What's New

Chamber Office Closed on January 16

The Chamber office will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the day to “reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.” 

Lisé Freking – Ambassador of the Year

We are excited to announce that Lisé Freking from Dakota County Technical College/Inver Hills Community College has been selected the 2022 Ambassador of the Year. Lisé has been a committed member of the DCR Chamber and is an active Ambassador. She attends and welcomes others at events and ribbon cutting celebrations, meets with prospective members, refers the Chamber to others, helped shape the current program, and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Lisé enjoys exploring the world, planning her next international trip, and learning new languages. With a newfound minimalist mindset, her goal is to travel with only a backpack and appreciate experiences instead of things. When she isn’t travelling (or dreaming of doing so), she stays active playing pickleball, exercising, and hiking with her dog. Refreshing her violin skills, learning to play the piano, and reading more are all on her to-do list this year. Experiencing new restaurants and adventures with her family are her favorite things to do.

Lisé will be receiving the award during the upcoming Annual Meeting on January 19.

Marijuana Legalization is Coming: How to Prepare Your Business for the Inevitable

Join us on Thursday, February 2, for the Advocacy & Issues breakfast. The Minnesota lawmakers unveiled a marijuana legalization bill and announced next steps to advance the reform in the 2023 legislative session proving just how high of a priority this is for the 2023 session. If, or more likely when, the bill passes there will be ramifications for our county, cities, and businesses.

Please join us for this conversation to learn what has happened, what is coming, and how you can best prepare your business to handle the changes.

Thanks to our Sponsors

Dakota County Legislative Reception - February 8

The Dakota County Legislative Reception has moved to February 8 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at the Pool and Yacht Club. Join us as we recognize and thank our Dakota County legislative delegation. This event provides an opportunity for the Dakota County business community to exchange ideas with elected officials on the best ways to ensure an economic climate for new investment and job creation in the region. Hors d'oeuvres provided and cash bar available. 

Thanks to our Sponsors

Chamber Welcomes Taco John’s to Eagan



Chamber members and the City of Eagan celebrated Taco John’s opening in Eagan with a ribbon cutting celebration. Mark Kocer, COO for Taco John’s, spoke about their excitement of being part of the community and how this is their 58th location in Minnesota. There are nearly 400 restaurants in 22 states – making it one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in America.

Coffee Break: Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity



Join the Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity for a hot cup of coffee at the Coffee Break on January 24 hosted by Viking Lakes in The Warming Haus Powered by Xfinity, next to the Omni Hotel. Attendees are invited to explore The Minnesota Ice Maze after the break.

Ribbon Cutting: Longship at Viking Lakes



You are invited to the Longship at Viking Lakes ribbon cutting celebration on January 26 at noon. There will be tours, dessert, wine and spirits, and networking. Longship offers state of the art amenities such as 24/7 remote access, gym, pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. With private offices, private workstations, and touchdown workstations, you can find a space that suits your business needs.

DCR Chamber Annual Meeting



The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, "Making It Happen, Making It Matter" reviews what has happened in 2022, highlights the Chamber’s 2023 programs and initiatives, awards the Public Official of Note and the Ambassador of the Year, followed by a reception with appetizers and cash bar. The keynote speaker is Jeanne Crain, President and CEO from Bremer Financial Corporation.

Don't miss out on celebrating the successes of the Chamber, which positively impact our partners, cities, businesses, and communities.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

3:00 – 5:30 PM

Lost Spur Golf and Event Center

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Dakota Electric

Gateway Bank - Mendota Heights

SKB Environmental

Superior Service Center

Viking Lakes

WomEn's Leadership Forum

The 12th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum featuring “Backstories Matter” will Engage, Educate, and Empower professionals of all levels. The conference features female speakers and panelists, who share their stories, advice, and help to empower their peers. The Marketplace will again display many vendors and businesses offering tasty treats, apparel, accessories, services, beauty products, travel options, and more! 

As part of the DCR Chamber Charitable Foundation's initiatives, scholarships will be presented to excelling young women looking to chart their own professional course. Apply here.

Sponsorships are available – contact Laura at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734.

Check Out the Enlightened Leads Group

Looking to kick off your new year by joining a leads group? You are invited to check out the Enlightened Leads Group. Business professionals get together with their peers to discuss strategy, work through problems and obstacles their business is facing, while building an ongoing business relationship with other group members. The meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30 – 8:30 AM at Sovran, Inc., Eagan.

New Members

RizTEK and Riz Hospitality

1660 142 CT West 

Rosemount, MN 55068

218-330-6427

Brand Command

5708 Upper 14th St W Suite 109 

Apple Valley, MN 55124

952-715-9727

Royal Credit Union

14295 Cedar Avenue 

Apple Valley, MN 55124

800-341-9911

For more information on becoming a member or sponsorships, contact Laura Roehl at lroehl@dcrchamber.com or 952-300-1734.

Renewed Members

Castle Rock Bank – 44 years

Independent School District 192 – Farmington – 49 years

Inver Hills Community College – 2 years  

Kennedy & Fitzgerald, Ltd – 10 years

Minnwest Bank – Farmington – 8 years

Premier Bank – 28 years

Schmitty & Sons/Gray Line Minnesota – 5 years

Travel Leaders – Apple Valley – 17 years

Ze’s Town Centre Diner – 11 years

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

Workforce Development Board Award Winners Announced

The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB) recently held its annual Awards Celebration recognizing honorees for workforce advocacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Two DCR Chamber members received awards - Ben Kusch (TriDistrict CAPS) received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award for Dakota County, and Schmitty & Sons received the Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities Award.

Drive Safer Resolution This Year

Many people start the new year with resolutions like eating healthier, losing weight, or crushing bad habits, but one area all Minnesotans could try to improve is our driving. Toward Zero Deaths suggests making a New Year’s resolution to drive smarter and safer this year. It could save a life!

Mendota Heights News

Check out the news for Mendota Heights regarding the 2023 city budget, getting involved, Coffee with the Council, and the Frozen Fun Fest in February.

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.