DID YOU KNOW?

The City of West St. Paul is considered both the oldest city and 4th oldest city in Dakota County. This is because there have been two cities of West St. Paul. The first City of West St. Paul formed in 1858, but it turned out to be a little too soon to make a go of it. It ceased operations as a city within a few years. The present City of West St. Paul was founded in 1889, after splitting off from South St. Paul, which was founded in 1887.

Chamber Announces Primary Endorsements

The Chamber has selected the candidates it is endorsing who are running for elected office in the upcoming primary elections. The Chamber Board and the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee reviewed the formal endorsement requests and reached out to engage with the candidates running for County and State offices. They have endorsed people they believe will bring important leadership to serve the entire community. View the list of names here.

Additional endorsements will be forthcoming.

ADA is Important Today as When Signed in 1990

It's the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) where this vitally important civil rights legislation prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in public accommodation, employment, transportation, and community living, and provided legal recourse for people with disabilities who face discrimination. The legacy of this law is as important today as it was on the day it was signed – and has made a real and lasting difference in the lives of all people with disabilities.

Leaders in Local Government Awards

Do you know a public servant in the East Metro Region that demonstrates innovation and excellence in local government? Help amplify and celebrate their achievements by completing the brief nomination form for the 2022 Leaders in Local Government Awards by August 16. Nominees will be selected based on their contributions with respect to innovative initiatives and public policies that advance the public good and demonstrate a commitment to efficient and progressive government.

You are invited to the awards presentation on September 29 at the Lake Elmo Inn. Register here.

Coffee Break at Twin Cities Premium Outlets

Chamber members started their morning with a Coffee Break at Twin Cities Premium Outlets with great conversations, lots of networking, and business introductions by the attendees. Twin Cities Premium Outlets is home to 85+ outlet stores, and staff provided an overview of available services and upcoming events.

Coffee Break at Living Well Disability Services

Join us at Living Well Disability Services on August 9 for a cup of coffee and networking. They are disability advocates helping to transform the lives of individuals impacted by disabilities through the delivery of exceptional services. Living Well has 37 homes in the metro, serves 300 people with disabilities, has 500 staff, and over 550 volunteers. Learn from staff what happens day-to-day and about their upcoming initiatives.

Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline 101 Webinar

Learn how the Pipeline can help you meet your workforce needs. The bi-monthly webinar will walk attendees through the basics of employment-based training and share tips and advice about how to set up a dual-training initiative at your company. Register for the Wednesday, August 24 webinar.

Coffee Break at Town Square Television

Check out Town Square Television during the Coffee Break on August 23. Enjoy a cup of coffee, learn about TV production, network with other members, and take a tour of the television operation. They are a local community media station serving the northern part of Dakota County, and producers of the new Discover Dakota County podcasts/videos. 

Dakota County Survey Results and County Updates

The Dakota County Survey provides residents an opportunity to rate the quality of life in the county, as well as service delivery and their satisfaction with county government. The results are in, and Dakota County is a great place to live! The county ranked first among peer counties nationally in five key areas: economic health of the county, managing tax dollars, quality of libraries, providing information to residents, and acting in the best interest of the community. 

Join us on August 30 to hear the results and insights from County Manager Matt Smith and Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord. They will also give an update on the County’s strategic plan, ARP plan, and other important County updates.

Kathleen Gaylord

District 2 - Commissioner

Dakota County

Matt Smith

County Manager

Dakota County

City of Eagan Biannual Business Survey Presentation

Every two years, the City of Eagan partners with National Business Survey to conduct a scientific survey of their businesses, which allows the City to gauge business owners’ and managers’ perceptions about the city, track results over time, and to make both regional and national comparisons with peer cities. ​The survey also provides insights into the business viewpoint about Eagan’s economic climate, community quality, local government services, and demographics. Come hear the findings of the survey on Thursday, August 11 – it's free to attend.

Stop On Red Week

National Stop on Red Week (August 7-13) serves as an important reminder of the dangers in intersections and the importance of stopping on red. This includes stop lights, stop signs, and at railroad crossings.

Preventing these crashes is in each driver’s control. Together, we can protect our community, families, and friends by ALWAYS STOPPING on RED. Find out more at www.minnesotatzd.org.

The Open Door’s 2nd Annual 5K

Take a walk or run to OUTRUN HUNGER! The Open Door, a nonprofit hunger relief organization, is hosting its 2nd annual 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Walk, and Kid 1/2K Fun Run at Casperson Park in Lakeville on Saturday, August 20.

City of Mendota Heights Bulletin

Read the latest news from the Mendota Heights July 29 bulletin.

Pro Bono Help for Nonprofit Organizations

As part of Goff Public’s ongoing effort to support organizations working to achieve racial equity within our community, they are seeking Minnesota-based nonprofits and advocacy organizations who could use their help amplifying and supporting their efforts. Find out more here: goffpublic.com/about-us/pro-bono-services. Organizations can fill out a brief online form by August 31 to let them know what kind of help they need.

Two Chamber Board Members Named Aquatennial Royalty

The Aquatennial Ambassador Organization introduced the 2023 Commodore and Captains, and two Chamber Board Members were selected! Scott Swenson (Drake Bank) was named Commodore, and Lisa Franxman (MidCountry Bank) was named a Captain. Through dozens of events, Aquatennial brings the metro community together each year. Congratulations Scott and Lisa!

Scott in the middle; Lisa far right

New Members

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

Lroehl@dcrchamber.com 

(952) 300-1734

Renewed Members

Eide Bailly LLP – 1 year

Independent School District 196 – Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan – 5 years

TCO, LLC – 7 years

Velocity Public Affairs – 8 years

Mosaic Crop Nutrition, LLC – 3 years

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

aschueler@dcrchamber.com 

(651) 288-9204

All Employees are Chamber Members

DID YOU KNOW? When your company or organization is a member of the Chamber, that means all your employees are considered members of the Chamber as well. We invite employees to attend a Meet the Chamber orientation meeting to learn what the Chamber offers and its benefits. Verify your member portal includes employees from all departments so they start receiving the Weekly Update e-newsletter that is filled with information about upcoming events and programs. They can attend and be a spokesperson for your company.

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.