Grow Minnesota! launches BusinessConnection in Marshall area
Marshall Area companies and entrepreneurs now have a single entry point to become connected with private and public resources to solve everyday business problems.
BusinessConnection - a new business assistance and referral network - was launched recently by Grow Minnesota!, a subsidiary of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
BusinessConnection is open to all businesses and can be reached via the Web site www.mnbizconnect.com or on the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce website www.marshall-mn.org. BusinessConnection is also available toll-free by calling (888) MINN-BIZ (646-6249), with live operators standing by.
"Our state has the business-assistance resources to solve most problems," said Bill Blazar, senior vice president of public affairs and business development at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business-advocacy organization. "But our Grow Minnesota! business-retention visits also suggest that Minnesota companies are generally unaware of the resources and how to identify and access those that can solve their problems."
Grow Minnesota!, a distinctive private-sector business retention and economic development program, is conducted in partnership with over 50 local chambers of commerce. Staff and volunteers average about 900 one-on-one visits per year with owners and/or managers of Minnesota businesses.
Grow Minnesota! is the Chamber's job-retention and business-growth program. BusinessConnection is a joint project of Grow Minnesota! and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The service is designed to be statewide, well-publicized and easy to access.
Grow Minnesota! worked closely with DEED, as well as other public and private economic development organizations, to shape BusinessConnection. Grants from the McKnight Foundation to Grow Minnesota! and DEED will cover the start-up and initial operating costs of BusinessConnection.
Avera announces February Spirit of Excellence Award winner
Bob Purves, pharmacist, has been chosen to receive the "Spirit of Excellence" Award for February 2010 from Avera Marshall. Each month the award is given to an employee who demonstrates the medical center's values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. Purves has worked at Avera Marshall since July 1975.
Ditch Witch named best in the business
Ditch Witch of South Dakota, Inc. was recently honored by The Charles Machine Works, Inc, manufacturer of Ditch Witch products, as a member of the 2009 Crescent Club, a group that represents the best the Ditch Witch organization has to offer. From sales and marketing to parts and service, Ditch Witch of South Dakota, Inc. exhibited extraordinary service to its customers, to the industry, and to the Ditch Witch organization in 2009, said a news release.
Ditch Witch of South Dakota has served customers in South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Wyoming for more than 45 years from the main location in Sioux Falls and a branch operation in Rapid City.
Criteria for Crescent Club membership is stringent and includes measurable goals for all segments of the dealership. This includes successful sales and marketing efforts for the entire Ditch Witch product line, as well as the financial performance, marketing and management, personnel, training, and superior parts and service departments.
The Ditch Witch organization specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality underground construction equipment.
UCare to have Seniors Medicare Advantage plan meetings
UCare will have informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Members of UCare's sales staff will discuss the UCare for Seniors Classic, Value, and Value Plus plans.
To register for a meeting or for more information, call 1-877-523-1518 (toll free). In Marshall the meetings will take place at 10 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. at the Marshall AmericInn (Whitney Room), 1406 E. Lyon St.