Transit Study Results and Next Steps

The DCR Chamber, with support from East Metro Strong and investors, has been working on the Dakota County Transit Study since 2020.

Did you know...

• Northern Dakota County is getting Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service?
• The cost of owning a car - new or used - has hit a new record?
• The need for transit in Dakota County has changed, but maybe not in the ways you think?

Join us for the March 2 Advocacy & Issues breakfast to hear the results of the study from Will Schroeer, Executive Director at East Metro Strong. Commissioner Laurie Halverson will be speaking to what Dakota County businesses and residents need now from transit and transportation and how we can work with the Legislature to create it.

Will Schroeer

Executive Director

East Metro Strong

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

District 3

Dakota County

State of the City Eagan

Mark your calendar for the annual Eagan State of the City event on March 16. Chamber members and the community will hear from Mayor Mike Maguire who will highlight key elements of the state of Eagan, including local economy and new initiatives, policies, and practices that will help shape our collective future.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Public Affairs Committee – What Is It and Want to Join?

The role of the DCR Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee is to provide advice and direction to the Board of Directors on regional policy development and implementation at the state and county levels. Each year they develop a list of legislative and county priorities, based in part upon the state chamber federation, and the needs of the local business community.

Members are welcome to check out the group (members listed here). They usually meet the first Tuesday of the month from 7:45 – 9:00 AM. Contact Andrea Kajer at Andrea_Kajer@comcast.com.

Great Conversations at the Women’s Luncheon

Chamber members attended the Women’s Luncheon held at Lost Spur Golf & Event Center, enjoying lunch and great conversations. The featured “Spotlight Speaker” was Melissa Miller from The Open Door who spoke about how her acting career and leadership experience provides a positive way to approach her business interactions.

Meet the Speakers!



Join us for the 12th annual WomEn’s Leadership Forum on March 10, where the theme is “Backstories Matter.” There is a fabulous lineup of women that will inspire you as they share their stories to success.

Luncheon Sponsorships Available

Gain company visibility by sponsoring two fabulous luncheon options. Check out the sponsorship levels and benefits for both options.

Pat Miles Luncheon

Thursday, May 18

Pat Miles and her husband were fully set for life, but regrettably, not set for death. She will share how she navigated the shock, family disputes, and taking care of herself. All attendees will receive her book Before All Is Said and Done. 

Women’s Luncheons with Spotlight Speakers

Enjoy lunch with fellow members, introduce your business to the group, and hear from the Spotlight Speaker.

Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734 for sponsorships.

Host a Happy Hour



Looking to showcase your business and network with fellow members? You can host a Happy Hour from 4:00 – 5:00 PM for only $100. You supply the beverages and appetizers, and the Chamber promotes the event through our advertising mediums. Contact Laura at Lroehl@dcrchamber.com.

Join the Golf Classic or Business Excellence Awards Committee

We are beginning to plan for two of the Chamber’s signature events, the Golf Classic (July 17) and Business Excellence Awards Celebration (October). The committees are forming and you are invited to volunteer your talents or time to help make the events a success. Justin Hellickson from Think Bank will again be the Chair for the Golf Classic Committee. Help with planning details, secure auction items, and work at the event. Contact Becca Scholz at bscholz@dcrchamber.com or 651-288-9203 for details.

Announcing the Scholarship Winners!

Each year the DCR Chamber Charitable Foundation selects deserving young women to receive educational scholarships for their next steps after high school. The winners receive $1,500 each toward their school of choice. The following will be awarded at the WomEn’s Leadership Forum on March 10. Congratulations!

• Amina Mohamed, Apple Valley High School
• Angelica Farrell, Eagan High School
• Daniella Oduro, Eastview High School
• Jamila Dauda, Two Rivers High School
• Martha Wondimu, Burnsville High School

Home Depot and “Board Cutting” and Grand Opening

Jon Althoff, Interim Chamber President, attended the Grand Opening celebration for the Home Depot in Rosemount. Rosemount Mayor Weisensel spoke, and team members sawed the celebration Board. The 417,000-square-foot distribution center is planning to hire more than 100 people to operate lift equipment and prepare orders for delivery in the new facility. The Home Depot continues to give back - they have provided $400M to veteran causes, $5M to disaster relief efforts, and provided Ukraine jobs to five immigrants.

New Members

Olido Organic Food, Ltd

3470 Washington Drive #200 

Eagan, MN 55122

612-323-5820

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

Renewed Members

DHL Global Forwarding – 26 years

Crown Rental – 7 years

Dakota Child and Family Clinic – 4 years  

Eagan Community Foundation – 20 years

The Commons on Maurice – 3 years

DSV Air & Sea, Inc. – 27 years

Storm Creek – 2 years

JBL Companies – 29 years

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

Art in Nature Comes to You



To keep your creative juices flowing while the Caponi Art Park is closed for the winter, they are offering workshops on the road to bring the park to you. Check out the workshops for both children and adults.

Rosemount Home & Business Expo

Register your business for the Rosemount Home & Business Expo. This event attracts 500+ residents and 50 local vendors. They greet guests with free gourmet coffee and the chance to win prize. Food trucks, a beer tasting, and a visit from the local fire department round out the attractions. Learn more and register at www.rosemountmn.gov/expo.

Mendota Heights News

The summer program registration begins – sign up soon for a program. The Mendota Heights Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its first community grant, offering up to $3,000 for “The Best Idea” to enhance life in their City.

Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our online calendar!

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

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