January 11, 2021
Governor Tim Walz Loosens Regulations For Businesses Around Minnesota

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, Governor Tim Walz announced a loosening of restrictions for restaurants, bars, gyms, entertainment facilities (movie theaters, bowling alleys, etc.), and places of worship. These new regulations will allow bars and restaurants to open for the first time in six weeks, while gyms, entertainment facilities, and places of worship will continue to loosen their restrictions. These new regulations and restrictions will go into place starting Monday, January 11, 2021.
Some highlights of these new regulations are:

  • Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
  • Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
  • Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
  • Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Read the full press release of Governor Tim Walz new restrictions and regulations HERE.
Weekly Update Sponsor
Business Support Series: Understanding the Legal Side of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Join the DCR Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM for the first Business Support Series of 2021! This month's webinar will focus on the COVID-19 and the legal ramifications of the new vaccine. Arthur J, Waldon, attorney at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A., will join us to lead this discussion about the new vaccine. Some question he will try and answer are:

  • Can (and should) employers require employees to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination?
  • What happens if some employees are vaccinated, but not others?
  • Can employers be held liable for an employee’s adverse health effects related to a COVID-19 vaccination if the employer required a vaccination?
Arthur J. Waldon
Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A.
Learn more and register HERE
Start Your Morning With Virtual Coffee Break!

Join the DCR Chamber Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, for our bi-monthly networking event, Coffee Break. Start your morning off right with a fresh cup of coffee from the comfort of your home and friendly networking.

Each participant will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business.
Coffee Break was established by the DCR Chamber to network in a comfortable atmosphere. Register for a great morning of virtual networking.

Register Here
Register For The DCR Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Today!

Please join us for the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce 2021 Annual Meeting "Transforming our Communities for Success "on Friday, January 22, 2021, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. 

As 2020 has proven to be a very challenging year for the business community, we will come together to showcase our business community's resiliency. We will recognize member businesses in Dakota County who have adopted and pivoted their organizations during the COIVD-19 pandemic. We will review the Chamber's 2020 accomplishments, as well as what is in store for 2021.

The DCR Chamber of Commerce will also host special guest Governor Tim Walz at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Governor Tim Walz will kick off  the 2021 DCR Chamber Annual Meeting by sharing his insights on 2020 and how we as a community, can continue to grow and move forward in 2021.
Governor Tim Walz
Governor of Minnesota
(Invited)
Along with hearing from Governor Walz, we will honor and hear two outstanding individuals who have contributed to our community by making Dakota County and the region a great place to live, work, and play!
Rick King
Dakota County Regional Chamber Legacy Award Recipient
Tom Egan
Dakota County Public Official of Note Recipient

Thank you to our 2021 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Register HERE
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DARTS President Ann Bailey Named 2020 Community Builder by Northern Star Scouting Council

DARTS President Ann Bailey has been named a 2020 Community Builder by the Northern Star Scouting Council. The Community Builder Celebration has recognized outstanding community leaders for over 40 years. This prestigious honor is given to persons who have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to making our community a better place to live in. Congratulations, Ann!
Xcel Energy Seeks New Solar Projects Near Sherco Power Plant

Xcel Energy is seeking proposals to add approximately 500 megawatts of new large-scale solar near the existing Sherco Power Plant in Becker, Minn. The new renewable energy will continue the company’s efforts to lead the clean energy transition while also providing jobs that will help the economy recover from COVID-19. Read full press release HERE.
Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
Thursday, January 14, 2021
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wednesday, January 27, 2020 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Renewed Members

ProAct, Inc. – 29 years
Minnwest Bank – 24 years
Genisys Credit Union – 14 years
Paychex, Inc. – 6 years
Bald Man Brewing – 5 years
Rodel Q Photography – 2 years
IAG Commercial – 1 year
Navegate – 1 year

If you have questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Anna Schueler at aschueler@dcrchamber.com or call 651-452-9872.
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