What's New

Leaders in Local Government Awards – Winners!

On September 29, we hosted the annual Leaders in Local Government Awards. Together with East Metro chamber partners, we hosted 120 attendees to celebrate a stellar slate of finalists who all demonstrated excellence and success in local government. The following organizations and individuals were recognized for their innovative programs, effective outcomes, and commitment to public service. We were thrilled to have 3 of the 6 awards given to our partners - City of Farmington, Dakota/Scott County Workforce Council, and Dakota County Sherriff’s Office. Congratulations!  

Business Retention and Expansion: Roseville Economic Development Authority

Communications and Marketing: City of Farmington

Innovation: Dakota County Workforce Mobility Program

Planning, Land Use, and Public Works: St. Paul Parks and Recreation

Public Safety: Dakota County Sheriff's Office

October Public Affairs Series: The Road to the 2022 Midterm Elections

There is a lot riding on the upcoming Midterm Elections with all Minnesota House and Minnesota Senate seats, as well as the Governor’s race, up for reelection. Join us on October 7 as we hear from two of Minnesota's top political pundits, Jeff Hayden and Brian McClung. Both have years of experience serving in state government and partisan political campaigns. The duo appears regularly on KSTP-TV's "At Issue" and Twin Cities PBS "Almanac." This is part one of a two-part program on the 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 and by local and national coverage



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

State of the Airport MSP

DCR Chamber members, board members, and staff attended the State of the Airport event where we heard about the challenges MSP faced, and the successes that are continuing to happen at MSP. They were recently named the 16th Busiest Airport in North America. Governor Walz congratulated their success. Frank Vascellaro was Emcee for the program. The keynote speaker, CEO Jude Bricker, reviewed how business and leisure travel is on the upswing, what capital improvements were completed during Covid, the wonderful arts program in the airport, and much more. An interesting MSP Passenger Bookings stat is February 2020 it was at +8.7%, in April 2020 it dropped to -95.4%, and now continues to make significant progress, in August was -24.2%.

Coffee Break – Think Bank

We enjoyed a fun Coffee Break at Think Bank Eagan. Justin Hellickson, Branch Manager, updated the group on the bank’s Thinktoberfest Celebration, and how the entire bank gives back to the nonprofits in the community on Columbus Day by pitching in to help them out for the day. The bank is known for their culture of caring, curiosity, and optimism. As a mutual bank owned by our customers, the bank’s sole focus is serving them.

Bobby and Steve’s Ribbon Cutting

We welcomed Bobby and Steve’s Auto World to the West St. Paul community. Bobby and Steve were present, Mayor Dave Napier of West St. Paul and Kyle Chank, Board Chair of the DCR Chamber, congratulated Bobby and Steve’s on opening their doors in West St. Paul and Dakota County.

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.  

Large Business of the Year: Comcast, Minnesota Energy Resources, Twin Cities Orthopedics

Small Business of the Year: Evolution Accounting & Consulting, Sovran, Inc., VENDELLA euro boutique & coffee haus

Emerging Leader of the Year: Andrew Hasek (Goff Public), Nicole McCarthy (Minnesota Energy Resources), Anh Phan (Living Well Disability Services)

Nonprofit of the Year: Kids n’ Kinship, Living Well Disability Services, The Open Door Pantry

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!

Legacy Award Named – Jon Althoff

Congratulations to Jon Althoff for winning the 2022 Dakota County Regional Chamber Legacy Award! Jon Althoff has been involved with the DCR Chamber for ten years and has been active since day one! He served as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors from 2017-2018, currently serves on the DCR Board, and on the DCR Charitable Foundation as its Secretary. Join us at the Business Excellence Awards Celebration on October 28 where we will honor him on stage for this prestigious award.

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

Color Me Coral

1287 Promenade Pl Suite 112 

Eagan, MN 55121

651-500-1955

Read Naturally, Inc

1284 Corporate Center Dr Suite 600 

St. Paul, MN 55121

800-788-4085

651-452-9204

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

Renewed Members

Apelgren Dental – 3 years

EMO Trans Inc. MSP – 9 years

Hope Fieldhouse – 3 years  

Southview Country Club – 8 years

Kwik Trip – Eagan – 6 years 

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

Charlton Underpass Mural Unveiling

A tunnel connecting two learning centers has been beautified and they’re excited to reveal it. The unveiling will occur during Garlough School’s annual Hoot Hike event at the school. Join the celebration on October 7, from 5:00 – 5:30 PM, in collaboration with Garlough Environmental Magnet Elementary School, Dakota County Parks, Dakota County Public Arts Citizen Advisory Committee, and Dodge Nature Center.

360 Communities Fire & Ice Celebration

You are invited to celebrate 360 Communities’ golden anniversary at the Fire & Ice Celebration on November 11. It is a night of giving, food, and music. Learn how they have turned your generosity into meaningful impacts through its 50-year history.

Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our online calendar!

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