Friends,
This past week, the US Chamber of Commerce announced that BrandHoot and Xylo Technologies, both of Rochester, have been named among the seventeen finalists for the US Chamber of Commerce's Dream Big Small Business of the Year award. The award winner will exemplify success and leadership in each of the following areas: business growth and performance, business strategies and goals, community engagement, customer and employee relation practices, and innovative business strategies and practice.
Not only are the two Rochester-based companies the only ones from Minnesota up for this prestigious national award, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber in the country to have more than one finalist up for the award. It's fantastic and extremely important to have a thriving small business community to create good paying jobs for our area.
BrandHoot and Xylo Technologies have also been named finalists for six other business achievement awards, including the Community Excellence Award. One-third of the total vote for the Community Excellence Award comes from an online poll that can be accessed here.
Award winners will be announced at the Dream Big Awards Celebration on Tuesday, September 12th in Washington, D.C. as part of the 2017 Small Business Summit. Good luck to both!
Local Events
- The Dodge County Fair takes place this week from Wednesday to Sunday at the Fairgrounds in Kasson. See more information here.
- Byron Good Neighbor Days begins on Thursday and the parade takes place on Sunday afternoon. See the full schedule here.
Save the date: Capitol Grand Opening
After a four year and $310 million restoration, the Minnesota State Capitol is now open to the public. Our beautiful Capitol has been returned to its former glory and is ready for the next 100 years! To commemorate this special occasion and invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be a Grand Opening Celebration held on August 11, 12, and 13. The celebration will have something for everyone – fireworks, concerts, demonstrations by the artisans that worked on the restoration, behind the scenes tours, and much more. Most of the events are free, or offered at a very low cost. Please mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the People’s House this summer!
Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and ideas on issues important to you. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling (651) 296-9236, or share your thoughts via email by emailing me at rep.duane.quam@house.mn
Thank you and have a great summer,
Duane