Results from Wilder Research Study released February 2013

Dakota County Technical College released the results of a research study that estimates the annual economic impact of DCTC on the regional economy to be $162 million and 1,554 jobs.

“In addition to focusing on the success of our students, Dakota County Technical College plays a vital role in supporting our state and regional economy,” said DCTC President Ronald E. Thomas, Ph.D. “Our operations and the economic activity generated by our faculty, staff and students touch virtually every corner of our regional economy and support local business and industry.”

The February 2013 study, “The economic impact of Dakota County Technical College,” was conducted by Wilder Research, a nationally recognized source of data used by state and local planners, policymakers and service providers.

Jose Diaz, a Wilder research scientist, said, “This economic impact research provides a statistically valid measurement of the significance of an organization’s activities on the regional economy. Policymakers and community leaders can use the data to inform their decisions. Dakota County Technical College clearly has a significant impact on the regional economy.”

“The economic impact of Dakota County Technical College” | Wilder Research

Executive summary

Dakota County Technical College generates an annual economic impact of $162 million from its operations in the Twin Cities. Based on the Twin Cities metro economy of $190.7 billion, this means that for every $1,000 produced in the Twin Cities metro area, $9 are directly or indirectly related to Dakota County Technical College. The direct impact of Dakota County Technical College in 2011 was $95 million, while the indirect impact in other industries was $67 million.

Similarly, during 2011 the college and its students generated an estimated 1,554 jobs in the Twin Cities. These jobs included an estimated 1,089 direct jobs, and 465 additional indirect jobs, created by vendors, contractors, and businesses supplying inputs to the college and its students.

Additionally, by educating its students, Dakota County Technical College enhances the productivity of both public and private organizations in Minnesota. Only considering the 426 associate degrees awarded by Dakota County Technical College in 2011, this is equivalent to $39.9 million of future value created in the state.

The study also concluded that DCTC generates approximately $15 million in tax revenues for state and local government.

The study further estimated the value of the increase in productivity that the 426 associate degrees awarded by DCTC in 2011 will yield throughout the careers of the graduates. Assuming a 40-year work life, the education received by these graduates will yield additional state income of $39.9 million. “Dakota County Technical College makes a long-term contribution to the regional economy with every graduating class because the productivity improvements from higher education last for the worker’s entire career,” said Diaz.

On a statewide level, the Wilder study illustrates the economic impact of the seven state universities and 24 community and technical colleges that are a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system:

• Generate an annual economic impact of $8.3 billion (direct impact of $5 billion and indirect impact in other industries of $3.3 billion).
• Represent a return of $13.53 for each $1 of state appropriation.
• Generate an estimated 80,856 jobs in the state (56,876 direct jobs and 23, 979 additional indirect jobs created by vendors, contractors and businesses supplying inputs to our colleges and universities and their students).
• Generate approximately $490 million in tax revenues for Minnesota state and local governments.

In addition to the impact outlined above, the enhanced productivity of MnSCU graduates across the state is equivalent to $4.7 billion of future value created each year.

For more information about “The Economic Impact of Dakota County Technical College,” contact:

• Kim Gelhar
  Executive Assistant to the President
  651-423-8200

DCTC volunteers help make OneRosemount a success

Photo courtesy of Emily Zimmer, Rosemount Town Pages

For the past three decades, Minnesota FoodShare has organized a March campaign. The largest food drive in the state, Minnesota FoodShare draws thousands of volunteers from schools, businesses, churches and community groups. This year’s goal is to raise $1 million for local food shelves. Dakota County’s goal is to reach 10,000 pounds of nonperishable food.

Photo courtesy of Emily Zimmer, Rosemount Town Pages

On March 2, 12 volunteers from Dakota County Technical College and 1,200 members of the local community combined efforts for Minnesota FoodShare. In coordination with ImpactLives, a group of Rosemount Leaders organized OneRosemount Feeding Families to package, ship and hand-deliver meals to Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic.

Melanie Benitez, a Practical Nursing student and marketing director for the DCTC Campus Lions Club, and Brett Kolles, an English instructor and Lions Club co-advisor, shared their experiences with DCTC News:

Photo courtesy of Emily Zimmer, Rosemount Town Pages

How did you become involved in OneRosemount?
BK: I received an e-mail about the event and jumped on the chance to be involved. We joined the planning committee about a month ago. The Lions Club was just going to volunteer, but one thing led to another and we were eventually asked to take on more of a leadership role. We thought it would be a neat opportunity because OneRosemount ties in so closely with the community.

What was your first impression about the event?
MB: OneRosemount is a great idea and I’m so glad to have been a part of it. OneRosemount reminded me of other volunteer events where the Lions have participated, but this was the first time I could be involved.

Describe your experience that day:
MB: When I got to the school, the first thing I noticed were soldiers in the parking lot who were also volunteering. I saw right away that volunteers were using a scale to weigh the food.

(left to right) Laura Gardner, Melanie Benitez, and Brett Kolles of DCTC (photo courtesy of Melanie Benitez)

BK: That was so smart to check in the food by weight. The organizers had a simple little scale with some ropes on a coat rack and a milk crate for the food.

MB: On volunteer sorted all the food as it was coming in and they even had a greeter at the door to direct other volunteers and people with donations. I helped with the registration forms, explaining what to fill out. Kids filled out the forms, parents, too, all the families that came in. People drove in all the way from Minneapolis, a lot from Rosemount, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington. Other DCTC volunteers helped people complete the registration process.

BK: OneRosemount was really well organized. What they wanted to do was have every person fill out a card to register. The whole intention was to build a database to send out thank-you notes. Now they have a list of 1,200 volunteers.

MB: After registration, volunteers would stand in their designated area to receive their hair nets and booties, and wash their hands in preparation to help with the tasks. As soon as one group was transported into the gym, another group came in. The whole event was just very well organized. I was amazed at how smooth everything all went. It was like something that happens everyday.

Bins of food used to pack 285,120 meals (photo courtesy of Melanie Benitez)

BK: That’s a great way to put it because the organizers kept saying, ‘We’re going to have to go on the fly because we’ve never done this before.’

MB: You would never think it was possible! Not a single hiccup at all; it was just all so smooth. After each group, we had about a half hour to get cleaned up before the next group arrived. While each group was in the gym packing food, our task was to enter all the registration forms into the database. It worked out perfectly. Even though I didn’t pack any food, I did go into the gym to see the process. I wanted to get right in there and help, too! They were having a lot of fun! I saw 4- and 5-year-old kids dancing.

BK: People of all ages were volunteering and dancing.

MB: At one point, they showed a live feed on the gym’s video screen of another school participating in OneRosemount. Groups at the middle school and elementary school were competing against each other. It was fun to have that competition.

BK: The video fired everyone up!

MB: As they were packing the food, they were yelling out how many boxes one table had compared to another table. “Table one has four boxes!” “Table three has six boxes!”

Photo courtesy of Emily Zimmer, Rosemount Town Pages

What was it like to be a part of OneRosemount?
MB: I thought it was really great the way they kept everyone pumped up as they were packing. They had music playing and people were dancing as they were packing. No one was just standing around, it wasn’t boring. It was a lot of fun. I felt like the time went really fast. I can’t wait to go back and be a part of OneRosemount again! I wanted to stay longer and I wanted to help in every area, in any way that I could.

As you registered volunteers, what kind of responses did you receive?
MB: As I met with the families coming in, I talked to them about where they were from and what group they were with. There were dance teams, sports teams and many church groups. No one group or one response stand outs because they were all really special.

BK: The mayor of Rosemount was there, city council members, several local business owners—and they were all volunteering. OneRosemount was an enormous community effort.

MB: I thought it was just great that everyone wanted to help. Nobody felt more important than someone else. Everybody was helping.

How were you feeling at the end of your shift?
MB: I kept thinking I didn’t want a year to go by before volunteering for OneRosemount again. Thoughts were going through my mind about other events similar to OneRosemount that our college is involved in. I just wish I didn’t have to leave so early. It just went by way too fast.

Photo courtesy of Emily Zimmer, Rosemount Town Pages

What can you tell other people about volunteering for such a cause?
MB: I think everybody should take an opportunity to do something like this. Even if they just go for an hour, just to see it. Just go and try it; it’s a good experience.

BK: What was neat, too, was that it didn’t matter what you did five days a week, what your job title was, your age, anything—you just jump in and help. The general manager from Cub Foods got up to do “Gangnam Style” moves with the little kids. It was absolutely time to cut loose and just have some fun, but it was very productive at the same time. They really kept the energy level going.

Final thoughts?
BK: This event was the first of what they’re hoping is an annual event. They exceeded their production goal of 285,210 meals to send to the Dominican Republic. The remarkable thing was that everybody was there, employees and employers together. Everyone just rolled up their sleeves and they didn’t care what job they were doing.

MB: Everyone was smiling. It was just fun! There’s no other way to put it.

Read additional articles:

• Rosemount group tackles hunger near, far by Erin Adler, Star Tribune
  OneRosemount is fighting a complex issue via a food drive and other volunteer activities.
• OneRosemount meets goal to feed many by Emily Zimmer, Rosemount TownPages
  Community came together to pack meals Saturday, but group still needs donations to complete the effort

For more information about the Lions Club at DCTC, contact:

• Brett Kolles
  DCTC Campus Lions Club Advisor
  651-423-8395
• Laura Gardner
  DCTC Campus Lions Club Co-Advisor
  651-423-8526

 Gerardo Garay is recognized for his community service

DCTC Campus Lions Club President Gerardo Garay is on a roll this year, achieving another great success for the campus, the club and himself. He won the 2012 Junior Quarterback Service Award sponsored by the Minnesota Vikings.

“It’s a great honor,” said Garay. “It’s great knowing I’ve helped out the Lions Club and other people at the same time. And I have fun while I’m doing that.”

The award is given to students who provide outstanding volunteer service to their community. The Vikings were impressed with Gerardo’s leadership in fundraising for the Suicide Prevention Walk, the Woodbury Habitat for Humanity project, and the collection of used shoes and eyeglasses for those in need in Dakota County.

The $1,000 award will go to the DCTC Campus Lions Club, which sponsored Garay, and will be used for future service projects. The Minnesota Vikings Association presented Garay with a signed certificate showing the organization’s appreciation for his great accomplishment.

“Congratulations to Gerardo and the rest of the Lions board of directors and volunteers who have made the club such a remarkable success,” said Brett Kolles, DCTC Campus Lions Club co-advisor. “We rock and roar!”

For more information about the Lions Club at DCTC, contact:

• Brett Kolles
  DCTC Campus Lions Club Co-Advisor
  651-423-8395
• Laura Gardner
  DCTC Campus Lions Club Co-Advisor
  651-423-8526

Bethani Athey shares her experience at DCTC

Bethani Athey | #8 | Fastpitch Softball

Bethani Athey plays for the DCTC Blue Knights women’s fastpitch softball team. Bethani graduated from Elk River High School as a five-year varsity starter for the Elks. She became a starter at third base in 8^th grade. During her freshman year, the Elks won the 3A State Championship. As a junior, she was named 2011 All-Conference and 2011 All-Section. She was honored as a Minnesota High School All-Star in 2012. The All-Stars are selected by the Minnesota High School Fast Pitch Coaches Association to represent all graduating seniors. The players are recognized as the state’s premier softball players.

Bethani sat down with Real Magazine for a quick Q & A:

Real: How did you earn the MN H.S. All-Star award?

Bethani: It is based primarily on your softball skills, but also being a team leader and having a positive attitude. You need to be nominated by your coach and then all the coaches in the conference will vote. I was honored my coach nominated me, and very excited when I received the High School All-Star award.

Real: What made you decide to come to DCTC?

Bethani: The softball program instantly got my attention. I met with Tom Cross, the softball coach, and he talked to me about the program. I was also really attracted to DCTC when I found out they moved to the D2 Conference. It is very rare for technical colleges to play at that level.

Real: What do you think about DCTC?

Bethani: After graduating from high school I pictured myself going to a university, and was skeptical about going to a smaller technical college. After coming to DCTC, I like that it is a smaller school because I get more one-on-one time with the instructors. All the instructors here are really nice and are always willing to help.

Real: Favorite part about DCTC?

Bethani: Softball. I enjoy meeting the other girls and making friends. There are about four girls from last year, but all the rest are new. I really like how athletes from all the DCTC sports know each other, which is different from my high school. I did not expect that at all. For example, our team got together to watch a girl’s soccer game and a baseball game. The boys also came out to watch us. It is really cool that all the athletes support each other.

Bethani Athey | Elk River H.S. Elks

Real: What do you do in your free time?

Bethani: I work at Subway so I am there a lot. I volunteer as the assistant coach of youth softball camps at my hometown of Elk River. I enjoy working with the young girls on catching, pitching and all aspects of softball. I can definitely see myself being a coach in the future. I also enjoy shopping, but in my free time, I am mostly focused on softball.

Real: What is your biggest challenge about being in school?

Bethani: Balancing work, school and softball is the most challenging. We have softball practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. As the season gets closer, we will practice almost everyday. My advisor, Amy Eppen, helped me fit my classes in the morning, so I am done by at least 2 p.m. everyday.

Real: What are you looking forward to this softball season?

Bethani: We are taking a spring break trip to Florida and will play other D2 teams from different conferences. We will play about 10 games that week to sharpen our college level softball skills.

Real: What are you plans after DCTC?

Bethani: After DCTC, I will be transferring to St. Cloud Technical & Community College and pursue an ultrasound technician degree.

Fun Facts

• Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes
• Favorite Book: The Lovely Bones
• Favorite Movie: Despicable Me
• Favorite Course: General Biology with Kyle Forgette
• Pre-game Rituals: Listening to music
• Favorite Athlete: Crystal Bustos (USA Olympic Softball Athlete)
• Favorite Sports Memory: Winning the 3A State Championship in 2009

Bethani Athey | Minnesota High School All-Star

This story was featured in the Winter/Spring 2013 Real Magazine.

For more information about Blue Knights fastpitch softball, contact:

• Tom Cross
  Head Softball Coach
  651-423-8677

Rosealee Lee to be honored with 10 others

Since 2010, the Exceptional Businesswomen Award has recognized women who have distinguished themselves in Dakota County business and community efforts. Rosealee Lee, meeting and event management instructor at Dakota County Technical College, is one of 11 women who will be honored with the award during a recognition ceremony and breakfast on Tuesday, March 5, at Lost Spur Event Center and Golf Course in Eagan, Minn.

“It is an honor to represent Dakota County Technical College and women professionals,” said Lee about receiving the award. “I believe it is incumbent on all professionals, regardless of gender and occupation, to mentor others. One of the rarest gifts that’s forgotten all too often is that what we give, we get back.”

Annette Marquez | Founder/Owner of The Perfect Occasion

Annette Marquez is one such student who Lee mentored. Marquez graduated from DCTC’s Meeting and Event Management program and received the award in 2010. She founded The Perfect Occasion, a business that specializes in event planning for nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Read her full story in DCTC News: Annette Marquez Honored as Exceptional Businesswoman.

A panel of judges from the DCTC Foundation, the Dakota County Tribune, and Sun Thisweek reviewed the nominations. This year’s award winners represent a wide variety of community members, including small business owners, educators, organizers, manufacturers, motivators, innovators and barrier breakers.

“Building our industries forward, one person and one career at a time, benefits our students, our industry and us,” said Lee. “I hope this honor will shine a light on that practice. I am grateful to all of my mentees and associates, as well as the selection committee for this award.”

This year’s winners in the fourth class of Exceptional Businesswomen are:

• Sharon Hoffman Avent | Smead Manufacturing Company president and CEO | Hastings, Minn.
• Ruthe Batulis | Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce president
• Catherine Byers Breet | ARBEZ Inc. owner | Eagan, Minn.
• Jeanne Hutter | Lakeville Convention & Visitors Bureau director
• Rosealee Lee | Dakota County Technical College faculty member | Rosemount, Minn.
• Debbie McConnell | Medi-Car Auto Repair owner | Rosemount, Minn.
• Patti McDonald | McDonald Eye Care Associates business administrator | Lakeville, Minn.
• Susan McGaughey | Valley Natural Foods general manager | Burnsville, Minn.
• Kristina Murto | Ensemble Creative & Marketing owner | Lakeville, Minn.
• Linda Peterson | Beau Monde Salon owner | Burnsville, Minn.
• Stacey Stratton | True Talent Group president | Apple Valley, Minn.

Single tickets are $30 to attend the recognition ceremony or get a table of eight for $175. To purchase tickets, visit 2013 Exceptional Businesswomen Recognition Banquet and Breakfast.

To learn more about Meeting and Event Management, Spa and Resort Management or Hospitality Lodging Management at DCTC, contact:

• Rosealee Lee
  Meeting & Event Management Instructor
  651-423-8614