March 6, 2023

Cheers To Our Members For Another Spectacular Reds, Whites & Brews!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Canterbury Park last Friday for our 2023 Reds, Whites & Brews! The evening included amazing samples from eighteen local wine and beer vendors, delicious food prepared by Canterbury Park, stellar music from the always-entertaining GB Leighton, three wine and beer raffles, and a 50/50 raffle that benefitted the Shakopee Foundation. And an extra thank you to the VIP attendees who came early for exclusive fun which included a fantastic musical performance by Joe Wheelock. Mark your calendars now and make plans to join us next year on March 22nd for our 2024 Reds, Whites & Brews!

Thank you again to our sponsors for helping make this event a smashing success:

Event Sponsor

Red Carpet

Sponsor

Photo

Sponsor

Entertainment

Sponsor

Supporter Sponsor:

Xcel Energy

Event Host:

Canterbury Park

Tasting Booklet Sponsors:

CurbSide Landscape & Irrigation, Valleyfair, & Infinity Eye Care

2023 Chamber Day At The Capitol: A Mid-Session Review

Thursday, April 13th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce at the Minnesota State Capitol and help move the business community policy agenda forward! Our legislative leaders need to hear from you, business and community leaders who create jobs and economic prosperity across Minnesota. If you are interested in attending, email Chamber President Tim Zunker by Friday, March 17th.

Apply for a Dual Training Grant

Applications are being accepted through April 3, 2023, for up to $150,000 in grants to help employers build dual-training programs. The Dual Training Grant, managed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education with assistance from Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline, is available for employers in the industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, and information technology who are interested in leveraging Dual-Training Pipeline's model of pairing on-the-job training with related instruction to generate a comprehensive platform for learning. Applicants can train workers for one of 82 eligible occupations of Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline. Employers or organizations of employers can apply for up to $150,000 (limited to $6,000 for each employee/trainee) to cover the cost of that employee's tuition, books, fees, and any required tools or equipment to complete the coursework. Click here to read more about the grant and to apply.

Grant Funding Available For Facilities To Cut Refrigerant Emissions

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals for projects that aim to reduce refrigerant emissions from facilities within Minnesota. Grant funding will focus on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other refrigerants that are contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and to encourage voluntary reduction efforts. Approximately $78,800 in funding is available. The maximum grant award is $11,255 per applicant, per applicant all locations combined. The grant recipient must match at least 25% of the total project cost. Eligible applicants must operate a refrigeration unit in a retail setting (for example, grocery store, convenience store, liquor store, or restaurant) in Minnesota and must be a for-profit business with 250 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less (including parent companies and all business operations). Click here for more info and to apply; applications are due by Friday, April 14th.

City Council Special Election

The City of Shakopee is holding a special election on April 11, 2023, to elect a council member to fill the vacancy left when former councilor Matt Lehman was elected mayor. The candidates in the special election are as follows:

The Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau conducted candidate interviews which are now available and can be accessed on our elections page. 

Promote Your Business & Support The SHAKOPEE CELEBRATES READING Event!

It’s almost that time of year again - time for the Shakopee Rotary Club’s "SHAKOPEE CELEBRATES READING" event where every first-grade child in Shakopee’s public and private schools receives a brand-new book and backpack. This is always a much loved and well-received program by all involved from our community. 

Preparation is beginning now and this year, the Shakopee Rotary Club is looking to accumulate enough items to fill 600 backpacks. Items with your organization’s name, logo, and/or contact information are welcome and can include things like pencils, erasers, bookmarks, stickers, bracelets, notepads, etc. Food and candy are not accepted. We need these items no later than April 30th. Please plan your orders to allow enough time to get them to us. We are happy to arrange for someone to come and pick up the items from your business or they can be dropped off at the Shakopee Chamber office. This is a great way for companies and organizations to reach 600 households plus give back to their community at the same time. A "win-win" for all! Any questions, email Shakopee Rotary Club organizer, Sheila McNeill. Thank you for your consideration and help in this worthwhile endeavor. 

In Case You Missed It

The MN Chamber Foundation's Workforce Summit is taking place on March 31, 2023, and will provide best practices and solutions for employers seeking to address their workforce shortages and strategies to break down employment barriers.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 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. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on April 10, 2023; click here for additional qualification information and to apply.

Your small company can build its future workforce, source great talent, and access a wage match to cover 50% of a college STEM intern’s wages for free through the SciTech Internship Program.

The MN Chamber Foundation recently released “Diversity, equity and inclusion playbook” which provides Minnesota businesses with a simplified and attainable approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and workplace belonging.

Employers who are looking to hire teens for permanent or seasonal employment are invited to participate in the Dakota-Scott County Teen Job Fair being held on April 15, 2023. You will have the opportunity to connect with attendees, share information, and collect resumes and applications.

Scott County Environmental Services offers recycling grants to help businesses implement waste reduction strategies. Grants are available up to $10,000. Examples of 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.

Shakopee Community Ed Color Run

Saturday, June 3rd

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Sun Path Elementary School, Shakopee

Get splashed with color as you run or walk through eight color stations on our one-mile course! Registration includes a t-shirt, refreshments, and an award ceremony for the top three male and female finishers. All proceeds from this event fund financial assistance for Shakopee residents to participate in Community Education classes that promote academic, social, and personal growth. Click here for all the details and to register!

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.

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.

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

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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Tuesday, September 19th

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Location TBD

Register

Our state workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, making it imperative that we effectively engage underrepresented demographics in the workforce. Find out how your business can create an inclusive workplace that values diversity and gives employees a sense of belonging.

Wake Up With Shakopee

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

Sara Olsonoski - Engel & Voelkers Real Estate

Thursday, March 23rd

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

REGISTER

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.

Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings

Delicias Del Viejo

Wednesday, May 3rd

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Check out all the unique and creative foods and drinks they’re serving up at Delicias Del Viejo, one of the newest Downtown Shakopee restaurants. REGISTER

Peak Physique

Friday, May 12th

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Help us welcome Peak Physique to Shakopee and find out how their balance of fitness, nutrition, courage, and community makes them different than other gyms. REGISTER

Shakopee Flats

Friday, May 12th

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Celebrate the opening of Shakopee Flats, the newest rental housing property in Downtown Shakopee, which offers luxury apartments that are up to date with the standards of modern living. REGISTER

Old Southern BBQ Smokehouse

Tuesday, June 6th

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join us for the First Anniversary celebration of Old Southern BBQ Smokehouse, your quick-serve neighborhood barbeque joint. REGISTER

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.