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Viewing posts from: March 2017

Hardline Concrete & Masonry Honored with 2017 Small Business of the Year Award 28th Anniversary of Small Business Award in Local Business Community

Nicole Bengtson
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Business Ideas, Editorials, Event News, Marketing, Social Media

March 30, 2017

Inver Grove Heights/South Saint Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Hardline Concrete & Masonry of Inver Grove Heights will receive the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Small Business of the Year Award! Jon and Brenda Dietrich, owners, will be accepting the award at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at enVision Hotel & Conference Center in South St. Paul.

The Small Business of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has been in business for five years or more, has 20 or fewer employees, has at least two years of membership in the River Heights Chamber, and encompasses a business that has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, to its employees, suppliers and customer relationships, in addition to a commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations. Chamber member businesses nominated local small businesses and the Chamber’s Recognition Committee selected the award recipient from many deserving applicants.  This year’s recipient, Hardline Concrete & Masonry, excels in all these areas and more.  When Hardline was asked how they feel about receiving this award, Brenda replied, “We feel truly honored to be recognized for the River Heights Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award because being recognized by a group of your peers is a good yardstick to be measured by.  There are so many deserving businesses and we are very humbled to be selected.” 

Hardline Concrete & Masonry started as a sole proprietor in 2005, doing mainly commercial and industrial work. When incorporating in 2009, they shifted business to completing more residential and decorative work. While they are grateful for fundamental commercial work, they feel their true passion lies with being able to help customers create their artistic vision for their yard and home.  Jon and Brenda pride themselves in doing the job correctly the first time and being primarily a referral-based business.  They form relationships with their customers and treat every job as if it was their own when they leave their Hardline logo stamped in the concrete.  When it comes to employee relationships, they realize that being a seasonal employer can be challenging in employee retention.  In the past few years, Hardline has implemented some policies and benefits to let their employees know that they care for them, beyond the scope of a work day.  They faced adversity during the recession of 2009 but because of Hardline’s presence in the community they could continue to work.  Hardline Concrete & Masonry is involved in the community by supporting the local Inver Grove Heights Days, Simley wrestling and football and volunteering at their local church. Jon & Brenda strive to give competitive bids for local projects and have been privileged to work at the Inver Grove Community Center, Simley High School and various concrete projects for the City of Inver Grove Heights. Hardline Concrete & Masonry believes in small businesses succeeding and have recommended five other sole proprietors, LLC’s and corporations to join the River Heights Chamber of Commerce for continued success. Brenda is very active in the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and has served 1 year as an ambassador chair-elect, 1.5 years as an ambassador chair, has been a Board member since 2015 (and is currently Chair-Elect for 2017), served as a delegate for MN at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Summit 2015, received the River Heights Chamber Marshall award during the 2016 membership drive and was a member of the Southmetro Business PAC in 2016.  The River Heights Chamber is proud to have Hardline Concrete & Masonry as a dedicated member of the business community!

This year will be the 28th Anniversary of the River Heights Chamber celebrating this special award with the business community and is sponsored in-part by Town Square Television, Waterous Company and Antonsen Construction.  Community businesses will exhibit in the trade show at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon, award ceremony and keynote speaker, Jill Renslow SVP Business Development and Marketing with Mall of America.

For more details about attending the Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show, visit www.riverheights.com, and to learn more about the Chamber’s award winner, Hardline Concrete & Masonry, please watch their video on the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/riverheightschamber following the event on April 13th.

About River Heights Chamber of Commerce

The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to attract and retain businesses to keep the business community thriving. The River Heights Chamber continues to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit our website www.riverheights.com to learn more!

Stay Connected with the River Heights Chamber on our social media sites!

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Media Release: River Heights Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Local Business Leaders

Nicole Bengtson
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Business Ideas, Editorials, Event News

River Heights Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Local Business Leaders
Tandem Printing, Inc. Business of the Year & Beth Baumann, Forrest Glewwe Visions of Excellence Award

During the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus Annual Meeting on February 23, 2017, at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul, the Chamber thanked its 2016 Chairman, Brian MacKenzie of FASTSIGNS – IGH, and welcomed Jon Erickson of Ultimate Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning as the 2017 Chairman of the Board.  Highlights of 2016 were shared including event successes, increased membership engagement, efficiencies in communications and marketing, and relationship building with our newly elected officials.

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The River Heights Chamber of Commerce proudly announced Tandem Printing, Inc. as the 2017 Business of the Year.  Tandem Printing was founded in 1954 by Bob & Marilyn Jensen of Richfield, MN. For 37 years, the Jensen’s established a reputation for quality, reliability, service and integrity as they built their company working in “Tandem” as a husband and wife team. As the years passed by, the appeal of retirement became stronger and in 1991 a new “Tandem”, John Kostka and Steve Kane, acquired the company and have continued those values and tradition. Tandem is active in Printing Industry of Minnesota events which keeps them current on industry trends.  They encourage participation in the River Heights Chamber, professional networking groups and many local, national and international non-profits. Tandem’s goal is and always has been to reinvest in the company. Over the course of 26 years, John and Steve have grown the company by adding equipment to further their product offerings and by acquiring companies to fit the needs and demands of their existing clients.  During their transition, Tandem moved from Bloomington to Eagan and secured the tag line WE PRINT. ON ANYTHING.  Steve & John pride themselves on the fact that they’ve grown from 4 employees in Richfield to 33 in Eagan in just 26 years. The belief of all partners at Tandem was shared as follows, “The future growth and success as a company and as individuals depends on our mutual respect and cooperation and on each other of our company’s objectives. We maintain a reputation as a client focused company which strives to achieve excellence always.

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The Chamber was also honored to award Beth Baumann the River Heights Chamber’s 2016 Forrest Glewwe Visions of Excellence Award.  Beth is the former Mayor of South St. Paul after tirelessly serving her community for 14 years.  She provided great leadership in making South St. Paul a wonderful community to live, work and play. Under her direction, the Economic Development Authority was established to assist businesses looking to grow or locate in South St. Paul and to search for new business opportunities. Beth was instrumental in establishing the Mayors Youth Task Force to give kids the opportunity to do something positive for their community. It has become an extremely successful group and the kids love Mayor B.!  In addition to the River Heights Chamber and Progress Plus, Beth has been actively involved in organizations such as Neighbors, Inc., Dakota Futures, SMFD and Relay for Life.  Beth is enthusiastic and empowering, and truly exceeds in all criteria for this award, which encompass a commitment to the betterment of life, business, community and entrepreneurship for the River Heights region.

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Also awarded at the Annual meeting were Amanda Kissner of Wakota Federal Credit Union as the 2016 Rising Star recipient. The award is given to a volunteer who has accelerated in their first few years as a Chamber volunteer by displaying leadership, enthusiasm and passion for the Chamber’s mission.  Bruce Bairaktaris was recognized as the 2016 Ambassador of the Year for earning the most points as a Chamber Ambassador throughout the year.  The Ambassadors are the welcoming arm of the Chamber who visit members, attend grand openings and serve as greeters and mentors for Chamber members.

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Jon Erickson, 2017 Chairman, extended a welcome to the group and his vision for the Chamber to work together and create a “Culture of Unity.” “We are stronger together and connected through the relationships we make through our memberships in the Chamber.

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Minnesota State Representative Rick Hansen planned to facilitate a legislative panel, however, he and Representative Barr and Representative Franke were called into session at the Capitol as they debated Real ID among other things on the House Floor.  Former Chairman Kelton Glewwe filled in to facilitate the panel with our Senators.  In keeping with the night’s theme of unity, everyone got to know a little bit more about Senator Matt Klein and Senator Dan Schoen, as well as get their thoughts on important legislation.

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Special thanks to our featured event sponsors Town Square Television, Flint Hills Resources and Waterous Company, as well as major sponsors, Deerwood Bank, Xcel Energy, SKB Environmental and Progress Plus Economic Development Foundation.

For more details about the Chamber’s award winners, please watch their videos on the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/riverheightschamber and check out photos from the event on the River Heights Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RiverHeightsChamber.

About River Heights Chamber of Commerce:
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to attract and retain businesses to keep the business community thriving. The River Heights Chamber continues to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit our website www.riverheights.com to learn more!

Stay connected with the River Heights Chamber of Commerce on our social media sites!

www.facebook.com/RiverHeightsChamber

www.twitter.com/RH_Chamber

www.instagram.com/riverheightschamber

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How to Contact Your River Heights Area State Legislators

Nicole Bengtson
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Advocacy & Public Policy

Reach out to your local legislators on legislative issues important to you – they want to here from you!
Find the Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul District Senators and Representatives contact information here:

District 52:
Senator Matt Klein, M.D.
95 University Avenue West
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2409
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-4370
www.senate.mn/senatorkleinemail
www.senate.mn/senatorklein
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MattKleinMN
Twitter: @MattKleinSD52
Learn more here

District 54:
Senator Dan Schoen
95 University Avenue West
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2413
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-8060
sen.dan.schoen@senate.mn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SenatorDanSchoen/
Twitter: @danschoenmn
Learn more here

District 52A:
Representative Rick Hansen
247 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) -296-6828
rep.rick.hansen@house.mn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rick.hansen.90
Twitter @reprickhansen
Learn more here

District 52B:
Representative Regina Barr
553 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-4192
rep.regina.barr@house.mn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RepReginaBarr
Twitter: @RepReginaBarr
Learn more here

District 54A:
Representative Keith Franke
567 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-4342
rep.keith.franke@house.mn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/keith.franke.984
Twitter: @teamfranke
Learn more here