DCR Chamber of Commerce Urges Continuation of Joint Powers Agreement Between Dakota County and MVTA |
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On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners voted to dissolve its joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce has spoken against this action taken by the County Board of Commissioners.
The DCR Chamber and it's partner, East Metro Strong, believes that the best way for the County to help ensure that its residents and businesses have access to efficient, quality transit is to be part of the governing board that makes service decisions. The DCR Chamber of Commerce believes that removing the County's participation in transit planning and operations would unnecessarily limit the County's ability to guide the provision of a service that residents and businesses want and need.
DCR Chamber of Commerce President, Maureen Scallen Failor, Will Schroeer, East Metro Strong, and Chair of the DCR Chamber Board of Directors, Janet Benton, penned a letter to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners urging against this action. You can read the full letter HERE.
Learn more about what this means for the future of Dakota County, transit for its residents, and businesses from this article by the Star Tribune, click HERE.
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Dakota County and CDA COVID-19 Business Relief Applications Due Friday |
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The application for the most recent Dakota County and CDA COVID-19 relief grants closes this upcoming week on Friday, February 12, 2021, at 5:00 PM. Grants will be awarded by March 15. The grant covers operating costs, payroll, rent, mortgage, inventory, personal protective equipment and other qualifying expenses.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Have a physical location in Dakota County
- For-profit business (including home-based and franchisees) and nonprofit organizations (such as arts organizations, museums and fitness centers, that earn revenue similar to businesses)
- 75 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees
- No current tax liens with the Minnesota Secretary of State and in good standing with Dakota County
- Impacted directly or indirectly, by a state executive order related to the COVID-19 pandemic
- In operation on or before Nov. 1, 2020
To read the full press release about the new business relief grants, visit HERE.
To apply for small business release grant, visit HERE.
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WomEn's Leadership Forum Award Nominations Deadline - February 19, 2021
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The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce deadline to submit award nominations is Friday, February 19, 2021, at 5:00 PM. The three awards will be presented during the 10th Annual WomEn’s Leadership Forum, honoring women leaders. These awards were established to recognize high professional performance standards and contributions of women or woman-owned/lead organizations in Dakota County.
You are invited to submit nominations for the following three awards being presented at the event.
- Partner of the Year
- Woman Business of the Year
- Changemaker of the Year
For additional information and to submit a nomination, click HERE.
Look out for more information regarding the WomEn's Leadership Forum speakers and registration this upcoming week.
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The DCR Chamber of Commerce Welcomes, Becky Little, New Director of Operations & Administration
The DCR Chamber would like to welcome our new Director of Operations & Administration, Becky Little, to our staff. Becky comes to the DCR Chamber after spending many years working in different areas of the University of Minnesota/Fairview Health system. If you have any questions for Becky, you can contact her at [email protected]. Welcome to the DCR Chamber, Becky!
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Start Your Morning With Virtual Coffee Break!
Join the DCR Chamber Thursday, February 11, 2021, from 8:00-9:00 AM, for our bimonthly networking event, Coffee Break. Start your morning off right with a fresh cup of coffee from the comfort of your home and partake in friendly networking. Register HERE for a great morning of virtual networking.
Each participant will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business.
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!
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The Future of Public Safety in Dakota County Webinar
The death of George Floyd led to protests around the world. It also sparked a nationwide movement calling for changes in policing and public safety. The riots and protests in our Nation’s Capital and other State Capitals have also created a sense of urgency for our personal and business communities.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul region and Dakota County are being transformed by what has taken place. Businesses are being included in city and county plans for an equitable society and many new public/private alliances are being formed.
Join us Thursday, February 18, 2021, from 8:30-10:00 AM for a conversation about what is important to our businesses and communities and how law enforcement can be reimagined to better serve us all.
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Tim Leslie
Dakota County Sheriff
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Roger New
Chief of Police
City of Eagan
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Mikael Dahlstrom
Chief of Police
City of Rosemount
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Kelly McCarthy
Chief of Police
City of Mendota Heights
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Thank you to our Dakota County Critical Issues Forum Sponsor |
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DCR Chamber Host Legislative Representatives at February Public Affairs Webinar
The DCR Chamber hosted a lively discussion with Dakota County Legislative Delegation members at our February Public Affairs Webinar on Friday, February 5. Minnesota State Senators Zach Duckworth (58) and Lindsay Port (56), and Minnesota House Representatives Kaela Berg (56B), Keith Franke (54A), and Liz Reyer (51B) joined and discussed a variety of topic including the state budget, business recovery, the future of transportation, education, the environment, and healthcare. If you were unable to watch the February Public Affairs Webinar live, you can watch a recording below.
Be on the lookout for more information regarding our March Public Affairs Webinar. The March Public Affairs Webinar will feature Dakota County Attorney, Jim Backstrom, who will be retiring at the end of the February.
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Thank you to our Public Affairs Webinar Sponsors |
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Xcel Energy Named a World's Most Admired Company For Eighth Consecutive Year
For the eighth year in a row Xcel Energy has been honored as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune Magazine. The Minneapolis-based utility ranked second among the most admired gas and electric companies in the country. The ranking is based on nine criteria including innovation, social responsibility, financial soundness, long term investment value and quality of management. Xcel Energy is the first major U.S. utility to announce a commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 80% (from 2005 levels) by 2030, with a vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. The company is more than halfway to that interim goal.
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Eagan Rotary Fundraiser “Live To Give Walk” Set For May 15 at Central Park
The Rotary Club of Eagan, joined by presenting sponsor, SPACES, will host Live to Give Walk at Eagan’s Central Park on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Funds raised will benefit Eagan YMCA, 360 Communities, Open Door Pantry and the Eagan Rotary Foundation. The Rotary encourages families, friends, workmates, and neighbors of all ages to register for free. Build a team with friends and solicit donations. The peer-to-peer connections will facilitate fundraising and encourage teams to display a theme or wear costumes to increase the event fun-factor. Each donor giving $100 is rewarded with a Live to Give t-shirt. Learn more about the Live to Give Walk HERE.
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Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
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Thursday, February 11, 2021
8:00-9:00 AM
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Wednesday, February 24, 2021
9:00-10:00 AM
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Renewed Members
If you have questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Anna Schueler at [email protected] or call 651-452-9872.
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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.
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