What's New

24-Week Paid Leave Mandate Would Affect All Business Sizes

The Legislature is quickly moving workplace mandate proposals through the process. If passed, businesses of all sizes would see a $1 billion tax increase and be required to offer 24 weeks of paid leave to employees.

The time is NOW to reach out to your legislators and share how these mandates and costs would affect your business and your employees. To fund the new paid leave mandate, the state would impose a 0.7% payroll tax on every employer in Minnesota, regardless of size or number of employees. Additionally, hiring replacement workers is expected to be extraordinarily challenging given the state’s current tight labor market and workforce shortage. 

This week the Chamber will be sending to member business owners a one-question survey for their input. Please look for it to respond so we can help advocate for you.

Marijuana Legalization is Coming: How to Prepare Your Business for the Inevitable

Join us on Thursday, February 2, for the Advocacy & Issues Forum breakfast. The Minnesota lawmakers unveiled a marijuana legalization bill and announced next steps to advance the reform in the 2023 legislative session proving just how high of a priority this is for the 2023 session. If, or more likely when, the bill passes there will be ramifications for our county, cities, and businesses.

Please join us for this conversation to learn what has happened, what is coming, and how you can best prepare your business to handle the changes.

Thanks to our Sponsors

DCR Chamber Legislative Reception - February 8

The DCR Chamber Legislative Reception has moved to February 8 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at the Pool and Yacht Club. Join us as we recognize and thank our Dakota County legislative delegation. This event provides an opportunity for the Dakota County business community to exchange ideas with elected officials on the best ways to ensure an economic climate for new investment and job creation in the region. Hors d'oeuvres provided and cash bar available. 

Thanks to our Sponsors

Federal Reserve Survey of Business Conditions - Tell Them About Your Experience

Businesses today face a multitude of challenges. To help understand these challenges, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is partnering with chambers of commerce, economic development associations, and other organizations on a survey of businesses across Ninth District states (MN, MT, ND, SD, WI, UP/MI). Please take this 7-minute survey to help the Minneapolis Fed and our local partners understand the impact that the economy is having on your business. The survey closes Friday, February 3.

OMNI Winery & Taproom Ribbon Cutting



Join us for a fun ribbon cutting event at the new OMNI Winery & Taproom in Rosemount on Friday, February 3. We will cut the ribbon at 5:00 PM and the music starts at 6:00 PM. “By brewing all sorts of beer and making all sorts of wine for all sorts of people, we hope to help highlight our shared humanity through the connecting power of our craft.” Location: 15701 Biscayne Avenue, Rosemount

Coffee Break at Viking Lakes - The Warming Haus

Many Chamber members attended the Coffee Break held at The Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity, hosted by Viking Lakes. Winter SKOLstice is back for its second year, with a new addition of The Minnesota Ice Maze (next door to the Omni Hotel). Coffee Break attendees were invited to check out the maze.

Longship at Viking Lakes Ribbon Cutting Celebration

The Chamber members, City of Eagan, and Viking Lakes staff helped cut the ribbon at the new Longship at Viking Lakes. It brings a fresh new take on co-working to the Viking Lakes campus in Eagan. Longship offers state-of-the-art amenities such as 24/7 remote access, gym, pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. With private offices, private workstations, and touchdown workstations, you can find a space that suits your business needs.

Ribbon Cutting at JG Legend Ink

The DCR Chamber joined the City of Farmington to welcome a new business to the city – JG Legend Ink. They are excited to provide custom tattoos for their customers, from simple to deluxe designs.

WomEn's Leadership Forum

Join us for the 12th annual WomEn’s Leadership Forum on Friday, March 10, at the Radisson Blu - Mall of America! The WomEn’s Leadership Forum was created for women to hone their leadership skills. This event will energize, educate, and empower professionals of all levels. The conference features female speakers and panelists, who share their stories, advice, and help to empower their peers.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Women's Luncheon - Lost Spur Golf & Event Center

Join us 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.

The February 15 Luncheon will be held at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center in Eagan. The $26 fee includes registration fee, lunch, beverages, and gratuity. 

New to the program will be a Spotlight Speaker presenting a topic that will enlighten and inspire you. Melissa Miller from The Open Door will present “What Acting has to Teach us about Leadership.” She combines her experience as an actor and leadership speaker to bring a light-hearted look at bridging different backgrounds to where she is today. 

New Members

Lakeview Bank

9725 163rd Street West 

Lakeville, MN 55044

(952) 892-9700

Lions United Fitness Center

2535 Pilot Knob Road Suite 126 

Mendota Heights, MN 55120

(651) 348-7278

OMNI Winery & Taproom

15701 Biscayne Avenue 

Rosemount, MN 55068

(763) 286-2258

For more information on becoming a member or sponsorships, contact Laura Roehl at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734.

Renewed Members

Flint Hills Resources – 38 years

Acu-Chiropractic Wellness Center, PA – 28 years

Phil’s Body Shop – 38 years  

Parachute Consulting Group – 2 years

Farmington Municipal Liquor Store – 29 years

Sun Thisweek and the Dakota County Tribune – 22 years

Wings Financial Credit Union – 18 years

Charter Communications – 5 years

Gateway Bank – Mendota Heights – 19 years

If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, contact Anna Schueler at aschueler@dcrchamber.com or 651-288-9204.

Minnesota Zoo Named as 25 Best Zoos in U.S. 

Almost every large American metropolitan center has a zoo. Some are massive like Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and the Bronx Zoo, while others are small like the Cincinnati Zoo. All of them bear witness to America's love of animals, both native and exotic. The Minnesota Zoo is ranked #12.

Genisys Credit Union Top in the Nation

The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Awards Committee has announced Genisys Credit Union as the national-level, first place winner of the 2022 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award. The award recognizes credit unions nationwide for outstanding social responsibility projects in their communities.

Mendota Heights News

Find out when the City Council meets, Frozen Fun Fest details, and where to watch City news online or on demand at townsquare.tv/webstreaming; or on cable television.

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.