who invest in growing minds through internships build talent pipelines for their field, industry, or company. They build a future workforce knowledgeable about company or industry culture and ready to fill gaps in workforce needs, prepared to demonstrate excellence. It's a matter of preparation meeting opportunity!

shadows, externships, informational interviews, or career networking events. These resource-light experiences still give students valuable insights into real-world applications for career decision-making and success. Employers ready to offer internships should collaborate with faculty to design projects or skills-based assignments that help interns connect classroom learning to real-world applications. When students see the practical value of their education, their curiosity and passion for learning increase. We also encourage employers to designate professionals who can provide one-on-one mentorship through weekly or biweekly meetings. Mentors help interns integrate more quickly into team or company culture. The targeted feedback mentors provide also strengthens interns’ industry skills—many interns, for example, commit to modeling their mentors’ work ethic. Interns who receive consistent coaching and support are more likely to

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

EMPLOYERS: Have you noticed increased awareness of your company or industry as a result of offering internships?

Scott Anderson, Senior Software Engineer Manager, IBM

Interns often become informal ambassadors, sharing their experiences across social media and academic networks, peers, and professors which organically expands your reach. Beyond visibility, internships position your organization as a leader in talent development. Interns carry their experiences into future roles, often becoming advocates or partners. Promoting your internship program also reinforces your commitment to mentorship and growth, making your company more attractive to top-tier talent.

Christa Holmen, Talent Acquisition Manager, Knutson Construction

Absolutely! Each year we have more and more applicants from our focus universities. Word of mouth about their experience at their internship is invaluable. We also provide SWAG for them to wear / show when they are back at school after their internship concludes.

Lance Campbell, CPA, Partner, Hawkins Ash CPAs

I think we have seen a higher uptick in the number of intern applications we get and colleges know our firm's reputation and suggest students look at internships within our firm.

Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

As our organization grows and our internship program evolves, we’ve seen increased interest from students, instructors, and professional networks. This has helped expand our program, and receiving recommendations or direct outreach from students is a positive sign of its effectiveness. Students actively seek internships and often rely on their professional, family, or personal connections to find opportunities to gain experience in their chosen field or explore new career paths.

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

INTERNS: What new possibilities or career paths did your internship experience open your eyes to?

Kyler Nikolai, Intern, IBM

Noah Hiniker, Project Engineer Intern, Knutson Construction

Over my internship I was able to connect with several other interns and full-time employees that had diverse professional experiences. Many interns I met had done internships in the past at other companies and told me how their experience compared to IBM. I was also fortunate enough to connect with several full-time employees that have been working for over a decade. They provided wisdom and advice for how my career might look long term. IBM is also such a big company that I was also able to hear about completely different career paths at IBM. This included everything from quantum computing to finance.

Prior to the start of the summer, I thought I wanted to be a superintendent after graduation. I wanted this because I needed field experience prior to being in a managerial position. Since then, I have changed my mind. Though I worked in a managerial position over the summer, I was able to gain ample field experience more than I had thought. Being on site every day has allowed me to learn much more about what construction is about, the people. The relationships I have created over the summer have affected me more than I can describe. These relationships may hold untapped opportunities in my future. Last summer, I worked for a general contractor developing a multi-family apartment building. This sector is far different from that of Knutson. Exploring different sectors of the construction world has opened my eyes to what can be pursued in my future. I also had the opportunity to visit multiple different sites fellow interns were on. These allowed me to see what else Knutson does, generating more ideas of what my future could hold.

Gigi Galdamez, Public Affairs Intern, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

Jillian Miron, Audit Supervisor (former Intern), Hawkins Ash CPAs

My time at the Chamber has provided me with insight on the various steps and roles it takes to accurately represent a business. At the Chamber in specific, each staff member plays a significant role to carry out its main areas of focus to ensure success in the business community; advocacy, resources, development, and engagement. Regarding businesses, something I noticed was the importance of dedicating a role to advocacy and communication. Without this, a business could miss out on key connections with other businesses, chambers, and even elected officials that could otherwise be very helpful.

When I first decided I wanted to do accounting, I didn’t really know what my options were. After having an internship, I learned that accounting was so much more than just taxes. In my internship I focused primarily on individual tax but learned that there are many avenues of accounting I could have explored. In addition to tax, I became aware of what opportunities my firm had in bookkeeping and audit. These were areas I had never really thought too much about. Now I work in primarily Not for Profit audit work and love my work.

OCTOBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 9

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

INTERNS: In what ways has your internship helped you connect what you have learned in the classroom to the workplace?

Kyler Nikolai, Intern, IBM

Noah Hiniker, Project Engineer Intern, Knutson Construction

College emphasized that it is important for students to write clean, readable code, and use techniques like object-oriented programming. During my internship I was put into a group with two other interns. We were given a large coding project to complete together. To do this we broke down the scope of the project into small pieces that we assigned to one of the three of us. As we made these incremental changes, we reported our progress in daily scrums where our mentors gave us detailed feedback on our code. This feedback loop combined with observing how my team members interpreted my code helped emphasize these coding practices I was taught in school. I was able to see firsthand why they are important.

In the classroom, learning from professors through conceptual ideas. Most recently I took a class entailing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Learning about these systems prepared me for the project I was on this summer. My project, Kellogg Middle School, underwent a mechanical overhaul. Being able to learn about these systems before being on the project helped me understand what was happening each day. This allowed me to have better conversations with the crews on site, as well. As I was exposed to plan sets in this class, it allowed me to have a grasp on the drawings I looked at everyday over the summer too. Safety is another course our degree needs from us. In this class everything has simulated outcomes. But on site everything is real and has actual consequences. Our site superintendent was always concerned with the safety of the crews. This reminded me of the toolbox talks and site-specific safety plans I had created for the class. Though the classroom may become mundane over time, it prepared me for what was in store for the summer.

SMOOTH SKIN , SMOOTH SKIN, YOUR WAY! YOUR WAY !

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10 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025

Jillian Miron, Audit Supervisor (former Intern), Hawkins Ash CPAs

Having a hands-on internship in what I was actively studying made a huge difference in actually understanding the material and the why behind accounting rather than just memorizing another list of terms.

Gigi Galdamez, Public Affairs Intern, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Interning at the Chamber has exposed me to a range of experiences where I have been able to apply knowledge learned in the classroom. Concerning the advocacy component of the Chamber, majoring in Political Science has allowed me to relate topics involving public policy, the internal and external structure of an organization, and the makeup of local, state, and federal governments, to real-world scenarios with the Chamber. This includes meeting with elected officials and chamber members, understanding the policymaking process and its impacts on businesses, and the many ways a chamber works to foster a thriving business community. Learning something new in a hands-on environment is vastly different than just doing so in a classroom. It is important to establish a connection between both the classroom and real-world to really grasp the idea behind the work being done and do so with meaning and purpose.

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of effective education, emphasizing the application of knowledge and skills through direct, real-world experiences. By engaging students in problem-solving scenarios outside the traditional classroom or lab, this approach deepens understanding and fosters critical thinking. Instructors serve as facilitators, guiding students as they connect theory to practice. Industry involvement is essential to the success of experiential learning. When employers actively participate—especially through program advisory committees—they help shape relevant, hands-on opportunities that align with workforce needs. These experiences not only enrich student learning but also allow employers to identify and engage with emerging talent. Students benefit by exploring potential career paths, while employers gain access to motivated and well- prepared candidates.

FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

INTERNS: How has your internship helped you better understand the skills employers are looking for?

Kyler Nikolai, Intern, IBM

Noah Hiniker, Project Engineer Intern, Knutson Construction

Over this summer I worked on IBM’s Ceph as a service team which involves cloud storage. This team was only made about a year before I started so I got to see what it takes to build a product like this from the ground up. Every day I got to participate in the team scrum and hear what everyone on the team was working on and expected to do. I also got to see how development was planned out and what work was assigned at different times. This gave me much insight into what is expected from employees working on cloud storage.

Employers are looking for individuals that are like sponges. Having the ability to absorb copious amounts of information is key to growing. Utilizing my organizational skills over the summer helped me greatly. I was able to stay on top of tasks and maximize efficiency. In a fast-paced work environment, staying organized is key. How coachable you are is also important. Being able to receive feedback and implement it shows development. Communication skills are another item employers are looking for. Multiple parties take part in construction projects, being able to build healthy relationships greatly enables efficiency. Professionalism is another key skill to hone. Timeliness, accountability, integrity and follow through are key skills to growth. How you conduct yourself each day shows, not only to an employer but to those you work with as well.

Jillian Miron, Audit Supervisor (former Intern), Hawkins Ash CPAs

Gigi Galdamez, Public Affairs Intern, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

Having an internship helped me to understand that employers look for so much more than just technical skills. Although I learned a lot of technical skills during my internship, being able to work in an office environment with the other staff members helped me to develop the soft skills that I use in my current job position. Skills such as client interactions and organization are essential lessons that I still utilize each day.

Communication, both in person and online, are crucial to success in the workplace. Employers are looking for candidates who can converse in different environments with a diverse set of people, because that is what the world consists of. Adaptability plays a role with this as well. Not every situation one may encounter will be comfortable, so being able to adapt and adjust to the environment and the people around is key. This is true in every industry whether that involves clientele, associating businesses, or even internal personnel.

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FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS

Feature

The perspectives shared from employers, interns, and educators highlight how internships create lasting impact. They prepare students to step confidently into their careers, give businesses early access to dedicated future talent, and strengthen our region’s workforce. Employers interested in starting or expanding an internship program are encouraged to connect with local universities, technical colleges, or the Chamber to explore opportunities and build meaningful partnerships that benefit students and the community alike.

YOUR CHAMBER WORKFORCE CONTACT

Claire Henneman, Workforce Initiatives & RYT Network Director, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce For more information on the Chamber’s workforce initiatives or guidance on starting an internship program, reach out to Claire at: E: chenneman@rochestermnchamber.com P: (507) 424-5662

Dr. Damon Alvey Superintendent, Vermillion School District

TRUSTED GUIDANCE. LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.

“If I had to describe TSP in one word, it would be trustworthy. From our first project to this new elementary, they’ve consistently earned our confidence—answering questions, making us feel comfortable, and building lasting relationships along the way.”

OCTOBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13

DAVE GESCHWIND, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY

CEO Profile

CEO Profile: Dave Geschwind with Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Taking an in-depth look at Geschwind's career path, progression, and achievements. A discussion with Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency's Executive Director & CEO.

Tell us about your career path to becoming the Executive Director & CEO of Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA)? I should acknowledge that many people aren’t familiar with SMMPA or what we do. We are a wholesale power and energy provider to our member municipal utilities. In other words, we generate or acquire and then transmit electricity to our member cities that they in turn sell to their retail customers. Our members in the Rochester area include the cities of Rochester, Austin, Owatonna, Lake City, Spring Valley, Preston, and Blooming Prairie. We even provide to our member cities as far north as Grand Marais. I first became interested in working in the electric utility industry when I was studying electrical engineering in college. After graduation, I worked for a large engineering consulting firm in Kansas City for ten years, primarily working for electric utility clients. Then, in 1998, I had a chance to work directly for an electric utility when I came to SMMPA, joining the company as the Director of Planning, Contracts, and Wholesale Energy Marketing. By sticking around long enough, my title eventually changed to Chief Operating Officer, and then I became the Agency’s CEO in 2011. What experiences have had a significant impact in shaping you as a leader? I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many inspiring people. I’ve tried to pay attention over the years to how people I respect react to the challenges we all face in our careers. How a person treats other people and how they respond to challenges are a big part of how we’re all viewed as leaders, and even how we’re viewed as just another co-worker. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out, but I hope I’m able to emulate some of the many good examples I’ve seen over the years.

What changes in trends and needs within the energy industry have you seen? I suspect every industry would say they are experiencing major changes, and the energy industry is no different. Fifteen years ago, we were responding to big changes in the availability of low-cost natural gas for electrical generation as a result of improvements in horizontal well drilling. That was in stark contrast to national energy policy of the ‘70s and ‘80s that prohibited the use of natural gas for generation and encouraged power plants to use coal or nuclear fuel. Today, the energy industry is figuring out how to reliably deliver more renewable energy and carbon-free energy to our customers as we transition away from the traditional electrical generation we’re all familiar with. Of course, that energy needs to be affordable for everyone, too. And very recently, add the complexity of serving the large electrical loads associated with data centers and artificial intelligence, and there is plenty to work on each day.

14 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025

DAVE GESCHWIND, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY

CEO Profile

How has SMMPA evolved since its beginning in 1977 to meet those changes to the industry? We’re definitely evolving, and we have to do that to serve our members and the residents of their cities. SMMPA’s first major power plant investment when the Agency was created in 1977 was to co-own Unit 3 with Xcel Energy at the Sherco coal-fired power plant. I think of that as the SMMPA 1.0 period. That facility will be retired soon, and we are working on SMMPA 2.0. We already have significant renewable generation in our generation portfolio, but SMMPA 2.0 will have even more. We also have plans to add more natural-gas fired generation, primarily to maintain reliability. We will continue to invest in large-scale electric transmission projects with our peer utilities to help support the transition from large-central station power plants to more distributed carbon-free generation projects. Finally, a big part of what we do is to help our members assist retail customers in using electricity efficiently and affordably. One way we do this is by designing programs that inform and provide rebates to customers that install energy-efficient appliances or processes in their facilities. This will continue to be an important part of how we work with our member cities. As you look ahead to the future, what do you see as the outlook for the energy industry as well as for SMMPA? We are in an exciting time for our industry. We can definitely point to changes that are coming and the challenges those changes are creating. Our predecessors said the same things about the challenges they faced and eventually overcame. SMMPA is in a great position to continue working with our member cities to provide the electricity and programs they need for their electric customers. The way the industry and SMMPA do that will undoubtedly be different in the future, but the core mission of the Agency in serving our cities will be just as relevant twenty years from now as it was twenty years ago.

AT THE 2026 ECONOMIC SUMMIT 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 to learn from industry leaders and our keynote speaker. Explore the Local Economy

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To read more about Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, visit www.smmpa.com

BRAUN INTERTEC

Meet the Member

Meet the Member: Braun Intertec Each month, we learn from a Chamber member about their business, history, a unique fact, and their outlook

From humble beginnings in 1957 when founder Jack Braun converted his station wagon into a makeshift drill rig, Braun Intertec quickly established itself as a trusted partner on some of the largest projects in Rochester and southern Minnesota. Their local office, established in 1979, provides geotechnical services, environmental consulting, and construction materials testing, bringing both expertise and innovation to the region’s development. As an employee-owned company, the Braun Intertec team takes pride in being fully invested in every project, building strong relationships and delivering reliable results that stand the test of time. We spoke with Operations Manager, Mark Kalahar, to learn more about Braun Intertec’s history, impact, and vision for the future.

Q: Tell us about Braun Intertec. What does your company offer to the Rochester region? A: Our Rochester Braun Intertec office has been in town since 1979, with a long history of completing projects with our partners through the years. We offer geotechnical, environmental consulting and construction materials testing. Many of the largest projects in Rochester and southern Minnesota have had Braun Intertec as a part of the team. We are an employee owned company with a reputation for delivering on complex projects. Q: How did it start for Braun Intertec? A: Our founder Jack Braun started Braun Intertec out of his station wagon in 1957 that he retrofitted with a straight eight cylinder engine and converted the vehicle

16 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 2025

BRAUN INTERTEC

Meet the Member

Braun Intertec provides geotechnical services, environmental consulting, and construction materials testing for many of the largest projects in Rochester and southern Minnesota.

into our first drill rig. We started an office in Rochester and have never looked back, growing to the size we are today. Q: Braun Intertec has been a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce since 2012. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: Meeting like-minded people in spaces that are low pressure and often lead to long term relationships. Helping build our network and ensuring connections are strong. Q: What is a unique fact people should know about Braun Intertec? A: We are an employee owned company so we are all bought in 100%.

Q: What is the outlook for your organization and industry? A: As many of you know, Rochester is in a booming period and we plan to adapt to the changing time by embracing new technologies and adding them into our work flow. This will help as engineering is always pushing for innovation and changes to streamline projects and workflow.

To learn more about Braun Intertec, visit www.braunintertec.com

OCTOBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 17

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.

OCTOBER HOST

NOVEMBER HOST

In October, join us at The Preserve at West Circle! Experience life on your terms at The Preserve at West Circle, where our thoughtfully crafted rental homes seamlessly blend sophisticated aesthetics, the privacy of living in a single-family home, and the ease of maintenance- free living. Explore homes designed for todays lifestyle, complete with upscale features like stainless-steel appliances, wood-style flooring, custom light fixtures, in-home washer & dryer, smart home technology, and a generously-sized attached garage.

In November, join us at TSP, INC! TSP’s people are passionate about beautifully functional designs that meet needs today and are flexible enough to have a meaningful purpose well into the future.

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: TSP, INC, 1500 Highway 52 N, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: The Preserve at West Circle, 4275 Heritage Pl NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested

18 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — OCTOBER 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.

OCTOBER HOST

NOVEMBER HOST

In October, join us at Altra Federal Credit Union! Altra is a nationwide cooperative financial institution providing both personal & business loans, deposits & cash management services, as well as financial investment & retirement planning.

In November, join us at Merchants Bank! At Merchants Bank, their goal is to provide exceptional experiences in every interaction they have with you, including the teams and processes that support your local branch and bankers. When you bank with them, you'll have access to all of the traditional banking services you'd expect from a local bank as well as more specialized areas such as Trust and estate services, Investment services and correspondent mortgage lending.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Altra Federal Credit Union, 3833 Cascade Creek Rd. NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Merchants Bank, 3586 55th St NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested

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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

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. Join us for a fun, engaging program driven by the needs of the group. OCTOBER Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Rochester Art Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE, STE 120, Rochester Admission: Free, registration required Featured Speaker: Tracey McGuire with the Rochester Art Center NOVEMBER Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Charter House, 211 2nd ST NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested

Are you a new member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, or a long-time member needing a refresh? Join us for our Chamber 101 event on Wednesday, October 22 from 3:00pm-4:00pm. This event will help educate you on your membership and highlight the resources and tools that we provide to help you meet your business goals and objectives! Snacks, refreshments, and door prizes will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there! Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce,

220 South Broadway, Suite 100, Rochester Admission: Free, registration is required

Event Sponsors PRESENTING

Event Sponsors WELCOME

KNXR - Minnesota 97.5 Winona State University - Rochester

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Chamber News

Event Sponsors PRESENTING

The STEAM Summit encourages more than 3,000 middle and high school students to pursue science, technology, engineering, art and math careers by connecting them to business and higher educational institutions which offer STEAM courses in a highly interactive, hands-on format. The future success of the Southeast Minnesota economy depends on a well-prepared pipeline of students with the education and skills needed to keep the region's businesses and industries competitive. This summit brings together over 100+ businesses, higher education, local government and our community to motivate and prepare students for an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Dates: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Time: 7:00am-3:00pm Location: RCTC Regional Sports Center, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester Admission: Free to exhibit, registration required by Friday, November 7 Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4jNEk71 Encourage Students to Pursue STEAM Careers

HOST

EVENT PARTNER

SILVER SPONSORS

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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 • Industry Panel Discussion • Business Outlook Survey Results Presentation • Featured Keynote: Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group 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.

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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

BRONZE SPONSORS

Minnesota Energy Resources People's Energy Cooperative

TABLE SPONSORS

Alerus Bank DBS Group Destination Medical Center Eagle Rock Bank Hawkins Ash MBT Bank North Rock Hospitality Group People's Energy Cooperative Premier Bank Rochester Motor Cars RSP Architects Think Bank

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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Chamber News

Annual Celebration,

PRESENTING SPONSOR Event Sponsors

You are cordially invited to join the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 5, 2026 for our Annual Celebration! This gala will celebrate the success and growth of the business community in the Rochester region. Join us for an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment! Our members are the reason we exist! Thank you for joining us at this annual event to celebrate and prepare for the future of our region - together. A Night to Remember Don't miss the biggest business celebration of the year at Annual Celebration

HOST SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

AGENDA • 5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking and Introduction • 6:15pm: Program, Dinner and Entertainment • 8:00pm: Networking

RECEPTION SPONSOR

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 Time: 5:30pm-8:45pm Location: Mayo Civic Center - Ballroom 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester

SILVER SPONSOR

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 Interested in being an event sponsor? Email Shannon Gowen at sgowen@rochestermnchamber.com for more information.

TABLE SPONSOR Minnesota 97.5 BRONZE SPONSOR

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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Chamber News

'People First' HR Best Practices

Join the Chamber on Wednesday, November 12 for a session on HR best practices with a focus on putting people first. Learn how effective employee communication and purposeful employee engagement strategies can shape a positive workplace culture. The session will explore practical ways to support your employees outside of the workplace, offer insights into building trust, and provide best practices for relaying that information. Whether you are an HR leader, employer, or team member- this session offers valuable takeaways for everyone. TOPICS & SPEAKERS • Employee Engagement & Employee Culture • Therese White, VP of Employee Services, Think Bank • Supporting Employees Who are Caregiving • Jennifer Pinske, Director of Community Engagement, Family Service Rochester, Inc. • Employee Communication Do's and Do Not's • Megan Malugani, Owner, Malugani Communications Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm Location: Family Service Rochester - Conference Room, 4600 18th Ave NW, Rochester Admission: Free for members, $10 for general admission, registration required Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4gbX0wn

From pickleball to tug of war, this year’s Chamber Champions League on August 6 brought out competition, creativity, and community. Teams showed up with great energy, team spirit, and standout costumes and cheers. Thank you to everyone who competed, cheered, or supported from the sidelines. You didn’t just compete—you championed what this event is all about: teamwork and connection.

A big congratulations to our winning teams: • 1st Place: Benike Construction

• 2nd Place: Haley Comfort Systems • 3rd Place: Experience Rochester, MN • Tug of War Champion: Kinney Creek Brewery • Best Cheer: Family Service Rochester • Best Dressed Team: Benedictine Living Community- Rochester Madonna Meadows

Event Sponsors

Event Sponsor

CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSOR

MATCH SPONSORS

Beyond Kitchens, LRS of Minnesota, and Rochester International Airport

SERIES

WATER SPONSOR UPS Store 7077

DJ SPONSOR

TJ's DJ & Photography, LLC

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From Rain Delay to Perfect Play While the weather wasn’t on par for our Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 16, the rescheduled date on August 25 brought perfect conditions for a fantastic day on the course. With great company, plenty of fun, and beautiful weather, it was truly a hole-in-one experience.

Thank you to all the sponsors, golfers, and Rochester Golf & Country Club for your involvement.

We appreciate everyone's support and look forward to seeing you at our next Annual Golf Outing on June 17, 2026 at Willow Creek Golf Course.

SAVE THE DATE The next Annual Golf Outing will be on June 17, 2026 at Willow Creek Golf Course!

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