The DCR Chamber office will be closed
December 24, 27, 28 and 31 for the holidays.
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Giving to the Future Workforce
The Dakota County Regional Chamber Charitable Foundation recognizes and supports individuals of Dakota County focusing on high-demand jobs and careers, by providing scholarships and formal training certifications. If your company is interested in contributing to this 501 (C)(3) non-profit, contact Anna at aschueler@dcrchamber.com.
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“Oh What Fun” Holiday Luncheon
We celebrated the non-profits in our community at the Annual Holiday Luncheon. The non-profits answered questions at their display tables, and each presented at the podium about their work in the community. The Rosemount High School Choir kicked off the event with holiday music to get us in the mood. We appreciate the valuable work each organization contributes to the residents of Dakota County. View more photos here.
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2022 Legislative Session Survey
The 2022 legislative session is quickly approaching, and the DCR Chamber of Commerce would like to better understand what is important to you and your business in terms of legislative priorities and advocacy.
This survey will take less than five (5) minutes to complete. We plan to use your responses to help guide the future direction of what is most important when advocating for the businesses in Dakota County.
Please click on the below link and give your input. Please provide your feedback by Friday, December 17. Thank you for your time and consideration.
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GREATER TOGETHER Special Edition: The 2021 MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard
This Regional Indicators Dashboard is a set of shared metrics that tracks the region’s change on critical economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Measuring change in the areas that matter most for continued long-term success will help improve our region’s economic competitiveness. 2021 is the seventh year of this effort.
Thank you to Greater MSP and their partners for publishing this dashboard report.
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Budget Surplus Expected
Minnesota Management and Budget on Dec 7, 2021 announced a $7.746 billion budget surplus for the FY 2022-23, the largest in state history. Commissioner Schowalter said the surplus is driven by strong growth in income, consumer spending and corporate profits, as well as higher tax receipts.
Estimates for state spending are down slightly for the current biennium which was also a contributing factor. The improved forecast triggers a transfer of $870 million to the state’s budget reserve bringing the balance in that account to $2.656 billion. The improved outlook will also carry into the FY 2024-25 planning estimates.
The projected $7.746 billion does not include $1.15 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available for the Legislature to appropriate and does not account for a $1.07 billion which the state has borrowed from the federal government for the state’s share of unemployment insurance costs. The state could use ARPA funds or some of the budget surplus to repay the loan, if not, businesses will be assessed to repay the amount owed.
While announcing the higher-than-expected budget surplus, MMB officials cautioned that several risks still exists which could impact the budget numbers, those risks include the continued pandemic, supply chain issues, inflation, labor force participation and global growth. Here is a link to the MMB budget forecast documents: MMB Newsfeed / Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) (mn.gov)
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Insights from the Minnesota GOP and DFL State Party Chairs
At the January Public Affairs Breakfast on Friday, January 7, 2022, we will welcome the newly elected Minnesota GOP Chairman, David Hann and Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota DFL Party, to hear their insights for the 2022 Legislative session, including the vision of the state parties, midterm elections, and more.
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David Hann
Chairperson
MN GOP
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Ken Martin
Chairperson
MN DFL
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DCR Chamber of Commerce
Annual Meeting
Thursday, January 20, 2022
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Mendakota Country Club
2075 Mendakota Drive, Mendota Heights
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting "Together Towards Tomorrow" includes a keynote speaker, informational updates regarding the region, and provides highlights from the Chamber's 2021 programs and initiatives. Learn about the region's schools forecast for success, workforce endeavors, the Charitable Foundation scholarships, non-profits and their goals, transit/transportation centered in the infrastructure bill, State forecasting, housing development, and hospitality updates.
Join us in celebrating the success of 2021 and learning about the new initiatives bringing businesses and the community together towards tomorrow.
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Introducing the Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker - Aaron Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Twin Cities Orthopedics.
Named Chief Executive Officer of Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) in October 2020, after serving seven years as Chief Operating Officer, Johnson quickly rose inside the organization, becoming COO in 2013, overseeing clinic operations for TCO locations and local ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Responsible for several innovations contributing to TCO’s market growth, Johnson has led the development and expansion of subspecialty service lines and continues to play an integral role in establishing TCO as a leader in the delivery of value-based care.
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Thank you to these Annual Meeting Sponsors: |
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Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Crumbl Cookies
Join us for the Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Crumbl Cookies in West St. Paul on Friday, December 17, at 8:00 AM. The Chamber, City of West St. Paul officials, and Mayor will be welcoming this delicious cookie store to the community.
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Farmington Façade Improvement Program
The program provides façade improvement grants to help finance cosmetic and/or structural improvements for properties that are visible from public streets and sidewalks. It is only available in 2022 to businesses in the Farmington downtown and MN Highway 3 area. Applications accepted from January 1 – March 31, 2022. Completed applications can be sent to Kalley at kswift@farmingtonmn.gov. For more info see the application and guidelines.
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Open to Business Services
Open to Business is a free service to help Dakota County entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses. Need a trusted business advisor? Need help obtaining funding to start up or expand? The experienced advisors offer FREE confidential business consulting and lending options, help develop a strong business plan including marketing and communications, provide financial assessment, loan packaging for private financing, referrals to critical professional services, and tailor solutions to your business needs. Visit www.opentobusinessmn.org or call 612-843-2770.
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Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
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Friday, January 7, 2022
8:00 - 9:30 PM
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Tuesday, January 11, 2022
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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Thursday, January 20 2022
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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Renewed Members
If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Anna Schueler at aschueler@dcrchamber.com or call 651-288-9204.
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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.
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