What's New

Did you know that it is projected that $25.9 billion will be spent this year for Valentine’s Day! That is $192.80 per person celebrating the holiday. Men will spend almost twice as much as women.

Last Week’s Legislative Reception

The annual Legislative Reception included attendees from many segments of the community, including the legislators, commissioners, mayors, city officials, schools and universities, nonprofits, and businesses. We heard from the legislators who outlined their priorities and concerns for the coming year’s work.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Transit Study Results and Next Steps

The DCR Chamber, with support from East Metro Strong and investors, has been working on the Dakota County Transit Study since 2020. Join us for the March 2 Advocacy & Issues breakfast to hear the results of the study from Will Schroeer, Executive Director at East Metro Strong. Commissioner Laurie Halverson will be speaking to what Dakota County businesses and residents need now from transit and transportation and how we can work with the Legislature to create it.

Will Schroeer

Executive Director

East Metro Strong

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

District 3

Dakota County

State of the City Eagan

Mark your calendar for the annual Eagan State of the City event on March 16. Chamber members and the community will hear from Mayor Mike Maguire who will highlight key elements of the state of Eagan, including local economy and new initiatives, policies, and practices that will help shape our collective future.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Your Input is Requested

Each month the Chamber conducts the Advocacy & Issues Forum breakfast that offers real-time information and resources on issues impacting businesses. These monthly breakfasts deliver business community members first-hand perspectives from influential lawmakers and leading industry experts that affect job creation, growth, and expansion. Please take this 1-minute survey for your input on topics for 2023.

Support the Wine & Spirits Pull and Mystery Purse Raffle

Consider donating bottles of wine or spirits, valued at $20 or more, and in return, we will give your business exposure by adding your business card to the bottle, include company name on the program slide and program given to attendees.

We are looking for a variety of gift cards ($25 or larger) to fill the mystery purse package. Receive company acknowledgement on program slide, sign by the purse, and in the program given to attendees.

Drop off at the DCR Chamber office, or contact Becky Little at blittle@dcrchamber.com / 651-288-9202 to have your donation picked up, or pay Venmo – under DCR-Chamber.

Women's Luncheon - Lost Spur Golf & Event Center

Join us for a great lunch and networking. Women are invited to meet other Chamber members, introduce their business to the group, and answer the question of the day.

The February 15 Luncheon will be held at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center in Eagan. The $26 fee includes registration fee, lunch, beverages, and gratuity. 

New to the program will be a Spotlight Speaker presenting a topic that will enlighten and inspire you. Melissa Miller from The Open Door will present “What Acting has to Teach us about Leadership.” She combines her experience as an actor and leadership speaker to bring a light-hearted look at bridging different backgrounds to where she is today. 

Coffee Break – Real Estate Equities – The Quill



Start your morning with a cup of coffee at The Quill on February 21. The Quill is a brand new, 90-unit affordable senior housing development located in Hastings. All apartments are affordable at 50% and 60% AMI. Amenities include a clubroom, crafts room, fitness center, rooftop deck, washer and dryer in-unit, flexible lease terms, granite countertops, and more.

Young Professionals Networking Event

Join other young professionals at the Speed Networking Event in conjunction with six area chambers on Tuesday, February 21, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. The event offers a great opportunity to meet different people in a short amount of time, plus, there will be plenty of networking. There will be food, drinks, and great conversations at Holman’s Table, just across the river from downtown St. Paul.

Young Professional Program Sponsorships Available

The DCR Chamber has partnered with six other area chambers for the 2023 Young Professionals program. Throughout the year are planned six fun events, including speed networking, a boat cruise, St. Paul Saints game, executive roundtable, and more. Sponsorship opportunities ($550 per event) are available. Your company receives logo recognition in eblasts, social media, event page of each chamber, event signage, and post thank you messages. Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com for details.

Want to Learn About the Chamber?

Every employee from your company is considered a member of the chamber. If you have new employees, or people who want to learn more about the opportunities of the chamber, invite them to the Meet the Chamber orientation meeting. It happens the last Wednesday of the month from 8:45 – 10:00 AM. We review all areas of the chamber and attendees introduce themselves to the group. The next meeting is Wednesday, February 22.

Ambassador Get Together

The Ambassadors are getting together for a lunch meeting at The Open Door conference room on February 23 to review their 2023 initiatives and plans. If you are interested in learning about the Ambassador group and meeting the team, let Laura know at lroehl@dcrchamber.com to get signed up.

Luncheon Sponsorships Available

Gain company visibility by sponsoring two fabulous luncheon options. Check out the sponsorship levels and benefits for both options.

Pat Miles Luncheon

Thursday, May 18

Pat Miles and her husband were fully set for life, but regrettably, not set for death. She will share how she navigated the shock, family disputes, and taking care of herself. All attendees will receive her book Before All Is Said and Done. 

Women’s Luncheons with Spotlight Speakers

Enjoy lunch with fellow members, introduce your business to the group, and hear from the Spotlight Speaker.

Contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734 for sponsorships.

Renewed Members

Genisys Credit Union – 16 years

Eagan YMCA – 30 years

Harmony Health Chiropractic – 4 years

AdvantaClean – 4 years

Frandsen Bank & Trust – 6 years

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

Teen Summer Job Fair

Many companies are working on their talent/candidate pool development, especially for the summer season. Check out the upcoming Dakota-Scott County Teen Job Fair, sponsored in collaboration with Dakota County Libraries and the Dakota/Scott County Workforce Development Board's Youth Committee. The in-person free event is April 15 and focuses on hiring youth 14-18 years. Local employers are invited to participate in the event to staff a table. Employers will have the opportunity to connect with attendees, share information, and collect resumes and applications. 

Jason Viana, Nicole McCarthy, Shawn Walls, Melissa Miller

Students of Integrity Scholarship

Better Business Bureau Foundation serving Minnesota and North Dakota invites high school seniors in our community to apply for the 2023 Students of Integrity Scholarship. This essay-based scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated high character, leadership, and ethical values in their personal choices and actions. The application deadline is March 1. At least three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded this year. Students can learn more and apply here.

Farmington Community Dew Days

Farmington is beginning to plan for Dew Days on June 22-25. The city festival celebrates the citizens of Farmington with a festival for the past 42 years. Sponsorships are available at dewdayssponsorships@gmail.com.

Mendota Heights News

Find out about the Medallion Hunt Update when the clues were accidently published incorrectly. Learn about Airport News where airlines operated larger aircraft at MSP in 2022 to meet increasing passenger demand.

2023 Toward Zero Deaths Regional Workshops

Mark your calendar for a 2023 Toward Zero Deaths regional events nearest you. These regional workshops help facilitate Minnesota TZD's goal of creating a collaborative, comprehensive, and regional approach to reducing traffic deaths and severe injuries. Goals include encouraging traffic safety as a priority for policymakers, providing a method to bring traffic safety programs into local communities, and offering a networking opportunity for traffic safety advocates.

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.