Biz briefs: Costco to open first store in Dakota County by Thanksgiving

Two days before Thanksgiving, residents should be able to dash to the new Costco in Burnsville for their last-minute bulk supplies of cranberry sauce and dinner rolls. The store now is scheduled to be ready for business on Nov. 23 at 14050 Burnhaven Drive in Burnsville.

It will be the first Costco in the county.

The 157,000-square-foot store will be in space previously occupied by Grossman Chevrolet Cadillac.

Along with its retail warehouse, the store will operate a gas station on the corner of McAndrews Road and Burnhaven Drive, said Tom Dillahunt, marketing manager for the Burnsville operation.

Costco, popularly known as a place to buy products in bulk, and its gas station will be open only to Costco members. But the liquor store and pharmacy also will welcome nonmembers.

The store is expected to create about 200 jobs.

Lee Education stays at Dupuis House

Since being displaced, Lee Education Center, a tutoring service with a small stable of education professionals, has operated out of offices at the old Dupuis House in Mendota.

The house was supposed to serve as a temporary location, but with lease negotiations still being discussed with Mendota Plaza and construction ongoing, Lee recently had to apply for a Mendota business license.

"It's a beautiful location," he said. "It's kind of complimentary of the educational services."

The building serves as the visitor office for the historic Henry H. Sibley House, and Lee has been the resident caretaker for the Sibley House for more than 20 years, he said.

The house was built in 1854 by pioneer Hypolite Dupuis. In the 1950s, it was operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Sibley Tea House.

"It's all up in the air right now," he said.

'Survive and Thrive' awards are Nov. 3

It doesn't take a genius to realize business owners are going through difficult times.

On Nov. 3, the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding an event to recognize local businesses that have shown "creativity, perseverance and ingenuity to sustain and propel their business forward" during difficult economic times.

The Survive and Thrive Business Awards ceremony will take place at the Steeple Center in Rosemount.

Admission to the event is $20 per person and includes a catered breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Visit the chamber's website at www.dcrchamber.com to register or nominate a business for an award.