February 13, 2023

Seeking Wine And Beer Donations!

Our fabulous Reds, Whites & Brews event is quickly approaching, which means donations are needed for the "Wall of Wine & Beer" raffle. In exchange, we will put your logo on your donations (so your generosity will be on display at the event!) plus you will get recognition on social media and in the event tasting booklet. Donations can be dropped off at the chamber office. Contact Annette Belding with any questions.

Grants Available To Cut Emissions & Improve Air Quality

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals for projects that aim to reduce air emissions by upgrading equipment and processes that will reduce air pollution. Approximately $110,000 in funding is available; the maximum grant award is $24,500 per applicant. The grant recipient must match at least 25% of the total project cost. Eligible applicants must be one of the following:

• For-profit business with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, including parent company
• Governmental entity
• Educational institution
• Non-profit organization
• Tribal entity

Applications are due by 4:00 PM on April 10, 2023. Click here to apply.

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation recently released “Diversity, equity and inclusion playbook”. This playbook details specific steps businesses can make to impact positive change, providing Minnesota businesses with a simplified and attainable approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and workplace belonging. Along with making the playbook accessible to everyone, the Minnesota Chamber is also offering additional one-on-one assistance with DEI strategy. If you would like one-on-one assistance with your business’s DEI strategy, email Whitney Harvey, Senior Director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion, or call him at 612-618-6074.

Grant To Help Implement Waste Reduction Strategies

Every Business Creates Waste - So Why Not Waste Wise?

Waste Wise Sustainability Specialists offer free assistance to help you identify and implement waste reduction projects. On a site visit to your business, nonprofit, or school, the specialist will look for ways to reduce waste and maximize recycling. and review your waste bill to find ways to help you save. To ensure the success of any new reduction strategies, employee training is available. Get started with your sustainability specialist at 651-292-3934 or kwagner@mnchamber.com. Scott County offers a grant to help businesses implement waste reduction strategies. Funds are available to implement new or increase existing recycling-organic efforts. Grants are available up to $10,000. Some common grant funded projects include adding recycling, trash, and compost bins, installing water bottle filling stations, purchasing a dishwasher and reusable dishware for the breakroom, and purchasing compostable products. Learn more about the grant.

Employers Invited To Participate In Upcoming Dakota-Scott County Teen Job Fair

Saturday, April 15th

10:00 AM - 2: 00 PM

Dakota County Western Service Center, Apple Valley

This is a hiring event for seasonal, part time, or permanent employment. Local employers are invited to participate by staffing a table. You will have the opportunity to connect with attendees, share information, and collect resumes and applications. Participating employers MUST:

• Hire a minimum age of 16. Employers hiring younger than 16 are also encouraged to participate.
• Offer a diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment for youth of all abilities.
• Be available to participate during the full duration of the event.

Interested Dakota and Scott County employers must complete an application to participate. Contact Ben Coburn with any questions.

In Case You Missed It

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Commerce recently submitted their biennial report tracking the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the Minnesota Legislature.

The Minnesota Chamber’s Small Business Federation Membership gives the Shakopee Chamber the opportunity to offer a complimentary Minnesota Chamber membership to our members with 10 employees or less. If interested, contact Tim Zunker, Shakopee Chamber President.

Vote For Rhythm On The Rails!

The Shakopee Chamber's summer concert series, Rhythm on the Rails, has been nominated in the Best Outdoor Festival category! Please support our event, plus the many member businesses that have been nominated in various categories, by voting in the Southwest News Media's Best of the Best 2023 promotion! You can vote once per day through Sunday, February 26th.

Home Buyer Seminar

Thursday, February 23rd

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Mana Brewing, Downtown Shakopee

Shane Hofmann - Edina Realty Mortgage and Sam Leverson - The Leverson Group are back LIVE in person for conversation around buying real estate. Whether this is your first time buying, or you've bought in the past, there's a lot of new information around the process these days! Click here for more info.

Canterbury Park

Gates Open: 11:00 AM

Competition Starts: 1:00 PM

Purchase Tickets

Horse racing in the snow, with a twist, is back for its 5th season at Canterbury Park! A horse, most often a quarter horse, and a rider in a stock saddle run down the stretch pulling a skier through a demanding course complete with gates and jumps as they compete against the clock and another team to qualify for the finals. Winter Wiener & Corgi Dog Racing will also take place during the event. Other activities will include a marketplace with over 20 vendors, Hope Rides Kids Zone, bonfires with s'mores, Kids Snow Box, and an Ice Bar with specialty cocktails.

Take a look at this video to see all the fun that's in store for you!

Shakopee Brewhall Bock Party

Saturday, March 25th

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

First Avenue East, Downtown Shakopee

Shakopee Brewhall and the Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau are hosting Bock Party in Downtown Shakopee to celebrate beer and all the fun options that the Brewhall has to offer. Attendees will enjoy live music, beer poking, and limited-edition beer options available only for the day. There will be an outdoor vendor marketplace in conjunction with this open street event. The Brewhall is looking for a unique selection of crafters and vendors for the market. No duplicate vendors will be accepted. Limited to 20 vendors. $50 per vendor space. Register here.

Music Returns To Canterbury Park This Summer With Concerts Featuring National Artists

Canterbury Park recently announced four of several outdoor concerts featuring national artists to be held throughout the summer in its open air grandstand. The Canterbury grandstand concert bowl, which can comfortably accommodate 2,500, offers excellent sight lines in an intimate setting with stellar acoustics, placing music lovers close to the artists.

The four dates, all Fridays, include Night Ranger on June 2, Killer Queen July 21, Smash Mouth and Spin Doctors August 11 and Randy Houser Sept. 8. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Buy your tickets now!

Discounted MNUFC Tickets For Chamber Members!

Take advantage of a special discount that is being offered to Shakopee Chamber members for MNUFC games at Allianz Field this season! Tickets are available while supplies last, they cannot be resold online, and all sales are final. You may purchase tickets to multiple games. Buy tickets.

Text Andrew at (952) 905-4576 or click here to learn more.

Register Now For 2023 Leadership Academy

In times of certainty and times of confusion, leadership is one of the most critical factors in determining an organization's success. Leaders are developed through purposeful training and immediate application of that training content in their organization. Leadership Academy is about going deeper into leadership development. It is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a curriculum rooted in application and results. All sessions are facilitated by Scott Morrell with Rebar Leadership. Registration is now open for the 2023 program.

2023 Reds, Whites & Brews

Friday, March 3rd

7:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Canterbury Park

$80 General Admission

$130 VIP Admission

Join us again this year at Canterbury Park for Reds, Whites & Brews, an evening to savor samples from some of the best local wineries and breweries. Plus, enjoy tasty bites, live entertainment by GB Leighton, a silent auction, and more! Or come early to get the VIP treatment which includes exclusive beer and wine tastings, top-notch hors d'oeuvres, and a private concert by Joe Wheelock. Register now! (And don't forget to check out the sponsorship opportunities and other ways you can promote your business and support this event.)

Inspire: Shakopee Chamber Women's Series

The Shakopee Chamber is excited to introduce our new women's forum, a quarterly series of events designed to connect business women in a new, relevant, and purposeful way.

$45 Chamber Members I $55 Non-Members

Meaningful Connections With Shakopee's Top Women Leaders

Wednesday, March 8th

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Stonebrooke Golf Club

REGISTER

A panel of top local business women will share what’s working for them, what they’ve learned along their path to success, and how all women can leverage opportunities to realize their greatest potential. In addition, you’ll get connected with other like-minded professionals who will widen your orbit and promote meaningful collaboration.

The New Brand Mosaic© For Business Growth In Any Economy

Tuesday, May 16th

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

The Wilds Golf Club

REGISTER

Successful brands of all sizes understand a new truth: your image in the marketplace is a composite of all the stories you tell about your employees, customers, and vendors. Learn how to create an emotionally memorable brand story that builds a loyal following and helps you stand out amongst all the noise – most notably, the faceless noise of the biggest brands.

Ribbon Cutting

Shakopee Flats

Friday, May 12th

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

REGISTER

Help celebrate the opening of Shakopee Flats, the newest apartment property in Downtown Shakopee! Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, take a tour of the property and enjoy refreshments.

Wake Up With Shakopee

Start your day with a cup of coffee and some casual networking!

Stonebrooke Golf Club

Tuesday, April 18th

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

REGISTER

Shakopee Living Magazine at Shakopee Flats

Tuesday, June 20th

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

REGISTER

Katie Odeen State Farm Insurance

Tuesday, August 22nd

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

REGISTER

Star Choice Credit Union

Tuesday, October 24th

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

REGISTER

Interested in hosting a Wake Up With Shakopee event at YOUR business?

Contact Annette Belding.

Get Your Shakopee Mug!

These beautiful Shakopee mugs were custom designed by the extremely talented Willow at Ivory & Sage! A mug is the perfect holiday gift for all your Shakopee friends and family - and don't forget to grab one for yourself, too. You can purchase your mug online, buy it at the Chamber office, or pick one up at Shakopee Brewhall or Bluff Creek Boutique (Shakopee location) during regular business hours. The cost is $23 per mug.