February 22, 2021
State of Minnesota Creates Online Vaccine Connector
On Thursday, February 18, 2021, the State of Minnesota released its latest tool to help Minnesota residents find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step of the state's vaccination strategy to meet Minnesotans where they are and connect them to vaccine opportunities, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.

How the Vaccine Connector Works

  • Sign up for the Vaccine Connector
  • When Minnesotans become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will alert them of their eligibility; connect them to resources to schedule an appointment; and notify them if there are vaccination opportunities in their area.
  • Minnesotans age 65+ who sign up with the Vaccine Connector will also be automatically included in the selection process for appointments at state-run community vaccination sites. 
Signing up for the Vaccine Connector is easy, safe, and secure — and all Minnesotans should sign up. There will be no cost and no restricted time period for signing up. Health insurance and personal identification forms are not required for signing up. Minnesotans unable to sign up online can have family or friends help them sign up online, or call 833-431-2053 (tollfree) for assistance signing up over the phone. Translation is available by phone in all languages.  

Sign up for the Vaccine Connector HERE. If you are looking for more information on the Vaccine Connector, you can listen to a recording of the Minnesota DEED weekly call to business leader around the state. Commissioner Steve Grove goes more in-depth about this new tool. Listen HERE.
10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum Announces Emcee & Panelists
The DCR Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Roshini Rajkumar as the emcee for the 10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum. Roshini is a strategic communication and crisis coach to C-Suite executives. She hosts REAL Talk with Roshini on WCCO Radio and Discover Minnesota with Roshini on Facebook. She’s conducted thousands of interviews during nearly 25 years in broadcasting.

Roshini is a licensed attorney, mainstage speaker, and former TV reporter called upon by media across the US for commentary about crisis management, leadership, and political strategy. She’s a regular contributor on KSTP-TV, KNUS Denver, and WADL-TV Detroit.
Roshini Rajkumar
WCCO Radio Host & Strategic Communication and Crisis Coach
Roshini will be the emcee and participate in the panel discussion with Anne Doepner, Director of Inclusion & Employee Development, Minnesota Vikings; Drinal Foster, Vice President Business Support Manager Wells Fargo; and Representative Athena Hollins, Minnesota House Representative 66B. Each panelist understands the importance of inclusion and work towards fostering a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, innovation, and mutual respect. Hear them discuss what it means to bring these values to your workplace and life.

Anne Doepner is entering her sixteenth season with the Vikings in 2021 and is in her second year as the team’s Director of Inclusion & Employee Investment. In her role, Doepner leads the team’s diversity and inclusion strategy and works to implement employee engagement, inclusion, and learning initiatives in order to create a sense of belonging, with the vision of enabling employees to bring their best selves to work. 

Drinal Foster is a 25-year Wells Fargo veteran, as she started her financial services career at the company as a teller in 1995. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of HR and business leadership positions before assuming her current assignment. Foster was recently recognized as a 2020 Minnesota Civic Leader by the Citizens League and selected as a 2019 Minnesota Young American Leader by the Itasca Project in partnership with Harvard Business School & the University of Minnesota. Foster received Wells Fargo’s coveted Diversity Champion Award for her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Rep. Athena Hollins was recently elected to her first term as a Minnesota House Representative for District 66B (St. Paul). Prior to being elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, Rep. Hollins worked at Thomson Reuters in community relations, where she managed community grants and giving, employee volunteer activities, and diversity and inclusion efforts. Rep. Hollins has also worked as a lawyer in family law, where she helped people struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, and immigration issues.
Anne Doepner
Minnesota Vikings Director of Inclusion & Employee Investment
Drinal Foster
Wells Fargo Vice President Business Support Manager
Rep. Athena Hollins
Minnesota House Representative 66B
To learn more or to register of the 10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum, click HERE. If you would like to sponsor this event, contact Heather Proskey, Director of Events & Member Experience, at [email protected].
Thank You to our WomEn's Leadership Fourm Sponsors
Kick Off Your Day With Our Virtual Coffee Break
Join us on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, from 8:00-9:00AM, by starting off your morning right with a fresh cup of coffee and networking, from the comfort of your home, with the DCR Chamber Coffee Break. Introduce yourself and your business to all attendees and let us know what you are up to. Looking forward to seeing you for a beautiful morning of great virtual networking.

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

Register HERE
Join us for Virtual Meet the Chamber
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is the influential regional voice that champions promotion and improvement of the business environment, cultivating vibrant regional and local communities. With over 600 members, the DCR Chamber is one of the largest chambers in the State of Minnesota. Membership with the DCR Chamber provides businesses, nonprofits, and community partners regional access, exposure, advocacy, connections, and resources!
 
Register for our Virtual "Meet the Chamber" on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, from 9:00-10:00AM, to learn more about the Dakota County Regional Chamber, our regional initiatives, and how to make the most out of your membership! Once you register; you will receive a link to register for the online Zoom meeting.

For more information on our Virtual "Meet the Chamber" event please contact Heather Proskey, Director of Events & Member Experience, at [email protected].

Register HERE
Thank you to our Meet the Chamber Sponsor
March Public Affairs Webinar: A Conversation With Chief Prosecutor Jim Backstrom

Since 1987 Dakota County Attorney, Jim Backstrom, has served his community as a public servant. After 33 years of representing Dakota County in the courtroom, Chief Prosecutor Backstrom unexpectedly announced his retirement earlier this year.
 
Join us Friday, March 5, 2021, from 8:00-9:00 AM for a conversation with Chief Prosecutor Backstrom as we take a look back at his distinguished career and the cases that he prosecuted. From county courtrooms to the Supreme Court, Chief Prosecutor Backstrom has made an impact on law & order across the country. We will also discuss what the future holds for the Dakota County Attorney's office, and for Chief Prosecutor Backstrom personally.
Jim Backstrom
Dakota County Chief Prosecutor
Register HERE
Thank you to our Public Affairs Webinar Sponsors
Local Law Enforcement Talk to DCR Chamber Members at February Dakota County Critical Issues Forum


The DCR Chamber of Commerce held our February Dakota County Critical Issues Forum on Thursday, February 18, 2021. We were lucky to be joined by leadership from local law enforcement Tim Leslie, Dakota County Sheriff, Roger New, Chief of Police Eagan, Mikael Dahlstrom, Chief of Police Rosemount, and Kelly McCarthy, Chief of Police Mendota Heights, for a conversation about recent events from around the country, as well as discussing the nationwide movement for changes in policing and public safety.

We would also like to thank Representative Angie Craig for joining us at the beginning of the program to give us insight on what is happening at the federal level when it comes to policy and public safety.

If you were unable to join us for this awesome program and candid conversation, you can watch a replay below:
Thank you to our Dakota County Critical Issues Forum Sponsor
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DARTS Hiring For New Director of Finance

DARTS Aging Services is looking for a new Director of Finance. DARTS is a community-based nonprofit that connects people to services and partnerships that improve their quality of life, help them age well, and enable them to engage in their community. DARTS provides a network of valuable information and resources to people of all ages and fosters the health of the community by helping people remain active and connected to one another. Learn more and apply for the open position HERE.
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Chamber Week at the Minnesota Capitol

Make your voice heard! Each year, real business people like you – who create jobs and economic prosperity across Minnesota – descend on St. Paul to rally for pro-growth policies. It’s particularly critical for lawmakers to hear from the business community this year, as they make critical decisions on helping or hindering our economy’s recovery from COVID-19. 
 
This year is a completely virtual, multi-day event to fit your schedule. You are welcome to join any or all of the programming during the week of March 1 – 4. Join to hear a priority topic or favorite speak. Learn more and register HERE.
Nominate a Organization for the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development 2021 "Employers of Excellence" Awards

Make your voice heard! Each year, real business people like The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board invites area organizations to participate in the 2021 "Employers of Excellence" program. All employers in Dakota and Scott counties are encouraged to participate. Contact WDB Director Mark Jacobs at 651.554.5622 for more information or go to HERE to start the survey. Deadline for survey completion is March 5, 2021. Winners will be announced May 13th.
TriDistrict Career & College Readiness Initiative Looking for Businesses and Organizations for County Virtual Teen Job Fair

The TriDistrict Career & College Readiness Initiative is a hosting a Virtual Teen Job Fair on Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 3:30-6:30PM. This event is geared towards young job seekers of all abilities, ages 14-22. 
 
Dakota and Scott County businesses and organizations interested in hosting a virtual booth must complete the online application. This is a hiring event for seasonal, part time, or permanent employment.  This application will be available thru March 1, 2021.  Applications will then be reviewed, and employers will be contacted regarding registration/virtual booth set up.  Learn more and complete online application HERE.
Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
8:00-9:00 AM
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
9:00-10:00 AM
New Members

7839 12th Ave S
Bloomington, MN, 55425

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



Renewed Members

Eagan YMCA – 28 years
Marschall Line Inc. – 27 years
SKB Environmental – 22 years
Caponi Art Park – 4 years
Vivial – 4 years
Cameo Dental – 3 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.