What's New

Minimum Wage Increases in Minnesota

Did you know Minnesota’s minimum-wage rates are adjusted yearly? Effective January 1, 2023, Minnesota’s minimum-wage rates will increase from $10.33 to $10.59 an hour for large employers and from $8.42 to $8.63 an hour for other state minimum wages. Minnesota law requires employers to display five state-mandated posters in the location where employees can easily see them. The new poster will be available for download next month.

Midterm Elections Insights

During the Public Affairs Breakfast we heard from Jeff Hayden (Senior Government Relations Specialist - Fredrikson & Byron, P.A) and Brian McClung (Co-CEO and Senior Principal - Park Street Public) as they shared their insights on the key midterm races to watch at the local, state, and federal levels. There are some tight races, and anything can happen the last month before elections.

2nd Congressional District Candidate Debate

The political climate is changing! The ends of the spectrum have become more polarized and divisive, voters have become unpredictable, fake news and social media have impacted everything. The 2nd Congressional District race is one of the top races with a record amount of spending. This race is a rematch from 2020 and will be watched from all parts of the country. The debate is now going to be carried by C-SPAN cable network, community cable stations (for live and replay/on-demand viewing), WCCO, KSTP, KARE-11, and national coverage.



Please join us for the debate on October 13 from the Candidates running for Congressional District 2, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D) and Tyler Kistner (R). 

Charlton Underpass Mural Unveiling

Maureen Scallen Failor attended the Charlton Underpass Mural Unveiling event on October 7, where a tunnel connecting two learning centers was beautified with murals. The event was held during the Garlough School’s annual Hoot Hike at the school. This was in collaboration with Garlough Environmental Magnet Elementary School, Dakota County Parks, Dakota County Public Arts Citizen Advisory Committee, and Dodge Nature Center.

Trinity School at River Ridge

Trinity School welcomed Chamber members to last week’s Coffee Break. Trinity School is an independent Christian school serving students from the greater Twin Cities area in grades six through twelve. Beth Schmitz, Head of School, spoke about the high academic and educational experience it offers students. October 18 is Parent Visit Day, offering you a chance to see what Trinity School would be like for your son or daughter.

Meet the Chamber Orientation

New and prospective members joined us for the monthly orientation meeting to learn more about their benefits and opportunities with the DCR Chamber.

The next Meet the Chamber is scheduled for October 26. 

Ribbon Cutting: Aspen House

Help celebrate the opening of Aspen House on Friday, October 14 at 10:00 AM. Aspen House is a short-term facility for teens in Dakota and Washington counties who temporarily need a safe place to live. 

Ribbon Cutting: Brookdale Senior Living - Eagan

Join us for Brookdale Senior Living Eagan’s ribbon cutting and open house on October 18 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM to celebrate their year-long renovation. Come view their brand-new look and learn how this fresh new renovation can help the people in their care.

Business Excellence Awards Celebration Finalists Announced!

Get ready for some great laughs and tons of fun at the annual Awards Celebration. This year it is “LATE NIGHT with DCR Chamber!” The 2022 Business Excellence Awards finalists have been chosen, and the winner of each category will be announced the evening of Friday, October 28.  

Don’t miss out on getting your customized engraved glass, listen to music by “Reception Jazz,” it’s a dash for your favorite dessert at the new Dessert Dash, check out the music-filled sponsor video, and more!

Coffee Break – Minnesota Energy Resources

Join us at Minnesota Energy Resources on October 25 to start your morning off with a cup of coffee, a visit to a DCR Chamber member, and the opportunity to introduce your business. Minnesota Energy Resources delivers natural gas to customers in 179 communities across Minnesota and are dedicated to delivering natural gas safely and reliably.

Check Out the Leads Group

Interested in being part of a referral group where business professionals discuss strategy, work through obstacles for their business, while building an ongoing business relationship with other group members? Attend the Enlightened Leads Group guest day meeting on October 26 to check it out.

New Members

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

Renewed Members

Heather Ann Photography – 1 year

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Hastings – 9 years

Brookdale Eagan Memory Care – 3 years

Old National Bank – 20 years

Home 2 Suites by Hilton Eagan – 4 years

Parachute Consulting Group – 1 year

Wave Soccer Club – 1 year

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

DART’S Party It Forward 

You are invited to the 11th Annual PARTY IT FORWARD on October 13 at 6:00 PM at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul! Plan to have some fun while making a difference in our community. All proceeds support older adults and their caregivers in Dakota County and beyond.

Dakota County Library iLABS Supports Small Business

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to Dakota County Library’s Small Business iLAB Takeover on October 22, from 12:30-4:00 PM at the Wescott Library in Eagan. Learn how technology in the iLABS can benefit your small business or startup – it is free.

Upcoming Farmington Events and Projects

Check out the upcoming events and projects happening in Farmington:

• Mattress/Box Spring Drop-Off and Paper Shred Event – October 15
• Fourth Annual Pink Patch Project – Farmington Police Department and American Cancer Society
• Farmington Liquors October Donation Drive for Food Shelf and Toys for Town

Manufacturing Month in Minnesota

October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. All month long, DEED will celebrate Manufacturing's vital place in the state's economy and labor force. Employers, career seekers, teachers, and students can learn all about the resources, data, and events for Manufacturing Month through CareerForce. 

Same-Day Standard Driver’s Licenses

The Chamber, along with elected officials, and Dakota County, celebrated the launch of a new, over-the-counter service issuing driver’s licenses the same day. Dakota County’s Lakeville License Center is one of two sites in Minnesota (the other in Moorhead) that was selected to pilot a new service to issue or renew a standard class D driver’s license, permit, or ID card the same day. Read more at www.co.dakota.mn.us.

South St. Paul Library Groundbreaking

Exciting news for South St. Paul! Dakota County broke ground for a new $11.3 million public library coming in 2024. The 16,000-square-foot facility will be built by Shoreview-based Donlar Construction on land donated by the city and paid for with funds from the American Rescue Plan, the 2021 federal stimulus package.

The IRON50 Project

You are invited to the Exhibition Opening for The IRON50 Project (cast iron art) on Saturday, October 15, from 3:00-5:00 PM. Meet the artists behind the project, enjoy live music and refreshments. 

Frontline Worker Payments Approved

More than one million applicants were approved for Frontline Worker Payments being processed October 5. The 1,025,655 Minnesota workers who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, applied and met all eligibility requirements will receive a payment of $487.45 beginning October 5. View the payment FAQs.

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.