Join us in congratulating the Shakopee Chamber's Main Street Director, Ashley Grotewold, and her husband on the recent arrival of their baby boy!

Minnesota's minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation beginning January 1, to $10.33 an hour for large employers and $8.42 an hour for other state minimum wages. Under Minnesota law, the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry is required to determine and announce the inflation-adjusted minimum-wage rate each year by August 31. This past year, the change in the price index used for this purpose was an increase of 2.5%. Find additional info here.

This multi-agency webinar will cover new, updated, and timely wage and hour information. Topics will include changes to the state nursing mothers and pregnancy accommodations laws and issues related to student workers returning to school. Click to register.

The Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence and the Engineering Center of Excellence are working together with DEED and RealTime Talent to bring information to employers to assist in workforce fulfillment. Employers in the manufacturing, engineering, and other sectors will learn some best practices on employee attraction and retention. Speakers will share information about the current and future workforce levels, sharing various employer strategies being implemented, and an employer “deeper dive” workforce panel discussion. Click here to register.

Small Business Profiles are compiled annually by the SBA's Office of Advocacy to provide a snapshot of each state’s small businesses. The profiles gather the latest federal economic data into state-by-state reports of small business health and economic activity. This year’s profiles focus on small business dynamics and employment. Click here to view Minnesota's small business profile.

The Shakopee Chamber is looking for people who are interested in serving on our Public Policy Committee. Help shape the direction of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, work on election forums, and help research policy affecting our community. If interested, please contact Tim Zunker at tzunker@shakopee.org or 952-641-9043.

Check out the Scott County CDA’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE), the centralized hub for entrepreneur and small business resources in Scott County! The CFE is part of the Dean Lakes Education Center campus and offers unique partnership opportunities, resources, and support programs for emerging businesses. Explore the different programs available to provide assistance to local entrepreneurs.

In an effort to address the financial challenges continuing to impact Shakopee Public Schools, the School Board, during the July 19th school board business meeting, unanimously approved a special election to bring an operating levy before the voters on November 2. Shakopee is the only school district in the metro area without a voter-approved operating levy. Learn about the levy, ballot questions, and more by visiting ShakopeeLevy2021.org. Absentee voting begins September 17 at the Shakopee Public Schools District Office or by mail.

Don't forget to register to vote!

The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce has partnered again with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will be managing the project, including advertising sales and layout/graphic design. They are extremely professional and produce a high-quality publication, and we ask that you give them a moment of your time. 

E&M will be contacting all members about available advertising opportunities. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure. If you have any questions or would like to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 8005 or advertising@emconsultinginc.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

Interested in donating? Every book you purchase will have a sticker recognizing you as the generous donor. Just pay the wholesale cost of $75 to purchase ten books to be donated! Click here to purchase.

Goldsmith Eye Care recently made a book donation to Shakopee schools. We thank them for their generosity and support!

Let SVA know you are participating by sending photos to info@svamn.org or by taking a photo and tagging Southern Valley Alliance on Social Media. Don’t forget to use these hashtags: #SVAMN #DVAM

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. Participants can expect to learn enhanced skills that are relevant in today's workplace and gain a deeper self-awareness of strengths and opportunities. Dr. Scott Morell, EdD - President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership - will facilitate all sessions of the academy. The first session will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

The Shakopee Chamber Foundation is offering two $1,000 scholarships for Leadership Academy. Click here for information and guidelines.

Join us for a City of Shakopee update and Q&A with Mayor Bill Mars and City Administrator Bill Reynolds. (Also, be sure to bring plenty of business cards for networking!)