Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Eagan Job Creators

Four Eagan businesses were recognized for creating jobs and successfully adding to the local economy.

The companies were recognized along with three other local firms at the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards at Lost Spur Golf Course on Thursday morning.

"We have seven fabulous stories of business success," said Ruthe Batulis, president of the Chamber of Commerce, which is based in Eagan.

The Eagan companies recognized were:

Aerospace Welding Inc./Aerospace Manufacturing Inc.

Gorton Studios

Primrose School of Eagan

Aerospace Fabrication and Materials LLC.

Also recognized were Signal Garage of West St. Paul, Insider Training of Rosemount and Coordinated Business Solutions of Burnsville.

Rick King, chief technology officer for the Professional division of Thomson Reuters, spoke as the keynote presenter before the local companies were acknowledged. Thomson Reuters started in 1991 with 4,000 workers, and now has 7,000 employees.

He explained how the state and local economy depends on small businesses. In Dakota County, 55 percent of firms employ fewer than five people. And 97 percent of local businesses employ less than 100 people, according to a slide he showed during his presentation.

Throughout the state, statistics are similar, according to King's presentation. Fifty-two percent of Minnesotans work for small businesses, and 97 percent of the state's businesses are made of companies with fewer than 100 people.

As a widely recognized business and information technology leader, King offered nuggets of wisdom to other local companies. He said attitude is important, as is embracing change and keeping high expectations. So is candor, and catching and recognizing someone doing the right thing.

And for leadership, lead people, he offered. Manage things.

"These are great examples of all that happening," he said of the seven businesses recognized Thursday. "I'm really glad you all do what you do."