Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Signs Pandemic Bonus Pay, Unemployment Insurance Deal
Governor Walz and legislative leaders reached an agreement on Thursday to repay and replenish the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) and to pay bonus checks to Frontline Workers. The bill passed in the Minnesota Senate and House on Friday April 29, 2022 with the Governor signing into law that evening. The Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund will be repaid and replenished using $2.3 billion from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (unspent Federal ARP funds) and $500 million from the general fund. Under this agreement, Minnesota businesses will not see a tax increase and will not face a penalty for any taxes paid after April 30th but before May 31st.
The agreement also appropriates $500 million to pay bonus checks to Frontline Workers. It is estimated approximately 667,000 eligible Frontline Workers will qualify for a bonus check.
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City of Farmington – 150 Years of Growth
Maureen Scallen Failor, Chamber President, introduced Mayor Josh Hoyt during Farmington’s State of the City. The city is celebrating 150 years and is the second oldest city in Dakota County. Mayor Hoyt reviewed its history and pointed out that the city has “a proud past and a promising future” as featured in its city seal. Currently they are in different phases of development for 1,000 new homes. It is projected by 2040 the population will be 32,500 residents.
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Coffee & Conversation
Chamber members enjoyed a cup of coffee and positive networking during last week’s Coffee Break. 360 Communities and Art Works Eagan partnered for a free live exhibition called “What were you wearing?” in conjunction with areas of their organizations’ work.
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Young Professionals Mixed and Mingled
The first outing for 2022 of the East Metro Regional Chamber Young Professionals Group was a big hit as they explored “Behind the Scenes at the Minnesota Vikings Museum.” The event was in conjunction with two other local Chambers. They are planning another group activity in June to a St. Paul Saints game.
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May Public Affairs Series
Join us on Friday, May 6 for: Countdown to the End of the 2022 Legislative Session. As we enter the last month of the 2022 Legislative session, with discussions related to a $9.1 billion dollar surplus, many important businesses issues are still not resolved. The issues include the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, frontline worker pay, capital investment, transit/transportation funding, and workplace mandates. With less than a month to finalize, will the Legislature get their job done? The outcomes will be critical to the success of the business community of Dakota County and the State of Minnesota. Please join us to hear from the leadership of the Minnesota State Legislature.
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Golf Sponsorships Still Available
Looking to gain high visibility? The 16th Annual DCR Chamber Golf Classic still has sponsorships available, ranging from $500 to $3500. You receive mentions in the event program, signage, event website, reception announcements, and more.
This signature event happens on June 20 at the Mendakota Country Club. Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734.
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Join the Awards & Gala Committee
Looking for a way to get involved, meet new members, and have some fun? Join the Business Excellence Awards & Gala Committee. The kick-off meeting is Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 (virtual or in-person). The event is planned for October 28. Contact Becca at bscholz@dcrchamber.com or 651-288-9203 to sign up.
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Women’s Luncheon in May
Join us for the second Women’s Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, May 11 at the Pool & Yacht Club. Meet other Chamber members, introduce your business to the group, answer the question of the day…and network! You pick up your own lunch tab.
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Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Join fellow Chamber members on Wednesday, August 10, at 1:07 PM for a St. Paul Saints Baseball game against the Columbus Clippers! It will be a fun afternoon of baseball and networking. Treat your co-workers or staff, celebrate a work win, or have a day out with your family, all are welcome at this event. It’s $28 per person and includes a game ticket, plus $10 "Saints Bucks" to be used at any food station around the stadium. Sponsorship available for $300. Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com for details.
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Looking to Showcase Your Business?
Highlight your business by hosting a Coffee Break for Chamber members. It's $300 and you provide the coffee and treats; we invite the members and advertise the event. Dates available are: May 24, June 9, June 28, July 26, August 11, August 23, November 10, and 22. Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com.
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Don’t Miss Out! Grow Your Leadership Skills
The first Leadership Academy session is only one month away on May 17. This 8-month program is in partnership with the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and will provide you with tools to equip you as you expand and grow within your organization and career.
Cost is only $1,750. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morell, EdD – President and Consultant with Rebar Leadership.
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Looking to Join a Leads Group?
The new Enlightened Leaders group is kicking off this month. Business professionals get together with their peers to discuss strategy, work through problems and obstacles their business is facing, while building an ongoing business relationship with other group members. It is an industry-exclusive group of up to 20 individuals per group. The yearly cost is $125. To join contact Laura Roehl at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or Traci Leffner at tleffner@sovran.com.
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Ambassador Highlight
The Ambassadors are a team of professionals who volunteer their time to help promote the Dakota County business community and support Chamber functions. They are a group of enthusiastic members who act as the welcoming arm of the Chamber to ensure that the membership is being served. Meet two more of the Ambassadors – Brenda Johnson and Andy Schmitz
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Affordable Connectivity Program
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet service ($75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Participants in the program can apply the ACP credit toward the cost of participating plans from a variety of Internet service providers, including Comcast, as well as mobile services. Households that choose plans that cost $30/month or less will essentially receive their service for free. More than 10 million Americans have already signed up for the ACP. Learn more about eligibility, how to apply and available plans at www.xfinity.com/acp.
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Boston Marathon
Congratulations to Amanda Duerr, Director of Government Relations, Chair of the DCR Public Affairs Committee and Member of the DCR Board of Directors who ran in the Boston Marathon. Her time was 3 hours, 46 seconds. She is pictured with the race# 18894
We are very proud of you!
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Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail
The Minnesota Zoo kicked off a construction project for a new trail which will let guests take a walking tour of the zoo from 32 feet above the ground. The 1.25 mile treetop trail will repurpose the zoo’s old monorail track. When construction is finished in 2023, it’ll be the world’s largest elevated pedestrian loop. Guests will then be able to watch the bison, tigers, moose, and other animals from above.
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Teacher & School Nurses Appreciation Week
We are excited to announce May 2-6, 2022 is Teacher & School Nurses Appreciation Week! Thank you to District 196's 2,600 full time, part-time, and substitute teachers and 50 full-time and part-time nurses who have dedicated their careers to helping our future leaders succeed! We are deeply appreciative of our Partnership with District 196!
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Eagan Construction Project
A portion of Cliff Road from Lexington Avenue (County Road 43) to 0.2 miles east of Dodd Road will be closed to through traffic beginning May 2 and is scheduled to last for most of 2022.
The project will address safety concerns, accommodate increasing traffic volumes, create a multi-modal corridor safe for pedestrians and provide improvements that are compatible with the natural and built surroundings. For a map and additional information visit the Dakota County project page.
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Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
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Friday, May 6, 2022
8:00 - 9:30 AM
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Wednesday, May 11, 2022
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Tuesday, May 17, 2022
4:45 - 6:00 PM
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Thursday, May 19, 2022
4:30 - 6:30 PM
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022
8:45 - 10:00 AM
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Monday, June 20, 2022
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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New Members
For more information on becoming a member, please email Laura Roehl, Director of Marketing & Partnerships, at Lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734.
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Renewed Members
If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Anna Schueler at aschueler@dcrchamber.com or call 651-288-9204.
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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.
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