What's New

Empire Becoming State’s Newest City

Empire is a township in Dakota County will become the state's newest city. Spanning 33 square miles and lacking a traditional downtown, Empire officially will become a city once a new mayor and city council are sworn in. The transition has been in the works since 2007.

The decision to incorporate comes as Empire seeks to establish its borders and prevent the annexation of new developments by bordering cities. The move also makes it easier for Empire residents to plan sewage and water infrastructure. Read more.

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

Eagan State of the City

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

Rosemount State of the City

Join Rosemount's new Mayor, Jeff Weisensel, as he presents the State of the City Address on March 23. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the city accomplishments over the past year and hear what the future holds for the community where you live, work, and/or play. Lunch catered by Las Tortillas. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Enjoying a Coffee Break at The Quill

Chamber members were treated to a good cup of coffee and treats during last week’s Coffee Break. Equities Real Estate introduced their newest senior housing development, The Quill in Hastings, which is a 90-unit affordable community. The one- and two-bedroom units come with many added amenities. We also heard how Darts has partnered with Equities Real Estate and The Quill to provide services for the new residents.

Young Professionals Speed Networking Event

The event was moved to March 1 due to the snowstorm, so you can still register to join the event. This Young Professionals event will offer a great opportunity to meet a lot of different people in a short amount of time - and make connections that count! Join us for food, drinks, and great conversations at Holman’s Table. It’s only $25 to join the fun!

Coffee Break at Boden Senior Living

Join us for a Coffee Break hosted by Boden Senior Living on March 9 at their Apple Valley location. There will be networking, coffee and morning treats, and introductions by the members. Boden Senior Living helps their residents live life comfortably. Their carefully curated services and lifestyles empower seniors to make their own decisions with a supportive team by their side.

Join us for the 12th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum

The WomEn's Leadership Forum was created for women to hone their leadership skills. This event will Engage, 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.



The morning is filled with conversations, networking, Marketplace vendors, breakfast, raffles, scholarship awards, and the Wine & Spirits Pull. 

Andrea Yoch

President

Andrea Yoch & Co.

Register today to hear about her “Backstory” to success!

The Open Door’s Celebration

The Open Door, in conjunction with the DCR Chamber, Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, and Lakeville Chamber of Commerce, is having a ribbon cutting and happy hour on March 22 to help celebrate their new 18,800 square-foot location in Eagan. They are a hunger relief organization serving more than 17,000 Dakota County residents each month, and distributing over 2 million pounds of food annually, 70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Register to attend.

New Members

Brackett’s Crossing Country Club

17976 Judicial Road 

Lakeville, MN 55044

(952) 435-7600

Bernal Ventures LLC DBA Nautical Bowls Rosemount

14873 South Robert Trail 

Rosemount, MN 55068

(651) 344-8586

State Farm – Trent Thompson Agency

5778 Blackshire Path 

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

(651) 457-2216

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

Renewed Members

Levander, Gillen & Miller – 6 years

Russ & Carol Osnes Foundation – 1 year

WNAV Audio Visual – 2 years

Caponi Art Park – 6 years

Morgan Planning Group, LLC – 34 years

Meat at Von Hanson’s, Inc. – 11 years

Minnesota Vikings – 8 years

MSP Commercial – 11 years

Proact, Inc. – 21 years 

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

DCR Chamber Board Meeting

The Chamber Board held their board meeting via Zoom due to the snowstorm. Nick Krzeminski from Minnesota Energy was welcomed as a new board member, and he told the group about his background and experiences. Will Schroeer from East Metro Strong reviewed the findings for the transit study that began in 2020. He outlined recommendations for the region from the study.

Think Bank Announces New VP of Business Innovation

Think Bank is pleased to welcome Bekah DeYoung to the newly-created role of Vice President of Business Innovation. Bekah previously worked at Think from 2001 to 2015 in roles including Banker, Assistant Customer Support Center Manager and Branch Manager. She then held multiple management positions at Mayo Clinic, most recently serving as an Operations Manager before her return to Think Bank last month.

Mendota Heights News

Learn about what is happening in Mendota Heights. The City Council officially launched a new and improved Mendota Heights City website, MendotaHeightsMN.gov. The City is planning to replace the playground at Valley View Heights in 2023, 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 our City. The spring tree sale is coming soon.

Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our online calendar!

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