August 2, 2021
Workplace Protections Expanded For Pregnant Workers & New Parents

Effective January 1, 2022, workplace protections under the Women's Economic Security Act will be expanded. Changes include the following:

  • Requiring nursing and lactating employees to receive paid break time to express milk at work. The change does not require current unpaid break time such as a meal breaks to be converted to paid break time.
  • Ensuring more employees have a right to request and receive needed pregnancy accommodations in the workplace, such as more frequent restroom, food and water breaks, and limits to heavy lifting. This change will apply to employers with 15 or more employees.
Webinar: Workplace Provisions Supporting Breastfeeding Families

Wednesday, August 11 or
Wednesday, August 18

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, you are invited to participate in one of two free webinars about state and federal laws that address workplace breastfeeding and pregnancy accommodations. The one-hour webinar will feature a presentation and a question-and-answer session from representatives of the US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, the MN Department of Labor and Industry, the MN Department of Health, and the MN Department of Human Rights. Information about the new state laws impacting expectant and new parents' workplace rights will also be discussed. Click here to learn more and register.
There Is Still Time To Take The Digital Technology Trends Survey

The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce is conducting a special project in partnership with the Minnesota Chamber’s Grow MN! program to identify a.) how digital technologies are impacting business recovery and growth performance, and b.) what type of resources Minnesota could offer to help small-to-medium sized businesses better compete in the digital economy. We think this is an important component of Minnesota’s short term recovery and long term economic growth.
 
If you haven't already done so, please complete the survey to provide critical insights on this topic and help drive actions to better support small and medium size businesses in Minnesota. The survey will close on Thursday, August 5.
SBA Training Opportunities & Business Resources

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.
JOIN US FOR WEEK 4!

Head to Downtown Shakopee THIS WEDNESDAY for live music, tasty food, cold beer, and fun for the whole family.


Upcoming Chamber Events
Ribbon Cutting At The DECO
Wednesday, August 4

The DECO is now open in Downtown Shakopee! Please join us at their ribbon cutting and help us welcome them to our community.
Membership Luncheon At Valleyfair
Thursday, August 5

During Grand Carnivale at Valleyfair, not only will you see and hear how the world celebrates, but you’ll taste extraordinary food from global cultures. Chef Sammy has created a sampling of the Grand Carnivale menu for our August Membership Luncheon so you can enjoy exquisite tastes from around the world!
Leadercast Shift
Wednesday, August 11

The future will be created by fearless, innovative Leaders wo have the courage to SHIFT! Leadercast is the largest one-day leadership event in the world. This year, hear from top leaders who have experienced disruptions in their professional and personal lives and how they “shifted” to make things better.

Leadercast is offering four continuing education unit options:

SHRM (HR Professionals) – 4.75 credit hours
GCSU (General) – .5/5 credit hours
HRCI (HR Professionals) – 5.0 credit hours
ASNA (Nursing) – 5.0 credit hours
 
Continuing education credits are available upon attendance. The application will be available beginning 8/11/21. Leadercast will provide details within six weeks of receiving the completed application. 
Women's Event
Thursday, September 23

The Chamber's annual Women’s Event helps grow women in business by encouraging attendees in both their professional and personal development. This special event features three inspiring speakers, a vendor market that offers a unique shopping experience, and meaningful networking opportunities.
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Memorial Blood Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors 

Local nonprofit Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations. The need for blood is constant, but due to the pandemic, many drives have been canceled or postponed. More than 50% of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low (less than a 3-day supply of all blood types). To replenish supplies for Twin Cities’ hospitals, trauma centers, and air ambulance bases, more healthy donors are needed at blood drives and donor centers in the coming weeks. Appointments can be made online at MBC.ORG or by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253). As a thank you, all presenting donors through August 26th will be entered in for a daily chance to win Minnesota State Fair tickets.