1. Advantage
NOVEMBER 2014
what’s
INSIDE:
4 #2 Most
5 Business
News 12 ADVANTAGE 1
member
November-
Events
2014-15
Livable City Board
10
W W W . R O C H E S T E R M N C H A M B E R . C O M
L to R: Jerry Williams, Lamp of Knowledge
Award Winner
Jim Kelly, Volunteer of the Year
Rory Lenton, Ambassador of the Year
Brent Buchan, President’s Award
BrandHoot, Business of the Year Award
Award Winners 2014 Annual
Member Celebration 2

2. member Small enough to know you
Big enough to provide financing for your needs
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF SPOTLIGHT (COVER STORY)
220 South Broadway, Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55904
P: 507-288-1122
F: 507-282-8960
www.RochesterMNChamber.com
2014-2015 chamber board OFFICERS
Chair of the Board
Sue Reinke Walch, Minnwest Bank
Chair-Elect
Dharani Ramamoorthy, Xylo Technologies
Past Chair
Brent Buchan, Energy Products & Design, Inc.
Treasurer
Mike Busch, Paramark, Inc.
Secretary
Elaine Garry, People’s Energy Cooperative
Chamber President
Rob Miller
2014-2015 chamber BOARD
Aaron Benike, Alvin E. Benike, Inc.
Audrey Betcher, Rochester Public Library
Angie Bowman, Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc.
Mark Carlson, IBM Corporation
Linda Christopherson, ImageSplash Print &
Promotions/Affordable Buttons
Lisa Clarke, Mayo Clinic
Alan DeKeyrel, CWS, Inc.
Cyle Erie, Braun Intertec
Sheryl Good, Grandeville at Cascade Lake
Greg Griffiths, Dunlap & Seegar, P.A.
Kevin Higgins, Olmsted Medical Center
Jenny Hosfeld,Think Mutual Bank
Greg House, House Chevrolet
Shannon Knoepke, Townsquare Media
Tessa Leung, Sontes
Michael Muñoz, Rochester Public Schools
Kevin Patton, Flowers by Jerry
Steve Prigge, Pro Image Promotions & Apparel
Myron Salz, Centerstone Plaza Hotel Soldiers
Field
Ahmad Siddiqui, The UPS Store
Gary Smith, Rochester Area Economic
Development, Inc.
6th
Largest Bank Chartered in Minnesota
Green Meadows | 1600 Greenview Drive SW | Rochester, MN 55902 | (507) 282-7535
Northwest Plaza | 3586 55th Street NW | Rochester, MN 55901 | (507) 535-1520
Visit us online at www.merchantsbank.com
Member FDIC Loans are subject to credit approval.
chamber STAFF
Judy Braatz, Membership Development Director
jbraatz@rochestermnchamber.com | 285-1995
Cindy Dunbar, Administrative Specialist
cdunbar@rochestermnchamber.com | 288-1122
Julie Fiesel, Government Affairs Director
jfiesel@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5665
Paula Hofstad, Finance Coordinator
phofstad@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5661
Melanie Hoppenworth, Controller
mhoppenworth@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5699
Ryan Lais, Workforce/Advocacy Project Coordinator
rlais@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5678
Rob Miller, President
rmiller@rochestermnchamber.com | 288-1122
Paul Richardson, Development Director
prichardson@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5663
Becca Stiles-Nogosek, Membership Events Coordinator
bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5662
Jessi Strinmoen, Workforce Development/Education Director
jstrinmoen@rochestermnchamber.com | 424-5687
Dan Nistler, Business Banking
(507) 535-1529
DRNistler@merchantsbank.com
the chamber’s MISSION:
To Lead,
Inform,
Advocate,
and Advance
business interests
for members; and
to promote a healthy
community and a
growing economy.
chamber OFFICE
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chamber office is closed
on legal holidays.
Chamber Boardroom
and Conference Room
are available to Chamber
Members by request
pending availability.
To request and book usage
of Chamber Boardroom or
Conference Room, contact
Chamber Administrative
Specialist Cindy Dunbar.
Billing questions?
Contact Finance Coordinator
Paula Hofstad.
2014 Member Celebration Filled with Passion
The watchword at the 2014 Annual Membership Celebration was
“Passion.”
In his first address to the membership, newly appointed Chamber
President Rob Miller pointed out the passion his staff has for the
Rochester business community and the roles they play in serving it.
He gave a number of examples of passion that he’s seen in the busi-nesses
and individuals he has encountered in his new hometown.
Finally, he said that in the coming year his passion will be focused
in three areas: meeting as many Chamber members face-to-face as
he can; making sure he understands what our members expect of
their Chamber, and then exceeding those expectations; and the local
issue he has become most passionate about, affordable housing.
LAMP OF KNOWLEDGE AWARD
Jerry Williams, who has spent a lifetime advocating for higher edu-cation
opportunities for students in Southeastern Minnesota, was
presented with the Lamp of Knowledge Award. As Superintendent
of Schools and a community volunteer, he worked with Roches-ter’s
higher education institutions on several projects, including the
establishment of CTECH and the STEM Village project at Univer-sity
Center Rochester. He also championed the “Common Cents”
sales tax reauthorization, ensuring future growth and expansion in
Rochester. As Interim President of the Chamber, Jerry continued to
support the Workforce 2020 initiative, Learn.Do.Earn., and other
initiatives that have positively impacted public higher education.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Rory Lenton,
Director of Community Services for Minnesota Energy Resourc-es,
whose efforts over the past year set him apart as a particularly
strong Chamber champion. Rory is a perfect fit as an Ambassa-dor
because he truly enjoys the interactions he has with the other
Ambassadors and with the new businesses he comes in contact with
as he carries out his duties. He focuses his efforts on helping new
members get the most out of their membership and their businesses.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award was also a
Chamber Ambassador. “Generous Jim” Kelly, Executive Director
of Construction Partnership, Inc., is also a strong advocate for the
Chamber with businesses who have not yet seen the importance
of joining. In the past year, Jim provided Judy Braatz with more
referrals than any other individual. As a volunteer, Jim is one of
those people who just “gets things done.” In particular, he’s been in-strumental
in organizing exhibitors for the annual STEM Summit.
Finally, Jim’s organization has gone above and beyond in support-ing
various non-profits, earning him his nickname.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Each year the Business of the Year Award is presented to a Member
of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce that is committed to:
assisting the Chamber and community organizations; to excellence
in service, business ethics and friendliness; to their employees; to
business improvement; and business expansion and growth. The six
finalists for the award this year all stood out with regard to these
qualities. They included: Atlas Insurance Brokers, BrandHoot,
Brennan Family Chiropractic and Nutrition Center, CRW Architec-ture
and Design Group, Doubletree by Hilton, and Sam’s Club.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Nate Nordstrom
and his staff at BrandHoot, who are unabashedly proud to be in
Rochester! They developed the “Rochester Now” app and social
media spaces to promote community events, local bloggers, local
news and local businesses to encourage growth and excitement for
our City. In addition to serving as Chamber Ambassador, Nate has
actively involved his company with Rochester Public Schools and
UMR in efforts that encourage students to pursue their dreams;
focus not just on grades, but on learning; and showing students how
they can actually have fun in their work. BrandHoot also invests in
its employees who are encouraged to use company time on continu-ing
education and staying on top of industry trends, and to partic-ipate
in fun monthly “recess” projects that allow them to play and
learn together.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Finally, Rob Miller presented outgoing Chair of the Board Brent
Buchan, of Energy Products and Design, Inc., with the President’s
Award, which is given to extraordinary people under extraordinary
circumstances. Buchan, who found out shortly after taking the
gavel that John Wade was leaving as Chamber President, thought
he would be working with one President during his year. Instead,
he helped guide the Chamber through a period of transition with
interim President Jerry Williams and oversaw the extensive pro-cess
that resulted in Rob’s hiring. To go above and beyond in these
endeavors Brent sacrificed time he could have spent on his own
business and with his family.
Whether their focus was on education, interacting with members,
giving back to their community, promoting Rochester, or on the
Chamber itself, each of the Members honored this year stood apart
because of their passion. The passion of a new leader and an out-standing
staff assures our success in the coming year!
2 November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com
ADVANTAGE 3

3. MARK YOUR CALENDAR upcoming CHAMBER MEMBER BENEFITS
top 100 best place to live
Online registration available.
Visit www.rochestermnchamber.com
EVENTS:
ROCHESTER RANKED #2 or call 507-288-1122 to register.
thursday
NOV 6
Dr. Amit Sood will present strategies for living a more peaceful life. Keynote followed by
interactive idea stations. Cost: $25 Members, $35 Non-Members. More info on pg. 8.
friday
NOV 7
friday
NOV 14
Community Matters Event: Political Reporters reflection on the election. Cost: Members
$25, Non-Members $35, includes lunch. Registration required.
tuesday
NOV 18
Over 2,000 students will participate in this annual event which brings together business and
higher ed institutions in a highly interactive, hands-on format. More info on pg. 8.
wednesday
NOV 19
THANKS
to our
SPONSORS
Living Life Differently to Feel Less Stress 3 - 5 p.m.
Johnny Mango’s Event Center | 1151 6th St NW
AM Espresso 7:30 - 9 a.m.
MN Children’s Museum Rochester | 1643 Broadway Ave N
Reporters Reflect on the Election 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada | 1517 16th St SW
STEM Summit 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
UCR Regional Sports Center
New Member Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Eastwood Grill | 3505 Eastwood Road SE
New Members can share info about your organization and learn more about the Chamber’s
programs and services. Cost: Free to new members only, registration required.
platinum
SPONSOR:
host
SPONSOR:
event
SPONSORS:
series
SPONSOR:
Premier monthly networking event brings hundreds of business people together for
networking, door prizes, hors douvres and refreshments. Cost: Free, no registration required.
Women’s Entrepreneurial Roundtable 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom | 220 S Broadway, Suite 100
thursday
NOV 20
event
SPONSOR:
friday
NOV 21
A resource for small business owners Cost: Free, registration required.
Comm. Matters: What’s at Stake for Your Business in
the Upcoming Legislative Session 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada | 1517 16th St SW
december
SAVE THE DATES
series
SPONSOR:
Melanie is a Dr. of Physical Therapy, busy wife, mom and business owner who
relies on Think to provide good solid business advice and direction. She says, “Think’s
genuine care for my success gives me one less thing to worry about.”
Melanie runs a small business.
She banks at Think.
We do small business banking.
thinkbank.com/biz
Member FDIC
DEC 5 AM Espresso 7:30 - 9 am
The Place for Everyone | 1026 E Center St
host
SPONSOR:
Eastwood Grill
4 November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE 5
10_Sept2014_RChamber_BizMelanie.indd 1 8/6/2014 4:31:32 PM
DEC 19 Women’s Entrepreneurial Roundtable 7:30- 9 am
Chamber Boardroom | 220 S Broadway Suite 100
DEC 18 Business After Hours 5 - 7 pm
Textile Care Services | 225 35th St SE
friday
NOV 21
Business After Hours 5-7 p.m.
Johnny Mango’s Event Center | 1151 6th Street NW
Speaker: Laura Bordelon, Senior VP of Advocacy for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: $25 Members, $35 Non-Members, includes lunch.
Rochester was ranked the second most
livable small- to mid-size city in the
U.S. in a study released in Septem-ber
by Livability.com. (Number one
ranking went to Madison, Wis.) The
website's second annual list of the Top
100 Best Places to Live found Madi-son
topping Rochester; Arlington, Va.;
Boulder, Colo.; and Palo Alto, Calif.,
for the most livable city in the U.S.
Livability editor Matt Carmichael said
the study evaluated more than 2,000
cities with populations between 20,000 and 350,000 using more
than 40 data points, including economics, housing, infrastruc-ture
and education, among others, then weighted them against
a survey in which respondents were asked about factors that
make their communities better places to live.
The magazine said: "The founders of the Mayo Clinic in Roch-ester
believed the city needed a vibrant arts culture to attract top
physicians. Today Rochester attracts many young residents who
quickly fall in love with the city's creative vibe."
The article touts Rochester's average household income of
$63,490, and average home price of $165,300.
"In addition to excellent health care, Rochester gives residents
a stable economy, recreational assets and a large collection of
restaurants and unique shops," it says.
Carmichael warned that while the plans of the Mayo Clinic and
the Destination Medical Center will contribute to Rochester's
vibrancy, the city could also fall victim to some of the pitfalls of
a fast-growing city in the next 20 years. "Doubling the popu-lation
of a city in that short of a span can knock the livability
right out of a city as we've seen in areas under going shale-based
boom times. But Mayor Ardell Brede thinks the city can
and will be ready for it," the website says. "I think 98 percent of
the cities in the U.S. would love to have this challenge," Brede
said.
FIRST EDITION OF LIVABILITY
ROCHESTER MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE
As noted previously in the Advantage, we
contracted this year with
Livability.com to produce
our first ever “Livability
Rochester” magazine,
highlighting the best
of our community and
Chamber businesses.
We’re excited to be able
to offer those seeking
relocation information
this new publication.
The magazine is also
available in a digital
version online at http://
livability.com/mn/rochester/digital-magazine.
We have limited quantities of the magazine
available in the office for Chamber Member’s
use - please stop by the Chamber office to
request copies, or contact Cindy Dunbar with
your requests at cdunbar@rochestermnchamber.
com, or call (507) 288-1122.
professional development series
SPONSORS:
AM Espresso is a free and convenient way to network at a member’s place of business
while enjoying coffee and continental breakfast. Cost: Free, no registration required.
series
SPONSOR:
co-host
SPONSOR:

4. SCISSORS AND SHOVELS
ART ON THE GO
(507) 244-1942
Nicki Novotne, Owner | New Business
http://artonthegorochester.com
(612) 767-2757
Tammy Block, VP of Development | New Location
www.mn.wish.org
1320 20th St NE | (507) 461-1095
Aaron Louks, Owner | New Business
November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE 7
6 MEMBER ONLY EVENT RIBBON CUTTINGS
MAKE-A-WISH MINNESOTA
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to help you
make your ribbon cutting and grand opening a special event. For guidelines that
can assist you in making arrangements for your event, visit our website at www.
rochestermnchamber.com or contact Becca Stiles-Nogosek at (507) 424-5662 or
send an email to bstiles.nogosek@rochestermnchamber.com.
1922 S Broadway | (507) 206-6575
Danielle David, Owner | New Location
Ribbon Cuttings
& Ground Breakings
DANIELLE’S CONSIGNMENT
BOUTIQUE
WAUSAU HOMES
11 2nd St NE | (507) 258-0455
Darek Davidson, Owner | New Business
http://wausauhomes.com
40 16th St SE Ste E | (507) 289-4500
Kirk Boyum, Financial Advisor | New Location
www.edwardjones.com
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, INC
2500 Valleyhigh Dr NW | (507) 289-5960
Ron Buzard, Exec. Director | 30th Anniversary
www.imaa.net
ABLE MARKETING
2070 College View Road SE | (507) 292-5180
Randy Johnson, Executive Director | New Location | www.workforcedevelopmentinc.org
INTERCULTURAL MUTUAL
ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION
EDWARD JONES
Your employer is a
Chamber Member
and so are
YOU!
As a member of the
Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce,
you are invited to join us for:
• training opportunities
• networking events
• public affairs meetings
•• aanndd ssoo mmuucchh mmoorree!!
You can also get more involved in the
community through service on one of the
many Chamber committees.
507-288-1122
www.RochesterMNChamber.com

5. government
FOUNDATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
2014 STEM SUMMIT AT UCR ON NOV. 18
Annual Day at the Capitol
7 am - 7 pm-5:30 .
Annual Day at the Capitol in St. Paul, including lunch with the Governor.
Over 2,300 Students Fill the Hall at the Annual STEM Summit
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
LIVING LIFE DIFFERENTLY TO
FEEL LESS STRESS
November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com ADVANTAGE
9
8 AFFAIRS:
2014 ELECTIONS
Building a competitive workforce
general election VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOV. 4
To find out important voting information for
your precinct, visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.
Search by zip code or county to find your
polling place (where you vote, map and
directions), districts for your precinct
(including maps) and “Candidates on My
Ballot” (candidates and questions on the
ballot at your next election, when available).
community matters series
SPONSOR:
Mark Your Calendars now for our annual Chamber Day at the
Capitol in St. Paul! Join us as we travel to St. Paul for lunch with
the Governor, special presentations on issues important to our
region and much more. More details will be announced in upcoming
editions of the Chamber Advantage.
friday NOVEMBER 21
Community Matters: What’s at Stake for Your
Business in the Upcoming Legislative Session
11: 30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada
1517 16th St SW
Rochester
tuesday MARCH 3, 2015
Speaker: Laura Bordelon, Senior Vice-President of
Advocacy for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
The STEM
Summit
encourages
students to
pursue science,
technology,
engineering and
math careers
by connecting
them to business
and higher educational institutions which offer STEM
courses in a highly interactive, hands-on format. The
future success of greater Rochester’s economy depends
on a well-prepared pipeline of students with the
education and skills needed to keep Rochester area’s
business and industry competitive. These summits bring
together business, higher education, local government
and communities to motivate and prepare our students
for an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Does your business belong at the STEM Summit? The
STEM Summit highlights careers that involve science,
technology, engineering and math skills. Contact: Ryan
Lais, rlais@rochestermnchamber.com, (507) 424-5678.
friday NOVEMBER 14
Community Matters: Political Reporters
Reflect on the Election
11: 30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Canadian Honker Events at the Ramada
1517 16th St SW
Rochester
thursday NOVEMBER 6
Keynote: Dr. Amit Sood
3-5pm
Johnny Mango’s Event Center
Members $25, Non-Members $35, includes light appetizers, networking,
keynote followed by idea stations. Register at www.rochestermnchamber.com.
Dr. Sood, a Mayo Clinic specialist in stress and
resiliency, presents strategies for living a more
peaceful life. Based on the highly popular stress
management program offered at Mayo Clinic that
Dr. Sood developed after two decades of work
with tens of thousands of people.
The keynote will be followed by an opportunity
for attendees to network at interactive “idea
stations” by Rochester area businesses sharing
their ideas for dealing with stress.
Dr. Amit Sood
NEW Matching Gift Challenge!
Donations to the Rochester Chamber Foundation
help support the STEM program. To help us
reach our goal of raising $5,000, Xylo
Technologies has agreed to match dollar
for dollar donations for the first $1,000.
Check out http://www.rochestermnchamber.
com/pages/STEMSummitBlog for more info.
series
SPONSORS:
Thank you to our sponsors:

6. CHAMBER BOARD NEWS CHAMBER MEMBER ANNUAL EVENTS
CHAMBER 2014 PUBLIC POLICY SURVEY RESULTS 2014-15 chamber
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Do you support legislative action that improves
alignment of K-12 and post-secondary education
with industry needs by strengthening
opportunities for students to participate in
expanded experiential learning, such as
internships, job-shadowing, or mentorships?
9.8%
No
5.5% Yes
84.6
Do you expect to add, reduce or keep your
workforce the same in the next 12 months?
Add
39.5%
Not Applicable
Keep the Same
35.9%
Reduce
3.2%
NEWSLETTER ADS
Reach your target audience
with FULL-COLOR ADS
in our newsletter MAILED
TO THOUSANDS of area
business professionals each
month.
Contact:
Communications Manager,
Rochester Area Chamber of
Commerce
Phone: (507) 288-1122.
The results are in for the Chamber’s annual Public Policy
Survey. Check out the full survey online to find out what your
fellow Rochester Area Chamber members think about:
• What factors in the area business climate affect decisions to
invest in their business
• Health Care Reform and Costs
• Hiring new employees
• Transportation infrastructure investment
• High Speed Rail
Sue Reinke Walch
Chair of the Board
Minnwest Bank
Dharani
Ramamoorthy Chair-Elect
Xylo Technologies
Brent Buchan
Past Chair
Energy Products &
Design
Mike Busch Treasurer
Paramark Inc.
Elaine Garry Secretary
Peoples Energy
Cooperative
Linda Christopherson
ImageSplash Print &
Promotions/Affordable Buttons
Greg Griffiths
Dunlap & Seeger,
P.A.
Tessa Leung
Sontes
Ahmad Siddiqui
The UPS Store
Angie Bowman
Bowman Tool &
Machining, Inc.
Cyle Erie
Braun Intertec
Greg House
House Chevrolet
Steve Prigge
Pro Image
Promotions &
Apparel
Mark Carlson
IBM
Sheryl Good
GrandVille at
Cascade Lake
Shannon Knoepke
Townsquare Media
Myron Salz
Centerstone Plaza
Soldiers Field
CHAMBER OF COMMERC E
Aaron Benike
Alvin E. Benike, Inc.
Lisa Clarke
Mayo Clinic
Kevin Higgins
Olmsted Medical
Center
Michael Muñoz
Rochester Public
Schools
A udrey Betcher
Rochester Public
Library
Alan DeKeyrel
CWS, Inc.
Jenny Hosfeld
Think Mutual Bank
Gary Smith
Rochester
Area Economic
Development, Inc.
Kevin Patton
Flowers by Jerry
Do you support legislative action to develop dual
training programs that incorporate on-the-job-training
at a business with classroom learning &
industry-based credentials to produce skilled
workers?
Don’t Know
19.8%
No
9.1% Yes
71.1%
Don’t Know
15.9%
Don’t Know
5.5%
Do you support high speed passenger rail between
the Twin Cities and Rochester?
Don’t Know
16.5%
No
21.8%
Yes
61.7%
10 NNoovveemmbbeerr 22001144 || wwwwww..RRoocchheesstteerrMMNNCChhaammbbeerr..ccoomm ADVVANTTAGE 11

7. SAMARITAN BETHANY INC a
senior care community serving Rochester
since 1922, is pleased
to announce that Dean
Stenehjem has joined
the organization as
Development and
Fundraising Leader.
Dean will oversee the
development office and
has extensive experience in fundraising.
WARNERS’ STELLIAN APPLIANCE
along with Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Minnesota -- granted 13-year-old Eric’s
wish to go on a Disney Cruise during a
fun waffle breakfast enjoyed with local
supporters and former wish families.
This was Warners’ Stellian’s fourth wish
granted. Following the wish reveal,
Chamber staff arrived to welcome the
Make-A-Wish as a member with a ribbon
cutting at the appliance store, located next
to Apache Mall.
INSTY-PRINTS ROCHESTER Lead
Graphic Designer, Kay Gunderson,
recently won an international calendar
design competition sponsored by leading
franchise network, Alliance Franchise
Brands. Gunderson’s innovative design
will be produced and displayed in the
lobbies of Alliance Franchise Brand
centers across North America. She also
received a $1,500 cash prize. Gunderson
has over seven years’ experience as a
professional graphic designer, having
worked for Insty-Prints for six years.
MARCO, INC. was named one of the top
50 Best Small & Medium Workplaces in
the nation by Fortune Magazine. The Top
50 list, developed by independent research
firm Great Place to Work, represents a
broad variety of industries and locations.
This national recognition follows seven
honors Marco received this year for
creating a culture that’s admired for its
people and performance.
SHOREWOOD SENIOR CAMPUS
received the Post Bulletin Readers
Choice Award for Favorite Senior Living.
Residents experience new and innovative
approaches to health and wellness through
on-site acupuncture, monthly lectures
presented by RCTC’s LIFE Series, and
dining on freshly prepared healthy meal
options at the Shorewood Bistro. Residents
experience vibrant and engaging lifestyles
of independence, dignity, and care.
THE MINNESOTA SKYVAULT
THEATRE COMPANY, the recently
formed professional touring troupe of
Words Players Theatre, received the
award for best new act at Minnesota’s
Renaissance Festival. Video of the
event (9/27, at the Festival grounds in
Shakopee) and presentation is at http://
wordsplayers.smugmug.com/SkyVault/
Renaissance-Festival-2014/20140927-
Bottomless-Hat-Award/i-4K3cLrF/A
STANLEY JONES & ASSOCIATES
is celebrating 30 years of business
as a homecare agency and therapy
clinic. Solely owned by women, SJA
was originally established by two
physical therapists. What started as a
Medicare Certified homecare agency
has expanded over the years to include
a Medicare Outpatient Facility and
numerous community and school
based contracts.
SCHMIDT GOODMAN OFFICE
PRODUCTS is celebrating 40 years
as Rochester’s leading office furniture,
design and installation source. We simply
want to thank each and every incredible
customer who has used our services
throughout the years! We can assist in
the coordination of a vibrant, thoughtful,
healthy and effective space based on how
you work.
SUBMIT A BUSINESS NEWS ITEM
Visit RochesterMNChamber.com and click on the Member Center Marketing tab.
Submission deadline: 10th of the month prior to month of publication.
ROCHESTER FRAMING & FINE
ART PRINTING is
delighted to announce
that Valerie Becker
has been recognized
as a Master Certified
Picture Framer by the
Professional Picture
Framers Association.
There are fewer than
60 MCPF professionals world-wide and
Valerie is the first recipient in Minnesota.
The Master Certified Picture Framer is the
most prestigious professional credential
in the international framing community.
It demonstrates an expert skill set at
museum-level custom framing.
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING hired
Colin Eury to join the land surveying
department of Widseth Smith Nolting’s
Rochester office. Eury graduated from
Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN,
with an Associate of Applied Science
in Civil Engineering and is currently
completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Land
Surveying at St. Cloud State University.
As a Land Survey Technician at WSN,
Eury is responsible for survey project
management, construction staking,
boundary surveys, topographic surveys,
as-built/ALTA surveys, construction
surveys, and CADD drafting.
CWS is excited to announce the addition
of Tracy Lauritzen to the team as CWS’s
Senior Digital Marketing
Strategist. Tracy’s
marketing experience
and business savvy allow
her to develop marketing
strategies for clients
including branding,
messaging, digital and
media placement. Previous experience
includes: Ad agency consultant, sales
management, media management and
general management for B2B and
Consumer products. She has already
proven to be a remarkable asset to the
team.
November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com welcome to our
NEW MEMBERS:
ESSENCE SKIN CLINIC &
MED SPA
Jennifer Sanneman
(507) 285-5505
www.essenceskinclinic.com
FAMOUS DAVE’S
Robert Chamberlain III
(507) 282-4200
www.famousdaves.com
FIREBRICK BREAD
Stephan Jennebach
(507) 732-4667
www.firebrickbread.com
GERRARD CORPORATION
Peter Gerrard
(608) 782-4488
www.gerrardcompanies.com
Insight for
business
ABLE MARKETING, LLC
Aaron Louks
(507) 461-1095
BRANDIX I3
Aaron Epps
(507) 722-1028
www.brandixi3.com
BULLER, BRUCE
Bruce Buller
(507) 287-6707
CLARION INN
Ashley Anderson
(507) 288-1844
www.clarionrochestermn.
com
DAVIES PRINTING
Tom Davies
(507) 288-9297
www.daviesprinting.com
Ready or not – MN winter is on the way! Is your team
and business ready for inclement weather?
Plan
Does your Employee Handbook have an inclement weather
policy? If not, does your business have any other document
that informs employees what will happen in case of a
weather emergency? Who is responsible for announcing
business closures? Where are employees able to find that
information?
Communicate
How do you let team members know whether business
is open or closed? Do you have a phone tree? Is contact
information readily available? Is information up to date? Can
you or do you leverage your website, social media, text or
email to communicate weather-related decisions?
Employee Payment
Talk with your legal counsel, human resources and payroll
team to determine pay due to employees. This may be
different based upon employee classification (exempt, non-exempt,
union) and federal/state guidelines.
For more Smart-HR insights, visit
http://smart-hr.com/smart-hr-news/
LOCAL NEWSREEL
NATURE’S BEST CLEANERS -
WELLNER DR NE
Mike Suk
(507) 281-3489
www.naturesbestcleaners.net
PLATINUM STUDIOS DANCE
AND PAGEANTRY INC.
Brittany Fenley
(507) 923-6268
www.platinumstudiosdap.
com
REALTY GROWTH, INC.
Nick Pompeian
(507) 289-8000
www.rgi-group.com
SILIPADA DESIGNS - RENAE
SANDER
Renae Sander
(507) 250-1558
www.lacrossescale.comwww.
mysilipada.com/renae.
sander1
SOUND AND MEDIA
Nikki Johnson
(507) 288-1177
www.soundandmediasolutions.
com
SUPERIOR EXTERIORS
Brandon Chandler
(507) 316-3791
www.superiorexteriorsmn.
com
TUXEDO PARK HOMEOWNER
ASSOCIATION
Peggy Gray
(608) 220-0359
(507) 206-0974
Friend, Follow and Join Us
Have you connected with the Chamber
socially yet?
Be sure to "like" our Facebook page, "follow"
us on Twitter, and join our (members only!)
LinkedIn Group! Click the icons on our
website for the links.
ADVANTAGE
LOCAL NEWS IN & ABOUT THE TOWN NEW MEMBERS
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY
HILTON
Dan Nelson
(507) 251-6565
www.homewoodrochester.
com
J C WOOD COMPANY
John Wood
(507) 398-5252
MENSALON LLC
Shauna Anderson
(507) 272-3832
http://www.mensalonllc.com/
METROPOLITAN MARKET
PLACE LLC SOUTH
Peter Gerrard
(507) 226-8335
http://mmprochester.com/
NATURE’S BEST CLEANERS
Mike Suk
(507) 281-5765
www.naturesbestcleaners.net
NATURE’S BEST CLEANERS -
20TH AVE SW
Mike Suk
(507) 529-7739
www.naturesbestcleaners.net
NATURE’S BEST CLEANERS -
55TH ST NW
Mike Suk
(507) 536-4049
www.naturesbestcleaners.net
NATURE’S BEST CLEANERS -
CROSSROADS
Mike Suk
(507) 252-1755
www.naturesbestcleaners.net
12 13

8. CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
renewing
MEMBERS: THANK YOU to these renewing members for their continued investment!
Achievement Therapy Services,
LLC
Adamson Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-
Lincoln-Mercury-Hyundai
Ads & Art
Allerganx Carpet and Upholstery
Cleaning
American Cancer Society
Apache Mall (General Growth
Properties)
Appliance Village
Arnold’s Supply & Kleenit
Company
Batteries Plus
Bishop Management Co.
Bouquet Companies
Boys & Girls Club of Rochester
Braun Intertec
Bullpen Wealth Advisors, LLC
Cady Business Technologies
Cascade Animal Medical Center
Cascade Meadow Wetlands &
Environmental Science Center
CherryBerry
City Looks Salon & Spa
College Nannies + Tutors
Comfort Inn
Cook’s Pantry
Cronin Home, Inc.
Danielle’s Consignment Boutique
Digi Doodle Design
Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.
Edina Realty Home Services, Inc.
Elcor Construction
Ellingson Insurance Group, LLC
Encore Public Relations, LLC
Fed Ex Ground
Ferguson Enterprises
G & L Insurance Group
Gary Kline Roofing, Inc.
Gift of Life Transplant House
GRAUC - Advocates for Public
Higher Education
Hair Studio 52 & Day Spa
Heartman Insurance
Hey! Original Storytelling
Hiawatha Homes
Hiller’s Flooring America
Holt Title Guaranty Company,
Inc.
Huber Eyecare
Jeffrey D. Reimer, CPA
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Kwik Trip
Lifetime Eye Care
Lock Away Storage Company - N
Lower Photography & Studio
Macken Funeral Home
March of Dimes
Maurices - Shoppes on Maine
MEP Associates, LLC
Michaels Restaurant
MLT Group
Nail Bar Beauty Salon
National Pawn Co. of Minnesota
Northern Heights, North
Townhouse Association
Northern Valley Animal Clinic
Northgate Fitness & Wellness
Center
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 #1 Volume #7 Periodical Postage paid at Rochester, Minnesota | Annual Subscription: $20 | Sue Reinke Walch, Chair of the Board | , Editor Laurie Mona
Printed by Johnson Printing | Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Advantage, 220 S Broadway Ste 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or email: chamber@rochestermnchamber.com
14 November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com the chamber ADVANTAGE 15
Norton, Kim
Nova Academy of Cosmetology
Novel Energy Solutions
O & B Shoes Athletic & Odds and
Ends Bargain Room
O’Brien & Wolf, L.L.P.
Omni Environmental, Inc.
Panera Bread Bakery Cafe - South
Paper & Graphics, Inc.
Paramark Corp.
Personal Training with KT
Pinewood Estates Second
Townhome Homeowners Assoc. Inc.
Planned Parenthood Servicing
MN/SD/ND
PMC Events & Travel
Post-Bulletin Co., LLC
Premier Security, Inc.
Primrose School of Rochester
ProWeb 365
Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes
Recover Health
Robert’s Specialty Co.
Rochester Academy of Music, LLC
Rochester Central Lutheran
School
Rochester Convention & Visitors
Bureau
Rochester Indoor Golf Center
Rochester International Youth
Organization
Rochester Plumbing & Heating
Co. Inc.
Roy Truelson Registered Patent
Attorney
Ryan & Grinde, LTD
Ryan Windows & Siding, Inc.
Schott Distributing Co., Inc.
Seneca Foods
Sign Here, Inc.
Smart-HR
Smith Schafer & Associates, LTD
Snyder, Bruce
Somerby Golf Club
Sontes
State Farm Insurance - Sue
Madden Agency
Steve Yaggy Specialized Truck
Services, Inc.
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company,
Incorporated Member SIPC and
NYSE
Superior Mechanical
Tailwind Group, Inc.
The Homestead at Rochester
The Loop Bar & Restaurant
The UPS Store
T-Mobile/Marketsource
Total Image Hair Clinic
Tyrol Ski and Sports
University of Minnesota Rochester
Virgil’s Inc.
W. Mark Krupski
Weis Builders, Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank, NA - Rochester
Main
WellSpring Acupuncture Clinic
Wilson Tibor & Maves, LTD
Zumbro Valley Mental Health
Center
Chief SavingS OffiCer
Develops money-saving strategies
using rebates.
Rebates are a prime way to
save your business energy
and money. Save now on
high-efficiency equipment
with our Rebates For Your
Business. And, save again
when you receive your
monthly energy bills. There
are many rebates available
from Minnesota Energy
Resources. Check it out!
A_ME04-0114 CI Rochester Newsletter Ad-Chief Savings Officer_Final.indd 1 8/15/14 8:23 AM

9. 220 South Broadway, Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55904
P: 507-288-1122
F: 507-282-8960
www.RochesterMNChamber.com
FINISHED WITH THE ADVANTAGE? PASS IT ON!
16 November 2014 | www.RochesterMNChamber.com
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