What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving….

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This holiday season, Chippy & Gingy have been spotted visiting local businesses in Lakeville, spreading cheer and holiday spirit! Our Chamber Elves remind us that the best gifts come from the heart—and often from right around the corner. So, as you explore your favorite local spots, keep an eye out for these festive elves and let them guide you to the perfect holiday finds!

Another great session this month! We covered A LOT of ground. Thank you to Rudy’s RedEye Grill for the outstanding lunches to get us ready for our day.

LEADERSHIP: Our friend, Erik Therwanger of ThinkGREAT, kicked us off talking about the importance of developing leaders and tips for goal setting.

AQUATIC CENTER: Then, local coaching legend, Rick Ringeisen, gave us an in-depth behind the scenes look at our state-of-the-art aquatic center.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS: Then we met with 4 teams of Lakeville North DECA students who are currently working on their state project. Our Leadership Lakeville class has the opportunity to hear their pitch, and give them advice in areas they are looking to improve not only for their competition, but for the end results of the project. We talked about marketing, sales, mental health awareness and the annual career conference planned by students for students, and held at Brackett’s each year. Finally we heard from Dr. Emily McDonald (ISD194 Assistant Superintendent), Michael Berndt (President of Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College), and Mike Forbord (Director of Operations, Schmitty & Sons & Lakeville Works founding donor) about the business and education partnerships that make Lakeville a leader in this arena.

Leadership Lakeville truly takes a village – thank you to the people who help to make this happen: Pat Arling (retired Banker) for facilitating, Kati Bachmayer (City of Lakeville Economic Development Manager) and Tina Goodroad (City of Lakeville Community Development Director) for helping us to lay out and coordinate the entire program, and Loeffler Construction & Consulting for sponsoring the series.  

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In Minnesota, there are specific regulations on the hours and types of work that minors (ages 14-17) can do.

For those under 16:

• Work hours are limited to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1 under federal law).
• They cannot work over eight hours in a single day or 24-hour period (or more than three hours on school days under federal law).
• A maximum of 40 hours per week is allowed when school is out, and no more than 18 hours per week during the school term.

Workers age 16 or 17:

• Work cannot begin before 5 a.m. on school days.
• They should finish work by 11 p.m. on nights before school.
• With parental consent, they may start work at 4:30 a.m. or work until 11:30 p.m. on nights before a school day.

Learn more at dli.mn.gov/child-labor.

It is time for our annual holiday tradition – our Porterhouse Holiday Luncheon! Your ticket includes salad and bread, choice of steak or walleye, potato and vegetable and a dessert. The Lakeville South Encore Singers will be singing holiday carols as well!  

We got the honor of Erik Therwanger of ThinkGREAT TWICE in one week at the Chamber! On Monday he lead our annual Board of Directors Retreat and strategic planning session. If you have not had the opportunity to work with Erik, I highly recommend connecting with he or his team to learn more about how he can help elevate your culture, develop your team, enhance your sales strategy, and/or strategize for the future.

• Aria Technology Group, LLC
• Bob Gillen
• c3 Aviation Services
• Childrens Dental Care 
• Coldwell Banker Realty | South Regional Office
• Downtown Lakeville Business Association
• EZ Home Solutions
• Farmhouse Music Studio
• Game Time Media: LN Panthers Live & LSHS Cougars Live
• Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC
• Kwik Trip/Dodd store 692
• Lakeville Liquor Store Kenrick

• NorthCross Lutheran Church
• Painting Pro LLC
• Priore Law Offices
• Priority Living of Minnesota
• Signature Home Services, LLC
• Styer Transportation
• Suite Living Senior Care
• The Legacy of Farmington
• Ultimate Martial Arts Lakeville
• Unique Urban Planters
• Wag N' Wash Natural Food & Bakery
• WaterWerks Car Wash

Event:           Direct Connection To Careers Virtual Experience

Date:            Monday, December 9

Time:            6:45pm-8:00pm

Location:     Zoom, facilitated by DCTC staff

Students:     Estimated 20-30 (this is part of their class)

Employers:  Room for FIVE

Program Overview

Each business will visit each breakout room (up to 5), which will have students who are pursuing the following degree(s) of study.

• Accounting
• Marketing & Sales
• Human Resources
• Administrative Technology / Executive Assistant / Customer Service
• Multicultural Leadership
• Quality Improvement & Project Management

Breakout Session Talking Points

Each company will cover the same information in each 10-minute breakout.

• What you do: Goods & Services you make/sell/offer.
• Why you are a desired employer.
• Highlight your benefits - insurance, PTO, flexibility, retirement, advancement.
• Overview of jobs/careers you have available in above areas.
• Desired candidate for your company/culture (likes to travel, work in teams…).

Format & Flow of Breakouts

• Students will be in the 5 breakout rooms.
• Employers will rotate through each breakout room, visiting all 5.
• After the breakout rotations, each employer will be put into a breakout room and students may enter that room for any additional group Q&A (optional for students).

If you are interested, please let me know!

It’s that time of year! Grab a co-worker and your ugliest sweater and come out for our annual holiday happy hour! Your ticket includes a free drink, light appetizers, and a chance at some fun prizes!  

What:

Date:

Location:

Time:

Sign Up: 

DECA DISTRICTS

Friday, January 10

InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel (11 East Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55101)

Check-In 7:00am, plan for 6 hours (you get lunch)

https://tinyurl.com/DECAJudgeRegistration25

This is very simple. No training needed. If you bring a partner you may be able to do it together. You will be listening to presentations and scoring them.

Our Chamber Ambassadors give back so much of their time and talent to the Chamber and our business community. They attend events, write thank you notes, deliver membership and anniversary plaques, and more. Throughout the year we will highlight them. Make sure and say HI when you see them around! Our next Ambassador is…

Your Name:

Rebecca (Becky) Gunderson

Title:

Account Sales Manager 

Company:

Print Lab Wraps 

Your Specialty:

Vehicle/Fleet Branding Signage - both interior & exterior.

Reason you like doing business in Lakeville:

I love that all the local businesses support each other.

Years as a Chamber Member: 20+

Years as an Ambassador: 7 

Favorite thing about being a Lakeville Chamber member:  The people - everyone is so friendly and I love attending all the Chamber Events.

Best advice you would

give to a new Chamber Member: Don't be intimidated to show up at events - someone will always be there to introduce you and make you feel welcome.

Your must-attend Chamber event, and why: 

The Holiday Luncheon at Porterhouse.

Give us the best piece of advice you have received: Show up, be involved & be authentic.

Favorite go-to meal at one of our restaurants: 

Northern Tap House  - Chipotle Nachos.

Favorite thing to do for fun around town: I love visiting & taking our boat on Lake Marion.

Local Santa Visits

Thank you for your support!