Viewing posts categorised under: Marketing
13
Oct
#WhyRiverHeights
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce has always been about being an organization built on values, connection, promotion, and being the voice of its business community, its stakeholders, its members – to advocate for their business’ needs, on issues that are important for them to thrive and succeed in our community. Over the years, the business members of the Chamber have expressed their reasons, their “why,” for being a member of this 117-year-old organization, and now, during a global pandemic, the Chamber is hearing and seeing these “Whys” playout and be cherished more than ever before.
“I joined the River Heights Chamber of Commerce to make local contacts and meet other business persons. As I got more involved in the chamber of commerce, I was learning from the experiences of my fellow chamber members and was able to incorporate that knowledge into my own business.” ~Kelton Glewwe, Roadware, Inc., South St. Paul
Relationships, connections and professional development have been shared at the forefront of why members of our community including our neighbors, our local businesses, our non-profits, our local and state elected officials, have participated, partnered and been involved in the initiatives of the River Heights Chamber.
While pillars of the Chamber’s initiatives of Networking, Advocacy, Business Development, Talent Attraction, Leadership Development, Buying Power may have had to take on a different look or approach during this year, they haven’t changed. The River Heights Chamber of Commerce still connects the needs of our members to decision-makers on every level. “Being a member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce gives my business a unified voice with local, state and federal elected officials. Networking with other River Heights Chamber of Commerce members helps me find local suppliers. This saves costs and helps grow our local economy,” added Kelton Glewwe of Roadware, Inc. in South St. Paul.
So what is your “Why?” When you are thinking of your “Why” in the business decisions you make, we hope you are considering the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and how it can be a factor in your success.
“Belonging to the Chamber has helped me get to know many people and has provided me countless opportunities to interact with other chamber members to not only have fun, but to hear about their successes as well as struggles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the resources and online seminars have been an inexpensive way to gain knowledge and interact with others while at home.” ~Karen Hanson, The Coop Restaurant, South St. Paul
The River Heights Chamber would love to hear from you about your “Why,” too! We invite you to share your positive business “Why” with us on the Chamber’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and use the hashtag #WhyRiverHeights – the Chamber will feature these excerpts in its Weekly Update e-newsletters in the coming weeks. Thank you to the above Chamber members for sharing their “Why” with us! We can’t wait to hear from more of the community!
The River Heights Chamber is here for you and your business and we know we are stronger together.
The Chamber will continue to be a catalyst in advancing the business community’s economic prosperity, providing countless resources and connections to ignite new growth and inspire leadership to shape a business-friendly region.
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18
Sep
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is excited to host its Fourth Annual Clay Shoot sponsored by Frattalone Companies on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the South St. Paul Rod and Gun Club. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Clay or trap shooting is growing exponentially in popularity across all ages and genders. It is the only sport where men and women compete together on equal footing. No experience needed – Beginners Welcome! Novice or seasoned, it is time to test your skills.
Clay shooting is a sport you can enjoy by yourself or with a team. Brian Martell of MidWest Telecom, and Clay Shoot supporter believes, “It is a great environment for networking and a prime opportunity for businesses to sponsor the event. Businesses can sponsor a station, a sporting game or one of many other options.” Since first being introduced to the sport at the Chamber’s inaugural event, Martell now shoots regularly and uses his time at the Gun Club for team building and networking.
In addition to the traditional eight-station course, the event includes two popular games from last year. Players can vie for the title of Annie Oakley in the popular last shooter standing contest and teams of two can compete in the Duck Flurry, shooting from a duck tower that throws clays in multiple directions.
Prizes will be awarded to teams with the top course scores and the contest winners. Guns are available for those not using their own. Shells, protective eyewear and earplugs are provided at check-in. Registration, sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at www.riverheights.com/clayshoot2020.
28
Jul
Inver Grove Heights/South Saint Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce invites the community to golf in the Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic fundraiser presented by Waterous Company on Tuesday, August 18th at Southview Country Club, 239 E. Mendota Road, West St. Paul.
August 18 is a new date, yet, we are looking forward to the same great fun the Golf Classic brings every year. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a breakfast-to-go pickup available for all golfers. For your convenience, passports are included in this year’s registration price and include one mulligan, one gimmie string and entry into both the putting and the chipping contests. The driving range is open for practice and shot-gun start for teams is at 10:00 a.m.
There will be many fun contests on the course, and a ball drop and boxed lunch following the day’s play that may be enjoyed on the patio or to-go. Due to current health considerations and course guidelines in compliance with State regulations for COVID-19, all golfers are to adhere to all safety and social distancing guidelines. Two golfers may ride in a cart (there is a plastic barrier in place between passengers). In addition, there will not be an awards banquet dinner; results of the tournament will be emailed to golfers the day following the event. Team photos will be taken on the course and shared in Chamber communications and social media following the event.
“Seeing people face-to-face is exactly the kind of change of pace I think many people are craving right now, and participating in the Golf Tournament is the chance to do that in a place that is safe, outside, supporting an area business and supporting the Chamber of Commerce,” says Chairman of the Board, Adam Bengtson. One of the most fun parts of the day is networking with the sponsors who sit at each hole on the course. “It’s always fun to see what unique events our sponsors come up with,” notes Michele Hein of Tandem Printing, Golf Task Force Chair.
Register yourself or your foursome to golf at the rate of $175/golfer. Special thanks to these businesses for being major sponsors of the tournament: Ameritek International, MidWestOne Bank, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures and Sanimax USA LLC – to see more area businesses supporting this event or to register to play, visit us online at www.riverheights.com/golf2020 or call the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651.451.2266. The annual tournament is held rain or shine.
About River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that 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!
About Southview Country Club
Southview Country Club is a premier 18-hole course whose sheer aesthetic beauty lies in stark contrast to the challenge it provides to golfers of every skill level. It is the kind of course you never grow tired of playing, and where you are always proud to bring your guests. Today, Southview is noted for its immaculate rolling fairways, mature trees and numerous water hazards featuring fountains and magnificent landscaping. And of course, the finest greens in this part of the country.
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14
Apr
By Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber and Jennifer Gale, River Heights Chamber of Commerce
Every employer and employee feels the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. Those of us in the network of state and local chambers, like the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, would like to thank employers and employees throughout Minnesota for navigating this crisis to mitigate the health impacts and keep our state moving forward. And if you are a business that is currently struggling or confused about the resources available to you, reach out to us. We can help- visit our business resources page at https://riverheights.com/covid19/.
Businesses are innovating and leveraging available resources.
Minnesota is blessed with a landscape of innovative companies and skilled workers. Employers and employees are continuing to find ways to work safely, keep essential operations open, meet customer demands and protect critical supply chains. Most impressive, companies are showing their ingenuity to transform operations almost overnight to supply products and services critical to bringing this pandemic under control.
Chambers of Commerce share the goal of ensuring a healthy business community and economy. The stakes are higher today, and our efforts are escalated as we fight this pandemic. We are working tirelessly for our members – listening to their needs and responding in their best interest.
Chambers are bringing businesses together.
Your local and state chambers work with businesses of every type, size and industry, and in every corner of the state. By listening to the needs of our members, we are able to make connections between challenges and solutions – during this crisis and long afterward. The River Heights Chamber has been sharing critical information to keep the business community abreast of the latest resources/tips/programs available to them, creating webinars and virtual events (like the Small Business Award Celebration on April 23 at 2:00 pm) to keep businesses informed and communicating with one another, as well as sharing the accomplishments and needs of its business members within the local community.
Chambers are advocating for employers and employees.
Minnesotans’ health and safety are paramount concerns for all of us. We share the goal of our elected officials to reduce the spread of the virus and simultaneously protect the long-term strength of the private-sector economy. It’s a delicate balance, and we have worked with legislators, and Governor Walz and his administration to make decisions with this balance in mind.
Chambers are speeding resources and assistance to keep communities thriving.
Every company is impacted by the state and federal directives related to COVID-19. Those deemed essential are doing what they can to keep shelves stocked and meet customer demands. If they were required to close their physical doors, many are continuing remotely or pivoting their operations. This was not their choice, but they are reviewing every funding option available to continue to make payroll, or act in good faith on behalf of their employees to keep their businesses open while mitigating health impacts.
The twists and turns of the pandemic are changing daily. Your chambers of commerce provide timely and trusted information to navigate this crisis. We know businesses are looking for funding and resources to mitigate this crisis. Your state and local chambers are here to help you navigate the various options and maximize the benefit for your business and employees. Our offices may be closed due to the “stay at home” order, but we are only a phone call or email away.
Businesses contribute to our shared quality of life in Minnesota. Generations-owned family companies and new entrepreneurial start-ups are equally important parts of our community’s and state’s story. The remarkable response of employers and employees everywhere is evidence that Minnesotans are well-prepared to weather this pandemic storm. Working together, we will position Minnesota to return to full productivity and full employment as soon as possible.
For more information, visit the River Heights Chamber of Commerce website at www.riverheights.com.
06
Apr
Dear River Heights Business Community,
We are all feeling the pain from this worldwide pandemic in different ways. The River Heights Chamber is here to assist your business in any way possible; we remain committed to supporting you during these challenging times.
Our small businesses are a critical piece of our community, and as such, the Chamber is moving forward to bring you the Small Business Award and Trade Show virtually, to honor and recognize our Small Business of the Year and the importance of small businesses in our community.
Our 2020 Virtual Small Business Award and Trade Show will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 2:00 pm via a Zoom Webinar and is FREE to attend. Chamber Chairman, Adam Bengtson, will facilitate the 2020 Small Business Award Celebration and Best Selling Author of Outperform the Norm, Scott Welle, will share strategies used by high achievers to take your game to the next level, especially during this unique time. And for the grand finale, be there LIVE for the announcement and to honor the 2020 Small Business of the Year and watch their video during this webinar! You don’t want to miss it!
The Trade Show component is a popular piece to this event. All members are invited to participate in the Trade Show which will remain online, viewable and shareable through the end of the year. For only $35, a business can share its logo, messaging and/or a video to the Virtual Trade Show. This is an opportunity to be creative and interact as if it were sharing your business at a LIVE trade show. For example, you can include a link to download and print a coupon to be used at a later date or bring in the coupon for a free giveaway. The sky is the limit!
Click HERE to register for the Virtual Trade Show
This event is supported by our generous sponsors, Town Square Television, Enbridge Energy, Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC, Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham and DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Downtown St. Paul.
Register in advance for the 2020 Small Business Award Celebration here!
26
Mar
March 25, 2020
Dear Members,
This afternoon, MN Governor Tim Walz issued an Executive Order directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home and limit movement outside of their homes beyond essential needs for two weeks.
Stay at Home Executive Order Effective Friday, March 27th from 11:59 pm to Friday, April 10th. #StayHomeMN
The closures of bars, restaurants and other public accommodations are extended to May 1st at 5 pm.
This Executive Order authorizes the Commissioner of Education to implement a Distant Learning period beginning on March 30th until May 4th.
Minnesotans may leave their home to perform essential duties and are asked to maintain social distancing.
Workers who provide critical services to the people of MN at this time are exempt. The exemptions are based on federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the US Department of Homeland Security with some Minnesota- specific additions. This includes but is not limited to jobs in:
– Healthcare and public health
– Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
– Child care
– Food and agriculture
– News media
– Energy
– Water and wastewater
– Critical manufacturing
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a voice of reason, sharing factual information as it becomes available and we will work tirelessly to advocate for and support our local businesses and communities.
We will be funneling information down to you through our website and social media channels. The RHCC Members Only Facebook group, the River Heights Chamber Facebook page, our COVID-19 webpage that offers info from our partners, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, DEED and other useful resources. We are also updating our Facebook page with announcements and opportunities to support our businesses during these challenging times.
Adam Bengtson, 2020 Chairman, River Heights Chamber of Commerce
23
Mar
March 23, 2020
Dear Chamber Members,
It has been a hard couple weeks to be in leadership, and I imagine for most of you, it’s been a hard couple weeks to be a business owner or employee, a school administrator, a government official, a parent, a student, a friend. What we are currently experiencing is definitely new territory for all of us.
First and foremost, I want to assure you that the River Heights Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a voice of reason, sharing factual information as it becomes available and we will work tirelessly to advocate for and support our local businesses and communities. We will be funneling information down to you through our website here from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, DEED and other useful resources and partners. Last week, we compiled a list of local restaurants, coffee shops & bars, and food establishments who are offering take-out and deliveries (email Colleen with your information or updates), River Heights Region Restaurant & Food Guide.
We will continue to update events (cancelations & virtual events, etc…) and job postings to our website and social media.
We encourage you to come to the social media table with gratitude and positivity. Why? Because we need to band together as businesses and community to support one another.
What can you do?
- Post your business doing some random act of kindness
- Highlight your staff or a product we can learn about
- Share fun facts or historical anecdotes about your business
- Shout out to another local business
We are in this together. If you have any suggestions for the River Heights Chamber, feel free to email us. We may not have the answer, but we can listen. I am so proud of the measures so many of you are taking already to adapt and showcase leadership to those around you.
With Admiration,
Adam Bengtson, 2020 Chairman of the Board of Directors
& Jennifer Gale, President, River Heights Chamber of Commerce
23
Jan
Do you have a business idea? Have you wondered where to even start when considering to open your own business or expand to a new area? Look no further if you are considering Inver Grove Heights! Together, Progress Plus, the economic development foundation of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Inver Grove Heights made “A Guide to Opening or Expanding a Business… In the City of Inver Grove Heights” just for you!
Please feel free to contact us at Progress Plus if you have any questions on your business journey, economic development search or when using this guide.
Click on the image below or here to download the PDF of this Guide for Inver Grove Heights
The information presented in this guide book is provided for the convenience of the reader. While every effort has been made to ensure that all presented information is accurate at the time it is published, the City of Inver Grove Heights and the River Heights Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information presented herein.
20
Jan
Celebrating 117 Years and Honoring Business of the Year, Forrest Glewwe Visions of Excellence, Rising Star & Employer of People with Disabilities Awards
Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 117th Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 9th at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront.
At this year’s meeting, the River Heights Chamber of Commerce awarded Heidi Satre of Neighbors Inc. the 2019 Rising Star award for her volunteerism with the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and her many other contributions to the community. Vance Boelter of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board presented in partnership with his organization, the Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities Award, to Town Square Television for employing individuals with disabilities through Proact to clean their studios for over two decades.
Adam Bengtson, of Endorse Communications, was introduced as the 2020 Chairman of the Board and commented, “Those who know me well might describe me as a runaway optimist. But I believe that’s for good reason. The amazing advancements in the ways we live, conduct business and drive change are accelerating every day. In a matter of just two or three generations, the landscape of technology around us has completely transformed nearly every facet of our lives. I’m incredibly excited that the Chamber is leading the way in adopting this way of thinking.
Of course, these changes and improvements don’t happen in a vacuum. It takes ideas and energy from stakeholders from all around our community – that especially includes business and civic leaders in the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.”
Chairman Bengtson presented the River Heights Chamber 2020 Business of the Year to Drkula’s 32 of Inver Grove Heights, and later presented the 2019 Forrest Glewwe Visions of Excellence Award in memory of Carol Swenson to her family. To watch their individual award videos, check out the Chamber’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/riverheightschamber.
The audience also heard an inspiring keynote from Ian Leonard, Chief Meteorologist, FOX 9.
“What have you done for someone else today?” A question everyone can ask themselves, their staff, and their family – “live your passion with a purpose!”
Special thanks to the Annual Meeting event sponsors Waterous Company and Town Square Television, major sponsors CHS Inc, and Xcel Energy, and contributing sponsors Flint Hills Resources, Inver Grove Heights Convention & Visitors Bureau and Mahoney, Ulbrich, Christiansen and Russ, P.A.
14
Oct
Area Chambers of Commerce Partner to Host Business Expo Networking Event
Inver Grove Heights, MN (October 14, 2019) – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit business organization that supports businesses in Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul, is partnering with area Chambers of Commerce, to bring you the annual County-Wide Chamber Business Expo.
Top Five Reasons You Should Attend:
1. Meet and connect with great people and businesses throughout Dakota County
2. Enjoy complimentary, delicious hors d’oeuvres
3. Visit 40+ booths from participating vendors
4. Chance to win multiple door prizes (some valued at $100!)
5. It’s FREE and Open to the Public!
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Apple Valley, Burnsville, Hastings and Lakeville Area Chambers of Commerce, invite you and a guest to attend the County-wide Chamber Business Expo, an After Hours Networking Event, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at GrandStay Hotel & Conference of Apple Valley, located at 7083 153rd St. W, in Apple Valley.
“Whether you are looking to make a new connection, grow your business or learn about businesses (big and small) in Dakota County, this expo has something for everyone,” says Colleen Murphy Roth, Director of Membership Development for the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Special thanks to our event sponsor Dakota Electric Association.
Be sure to get there early to meet as many people as you can and enjoy the delicious appetizers and cash bar available. Remember to bring your business cards, too! More event details can be found at www.riverheights.com or by contacting the River Heights Chamber office at 651.451.2266 ext. 1032.
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making connections and delivering resources that benefit local businesses. Visit www.riverheights.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about the benefits of membership and events.
