Register for Tomorrow's
 Free Webinar
The 'Real Time Solutions' Webinar Series Continues!
The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Lakeville, Burnsville, Hastings and River Heights Chambers is excited to continue the 'Real Time Solutions' webinar series! These are complimentary Live 30-minute webinars to help your business navigate the questions, and new normal, related to the COVID-19 epidemic.

ABOUT THE TOPIC
Hear from a panel of local health care professionals on what they have learned about COVID-19 over the past 6 months. Ask questions about testing, safety protocols or other health care related items that might be helpful to know for your business. 

THIS WILL BE A PANEL DISCUSSION!
The panel will include the following people:
  • Helen Strike, President of Allina Health Regina Hospital & River Falls Hospital
  • Dr. Melody McKenize, Director of Medical Affairs
  • Lisa Becker, Infection Prevention Nurse
Event Recap
Ribbon Cutting at The Green Lotus
Yoga & Healing Center
The Apple Valley Chamber hosted its first ribbon cutting since early March before the COVID crisis. Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center is located in a recently built building on the corner of Pilot Knob and 160th across the parking lot from Target almost behind Think Bank. Chamber President Ed Kearney said, “this first ribbon cutting felt like a rainbow finding its bright colors appearing after a long storm. Or the ribbon cutting seemed almost like a new wild flower appearing soon after a forest fire. Owner Tania has brought much needed healing at a perfect time to our community, right when we all need healing and stress reduction the most.” Joining the Chamber was Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland who spoke eloquently, The Mayor told everyone to take a deep breath since this pandemic has taken the breath away from us for far too long. "I appreciate that Green Lotus and Healing Center is a unique place where people can come to heal. I’m grateful to Tania for investing and believing in our community during this uncertain time. Tania Stephens is leading the way for more investment in Apple Valley. She is proving that even during a pandemic, Apple Valley remains a destination place. We are a community that is healthy to the core and fit for life."

The Chamber hired Ellickson Photo of Apple Valley to take the drone footage of the entire event in order to accommodate proper social-distancing by taking the photo from above plus adding in high footage of Cobblestone Lake and the entire surrounding commercial and residential area.

The owner of Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center Tania Stephens is originally a customer of Green Lotus for over a decade before starting her own location, one of six in the metro region. The Mayor added “the best owner of a local franchise is a devoted customer like Tania.” Originally started in 2007 by Co-Founders Marcia Appel and Merry Beth Freienmuth, they offer everything for healing mind, spirit and body including yoga, infrared sauna, nutrition, skin & facials, acupuncture, spa packages, reiki, pilates, meditation, life coaching and a few other services as well. After Chamber President Ed Kearney and Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland words, Co-Founder Marcia Appel (pronounced so fittingly “Apple”) spoke along with Tania Stephens before the ribbon was cut before a good crowd especially after such a crisis. Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center can be seen online at  https://www.greenlotusyogactr.com.
Click below to watch drone video of the ribbon cutting!
(above, from left): Chamber President Ed Kearney, Pancheros Greater Twin Cities Director of Operations Craig Noah, undetermined & Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland. Photo Credit David Peterson of Pemberton Homes.
Pancheros Opens in Apple Valley Today (Tuesday)
Soft Opening Was Yesterday
Pancheros hosted a “soft opening” yesterday for invited guests for lunch and dinner and opened to the public today at lunch. Chamber President Ed Kearney was present to help them greet guests during lunch and joined Mayor Mary at dinner for doing the same greetings.  Many Chamber Board members who were invited and other businesses whom Pancheros visited were all present.

Pancheros' eight locations in the Twin Cities are owned by 94 year old Bob Thomson who used to own 37 Subway restaurants. He was present most of the day and his sharpness and liveliness is a subtle reminder to us all to keep working into our 90’s to stay sharp. Pancheros was started in Iowa City in 2007 and today has over 65 locations in 13 states. Their burritos were excellent and at a great price too. Known best for their burritos and quesadillas, if you like Chipotle, you will find Pancheros a step higher in our opinion and the ambiance and service were excellent. Sit indoors in well spaced booths or under an umbrella outside on their patio. Be sure to check them out.
Be sure to take advantage of this offer!
$1 BURRITOS
Help us celebrate the grand opening of our Apple Valley location with $1 Burritos from Tuesday, July 28th through Tuesday, August 11th! Enter the code ‘APPLEV1’ in the Pancheros App* under the ‘More’ section.

*Must enter code on or after 7/28 but before 8/11 to receive $1 Burrito offer. $1 Burrito must be redeemed before 8/11. Taxes and fees not included. Extras are still extra. Limit one per guest. Only valid at Apple Valley, MN location.
In Other News...
In addition to taking drone photo & video of the Green Lotus ribbon cutting, Chris Ellickson of Ellickson photography took this cool drone video of the new Menards in Apple Valley. Check it out!
Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce | info@applevalleychamber.com