Dakota County maintains a land use mixture of 1/3 urban, 1/3 suburban, and 1/3 rural. This combination of land use and the confluence of two major rivers (the Mississippi and Minnesota) that form the county's northern and eastern borders makes Dakota County a unique geographic area.

Federal Reserve Bank Survey Results

Ron Wirtz has submitted results from the General Business Survey for the Ninth District. It includes recent revenue and profit trends, revenue snapshots by firm traits, some good news with workforce and wage trends, challenges and other metrics, and reviews if “half full or empty?” Check out his review.

Candidate Forum Question Submissions

Candidate Forums for many local elections will be LIVE on Comcast Xfinity 15/HD859 and streamed at www.townsquare.tv/webstreaming and on Facebook. For these forums, the public can submit questions in advance for possible use during the forums. To submit a question, go to https://townsquare.tv/questions-candidates and fill out the online form. See attached schedule.

Leaders in Local Government Awards

You are invited to the Leaders in Local Government Awards presentation on September 29 at the Lake Elmo Inn. Register here.

Transportation Candidate Forum

Join us for the Transportation Candidate Forum on September 15 to hear from transportation professionals about projects and funding needs in Dakota County, and to discuss these issues with candidates running for the state legislature.

Coffee Break at Town Square TV

Last week we enjoyed coffee and great conversations at Town Square Television’s Coffee Break. They are the local community media station serving the northern part of Dakota County. We heard from Jodie Miller regarding their programming and TV reach, history about the station, and learned about upcoming programs. People could check out their mobile truck used for community sports games and events.

Progress Party for OMNI Winery and Taproom

Chamber members, city officials, and community leaders got an exclusive first look at the OMNI Winery and Taproom coming to Rosemount. We saw the progress they are making on the building construction, learned what is in store for the property, enjoyed beer/wine and the food truck, and listened to music. They will be opening soon!

Board of Directors Planning Meeting

The DCR Chamber Board of Directors met to review progress and next steps for the Chamber’s strategic plans moving into 2023. The group covered topics including Advocacy & Public Policy, Business Resources, Modernize & Digitize, and Shaping and Developing Future Leaders.

Ribbon Cutting at Evolution Accounting & Consulting

Evolution Accounting & Consulting was welcomed into the Farmington community with a ribbon cutting celebration and open house. They provide CFO level accounting services and year-round tax support to individuals and business owners. They strive to build stronger relationships with their clients and be a reliable voice for those who actively want to improve their finances.

Business Excellence Awards – Nominations are Due September 16

Is your company, colleague, boss or friend deserving of an award? Is there someone in the Chamber who is doing outstanding things? Nominate them for one of the five awards given at the Business Excellence Awards. 

• Small Business Award
• Large Business Award
• Nonprofit of the Year
• Emerging Leader of the Year
• Legacy Award

Finalists and winners named at the “LATE NIGHT with DCR Chamber” awards program and celebration.

Save the Date

Friday, October 28, 2022

Radisson Blu - Mall of America

Coffee Break at Imagine IT

Start your morning with a cup of coffee and great networking at Imagine IT on September 13. Imagine IT provides IT and technology support, guidance, and cybersecurity for small to mid-sized organizations.

Ribbon Cutting: Compcare Urgent Care - Eagan

Join us for Compcare Urgent Care Eagan’s ribbon cutting and open house on September 14. Compcare Urgent Care in Minnesota began after years of research directed at increasing healthcare efficiency and access to quality care while reducing costs to their patients. They streamline the occupational health services and urgent care experience by reducing standard barriers.

Fall Mixer at Imagine IT

Come learn and network on Tuesday, September 20 at this Fall Mixer being held by Imagine IT in partnership with the DCR Chamber, Minneapolis Regional Chamber, and the Better Business Bureau. 

This networking mixer will feature three experts in the cyber security field who will dive into the philosophy and strategy governing cyber security protocols and prevention of personal and corporate data theft. There will be plenty of networking time built in, complimentary appetizers, craft beer, and wine alongside this educational panel discussion.

Women's Luncheon

Join us on September 21 as we head back to Casper's Cherokee of Eagan for a great lunch and networking. Women are invited to meet other Chamber members, introduce their business to the group, and answer the question of the day.

Attendees will pick up their own tab for lunch. The price of $21.99 includes lunch, non-alcoholic beverage, dessert, taxes, and gratuity. Registration fee is $5.00. Register today!

State of the Airport Luncheon

The State of the Airport Annual Luncheon will take place Friday, September 30 at the InterContinental Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport hotel. This premiere Twin Cities business luncheon, hosted by the Airport Foundation MSP and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), will bring together more than 500 local business and civic leaders to gain insights on the national air travel industry and latest developments at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the more influential drivers of the local economy.

New Employee Orientation Meeting About the Chamber

Have new employees or staff that are in a new role? The DCR Chamber has a monthly Meet the Chamber orientation meeting where the Chamber president and staff present the benefits and opportunities of the Chamber. Join us on August 31 to learn how you can get involved.

District 196 Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

For the 20th consecutive year, District 196 has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The Certificate is the highest recognition of school district financial operations offered by ASBO, a professional organization with more than 6,000 members.

Small Business Financing Webinar

Open to Business is offering a free, virtual financing discussion on SBA loans and Non-Traditional Funding Sources on September 6 from 2:00-3:00 PM. Register here.

Ambassador Highlight

The Ambassadors are a team of professionals who volunteer their time to help promote the Dakota County business community and support Chamber functions. They are a group of enthusiastic members who act as the welcoming arm of the Chamber to ensure that the membership is being served. Meet two more of the Ambassadors – Tony Vannicola and Julie Petrich.

New Members

Leary Studios

3145 Lexington Ave S. #211642 

Eagan, MN 55121

(651) 319-1981

For more information on becoming a member, contact Director of Marketing & Partnerships Laura Roehl:

Lroehl@dcrchamber.com 

(952) 300-1734

Renewed Members

M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital – 36 years

Andy Schmitz Agency – Farmers Insurance – 3 years

MFC Properties Corporation – 44 years

Minnesota Vikings – 7 years

If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, contact Anna Schueler:

aschueler@dcrchamber.com 

(651) 288-9204

Stop for School Buses: It's the Law!

It is hard to believe, but summer is quickly coming to an end for students across the state. Once school starts, Minnesota school buses will make about 10,000 trips each day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for children, but we all need to work together to ensure that everyone makes it home safely. State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. Learn more about bus safety. 

Dakota County’s Online Subscriptions

Local small businesses saved nearly $470,000 in 2021 by using the Dakota County Library’s free online subscriptions to business databases! Learn more about the Library’s small business resources.

City of Mendota Heights Bulletin

Read the latest news in the August 26 City of Mendota Heights Bulletin.

Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our online calendar!

Update Membership Files, Company Changes, Post your News, Hot Deals, and Job Openings

Log in by entering your username (email) and password to gain access to your company's member site to update information and take advantage of all the marketing tools included with your membership.