September 12, 2016
It's Not Too Late - Sign Up to Hear the Founder of Caribou Coffee Speak at Small Business University 
  
Small Business University is a day-long seminar which will feature keynote speaker, John Puckett, co-founder of Caribou Coffee and co-owner of Punch Pizza, along with breakout sessions on topics that are important to small businesses. Puckett will share his inspiring story along with the important lessons he's learned through his experiences in creating a successful small business, including the importance of people, culture and remaining transparent. We know your time is valuable so our goal is to ensure that you leave at the end of the day with new ideas and strategies to integrate within your business right away! 

Thank you to our sponsors!
Premier Sponsor:                  

Associate Sponsors:                     
                   

Supporting Sponsors:                                     Partner Sponsors:
Eagle Valley Bank                                          Gateway Bank
SPIRE Credit Union                                          PR Caffeine
Xcel Energy
 
Committed to Business... for YOU.
DCR Chamber to Host Highly Contested CD2 Debate   
  
With the retirement of Congressman John Kline, Minnesota's Second Congressional District is being closely watched by the nation during the 2016 election season. Your Chamber is honored to host, one of only a handful of debates between Angie Craig (D) (invited), Jason Lewis (R) (confirmed), and Paula Overby (I) (confirmed). Join us on Monday, October 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Valleywood Golf Course.

This exciting debate will kickoff "Good Day Dakota County," the new monthly general membership meeting of Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce! This event will offer attendees an opportunity to learn from informative and entertaining guest speakers, hear about local and regional business issues, and network with other Chamber members.  Register today for the CD2 Debate on October 10 as space is limited. 
 
                                             
                            Angie Craig                 Jason Lewis                Paula Overby 
September South Metro Young Professionals Event Planned 
 
Calling all emerging leaders! Join us at Innovative Office Solutions for our September event. Enjoy networking, lunch, a tour of the facility and hear from young professional, Max Smith, who started InSports Foundation. InSports Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides sports-related financial and coaching assistance to disadvantaged youth, enabling them to become active, confident, team members of their community through involvement in sports. Click here to register.

Thank you to our sponsors:
                                   
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
 Tuesday
 Wednesday
 Thursday
 Friday
12

3:00 p.m.
13

3:30 p.m.
Business Excellence Awards 
Committee
14

8:00 a.m.
15

11:30 a.m.
16

2:30 p.m.
19

7:00 p.m.
20

7:30 a.m.
Board of Directors

Noon
21

7:30 a.m.
22

9:30 a.m.
23
26
 27

8:00 a.m.
28

8:00 a.m.
29
 30
3

8:30 a.m.
PAC Board
4

7:30 a.m.
Executive Committee

11:30 a.m.
SMYPro Committee 
5

4:30 p.m.
6
 7
Did You Know?
There will be a huge, full moon on Friday, September 16. September's full moon is called the "Harvest Moon" or the "Pumpkin Moon."
Click here for details on what makes it special and when it will rise.
 
   Learn more. 
Central Park Commons Comes to Life 
 
Things are a buzz at CSM's Central Park Commons as some retailers are beginning to open while construction progresses on others. Many of the retailers are in the process of hiring, including Marshalls (opening September 29) who is encouraging applicants to stop by the store during business hours to apply. Hobby Lobby celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting last Monday and HyVee is celebrating with a ribbon cutting today at 3:00 p.m. - Chamber members are invited to attend. Total Wine is slated to open November 3. We also spied Wenzel Heating & Air Conditioning employees working at the development!

                    
                    
September Declared Workforce Development Month 
  

Last month Governor Mark Dayton signed the proclamation declaring September as Workforce Development Month in Minnesota. Click here to read the Governor's Proclamation. The purpose of Workforce Development Month is to increase awareness among job seekers, employers and the general public about Workforce Development programs, services and resources offered by DEED and its partners by sharing information, success stories and outcomes/results. It is also to recognize and highlight the efforts and dedication of the state's workforce development professionals who are committed to helping individuals and businesses meet their career and employment goals.  
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community
 
Farmington City Council meets September 12 - see the agenda
West St. Paul City Council meets September 12 - see the agenda
Rosemount City Council meets September 12 - see the agenda
Eagan City Council meets September 13 - see the agenda
Farmington Planning Commission meets September 13 - see the agenda  

Rosemount Community Development is hosting a citywide meeting on September 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center to bring the public up to date on revisions and solicit comments on the Comprehensive Plan. Click here for more information.  
Member Spotlight: Building a Solid Foundation    
  
Kate Johnson, Kate's Escapes Travel 
I am the owner of Kate's Escapes Travel, a full service travel agency specializing in stress-free Hawaiian and Caribbean vacations.  I've been in the travel industry for five years and have been traveling for many more.  I believe travel is an integral part of a person's wellness. I am dedicated to helping my clients strike the perfect balance between broadening their horizons and achieving the sense of rest and relaxation they deserve. I joined the Chamber two years ago and it was a great decision for me.  Through the Chamber, I've grown as a business owner and it has helped me envision what I want the future of my company to look like.  I especially value the many lasting business relationships and friendships I've gained through my involvement with Business Owners Roundtable and other committees I've participated on. Every aspect of the Chamber that I've been involved with has brought me experience and taught me something valuable.  As a semi-new business owner, I feel it has helped me build a solid foundation for my business to grow and thrive. 
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

Cardinal Machinery & Trading

Watch for more information about these fine companies in upcoming Weekly Updates.
j
Renewing Members
Last week these awesome members renewed their Chamber membership. Thank you!!  
            
 
Celebrate Business Success
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
 

The West End Trap Club celebrated the completion of their new addition last week with a ribbon cutting with our Ambassadors followed by a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts. Congrats on the new addition!

This week Huebsch Services is celebrating their 125th anniversary! Huebsch Services provides work uniforms, floor mats & work clothes and more to business. Congratulations!

Last Monday, our Ambassadors celebrated the opening of Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby is the first retailer to open in the new Central Park Commons development. Congratulations and welcome to Eagan!

 Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
www.dcrchamber.com
651.452.9872