November 23, 2021
Wishing you a harvest of business success,
good health, and an overflowing of laughter and fun times.
                             - From the DCR Chamber Staff
DCR Chamber Office Closed for Thanksgiving

The Chamber office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 25-26, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Message from DCR President, Maureen Scallen Failor 
I am writing to invite you to join me at Guild’s Ladder of Hope event on Thursday, December 9, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. This fundraising luncheon will be held at DoubleTree, 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55439. I hope you will join me at my table and celebrate the meaningful work Guild does. You will receive a pre-packaged gourmet dessert when the event concludes. For those who are not comfortable attending a group event Guild will offer a livestream of the in-person event, which also runs 1:00-2:00pm.  CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK: guildservices.org/livestream
 
Guild is a Minnesota not-for-profit that exists to help people with mental illness and those experiencing chronic homelessness by providing integrated treatment and services. Many of Guild’s clients face barriers to health, including medical conditions, isolation, homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and substance use. In 2020, Guild served over 2,000 people in the 7- county metro area, providing lifesaving and life changing services.
 
December Public Affairs Series:
Redistricting in Minnesota and Dakota County - How Will Our Representation Change?
 
Following the 2020 Census, Minnesota's political boundaries will be redrawn as we head into the 2022 midterm elections. Minnesota narrowly retained all eight congressional districts, but redistricting is bound to alter the balance of power politically, on all levels.
 
We'll hear about the outlook for the Minnesota Legislature, Dakota County, and Minnesota's congressional map from our two speakers; State of Minnesota Senior Demographer, Dr. Eric Guthrie and Tom Novak, Director, Public Services & Revenue at Dakota County.
You're Invited to the DCR Chamber Holiday Luncheon
Coffee Break
 
Last week Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan was the Coffee Break host. It is an independent Christian school serving students from the greater Twin Cities area in grades six through twelve.
Ribbon Cutting & Dogs
 
Fissan Training Kennels in Farmington held their Ribbon Cutting event (hosted by City of Farmington) and the furry friends were part of the show. They provide daycare, grooming, boarding, and training for a variety of dogs.
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Member Stop In

Maureen and Laura from the DCR Chamber visited Chauncey at Wings Financial Credit Union in Apple Valley, holding their meeting in the Dakota conference room.
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We are Dementia Aware

The West St. Paul ACT on Alzheimer’s group is reaching out to help businesses/organizations become more Dementia Friendly!

Please watch these short videos on dementia and your business will receive a “We Are Dementia Aware” window cling and logo for your website.
 
Here are three short online videos for employers and their employees to learn more:
  1. How does a person with dementia see the world? https://youtu.be/q_sWiwI3yP0 (3:35 min.)
  2. How Local Businesses Help Karen Garner & Her Family Cope with Alzheimer's: https://youtu.be/NNJOUpZmqRo (3:50 min.) 
  3. Dementia Friendly America, Sector Videos—watch a short video for profession-specific guidance for working to become dementia friendly: https://www.dfamerica.org/sector-videos (about 1.50 min. each) 
 
Once you have shared the videos with your staff/employees, please contact Jess Luce for more information on how to receive the “We are Dementia Aware” window cling: jess.luce@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6104.
Speed Counts: Slow Down
The number of traffic deaths on our Minnesota roads are the highest since 2009. Speed continues to be the largest contributing factor in fatal traffic crashes with 133 speed-related deaths reported as of November 4. This is a 31% increase from this time last year and a 106% increase from this time in 2019. To date, speed has been a factor in a third of all traffic fatalities in 2021.
 
The Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) speed action team partnered with the MN Safety Council to create and implement the recent Statewide Speed Counts campaign. Check out these tips to save lives.
Networking at its Best
Registration is Required

Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our Online Calendar
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