Advantage Magazine | February 2023

February 2023

A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

YEAR IN REVIEW 2022 HIGHLIGHTS & PROGRESS

STRATEGIC PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR 2023-2026 13

MEET THE MEMBER STINSON SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES CHAMBER ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

NEWLY RELEASED COMMUNITY GUIDE & CHAMBER DIRECTORY

What’s Inside

Feature A YEAR IN REVIEW Meet the Member STINSON SERVICES Chamber News • LEGISLATIVE UPDATE & AGENDA • COMMUNITY GUIDE & CHAMBER DIRECTORY • NEW AMBASSADORS • EVENTS

Community News • HIGH SCORES FOR NURSES • START-UP GRANTS AWARDED • TOURNAMENT TRANSITION Newsreel NEW TEAMS & NEW ROLES Ribbon Cuttings New Members

30 31

Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com

Advantage Information and Questions: Sophia van Oss svanoss@RochesterMNChamber.com

COMMITTED TO OUR CRAFT

Experienced Collaborative Relationships Multidisciplinary

At TSP, we believe in going the extra mile. That’s why we established the Back to Basics initiative to give our entire team the opportunity to visit a job site first-hand, regardless of job title, to better educate all team members on the basics of the business. Our commitment allows us to build relationships and create some of the area’s most innovative solutions.

| Advantage Magazine 2

February 2023

STAFF

Ryan Parsons 507-288-1122

Jonathon Krull 507-424-5677

Public Affairs & Leadership Development Director

Chamber President

Membership Director Tim Shea

Membership Development Director

Brent Ackerman 507-424-5666

507-424-5663

Membership Director Kali Aldrich 507-424-5665

Ally Sheehan 507-424-5687

Events & Program Director

Sophia van Oss 507-424-5661

Administrative Assistant Cherie Thurlow 507-288-1122

Communications & Design Director

Director of Operations Cheryl Krage

CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS

John Eckerman RSP Architects

Treasurer Jessica Eidem IBM Corporation Secretary Dr. Christine Beech Copiavia

Chair of the Board

Vice Chair Scott Eggert

Broadway Plaza

At Large Steve Dunn Taco JED

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS

Santhi Arunachalam Dr. Lori Carrell Dr. Jeffrey Boyd Chad Behnken Heather Donovan

Sylwia Bujak Oliver Omar Nur Marge Kelley Jack Priggen David Pederson Nikki Mensing

Gillette Pepsi of Rochester

Xylo Technologies Inc. Hamilton Real Estate

Cardinal of MN, LTD. Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. 125 Live Somali American Social Service Assoc.

University of Minnesota - Rochester Rochester Community & Tech. College

Remodeling D.L, LLC Sterling State Bank

Abel Garcia Doug Holtan Jarett Jones

Olmsted Medical Center

Gwen Stevens

Mayo Clinic Merchants Bank

People’s Energy Cooperative

VISION Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate.

MISSION The Chamber promotes business success which supports a thriving community.

Chamber Advantage USPS 446-900 is published monthly by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce at 220 S Broadway Ste 100 | Rochester, MN 55904 | Phone: 507-288-1122 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | John Eckerman, Chair of the Board | Editor: Sophia van Oss Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com

Advantage Magazine | 3

February 2023

Feature F

Lemonade Day

STEAM Summit

Legislative Update

A YEAR IN REVIEW MEMBER ENGAGEMENT | WORKFORCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | ADVOCACY | NEW INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT 2022 was a year of change and progress for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and its members. Whether it was membership engagement events, advocacy initiatives, or workforce development opportunities, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to engage members and the regional business community at large demonstrated the value that comes with Chamber membership. Featured in this issue of the Advantage are highlights from the past year that include stand-out programs, advocacy efforts, and new initiatives. Your support throughout 2022 is greatly appreciated and the Chamber looks forward to an exciting year ahead for Rochester area businesses.

| Advantage Magazine 4

February 2023

Feature F

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

The Chamber prides itself on its member engagement, offering a wealth of opportunities for members to become involved in the Chamber’s activities and engage with other members in events and activities, both big and small. Held on September 22, 2022, Rochester Area Chamber’s Kickball Tournament featured over 130 participants from a variety of area businesses. The Chamber team wanted to create a new, unique event that would give the Chamber’s members and their staff an opportunity to spend time together as a team and connect with others in a new engagement experience. “It was a way that we could get members involved that wasn’t a golf outing,” says Ally Sheehan, Events and Program Director at the Chamber. “Members were able to have 10 staff members on their team. It was a fun day filled with a little competition!” The Chamber’s Economic Summit is an important annual program that provides insight into the

“We’ve recently expanded the panel discussions to include small businesses and entrepreneurs, as a way to highlight those sectors,” says Ryan Parsons, President of the Chamber. “As part of the Economic Summit, we conduct the Business Outlook Survey that we share with all members in the fall. In the last year, we’ve seen strong growth and response to the survey, which is helpful for us as it can be a useful tool for us moving forward, especially as we look to identify the challenges and opportunities for the area business community.” The Annual Celebration is our annual gala that helps to celebrate our members. It is a time to get together and reflect as a Chamber group. Held at the Mayo Civic Center, the Annual Celebration provides networking opportunities, great food, and a keynote speaker. “It was great to have over 570-member employees join us to celebrate the success of the past year,” Sheehan says. “The Annual Celebration is our biggest event of the year and has the added element of a keynote speaker to provide an engaging experience for attendees.” Looking to engage members who traditionally do not attend Chamber events, the Chamber Weekend Kickoff was introduced in 2021. This networking opportunity includes a classic summertime BBQ meal and views of the Cascade Meadow while connecting with others in the business community. “Last year, we saw new faces and a variety of different businesses participate,” says Kali Aldrich, the Chamber Membership Director. “The Weekend

local, regional and national economy. Despite its annual nature, the Economic Summit varies each year with unique keynote speakers and panel discussions that highlight the variety of industries in the Rochester area.

Kickoff is a great way to get out of the office for lunch and meet others. It’s a relaxed atmosphere at the event and is a creative way for people to start their weekend during the summer months.” With over 1,100 members throughout the Rochester region and beyond, the Chamber team works to ensure businesses and organizations are informed, featured, and more. The Chamber’s communication channels include the Advantag e magazine,

Economic Summit

Advantage Magazine | 5

February 2023

Feature F

Weekly Update email, Resource Connect newsletter featuring business resources and news, as well as social media. Throughout all channels, our aim is to inform members of what’s happening throughout the Chamber and community.

The monthly Advantage business magazine not only keeps members updated on news about the Chamber and community, but also highlights various members. This magazine is an excellent way to learn more about and connect within the business community. “By reading the Advantage, one can see the latest Chamber news and events, new members that have joined, recent ribbon cutting events, community announcements including new hires, promotions, and awards received,” says Sophia van Oss, Communications & Design Director at the Chamber. “Throughout 2022, the Advantage issues have featured a range of topics from legislative updates to the impact of tourism on the business community to the region’s premier leadership development program – Leadership Greater Rochester.” Every week, the Weekly Update email hits over 5,700 inboxes with the latest in Chamber events and news. New members are highlighted along with upcoming events like AM Espresso, Business After Hours, Women’s Roundtable, Business Development Exchange, and annual events such as Economic Summit, Legislative Update, and the Golf Outing. For community information, useful business resources, and relevant news, members receive our Resource Connect email. Introduced in 2021, the Resource Connect features topics ranging from business and nonprofit funding opportunities, workshops, legislative updates, action alerts, as well as city, county and state news. In 2022, the Chamber sent out a total of 21 Resource Connect communications to members. The Resource Connect is an opportunity for the Chamber to provide members with a compilation of news, resources, and tools for their business or organization. Through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, the Chamber boasts 10,000 social media followers. With these social platforms, the Chamber engages

Annual Celebration

with members about events, announcements and news. This includes featuring members like those who have recently joined, ribbon cutting celebrations, and award recipients like Northwestern Mutual who won the first Kickball Tournament Trophy!

In November 2022, the Chamber introduced a digital Shop Local – Holiday Gift Guide to promote members’ businesses and their holiday gift options. Over 35 members in retail, restaurants, entertainment and more submitted to be a part of the guide. These businesses promoted their offerings, location, and some special offers. The gift guide and Shop Local message was promoted through emails, social media posts, press release, Advantage magazine, flyers and billboards throughout the Chamber channels as well as popular venues throughout Rochester. The Chamber also created social media graphics and a flyer for members to share with others. “Throughout the social media portion of the promotion, we created a video series called ‘Holiday Chronicles with the Chamber’ where members were interviewed about their holiday favorites,” van Oss says. “With this being the first Shop Local guide for the holidays by the Chamber, we were excited to see the community come together to support local businesses.”

| Advantage Magazine 6

February 2023

Feature F

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

168 NEW MEMBERS in 2022, 109 new members in 2021

MEMBERSHIP

913 SMALL BUSINESS members, making up 82% of our members

73 EVENTS with over 5,200 attendees

EVENTS

MEMBER OUTREACH 82 RIBBON CUTTINGS celebrating new members, grand openings, rebrandings, and other important milestones 10,000 FOLLOWERS throughout Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter with a total of 913 posts 73 EMAIL UPDATES with 21 Resource Connect and 52 Weekly Update emails sent to 5,758 subscribers 6,100+ READERS of Advantage magazine

Advantage Magazine | 7

February 2023

Feature F

WORKFORCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT With over one-thousand alumni stretching across the community and region with a presence in nearly every sector, Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) is the Chamber’s esteemed leadership development program. “Since its inception in 1987, this ten-month program immerses 36 leaders in monthly sessions that examine various topics such as economic development, arts, culture, and humanities, workforce Minnesota,” Krull says. “Currently, the class of 2023, a cohort of 36 individuals, is working through the program, with the program’s graduation in May. The Leadership Greater Rochester experience continues to facilitate lifelong relationships and provides business and community leaders the opportunity to further their leadership abilities while learning more about the Rochester region.” With a diversely skilled community, the

Chamber connects content experts for a quarterly professional development event, Business Development Exchange (BDX). This event series is geared towards learning and evolving best business practices. Each BDX features a panel of speakers discussing a specific topic related to improving the operations of your business or organization, whether that be budgeting, marketing, workplace wellness, stress management, or hiring best practices, etc.

development, and sustainability just to name a few,” says Jonathon Krull, Public Affairs and Leadership Development Director at the Chamber. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returned welcoming 36 individuals for the

Leadership Greater Rochester Class of 2022. Notably, the program is known for its Community Impact Projects, of which each LGR class is tasked with identifying a community need and working collaboratively to address that need. As Krull explains, the Class of 2022, aiming to improve community connectedness, unveiled their Community Impact Project, the Thrive Outside Winter Activity Trailer in the spring of 2022. “The Thrive Outside Winter Activity Trailer is a free community resource and comes stocked with sleds, snowshoes, fort-building kits, and a firepit. It aims to bring together community members of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy winter in

“It’s a way for area professionals to learn the best business practices and bring that experience back to their business and teams,” Aldrich says. “It’s a great workforce development opportunity and it helps your business grow their expertise within that specific topic.” A key part of the Chamber’s growing workforce efforts are opportunities for career exploration. This includes connecting industry employers and students to highlight pathways to in-demand careers throughout the region. The STEAM Summit is the Chamber’s key program in this effort and the reach

| Advantage Magazine 8

February 2023

Feature F

of the STEAM Summit grows each year. Last held on November 15, 2022, the STEAM Summit encourages 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 opportunities in STEAM related careers. The event is a highly interactive, hands-on format. About 850 students attended the 2022 Summit and explored 51 booths of vendors. “Students interact with the vendors, ask questions and fill out a survey that helps them gather information. It is a time for the students to explore the different career paths within the STEAM industries,” Sheehan says. “Some students might walk away with a new career path that they didn’t know existed before attending the summit. It is a great event for students to explore and different companies to showcase the jobs they offer to local students.” As we discuss workforce, it is pertinent to highlight the importance of higher education to our region’s employers. Back for its second year as a standalone event, the Higher Education Outlook in 2022 brought together leadership from the Rochester region’s higher education institutions to discuss workforce trends in addition to sharing updates on projects and initiatives at their respective campuses. Attendees were able to connect with educational leaders to discuss possible collaboration opportunities and trends within the workforce. “New to the event this year was the inclusion of a student perspective panel, where student representatives from Rochester Community and Technical College, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Rochester, and Winona State University spoke on their experience in higher education and how it is preparing them for the workforce,” Krull says. “As the workforce continues to change, this event provides a fantastic opportunity to remain engaged with area institutions that provide the training to tomorrow’s employees.”

Business Development Exchange

Higher Education Outlook

Advantage Magazine | 9

February 2023

Feature F

ADVOCACY

The advocacy efforts of the Chamber continue to grow as the Chamber team evolves to serve members and the business community through business advocacy on the local, state, and federal level. This occurs through business advocacy,

“When developing the Chamber’s 2023 legislative agenda, the Chamber team received broad feedback from small businesses, mid-range employers, large employers, the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, the Chamber’s committees, and the Chamber Board on their legislative priorities and issues that they are facing,” Krull says. View page 17 to read the newly unveiled 2023 legislative agenda. Over the last few years, the Chamber has worked to convene discussions with employers , higher education, city, county, local and state government, including legislators, through various forums. “We have welcomed the opportunity to bring employers together to discuss workforce, legislative priorities, and other topics and challenges that they’re encountering and a discussion of potential solutions,” Parsons says. “Ensuring ongoing communication in the business community is important for the Chamber. Continuing the discussion of employer challenges, solutions, projects, and more with members and partners in the year ahead is important and a vital step to encouraging collaboration and an understanding of the issues impacting area employers.” Advocacy is a key pillar of the Chamber, to assist with these efforts the Local & Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) was developed in early 2021. Members of LGAC heard from the city on the local option sales tax and had the opportunity to ask questions about the policy. Through these discussions, the group emphasized ensuring that Rochester is at the table when it comes to receiving sales tax funding, but remaining flexible to vet the projects that can be a result of the local option sales tax passing. “The Chamber had an opportunity to vet the local option sales tax through the LGAC who made their recommendation which was then presented to the board for final approval. The work of the LGAC to identify and review the issues that are impacting businesses is critical to our advocacy efforts,” Parsons says.

education, sharing resources & information, encouraging dialogue between elected representatives and business, as well as serving as a convener of industry and community. Introduced in Spring 2021, the Local Government Connect is a member event with the goal of bringing together Rochester’s local government including schools, parks, the city and the county, to provide the opportunity for them to highlight their respective progress, priorities, and the challenges that they’re encountering. The Local Government Connect is a forum to provide information from these community partners to the business community. In 2022, the Chamber unveiled its legislative agenda , which aimed to bring attention to the key priorities of Rochester area businesses. The 2022 legislative session was complex, but through the work and support of the Chamber, partner organizations, and business community, the replenishment of Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund with state and federal funds successfully passed the legislature and was signed into law. “This legislative success helped avoid passing the cost of replenishing the fund onto the business community which was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Krull says. Other topics included in the 2022 legislative agenda included support for expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, sustaining Medicaid expansion, reducing uncompetitive taxes, and reforming occupational licensing practices in the state.

| Advantage Magazine 10

February 2023

Feature F

NEW INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Since 2022, the Chamber has introduced significant programs, initiatives, and more, that will serve the organization and business community in the years ahead. This includes Lemonade Day, the Chamber Resource Campaign, and the organization’s 2023- 2026 strategic plan. The Chamber was excited to introduce Lemonade Day to the Rochester region in 2022. Lemonade Day is a nation-wide experience learning program, helping youth learn how to start their own business. This program invites local youth to participate in its free, experiential, educational program that encourages financial literacy and a spark for entrepreneurship in future entrepreneurs. “Lemonade Day teaches and walks youth through the process of starting and running their own business…a lemonade stand,” says Ally Sheehan, Events and Program Director and Rochester’s

Lemonade Day City Director. “They work on a business plan, create a budget, create their stand design and find the best tasting lemonade to sell to their customers.” In 2022, the Rochester - Lemonade Day celebrated 335 registrations and look forward to an exciting Lemonade Day in 2023. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10! Each year the Chamber hosts more than 70 events and programs to connect, educate, and inform members. Beginning in 2021, the Chamber developed the Chamber Resource Campaign (CRC) as an engagement guide to provide members with an efficient platform to plan their companies’ engagement and support of the various events, programs and more throughout the year. “The CRC is designed to be a resource for companies as they plan out their engagement with the Chamber,” Sheehan says.

Advantage Magazine | 11

February 2023

Feature F

THANK YOU The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful to serve the business community of the Rochester region, with its diverse industries, talented workforce, community partners, and a high quality of life. Thank you to our members for your ongoing support and engagement! Your membership is greatly appreciated. 2022 was a year of evolution for the organization and the Chamber team is excited to serve Rochester area businesses, organizations, and professionals as we progress. “An important accomplishment for the Chamber in 2022 was the creation of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. Over several months with the assistance of a consultant, the Chamber Board of Directors created a plan to guide us for the next three years. This road map is critical for the organization and will be our true North Star as we move forward in the coming years,” said John Eckerman, Business Developer with RSP Architects and Chair of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “The strategic plan is an important step for the organization and provides us with clear goals and objectives in the areas of advocacy, workforce, member engagement, and more. The strategic plan will be a valuable resource for the Chamber beginning in 2023 and leading us through 2026,” Parsons says.

Chamber Team

“This guide helps to layout and detail the sponsorships that are available to all members to participate in and the enhanced organization of opportunities has been well-recieved.” Being a sponsor for Chamber events is a great way for companies to gain brand recognition, connect with fellow professionals and more opportunities that can benefit organizations and businesses. The CRC is also effective in ensuring members know how to best engage their teams in various programs and events throughout the year. Beginning in the early fall of 2022 the Chamber began the development of a new strategic plan to provide a comprehensive plan for the organization moving forward. As part of the Chamber’s strategic plan initiative, the Chamber engaged in conversations with key constituents including members, the Chamber Board, city and county leadership, Rochester Public Schools, and area partner organizations. This process was valuable in gathering insight into the priorities impacting employers and to crafting a strategic plan that will guide the Chamber’s evolution in the years ahead to positively impact the business community of the Rochester region.

| Advantage Magazine 12

February 2023

Feature F

STRATEGIC CHAMBER PLAN Looking ahead to 2023-2026 The Chamber begins 2023 with the introduction of the organization’s new strategic plan. The strategic plan is an important resource that provides the organization goals and objectives in the areas of advocacy, workforce, professional development, member engagement, and more.

• Impact workforce challenges through programs and partnerships • Engage the next generation of professionals and business leaders • Highlight the Rochester area business community as a workforce destination WORKFORCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Encourage workforce development through partnerships, resources, and professional experiences.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

ADVOCACY

• Serve as a leader for business through advocacy on the local, state, and federal level • Connect and convene members • Continue to grow relationships with government agencies and elected officials • Inform members of issues and policy impacting business Be the voice for Rochester area businesses through advocacy, information, and education.

• Support and invest in the Chamber team • Maximize organizational resources • Utilize the potential of Chamber infrastructure to improve and support the organization • Continue to implement Chamber best-practices Enhance organizational culture and optimize resources for maximum impact.

Provide excellent and engaging value to members.

• Enhance the value proposition of membership • Engage members through innovative programs and events • Provide business resources that encourage member success • Utilize Chamber communications to inform and highlight area business • Continue to develop partnerships that can serve member’s community

Advantage Magazine | 13

February 2023

Meet the Member M

Stinson Services utilizes the latest technology to assist in providing state of the art reporting on rooftops.

MEET THE MEMBER: STINSON SERVICES

T here’s no place like home with a roof over our heads. With this we are given a comfort zone and a place to build memories with those we love. As an essential part to creating a home, Stinson Services provides the Rochester and Twin Cities areas with roofing, siding and gutters.

Stinson Services is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the community for 20 years. Sales Manager, Heidi Stinson, provided us with more information about this local exterior remodeling construction business.

| Advantage Magazine 14

February 2023

Meet the Member M

Q: Tell us about Stinson Services. What does your company offer to the Rochester region? A: Stinson Services is a construction company that specializes in rooftops. We utilize the latest technology to assist us in providing state of the art reporting on rooftops. We offer free storm damage inspections and pride ourselves on effective

Q: What is a unique fact people should know about Stinson Services? A: Out of our 15 staff members, we have a combined construction experience of more than 200 years!

communication and stellar workmanship.

Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry?

Q: How did it start for Stinson Services? A : Ryan Stinson started Stinson Services in August of 2003. Stinson initially took on all construction projects but soon learned the benefits of being experts in a specific service. We transitioned to rooftop specialists focusing on the rooftop and more specifically on insurance storm damage claims in

A: We are growing. We are continuing to build our team with passionate employees who share our values of collaboration, knowledge and trust. We believe in creating and fostering repeatable processes which allow us to consistently produce projects built to last.

We also believe in the personal and professional

The Stinson Services team gathered for a good kicking time at the Chamber Kickball Tournament.

development of all our employees, through ongoing training and education. As rooftop specialists we keep a close eye on best roofing practices always looking to improve and be the best at our craft. By nurturing relationships our customers are confident in referring Stinson to individuals in need of our services. To learn more about Stinson Services, visit them online at www.stinsonservices.com.

2015. We have grown from a 1 man show to a staff of 15 and two locations. One in Rochester and the other location in Edina, MN.

Q: Stinson Services became a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: We believe in building relationships with our community, learning about other Chamber member businesses and opportunities for partnerships and referrals.

Advantage Magazine | 15

February 2023

Chamber News C LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Chamber advocating for the business community

The 2023 legislative session is well underway and is off to a busy start with nearly 1,000 bills having been introduced already! To assist with advocacy efforts, the Chamber engaged with membership to develop the 2023 legislative agenda. While it’s not a comprehensive list, this agenda functions as a guiding document while remaining broad enough and flexible to adapt to the variety of legislation underway in Saint Paul. The agenda includes numerous areas of focus, with the top two key legislative areas being infrastructure and workforce. The focus on infrastructure includes the support of bonding efforts that foster development in the Rochester region. Examples of projects that foster continued development include: • Extending the bonding authority of RST • Constructing a regional park-and-ride parking deck • Constructing the Willow Creek Regional Trail and safety connection • Improvements to Graham Park • Constructing a materials recovery facility for Olmsted County Another key priority of the agenda is workforce, specifically in the support of workforce development through training and educational programs coupled with experimental learning opportunities. Examples of ways to enhance workforce development include: • Providing funds to construct the Southeast Minnesota Nursing Simulator for area colleges/ universities to train with • Continued investments in PTECH and CTECH programs As a complimentary piece to the development of the legislative agenda, the Chamber monitors relevant legislation that could have a potential impact on the business community. HF31/SF25 was the first bill signed into law during the 2023 session which passed with bipartisan support before it went to the governor’s desk for his signature. This law is a win for the business community and modified select income and corporate franchise tax provisions

to bring conformity with federal tax provisions. In simpler terms, this law reduces the tax on COVID monies that businesses received under various federal acts (CARES Act, ARPA, IIJA, Inflation Reduction Act, etc). Another fast-moving piece of legislation that the Chamber is tracking is HF2/SF2. This bill would mandate paid leave benefits for Minnesota employees for up to 24 weeks. As the legislation currently reads, all employers regardless of size, would be required to participate in the program. Employers would be required to provide up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave which would be funded through a .7% increase to the payroll tax for employers. Due to the increase in business taxation and the potential impacts to workforce in an already tight labor market, the Chamber has opposed this bill. While not opposed to the idea, the legislation as it currently reads is not beneficial to the business community. As a regional center, Rochester is home to the Rochester International Airport (RST), a vital asset to the region and the business community. The bipartisan Rochester area delegation has introduced HF265/SF715 which would modify the appropriation for the airport. This legislation is essential for RST to continue making runway and associated improvements at the airport. As the legislative session marches forward, the Chamber will continue tracking legislation and advocating on behalf of our members. We thank you, our members for providing the feedback to craft our legislative agenda. We also thank our local delegation who continue to advocate on behalf of Rochester for her businesses and citizens.

Jonathon Krull, Public Affairs & Leadership

Development Director at the

Chamber, keeping you posted on the legislative session.

| Advantage Magazine 16

February 2023

Chamber News C

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA The Chamber’s legislative priorities for 2023 KEY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Infrastructure

Support of bonding efforts that encourage development and sustainability to enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community. Workforce Support of workforce development that facilitates a sustainable labor market through innovative training and enhanced educational programs that provide opportunities for experiential learning including career simulator pathways, high school and college internship programs, apprenticeships, and other models of employment readiness. ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES Workforce • Support legislation to reduce barriers to employment by reforming occupational licensing processes in high- demand occupations to address workforce gaps and assist in talent attraction and retention. Infrastructure • Support the growth of telecommunications infrastructure such as broadband, across the Rochester region and surrounding rural communities, to ensure access to reliable internet service for businesses and the community. • Support the extension of the 2020 airport runway bonding authority for the Rochester International Airport’s runway improvement project to ensure reconstruction and airport enhancements are completed. • Support the construction of an interchange at Highway 44 and Highway 14 to improve safety and support regional growth and economic development. General Business • Support legislation that will encourage a competitive tax climate for entrepreneurship, talent attraction and retention, and business growth and investment. • Support efforts to reform the regulatory process to ensure Minnesota and the Rochester region is competitive in the attraction and retention of business while maintaining sensible environmental regulations. • Encourage effective economic development through support of programs and incentives that can inspire investment in enterprise, drive regional business growth, and strengthen the ability of Rochester and Minnesota to be competitive in business attraction and retention. • Support the renewal of the City of Rochester’s Local Option Sales Tax as a funding opportunity for infrastructure and development.

Advantage Magazine | 17

February 2023

Chamber News C CHAMBER INTRODUCES THE COMMUNITY GUIDE T he Chamber is excited to announce

the first annual Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory was released digitally. This guide gives an industry overview of the region including: • Community at a glance • Homes • Education • Healthcare • Shopping and dining • Arts and entertainment • Sports and outdoor recreation • Surronding communities In the Chamber directory portion, there are over 1,000 businesses sorted by categories as well as alphabetically. The Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory is currently published online but will also be available in print soon. Thank you to our members, advertisers, and photo contributers for making this guide a reality! To view the Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory visit: http://bit.ly/3XXPStt

Interested in advertising in the 2024 Rochester Area Community Guide & Chamber Directory? Please contact Kali Aldrich at kalrich@rochestermnchamber.com to discuss advertising options.

| Advantage Magazine 18

February 2023

Chamber News C

WELCOME NEW CHAMBER AMABASSADORS

T he Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes three new ambassadors: • Travis Arment, Arment and Associates, LLC of American Family Insurance • Jordan Broers, Benedictine Foundation • Maria Serbus, Maria Serbus LLC We would also like to recognize outgoing ambassadors, Kirk Boyum at Edward Jones and Jeff Winter at Med City Creative, for their outstanding service and commitment through the years. About the Chamber Ambassadors The Rochester Area Chamber Ambassadors are a group of local business representatives from a diverse area of sectors who are committed to promoting Chamber activities and membership. Ambassadors represent the Chamber and serve as the embodiment of its mission, vision, and values. Ambassadors perform a wide variety of duties in the Chamber, but their main function is to be a positive advocate for the Chamber, welcoming new members and assisting in making Chamber events valuable and successful for our members. The Chamber’s Ambassador Program is highly respected in the community and allows significant exposure for the Ambassador’s sponsoring company as well as professional growth of each participant. Ambassadors are given the opportunity to meet and interact with regional businesses and local leaders. The Ambassadors are our most visible supporters promoting the Chamber and welcoming new members into the community. The Ambassadors are invaluable to the mission of the Chamber and the Chamber is grateful for their commitment to business success in Rochester.

Travis Arment

Jordan Broers

To view a full listing of the Chamber’s ambassadors visit www.rochestermnchamber.com/about/chamber-ambassadors

Maria Serbus

Advantage Magazine | 19

February 2023

ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Join the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 for our Annual Celebration! This gala will celebrate the success and growth of the business community in the Greater Rochester Area.

AGENDA 5:30PM-6:00PM Networking & Introduction 6:15PM Program & Entertainment 7:45PM Networking

The Fun Pianos! show by 176 Keys Dueling Pianos is sure to get you off your feet, singing, dancing and laughing the night away! ENTERTAINMENT

RSVP by Feb. 17 at http://bit.ly/3YGk8cY

| Advantage Magazine 20

February 2023

$90 FOR GENERAL ADMISSION | $70 FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

EVENT SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSOR:

ISG | MINNESOTA ENERGY RESOURCES | WEST BANK

TABLE SPONSORS:

125 LIVE ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ASSOCIATED BANK BENIKE CONSTRUCTION

HY-VEE IBM KNIGHT BARRY TITLE KNXR - MINNESOTA 97.5 KTTC OLMSTED COUNTY ONB BANK PEOPLE’S ENERGY COOPERATIVE POSSABILITIES PREMIER BANK MINNESOTA REAGAN OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ROCHESTER CLINIC ROCHESTER COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

ROCHESTER POST BULLETIN ROCHESTER TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY RSP ARCHITECTS STINSON SERVICES INC THINK BANK TOWNSQUARE MEDIA UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ROCHESTER WIDSETH

BOLTON & MENK, INC. CAPS KITCHEN & BATH

CRW ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN GROUP EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS GILLETTE PEPSI OF ROCHESTER HAWKINS ASH CPAS HEYN BROTHERS HGA HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK

WINGS FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, INC. WSB

Advantage Magazine | 21 INTERESTED IN BEING A TABLE SPONSOR? PLEASE CONTACT ALLY SHEEHAN, ASHEEHAN@ROCHESTERMNCHAMBER.COM, TO SECURE YOUR SPOT! February 2023

Chamber News C

hosted by

J oin us for Business after Hours (BAH), a monthly networking function which brings professionals together to network and build valuable business relationships. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while connecting with a variety of businesses and organizations operating in the greater Rochester area. This event is a great opportunity to increase your organization’s visibility and generate productive business leads. Empire Event Center has a modern meeting space, exceptional service, and delectable cuisine. They are here to make your vision a reality! They are conveniently attached to Best Western Rochester and are here to serve you. Minnesota 97.5 Rochester’s Greatest Hits! Locally owned and community focused. 100,000 watt station location in the heart of Rochester, MN. Date: Thursday, February 16 , 2023 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 1517 16th St SW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested Register here: https://bit.ly/3BAB62q

A M Espresso is a monthly Networking PLUS event brought to you by the Chamber. Come join fellow Chamber and community members to expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy delicious breakfast refreshments. We believe there is value for all in building a supportive business community. As the local economy shifts towards recovery, it is more important than ever to interact with each other to share ideas and best practices. Benedictine Living Community offers two senior living communities in Rochester, MN: Benedictine Madon- na Towers and Benedictine Madonna Meadows. Both not-for-profit communities provide friendly, engaging lifestyles and are committed to deliver- ing compassionate senior care that’s rooted in our core values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect and Justice. We also honor the diversity of our residents, including people of all faiths, ideas and experiences. Date: Friday, February 3, 2023 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Benedictine Madonna Towers, 4001 19th Ave NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested Register here: https://bit.ly/3W3tfCo

| Advantage Magazine 22

February 2023

Chamber News C

A re 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 in the Rochester Chamber Conference Room on Thursday, February 9th from 3:30pm-4:30pm. 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: Thursday, February 9, 2023 Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm Location: Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room – 220 Broadway Ave S Suite 100, Rochester (same entrance as Hotel Indigo and CRAVE, parking available at the second street ramp) Admission: Free, registration required Register here: http://bit.ly/3HfhRPk

E ggs and Issues is a long-standing series presented by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce that provides opportunities for member businesses to learn about and discuss the issues that impact their businesses and the community. The latest installment of the Eggs and Issues series will focus on the Minnesota State Budget. Join us on Friday, February 17th, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as Commissioner Jim Schowalter of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB) presents and discusses the budget forecast for the state of Minnesota. Commissioner Schowalter will share insight into priorities and initiatives surrounding the budget and potential challenges and opportunities for Minnesota’s financial stability moving forward. Date: Friday, February 17, 2023 Time: 8:30am-10:00am Location: Empire Event Center, 1517 16th St. SW Admission: $15 for members, $30 for general admission, registration is required by February 10 Register here: https://bit.ly/3HtVKn6

SPONSOR