08/18/2011 - Dakota County Tribune Business Weekly

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Mall to make way for redevelopment 6A Ansari’s gives back to community 7A JD Woodcraft moves to Lakeville 7A

JOHN GESSNER JESSICA HARPER TAD JOHNSON

dakotacountytribune.biz dakotacountytribune.biz

DATE ##,18, 2009 AUGUST 2011

VOLUME 30, NUMBER # VOLUME 32, NUMBER 25

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New group has traditional chambers spinning MainStreetChamber offers inexpensive service to small business leaders by Jessica Harper DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE

A new business chamber in the south metro that offers free membership has traditional chamber leaders scratching their heads. MainStreetChamber, a national for-profit group that offers free membership and networking services to small to mid-sized business owners, opened a south metro chapter earlier this summer. Leaders of traditional chambers are questioning the group’s authenticity as a chamber of commerce. “They are not a traditional chamber of commerce,� said Ed Kearney, president of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce. “They’re a net- Ed Kearney working group ... similar to Business Networking International groups.� The Bloomington-based chapter of MainStreetChamber targets small businesses located south of I-494, which includes Dakota County, said Lisa Saline, president of the South Metro Chapter. “But (businesses) don’t need to be in a specific region to join,� Saline said. The chapter has acquired 225 members since its grand opening in July. Saline describes the group as an alternative for small businesses who cannot afford or do not want to pay membership dues and other

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Photo by Jessica Harper

MainStreetChamber is a free networking service that is aimed at small to mid-sized businesses. Lisa Saline is president of the South Metro Chapter which opened in July.

fees associated with a traditional chamber. “It helps small businesses who need to get their foot in the door,� she said. “The goal is to help them connect with other small business owners and help them grow.� The chapter is part of MainStreetChamber Minnesota which was established last year and has 3,000 members. “We believe the economy runs on small businesses and that’s why we are dedicated to helping them grow,� said state director Mike Clough. The national MainStreetChamber brand was founded 11 years ago under the name National Chamber of Commerce. The

group rebranded itself in 2008 and currently has 13,000 members. “We had resistance with the previous name because some thought we looked like a government agency,� said CEO John Bellave. Members can attend events and advertise on the group’s website for free. Unlike traditional chamber, MainStreetChamber sustains itself solely through sponsorships and paid advertising at its networking events. Although MainStreetChamber gives businesses another option, Saline said, she does not think the group is in competition with traditional chambers.

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“We would like to align ourselves with other chambers,� she said. Leaders of traditional chambers agreed that MainStreetChamber is not a competitor, but are unsure whether a partnership would be beneficial. Kearney said he believes MainStreetChamber neglects pressing issues such as public policy, economic development and job growth. “The real reason we exist is to keep a lid on federal, state, county and city taxation and regulation,� Kearney said. “We have totally different purposes. It’s ironic we have the same name — chamber.� Daron Van Helden, president of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, agreed. “Within that there is a spirit of Daron cooperation and Van Helden community building and economic development,� he said. “It’s about representing business interest.� Ruthe Batulis, president of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said she views MainStreetChamber as more Ruthe of a “business Batulis opportunity� than a chamber of

JOHN KLINE

Job fair in Eagan on Sept. 19 to host a wide range of companies that aim to f ill employment openings. 4A

FORUM

Nonpartisan committee gives Minnesotans the opportunity to influence changes to new political district map. DON 4A HEINZMAN CAPITOL COMMERCE

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty drops out of running for Republican endorsement. TIM 8A PAWLENTY CAPITOL COMMERCE

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann sees her political star rise after winning the Iowa Straw Poll on Saturday in Ames. MICHELE 8A BACHMANN

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General 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Advertising 952-846-2011

See Chamber, Page 36A

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