South metro business briefs

Showcase Eagan highlights civic life In the Eagan area, community groups, clubs, churches and nonprofits that want to reach out to potential new members are invited to take part in the 2009 Showcase Eagan.

A recent survey found that 98 percent of Eagan residents rate the quality of life as excellent or good, "and we're working to earn and retain those ratings and attract the remaining two percent," said Tom Garrison, the city's communications director.

More than 1,400 people attended the last Showcase Eagan, in 2007, which had more than 50 community group booths along with city department displays in a trade-show-like atmosphere.

"Showcase Eagan helps connect our community," said Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. "Not only is this event consistent with our City Council goal to strengthen civic engagement, but it is a lot of fun. I had no idea there are so many opportunities for involvement."

Showcase Eagan is not until June 4, but a brief informational meeting for groups wishing to participate will be at 9 a.m. Saturday on the upper level of the Eagan Civic Arena.

Reservations for booth space will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis that day, with the final deadline March 31, unless all spaces are taken earlier.

There's a $35 cost for the booth space, table-skirting, organization sign, and pipe and draping. No selling is allowed. Contact 651-675-5008 or e-mail tgarrison@cityof eagan.com to register.

Burnsville's manufacturing sector will benefit from a $389,849 grant program aimed at building skills for employees in growing industries. Two Burnsville companies -- Dimation and Goodrich Sensor Systems -- will be able to provide IPC certification for soldering technology through the grant program and a partnership with Dakota County Technical College.

The grant was awarded through the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership program, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Two other metro area firms, Ayrshire and Minnetronix, will also receive training through the grant.

The need for soldering and welding technicians is growing, with more open positions than trained technicians available, officials said.

Attorney qualifies for family law mediation The Minnesota Supreme Court has named Julie K. Seymour, an attorney and shareholder at the Otten & Seymour law firm, as a "qualified neutral," so she's now able to offer mediation services in the area of family law.

Seymour has again been named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law and Politics, and selection by the magazine for a second time is a rare honor for a practicing attorney.

The firm has offices in Burnsville and Farmington.