January 18, 2021
Small Business Administration Re-Opens Paycheck Protection Program
The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw and Second Draw PPP Loans. Nonprofit, 501(c)(6) organizations, are also eligible to apply now. The PPP website has been updated with new details including the application form and the Interim Final Rule for the program changes recently signed into law.

More PPP Loan resources:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Relief Update Webinar
Join the U.S Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 1:00 PM for a webinar about the updated small business pandemic relief. U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley and CO content director Jeanette Mulvey will be presenting on the latest coronavirus relief aid that's now available and what small businesses need to know. 

Register HERE 
Weekly Update Sponsor
Get the Latest Information on COVID-19 From the State of Minnesota

With information and regulations regarding COVID-19 consistently moving and changing, it is important to make sure your organization has the necessary information and tools to adapt to the new business world. Below you can find links with helpful information from different Minnesota State Departments.

MN Department of Health:
MN Department of Labor & Industry:
MN Commerce Department:
Visit The New Vaccine Dashboard For Distribution Information
As part of the State of Minnesota's efforts to be informative and transparent about the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Minnesota COVID-19 response team has developed an online dashboard with the latest information about the distribution of the vaccine.

The State of Minnesota is committed to the equitable distribution of a safe, FDA-approved vaccine for protection against COVID-19. Planning has commenced, and the first doses are already being administered to health care workers and those living in long-term care facilities.

  • Get the latest vaccine data HERE
  • Learn about how the vaccine is being distributed HERE
  • Learn about the upcoming phases of vaccine distribution 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
Start Your Morning With Virtual Coffee Break!

Join the DCR Chamber Thursday, January 26, 2021, from 8:00 - 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.

If your organization is interested in hosting this or any future Coffee Breaks, contact Heather Proskey, Director of Member Relations, at [email protected] for more information. Your virtual investment is only $150!

Register Here
Meet the Chamber Presented By Andy Schmitz

Know a business that may want to join the Chamber? Looking to refresh your memory on all the great events we offer before the new year. Join the DCR Chamber Wednesday, January 27, from 8:00 - 9:00 AM, for our monthly Virtual Meet the Chamber event.

Meet The Chamber (New & Prospective Member Orientation) is a monthly meeting to provide an opportunity for new members, new company representatives, and prospective members to meet and learn all about how to get the most from their DCR Chamber membership.

Each attendee is also given the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a 30 second commercial about their business or position.

Thank you to our new Meet the Chamber sponsor Andy Schmitz Farmers Insurance Agency for supporting the DCR Chamber of Commerce.

Register HERE
Meet the Dakota County Legislative Delegation at the February Public Affairs Webinar

Please join us Friday, February 5, from 8:00 - 9:00 AM, as we introduce our newly elected Dakota County Legislative delegation. Their first task at hand will be to work on passing a state budget and tackle the pressing issues of business recovery, civil unrest, the future of transportation, education, environment, and healthcare. You will not want to miss this robust conversation with Minnesota State Senators Zach Duckworth (58) and Lindsay Port (56), and Minnesota House Representatives Kaela Berg (56B), Jessica Hanson (56A), Keith Franke (54A), and Liz Reyer (51B) as they provide insight as to will be a busy 2021 Legislative Session in Minnesota. 
Sen. Zach Duckworth (R) District 58
Assistant Majority Leader
(Invited)
Sen. Lindsey Port (D)
District 56
(Invited)

Rep. Kaela Berg (D)
District 56B
(Invited)

Rep. Keith Franke (R)
District 54A
(Invited)
Rep. Jessica Hanson (D)
District 56A
(Invited)

Rep. Liz Reyer (D)
District 51B
(Invited)

Thank you to our Public Affairs Webinar sponsors Charter Communications, Flint Hills Resources, and Velocity Public Affairs.

Register HERE
Business Support Series: Understanding the Legal Side of the COVID-19 Vaccine Recap
We kicked off our 2021 Business Support Series strong on Thursday, January 14. This month's program focused on the new COVID-19 vaccine and the legal ramifications of this drug.

We were lucky to have Arthur J, Waldon, attorney at Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A., join us and lead this discussion about the new vaccine and it's potential legal ramifications. Thank you, Arthur, providing us with your insights on a very interesting and technical topic.

If you were unable to join us for this great program, you can watch a recording HERE.
Save the Date for the 2021 WomEn's Leadership Forum

As enormous and widespread the effect of 2020’s events have been on populations and businesses globally, that impact has been even more evident for women. And that means that in many ways, future economic achievement, in 2021 and beyond, will turn on women’s success in the workplace.

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 10th annual WomEn’s Leadership Forum. At the Forum, learn how to meet this challenge, and inspire women in a world of unprecedented transformation.
The vendor Marketplace offers businesses the opportunity to advertise their business and sell their products and services. Nearly 250+ forum attendees have the chance to visit the Marketplace.

Announcements on our Keynote Speaker and award nominations are coming soon.

This signature event raises funds for the DCR Chamber's Charitable Foundation, supporting our community initiatives, scholarship program, and nonprofit partners.

If your organization is interested in being a sponsor for the 2021 WomEn's Leadership Forum, please contact Heather Proskey, Director of Member Relations, at [email protected] for more information. Sponsorships start at only $500.
Thank you to our 2021 WomEn's Leadership Forum Sponsors
Comcast
Dakota County Technical College/Inver Hills Community College
Ecolab
Hellmuth & Johnson
Superior Service Center
paper_people_hdr.jpg
Participate in The Latest Minneapolis Federal Reserve Survey

The Minneapolis Federal Reserve is conducting another survey looking to find out more about COVID-19 and the economic impacts of the region. This survey will run from January 19 - January 25. We ask that you take five minutes out of your day to help will help the Federal Reserve System shape monetary policy to help businesses weather this economic shock. Be on the look out for a survey link on DCR Chamber social media channels this upcoming week.
Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
Thursday, January 26, 2021
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wednesday, January 27, 2020 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

New Members
1750 Energy Drive
Mankato, MN, 56001
Phone: (507)386-5656

For more information on becoming a member, please email Heather Proskey at [email protected] or call her at 651-288-9200.

Renewed Members

Castle Rock Bank43 years
Bolton & Menk, Inc.11 years
Great Southern Bank 3 years
South Eagan Neighbors and Mendota Heights Living Magazines – 2 years


If you have questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Anna Schueler at [email protected] or call 651-452-9872.
Update Membership Files, Company Changes
Post your NewsHot 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.