Foundation Annual Breakfast

**Please note registration for this event is now closed. For questions please call 507-288-1122. We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins.

​As our region faces an unemployment rate hovering around 3% in conjunction with continued business growth, we are increasingly in need of a talented workforce. Join us at the inaugural Foundation Annual Breakfast to learn how the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation is working for our community to develop, attract, and retain the workforce of today and tomorrow. This event is an opportunity for community and Chamber members alike to come together to realize the work of the Foundation and join in the efforts moving forward. The time is now to work together to address the needs of our growing region. The time is now to make believers.

The program for the breakfast will include reporting of the Foundation's 2016 outcomes, recognition of our dedicated volunteers, the awarding of our first Experiential Learning Grant for Educators, and announcements of what is to come for the 2017 year and beyond.

Event Schedule:
7:30am - 8:30am Registration and Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30am Program
9:30am - 9:45am Break
9:45am - 10:30am Job Shadow Panel*
10:30am - Dismissal

*Stay after the breakfast program for a brief job shadow panel discussion to learn more about the impact of this program in our community and how you can join in the efforts to make an immediate impact on our future workforce!

The event will feature Joe Powers​, CEO of Powers Ventures, as keynote speaker. Born and raised in Rochester, MN, Powers began working as a dishwasher in a hotel while still in high school. Upon graduation he began work as a Sous Chef and was promoted to Executive Chef for Lebristro’s French Café. This fueled the flames that ignited a passion for Powers and his love for the food service industry that has spanned more than 28 years. Presently, Powers is the owner of The Canadian Honker Restaurant and Catering, Rochester Event Center, and Canadian Honker Events. He enthusiastically serves the greater Rochester community and is an active board member of: Rochester Area Foundation, Shjon Podien Children’s Fund, First Homes, Poverello Foundation, Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau and DMC’s steering committee to name a few.

Brianna Cook of ABC 6 News will emcee the event. Cook's television career began at ABC 6 News in 2009. She worked as a production assistant, intern and then a reporter. She then traveled to Omaha, NE, where she spent a year working as the morning reporter for WOWT-TV. Cook has been fortunate enough to cover several big news events in Minnesota including a presidential visit, and she's gone on several adventures like exploring caves and even flying an airplane. But her favorite stories to tell are the ones that directly impact the people of Southeast Minnesota.