February 27, 2023

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.

Vendors Sought For 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.

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

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.

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, March 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.