A Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Publication
July 2021
IBM 65 Years of innovation in rochester
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2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION A look back with legislators
ASK THE EXPERTS The RAC, CIT, and ServiceMaster
MEET THE MEMBER Burn Boot Camp South
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What’s Inside
Feature
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IBM: Innovation At Its Best
Meet the Member Burn Boot Camp South
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Newsreel
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Ribbon Cuttings
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Where is the Advantage?
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Advertising Information: Brent Ackerman backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com
Advantage Information and Questions: Katie Becker kbecker@RochesterMNChamber.com
STAFF
2020-2021 CHAMBER BOARD OFFICERS
Ryan Parsons 507-288-1122
Lizzy Haywood People’s Food Co-op
President
Chair of the Board
Membership Development Director
Brent Ackerman 507-424-5666 Cherie Thurlow 507-288-1122 Sam Gill 507-424-5687 Tim Shea 507-424-5663 Morgan Shaw 507-424-5665 Cheryl Krage 507-424-5699 Katie Becker 507-424-5661
Vice Chair Christy Blade
Post Bulletin, LLC James Kelly Harris Rochester, Inc. Emily Benner Preventice Ryan Parsons
Treasurer
Administrative Assistant
Secretary
Director of Operations
Chamber President
Communications Director
Member and Community Engagement Director
Director of Programs
Membership Director
2020-2021 CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS
Laurie Ackerman Jessica Eidem Scott Eggert* John Eckerman Steve Dunn Aaron Benike Chad Behnken Dr. Christine Beech Sharon Schneller Marge Kelley Cathy Fraser
Sarah Miller
Opportunity Services Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies Hamilton Real Estate
White Space Carlson Capital Management Mayo Clinic
Dave Pederson Sylwia Bujak Oliver Omar Nur Nate Nordstrom Dan Nistler AnJuana Napue Matt Morehead John Reed* Joselyn Raymundo Jack Priggen Teresa Czaplewski
RSP Architects Taco JED Benike Construction
Somali American Social Service Assoc. Brandhoot Merchants Bank
IBM Corporation Broadway Plaza
Rochester Home Infusion Cardinal of Minnesota Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. 125 Live Rochester Airport Co.
Express Employment Professionals Mayo Clinic
Olmsted Medical Center
Dr. Lori Carrell
University of Minnesota - Rochester
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home
*Denotes at large members of the Executive Committee
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.
VALUES As a service organization, the Chamber is committed to conducting our work in accordance with the following values: Collaboration | Diversity |Innovation Integrity | Proactivity
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 Issue #4 Volume #13 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 (free to Chamber members) | Lizzy Haywood, Chair of the Board | Editor: Katie Becker Printed by Johnson Printing | Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com
Note from the President N
Note from the President
D ear Members, As we enter the second half of 2021, I want to take an opportunity to thank our members and community for your support of Rochester Chamber programs and events. We strive to create programs that can inform, connect, and develop our area businesses and provide you with unique opportunities for your investment in the Rochester Chamber. Over the past six months, we have evolved long-standing programs and created new events to engage members in virtual and in-person formats, including the June 3 Annual Celebration. Your support of these events through attendance, sponsorship and as contributors is greatly appreciated. That support provides the Chamber the opportunity to produce high-quality events and create new programs for you and your staff. As the Chamber team begins to plan for 2022, we want to ensure our members can also strategically plan their engagement in the Rochester Chamber in the year ahead. To achieve this, the Chamber team is excited to announce the 2022 Chamber Resource Campaign (CRC). Beginning this August, the CRC will provide members with details of Chamber events and programming planned for 2022 and an efficient opportunity to create a custom plan of involvement with the help of the Chamber staff. Read on in this issue of the Advantage for more information on the CRC, including dates to remember. The Rochester Chamber team and leadership is grateful for your support and partnership throughout 2021, and we’re excited for your involvement in the months ahead. Thank you!
Ryan Parsons President
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July 2021
Feature F IBM: Innovation At Its Best
By Maura Keller
Perhaps the most significant event at the IBM Rochester site during the early 1960s – one that would shape the future for IBM Rochester and the corporation – was the announcement that a development laboratory would be established in Rochester. By the end of the 1960s, the
IBM employees with their first built product, the 077 Numeric Collator, in 1956.
first totally Rochester-developed computer, the IBM System/3 was announced.
Fast forward to the late 1980s and a new family of business computers emerged from IBM Rochester – the AS/400. The
I t was 65 years ago that IBM® President Thomas J. Watson, Jr. met with Rochester business, professional, and civic leaders at The Kahler Hotel and announced that after a quiet review of several Midwestern cities, IBM had selected Rochester, Minnesota, as the location of its newest facility. As Tory Johnson, Vice President, IBM Supply Chain Engineering, and Minnesota / Rochester Senior Location Executive, explains, IBM’s beginnings in Rochester were the start of an amazing journey of innovation and change. “For the past 65 years, the journey has been led by thousands of talented, dedicated individuals who have had a vision that providing innovative solutions to IT challenges will enhance businesses, governments, organizations, and the quality of life itself,” Johnson says. “No one could have envisioned the magnitude of technological change IBMers in Rochester have created the past 65 years, nor can anyone chart the next 65 years of innovation.” On August 27, 1956, the first day of operations, Rochester IBMers built their first product, the 077 Numeric Collator, which processed punched cards at a rate of four per second. Within the next 65 years, the IBM Rochester team has collaborated on the design, development, and building of some of the fastest supercomputers the world has ever seen with the most recent capable of performing complex computations at a rate of 200 quadrillion operations per second.
systems were designed and manufactured in Rochester and are the predecessor of today’s IBM i systems, which continue to be an important part of the work done today at IBM Rochester. In the early 2000s, IBM Rochester began creating new business opportunities to best utilize its vast technical talent. By mid-2002, IBMers developed a core concept of providing technology bundled in services as a customer solution by providing unprecedented access to IBM engineers to outside companies. This concept led to IBM-developed processor architecture being the choice of three major gaming platforms for their next-generation systems. “In the past decade, the Rochester team has diversified to meet the needs and challenges of today’s global IT marketplace,” Johnson says. “Rochester IBMers continue advancing the IBM i system, keeping it relevant for its many dedicated business clients.” In addition to hardware and software development, IBMers in Rochester are deeply involved in IBM Cloud, as well as cognitive software and artificial intelligence solutions for business using IBM Watson. Rochester teams also continue their work in supercomputers and have also established themselves as an important part of the IBM Quantum computing efforts, which aim to eventually solve very specific, complex computational problems that are impossible or
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July 2021
Feature F
impractical to solve using classical supercomputers, no matter how large or powerful. Working with IBM Research, an IBM Quantum dedicated team in Rochester has been active since 2016 (when IBM put the first quantum computer on the cloud) and has evolved to play a significant role in the development, bring-up and delivery of control electronics, including the enablement of control electronics supporting real-time compute. “Quantum computing has a way of energizing and exciting young folks coming out of college in a very powerful way,” says George Zettles, Rochester squad lead and IBM Quantum Ambassador. “People are excited about the prospect of joining the IBM team to work on this new technology. It has brought newfound energy to Rochester and a sense of being a part of something very special.” IBM’s Quantum Network already includes more than 150 organizations from around the world. And, as part of the company’s hardware and development roadmaps, IBM plans to deploy a quantum system with more than 1,000 qubits in 2023, capable of exploring a meaningful quantum advantage – the point where certain information processing tasks can be performed more efficiently or cost effectively on a quantum computer, versus a classical one. Rochester will very much be a part of this vision, with the IBM Quantum team’s expertise in control systems and other areas. Beyond IT innovations, IBM Rochester is also home to a sizable Finance team that supports financial reporting, analysis, pricing, and transformation across all of IBM. This group of Rochester IBMers is recognized as leaders in process, data and technology transformation, having deployed Agile Ways of Working, pioneered Data Science and AI, developed Enterprise Performance Management, and led process and workflow optimization for greater speed, transparency, and understanding for IBM.
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July 2021
Feature
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As Mathew Bjorngaard, Business Planning Analyst, IBM Finance and Operations explains, IBM Finance’s presence has grown tremendously in Rochester over the past decade and is now one of the largest finance hubs within IBM. “When I began working for IBM in 2015, we had over 400 finance employees in Rochester,” Bjorngaard says. “As the organization has continued to
IBM Summit Super Computers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
For instance, despite the pandemic, IBMers never stopped giving of their time, talents, and monetary gifts, pledging more than $1.2 million during IBM’s annual employee charitable contribution campaign and volunteering nearly 32,000 hours generating thousands of dollars in grants given to area non-profits. “Throughout its 65-year history, the legacy of IBM’s employees has made it possible to build upon their skills and reinvent themselves as the needs for technology continue to change,” Johnson says. “IBM Rochester’s employees recognize their future relies not only on what is happening in the tech world today but to continue working to create innovations that truly matter in the world tomorrow.”
grow, we’ve also seen an increase in job opportunities, as more roles have come to Rochester that were previously in our corporate location (in New York). The increase in upper-level jobs has also meant a bigger role for Rochester within IBM.” During his tenure with the company, Bjorngaard has seen the IBM Finance team receive more opportunities to have a bigger impact in strategic decision making. This initiative, called “Finance Accelerate” began about 18 months ago and aims to bring Agile principles to the Finance organization with the goal of employees having less siloed work and instead assisting in the end-to-end processes within the business. “This has allowed Finance folks to get a better understanding of the business and have more opportunities to provide real impact on business decisions, as we work more closely with IBM leadership and those making strategic decisions,” Bjorngaard says. “By no means has the ‘Finance Accelerate’ initiative been easy – there have been many starts, stops, and stumbles, but it’s just another example of IBM’s willingness to try new things to improve the company.” When all is said and done, the most important part of IBM Rochester is the IBMer. As Johnson points out, beyond the innovation happening behind the blue walls in northwest Rochester, IBMers are committed to the communities in which they live.
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July 2021
The Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust announces the return of “Park the Arts”! Park the Arts is a city-wide project created to connect neighborhoods and develop a sense of community through exposure to quality arts programming. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Enjoy an afternoon to socialize, relax, and be entertained by outstanding artists.
July 10 - 2:00pm-3:30pm Rain date July 11 Central Park, 225 1st Ave. NW SWING STREET
LOUD MOUTH BRASS AND MCNASTY BRASS BAND
July 17 - 2:00pm-3:30pm Rain date July 18 Cimarron Park, 2029 48th St. NW
A BRIEF HISTORY OF JAZZ, BLUES & GOSPEL PART II With Brass Etc., John Sievers, Doug Porter, Knufunk, LaSonya Navidad, and Annie Mack
July 24 - 2:00pm-3:30pm Rain date July 25 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1738 E Center St.
SEMAC activities are made possible by the voters through grants from the MN State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Park the Arts is funded in part by a Start-Up Event Grant from the Rochester Downtown Alliance.
CARLA AND VERNA SCHMIDT FOUNDATION
2021 Legislative Session L 2021 Legislative Session: A Look Back with Legislators
Q: What are one or two outcomes from the 2021 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: Businesses in the Rochester area -- and really, all throughout Minnesota -- have been clamoring for relief. In particular, the number one issue I heard about was the Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans that many businesses used to keep their doors open and keep people on the payroll. Those loans were exempted from federal taxes, but due to a quirk in our tax laws, we had to take a specific action to exempt them from state taxes as well. The Senate took early action on this issue, but it took until the end of session for Gov. Walz and the House to agree with us and get it done. Those loans will now be exempt from state taxes, and related PPP expenses will be tax deductible. Of all the critical business provisions in the final tax bill, this is the most notable and important provision in the final tax agreement. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A : The Tax committee has focused on nimble, good tax and fiscal policies that empower Minnesota families and grow economic activity. As the chair of the committee, I am especially happy with the results we achieved and the impact it will have on southeast Minnesota. We created a new affordable housing tax credit to bring private money into the marketplace. We extended the Angel Tax Credit to encourage investments in startup companies focused on high technology, new proprietary technology, and other groundbreaking fields. We extended the successful, job creating tax credit to restore historic buildings. We established a film production tax credit to generate more economic activity from the film industry, and we provided supplemental local government aid for communities who need it most. Q: What are one or two outcomes from the 2021 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: One outcome of the 2021 legislative session that I am especially proud of is the substantial investment in and support of childcare and early learning. This will have a significant positive impact on the business community as well as families across Minnesota. As I talk with small business owners across the district, I often hear how lack of affordable childcare is a barrier to recruiting and retaining staff. The investments made to stabilize and support this system are needed now more than ever, given the additional challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am proud to be part of this important and impactful work. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: One accomplishment I would note from this session is the inclusion of a provision I carried to expand the funding and reach of the Bridges to Healthcare program. This is a wonderful program with proven success that supports and provides wrap-around services for people, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so, to go into healthcare careers. This public/private partnership is a win/win for our community and local healthcare organizations, big and small. As a nurse myself, I know how important and rewarding a career in healthcare can be, and I am happy to do all I can to support this program so that others can experience that as well.
Rep. Liz Boldon District 25B
Sen. Carla Nelson District 26
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July 2021
2021 Legislative Session L
Q: What are one or two outcomes from the 2021 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: Since its introduction in 2017, Minnesota’s reinsurance system has acted as a national standard for stabilizing healthcare markets. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s reinsurance program was not extended over the next biennium, which is a significant disappointment. Reinsurance helped stabilize the insurance market following the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, which saw substantial premium increases. Without reinsurance, Minnesotans will likely see higher premiums and fewer options in their healthcare. Unfortunately, despite frequent debate on the House Floor and within committee, reinsurance did not get the attention it deserved. Without an extension to reinsurance, those who participate A: I am happy to say that Payment Protection Program tax conformity will be included within the final tax bill. However, it remains disappointing that the legislature was unable to pass Paycheck Protection Program relief before Minnesotans’ taxes were due on May 17th. Our families and businesses needed these funds to make ends meet during the pandemic. While PPP funds will be fully forgiven in the final budget, it was a shame we could not get this done before we adjourned in the regular session. in the individual market will be disproportionately harmed. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? Q: What are one or two outcomes from the 2021 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: As recently as late 2020, the state was looking at a budget deficit but thanks to a recovering economy and federal funds flowing into our state, Minnesota instead has a $4+ billion-dollar budget surplus. Despite this, there were still calls to raise taxes on Minnesotans – stopping these proposed tax increases on Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses is the biggest accomplishment from the soon to be completed special session. The legislature also passed several bipartisan business relief grants on top of what was coming from the federal government. Many of these grants and programs ran through the state as well as county level. As of this writing on June 24, there is an agreement in place to exempt forgiven PPP loans from state taxes and exempt the increase in UI taxes to match what the federal government did for state taxes as well. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: Unfortunately, with remote hearings and the state budget looming over session there were fewer bills passed on their own during legislative session. The bipartisan work done all year long to help businesses and individuals harmed by the pandemic and shutdowns were among the most notable accomplishment from the past year. While the budget bills are still being passed, the fact PPP & UI tax relief was included and all tax increases removed while transportation funding was increased by almost 22% are all good news for our state.
Rep. Nels Pierson District 26B
Rep. Duane Quam District 25A
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July 2021
Legislative Feedback
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Q: What are one or two outcomes from the 2021 Legislative Session that will have a significant impact on the Rochester area business community? A: There are several, but since the question asks for one, I would say passing a conformity bill to make sure our small businesses weren’t hit with the burden of a heavy tax bill because they utilized the relief they desperately needed under the Federal Paycheck Protection Program. This was not an easy success as the House DFL and Governor Walz were not favorable to exempting the Federal relief from income tax. While they were intent, they were ultimately unsuccessful in increasing income tax rates, which would have adversely affected many businesses. Q: What is a notable or key accomplishment from the session? A: I will biasly focus on my committee and say that we passed, what critics say, is the best energy bill since 2007. It recognizes the emerging energy transition and makes strategic investments in emerging technologies. The bill also updates several renewable energy programs, including efforts to expand the use of renewable natural gas, as well as, increases to the Xcel’s Solar Rewards program. It creates the Solar for Schools program to provide energy for the schools and learning opportunities for the students. Lastly, I’ve passed the ECO bill, which focuses on energy conservation and rate payer cost savings.
Sen. David Senjem District 25
Editor’s Note: Representative Tina Liebling was unavailable to provide a questionnaire submission by the publication deadline.
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July 2021
Ask the Experts A
Ask the Experts Experts Frequently Asked Questions answered by the experts from local Rochester businesses. Q: What is the importance of resistance training? A: To many people, the idea of lifting weights is limited to
bodybuilders or individuals looking to maximize their muscle mass. This is a limited lens to view resistance training through. Strength levels are a surprisingly accurate predictor of health and wellness. In simple terms, the stronger a person is, the lower their chances of dying are, and the better their quality of life is. It is important to address that this statement is true for natural strength, not strength built through the
use of performance enhancing substances. The importance of musculoskeletal health and strength for healthy aging, improved quality of life, and increased longevity is shown in many peer reviewed studies. If you would like to read some, here are several PMID’s for you to review: PMID: 30640736, PMID: 21541735, PMID: 22777332, PMID: 29186762, PMID: 28572857. Q: How can technology help to transition my business to hy- brid or fully remote? Steve Boring The RAC
A: As many jobs shifted to remote, many companies have seen increased productivity and lower operational costs. Workers have found that they prefer WFH to the point that they are willing to quit if forced to return. It’s safe to say that remote workers will continue to be a larger part of the workforce going forward. Here are 2 top solutions for your remote workforce: 1. Modern Desktop. A modern desktop means that a remote employee’s laptop or desktop can be authenticated,
Kyle Etter CIT
managed, and secured over the internet without a direct connection back to a corporate office. This means that compliance, remote support, and device maintenance - all with an internet connection. 2. Cloud-enabled applications. For a remote workforce to be highly productive, businesses need to consider moving to applications that are internet-facing and provide the ability to access without the need to connect via VPN etc. back to a corporate environment. Q: How can I make a healthy home or workplace?
A: For many years, a common misconception was 80% of the dust in our indoor environments is from human skin. While some of the indoor “soiling” may contain human skin, most is dirt, pollen, pollution, pet hair or particles tracked in from outdoors. So how do we keep things healthy with this stuff coming in from outdoors? Simple cleaning will eliminate most of the issues. Carpeted surfaces should be cleaned weekly as they are the biggest filter in your home or business. Hard surfaces should be cleaned twice weekly, or you can add more contaminates to the air just walking through a space. HVAC systems propel particles throughout buildings, so change filters quarterly or twice a year,
Robert Mesenburg ServiceMaster
depending on the filter type. Window coverings can be an attractor of dirt… vacuum window coverings monthly for best results. Horizontal surfaces collect many soils and should be cleaned weekly. If you have allergies, an air filtration device can remove excess particles from the air. These quick and easy tips will make your home or business a healthy place to live or work. For more information visit ServiceMaster of Rochester at www.svmrochester.com.
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July 2021
Meet the Member M Meet the Member: Burn Boot Camp
A s soon as you walk in to Burn Boot Camp, you can feel the empowering energy. Maybe it’s from the motivational trainers or the fun music playlists, but when you walk in to Burn Boot Camp you immediately feel ready to get to work towards a better you. At Burn Boot Camp, their elite certified personal trainers will push you towards your fitness goals. You get all the benefits of a personal trainer while being in an
The Burn Boot Camp South team (from left to right) Spencer Bohr, Shalamar Mesenbring, Lindy Mathis, and Leyton Bohr.
encouraging group setting. With different workouts every day, you are sure to maximize results. We were able to sit down with the team from Burn Boot Camp South to ask them a few questions. Q : Tell us about Burn Boot Camp. What does your company offer to the Rochester region? A : Burn Boot Camp Rochester has two local fitness studios featuring an ever-changing mix of cardio, HIIT, and strength training, so you never experience the same workout twice. Our members enjoy access to unlimited 45-minute drop-in workouts produced by the Nation’s top trainers, designed to engage your full body and deliver complete body change. Each workout takes place on our signature “floating floor” that helps produce results for every fitness level. As a gym designed for busy lifestyles, we offer a unique wellness and lifestyle experience for all;
complimentary Childwatch at every location, personal 1:1 meetings with trainers, a universal membership that allows our members to visit any gym across the country, and an inspiring and supportive life-changing community. Q: How did Burn Boot Camp Start? A: We opened our doors almost 5 years ago here in Rochester at our South location (TJ Maxx Plaza). We have already transformed hundreds of lives in the Rochester area. Thanks to our strong community, and our amazing member base in transforming lives, we outgrew our first location within the first year. We then opened our second location, Rochester North (Bandel Rd.). We have already transformed hundreds, if not thousands of lives in the Rochester area, with no plans of slowing down. Q: Burn Boot Camp has been a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce since the beginning of this year. What do you find valuable in your membership to the organization? A: It is so important to Burn Boot Camp that we stay plugged in and connected to the organizations within the Rochester Community. Community is the heart and soul of our company. We believe so strongly in giving back to our community, as well as fostering and building those relationships in our
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July 2021
Meet the Member M
Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry? A: The outlook for not only our business, but the fitness industry as a whole, is promising as we enter a rebuilding phase after this last year of so many unknowns. We know more than ever, the importance of dedicating ourselves to our physical and mental wellbeing, and what an amazing impact fitness can have on our mind and body. We are aiming to inspire and transform the fitness culture everywhere!! We are leading the charge to create healthy communities all over our country, and right here in Rochester. We seek to build confidence, happiness, and disciplines that transcend fitness into our community of mentally, emotionally, and physically strong women & families. To empower our members to believe they can do anything they set their mind to, with the support and dedication of our elite personal trainers, members learn the tools to reach their goals
vibrant community. Our locations work monthly with local organizations, to give back to our community through donations, events, and drives. Being part of the Chamber, and learning and connecting with businesses and community groups has been amazing. It has provided us with new resources, connections and organizations to partner within Rochester. Q : What’s a unique fact people should know about Burn Boot Camp? A: We are #burnnation! Burn Boot Camp is built on community, family, and our supportive culture. We offer dynamic challenging workouts for members of all fitness levels. We feel Burn sets itself apart by creating a hybrid program of maximum intensity and gritty effort combined with unparalleled positivity, motivation, encouragement, and teamwork. We have a strong emphasis on women’s health and well-being, offering co-ed and women’s only camp options throughout the day. Our company strives to empower both women and men.
and create a new sustainable lifestyle. Visit Burn Boot Camp online to learn more www.burnbootcamp.com.
Burn Boot Camp’s workouts are never the same and include a combination of strength and high intensity interval training.
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July 2021
Chamber News C Chamber Welcomes New Staff Members
Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Katie has found her way to Rochester, Minnesota and truly loves the culture and community in Rochester. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Jordan, and their rescue dog Link, reading, skiing, hiking, and volunteering in her community. At the Chamber, Katie will be in charge of most of the Chamber’s communications, including our monthly Advantage Magazine, our Weekly Update email, social media, promotional materials, and more. The Chamber is excited to welcome Katie to our team! Morgan Shaw joins the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce as the Member and Community Engagement Director. Her professional background is in hospitality and event management. Morgan brings her experience from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada; a 17,500 fixed seating arena that hosts the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team. At the T-Mobile Arena, her main focus was on ticket operations for concerts and sporting events. She also brings knowledge from her time at the Alerus Center; a 13,000 fixed seating arena that can accommodate 22,000 for concerts, and boasts a 40,000 sq foot conference center, located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Being an Event Manager at this facility, her primary event focus was on weddings, banquets, concerts, and sporting events. In Morgan’s free time she enjoys volunteering at an equine therapeutic center, spending time with her dogs, and partaking in outdoor actives. We are excited to have Morgan join our team and be apart of the Rochester Area Community!
Katie Becker
Morgan Shaw
Katie Becker joins the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce as the Communications Director. Katie recently graduated with high distinction from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. She comes to us with over two years of marketing and communications experience. In her most recent role, Katie was a Marketing Account Manager for a local start-up company. Before that, she worked as a Marketing Intern at Everlast Climbing, a climbing wall production company in Minneapolis.
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July 2021
Chamber News C
Chamber Announces Chamber Resource Campaign Dates to remember:
• Right of first refusal period: Monday, August 2nd – Tuesday, August 31st • Open Enrollment: Wednesday, September 1st • Close of Chamber Resource Campaign: Tuesday, November 30th On behalf of the Chamber Team, Thank you for your continued support of our organization.
T he Chamber is excited to introduce our new Chamber Resource Campaign (CRC). The Chamber Resource Campaign will begin August 2021 and is designed to streamline the process when preparing your yearly budget and to bring awareness of all potential Chamber program engagement opportunities for 2022. Bringing together all the information of the CRC is the CRC Catalog. The CRC Catalog will serve as a resource that showcases our events and programs, by providing valuable details such as event descriptions, available sponsorship levels, and benefits associated with each sponsorship. Members will have access to the CRC Catalog in late July. This year’s CRC will begin Monday, August 2nd with the right of first refusal period. All current sponsors will receive a packet outlining sponsorship opportunities for 2022 based on their involvement in 2021. On Wednesday, September 1st, open enrollment will begin. During this time any new or current sponsors will have an opportunity to add or upgrade their sponsorship involvement can do so. The 2022 CRC will conclude on Tuesday, November 30.
Interested in getting a head-start on 2022 sponsorship opportunities? Looking to learn more? Email Morgan Shaw at mshaw@RochesterMNChamber.com.
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July 2021
Chamber News C Chamber Kicks Off the Summer with Annual Celebration
He even sang the National Anthem at the end! Thank you, Mark, for bringing your energy to Rochester. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting the Chamber and local businesses through sponsoring our Summer Annual Celebration. Thank you to our platinum sponsors; Mayo Clinic, Experience Rochester MN, and Mayo Civic Center. Thank you to our silver sponsors; Destination Medical Center, Kraus-Anderson, Olmsted Medical Center, and Wells Fargo. Thank you to our media sponsor; Livewire.
Mark Lindquist delivered an engaging and inspiring speech at the 2021 Summer Annual Celebration.
And thank you to our Bronze and Table Sponsors as well. We appreciate your support. Thank you to everyone for an exciting Chamber Summer Annual Celebration. We hope you had a wonderful time!
T he Chamber kicked off the summer with our first big, in-person event since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Summer Annual Celebration. Hosted at the Mayo Civic Center, guests were able to enjoy delicious food, engaging speakers, and a chance to network. Being able to come together as a community during what has been a very difficult year for most was refreshing and exciting. The event inspired hope that as a community, we can get through anything and rebuild our economy together. Throughout the evening, guests were able to hear remarks from Chamber President Ryan Parsons, Board Chair Lizzy Haywood of People’s Food Cooperative, outgoing Chair Aaron Benike of Benike Construction, and incoming Chair Christy Blade of the Post Bulletin. Mark Lindquist was our feature keynote speaker of the night and did an incredible job bringing his energy and remarkable story-telling to Rochester. Mark has appeared in ABC’s LOST, CBS’ Hawaii Five-O, and is a world touring entertainer and an Air Force and Afghanistan War Veteran. With all his unique experiences, he was able to tell his story and inspire the audience.
Guests enjoying a delicious dinner while Chamber President Ryan Parsons delivers remarks.
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July 2021
Chamber News
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Eggs and Issues: Transportation Outlook R epresentatives from Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and ZEF Energy delivered project updates at the Chamber’s Eggs and Issues: Transportation Outlook event. From highway improvements and rapid transit plans, to electric vehicle infrastructure and mode planning, this event provided an excellent opportunity for the business community to learn more about transportation initiatives in the region, including the projects that will impact the transport of people and goods in our region for years to come. This event was made possible thanks to series sponsors Charter Communications, Mayo Clinic, Premier Bank Rochester, and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, and session sponsor Minnesota Energy Resources.
Women’s Roundtable
W omen’s Roundtable provides a space for women to practice and refine skills, discuss challenges specific to women in positions of leadership, and learn together. Mark your calendars for next month’s Hybrid Women’s Roundtable, with featured speaker, Pamela Caserta Hugdahl, Executive Director of the Rochester Art Center, on July 23 , 2021. This will be our first hybrid meeting with the option to attend virtually or In Person in the Chamber’s Conference Room. Next Date: Friday, July 23 , 2021 Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting and In Person in the Rochester Area Chamber’s Conference Room at 220 S Broadway, STE 100. Free, but Registration is Required. In Person Capacity is limited to 18, so register early. WE Forum T he WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Forum brings together women in business throughout the Rochester region who wish to share knowledge and resources to support new business creation and growth. This group was developed by the Kabara Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies of Saint Mary’s University of MN - Rochester to offer educational programming for business owners. The July 15, 2021 meeting, Leading in the Workplace , will be back IN PERSON at the St. Mary’s University - Rochester Campus. Our panelists, Mayor Kim Norton, Bethany von Steinbergs, and Robin Gwaltney, are a group of women who have diverse experiences in leadership and will each share what they have learned. Next Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021 Time: 8:00am - 9:00am Where: St. Mary’s University - Rochester Campus - 2900 19th St NW, Rochester, MN
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| Advantage Magazine 20
July 2021
Chamber News C
Join Us for an Un-FORE-gettable Day of Golf!
Title Sponsor:
Eagle Sponsors:
Join us for the 2021 Chamber Golf Outing at the Rochester Golf and Country Club.
D ust off your clubs and assemble your foursome, the Chamber Golf Outing is returning this fall! Hosted at the beautiful Rochester Golf and Country Club on Monday, September 13, the 41st Annual Chamber Golf Outing will feature great networking opportunities, good food, and exciting golf. Also, the team with the lowest score will be awarded the President’s Cup! Register now for a chance to add your team’s name to the trophy and join the likes of Merchants Bank, who won the trophy in 2020. Call (507) 288-1122 or contact Brent Ackerman at backerman@RochesterMNChamber.com for more information or to register today. Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 Registration: 9:30 - 11am Shotgun Start: 11am Dinner & Awards: 5pm Location: Rochester Golf and Country Club Registration: Team: $800 Individual: $200 Register here: http://bit.ly/RACCGolfOuting21
Birdie Sponsors:
Hole Sponsors:
• Labovitz MBA • ONB Bank • Premier Bank • Reagan Outdoor Advertising • ServiceMaster • The Boldt Company • Think Bank
• Ability Building Community • Altra Federal Credit Union • Clifton Larson Allen LLP • Custom Alarm
• EO Johnson • DBS Group
• Haley Comfort Systems • Home2 Suites by Hilton • KIMT
Cart Sponsor: Bremer Bank Lunch and Dinner Sponsor:
Rochester Motor Cars Drink Station Sponsor: KNXR Minnesota 97.5
Advantage Magazine | 21
July 2021
Community News C Impact of Rochester’s Clean and Safe Ambassador Program
From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, the Clean and Safe Ambassadors have accomplished the following: • Picked up 60,042 cigarette butts • Disinfected 6,502 infrastructures (high-touch areas like crosswalk buttons, parking meters, and public seating) • Cleaned 2,963 infrastructures
• Disposed of 1,866 COVID-19 masks • Provided 1,681 hospitality assists • Removed 1,574 pieces of graffiti • Cleared snow from 1,473 corners • Collected 1,317 bags of trash • Pulled weeds from 1,139 blocks • Cleaned 1,058 bus stops
J uly 1 marks one year since the Clean and Safe Ambassador Program started in downtown Rochester, and it has made a big impact in those 365 days.
“I think the Ambassadors are professional, give excellent directions, and are extremely friendly,” said Ken Nuss of Victoria’s Ristorante. “At first, I wasn’t sure how the program was going to impact the downtown, but I have come to respect them for their diligence and responsiveness. They do their job well.” “The Clean and Safe Ambassadors have allowed the Rochester Downtown Alliance to create and maintain more public amenities, welcome folks into our community, and increase communications with our downtown businesses. This program has become a vital piece in how we are building an inviting downtown community,” Karli McElroy, RDA director of operations. The program is funded by the City of Rochester, Mayo Clinic, and the downtown Rochester special service district members. It does not replace but enhances the City of Rochester’s work by bringing additional improvements to downtown Rochester’s appearance. Visit DowntownRochesterMN.com/CleanandSafe for more information about downtown Rochester’s Clean and Safe Ambassador Program.
We share your home dreams.
Building a home that’s uniquely you - that’s important. It starts by talking about your goals so we can help you find a financing option that makes sense for you. As your financial partner, our team is committed to making your dreams a reality.
Let’s build together.
Katie Lund (507) 535-1543
Nicole Williamson (507) 536-3901
Subject to approval. Member FDIC
| Advantage Magazine 22
July 2021
Community News C
Rochester Recognized as Finalist in Global Mayors Challenge
Rochester’s proposal focuses on the economic mobility of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women through careers in all-phases of construction. In Rochester, where 40% of Black residents live in poverty, COVID-19 exacerbated an exodus of BIPOC women from the workforce which threatens to deepen generational disparities. Construction is a key pathway to economic recovery and sustainable job growth, as Rochester’s $6 billion Destination Medical Center (DMC) economic development initiative is expected to generate new construction jobs over 20 years. Mayor Kim Norton shares, “We are very pleased to move forward in this process. Cities that will survive and thrive in the 21st Century are those that recognize economic disparity among minority populations and take an active role in eliminating policies and programs that promote such disparity. Rochester is that city! This economic development focused project reflects our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are deeply aware of the impacts COVID-19 has had on specific members of our community, particularly BIPOC women, and this work would help address the expanded disparities that exist due to the pandemic. Our partnership with community organizations and residents continues to be especially vital to our focus on improving the lives for all community members.” The 50 Champion Cities submitted ideas addressing four of the most significant challenges borne of the pandemic: Economic Recovery & Inclusive Growth; Health & Wellbeing; Climate & Environment; and Good Governance & Equality. A prestigious selection committee co-chaired by Bloomberg Philanthropies board member Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President, Ariel Investments, and David Miliband, President & CEO, International Rescue Committee, assessed the applications to determine the Champion City finalists.
T he City of Rochester, MN is one of 50 Champion Cities selected today as finalists in the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge, a global innovation competition that identifies and accelerates the most ambitious ideas developed by cities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These 50 urban innovations rose to the top of a competitive pool of more than 630 applications from 99 countries, in the first-ever Global Mayors Challenge. As a Mayors Challenge finalist, Rochester now advances to the four-month Champion Phase of the competition. From June through October, the 50 finalist cities will refine their ideas with technical assistance from Bloomberg Philanthropies and its network of leading innovation experts. Fifteen of the 50 cities will ultimately win the grand prize, with each receiving $1 million and robust multi-year technical assistance to implement and scale their ideas. Grand Prize Winners will be announced in early 2022. “These 50 finalists are showing the world that in the face of the pandemic’s enormous challenges, cities are rising to meet them with bold, innovative, and ambitious ideas,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. “By helping these cities test their ideas over the coming months, we will have a chance to identify cutting-edge policies and programs that can allow cities to rebuild in ways that make them stronger and healthier, and more equal and more just.”
Advantage Magazine | 23
July 2021
Community News
C
M y name is Klark Alomassor. I enjoy working with people and helping others. As a Financial Representative, I want to impact the lives of others by educating them on how to improve and maximize their wealth potential while enabling them to be financially organized. We find strategies that consider all the client’s objectives and goals. Having a balanced financial plan provides clients with confidence, stability and allows them to enjoy what they love to do. I noticed that immigrants face language barriers, lack of education, health issues, and more. Because of these barriers, immigrants are not taking advantage of the available resources in their community. Sometimes they are not aware that these resources exist. I joined Minnesota Africans United to help immigrants improve their lives and contribute to the economy through their work or business. I joined SCORE to share my skills and experience. I can help educate and mentor entrepreneurs and business owners who want to start or grow a business. I enjoy assisting immigrants in realizing their dream. I want to build the community and contribute to improving the lives of community members. The SCORE Team helps all people fulfill their goals through mentoring and education. To acquire a Mentor or become a Volunteer, visit: http://WWW.SEMNSCORE.ORG or give us a call at 507-200-0760. SCORE Business Mentoring
City Zoning Updates T he City of Rochester is currently updating the City’s zoning ordinance, which regulates the manner in which private property can be developed. The new zoning ordinance (known as the Unified Development Code) is being drafted in three major installments. Installment 2 which regulates site development and project appearance, was released in May. As part of the City of Rochester’s efforts to engage with the community, the Community Development Department will be hosting virtual and in person opportunities to discuss this installment and collect community member, business, and organization feedback. Beginning in July, Community Development will seek public comment through: Virtual Q&A cafes; Neighborhood Week, a new outdoor event at a city park in each quadrant; community events such as Thursdays Downtown and the Farmer’s Market; presentations at neighborhood meetings; and various targeted outreach. Light food and refreshments will be served at each event, and no RSVP is required. The entire UDC Installment 2 draft is now accessible via the project website. A video overview is also available on the City of Rochester’s YouTube channel. The goal is to have the Unified Development Code finished by late 2021 and approved in 2022. Engagement Opportunities: Q&A Cafe: July 7, 7:30am-9:30am Open House: July 27, 5:00pm-7:00pm Neighborhood Week: August 17, 6:00pm-8:00pm Visit the project website to view all engagement opportunities: https://bit.ly/2Ua0wBt
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July 2021
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