March 8, 2021
DCR Chamber Announces 10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum Award Winners
The DCR Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce our 10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum Award Winners. As always we had many quality nominations for this year's awards and we appreciate everyone who took time out of their day to nominate.

We are happy to announce Carol Osnes, Yankee Eye Clinic, Erin Feigal, Prime Therapeutics, and Sara Butruff, Travel Leaders-Galaxy Travel, as this years award recipients.
Partner of the Year: Carol Osnes, Yankee Eye Clinic

She always makes time to help others out - whether it is finding the perfect eye care solutions for them, empowering the next generation of women to become leaders through networking groups and or as a cheerleader for all women in the workplace. She approaches life with enthusiasm and generosity. She is a strong role model in character and perseverance.
Changemaker of the Year: Erin Feigal, Prime Therapeutics

Throughout her 25 years leading human resources in a variety of male dominated industries, she has persisted in advocating for giving people a voice. As Chief Human Resources Officer for an organization of 3,800 employees – 64% women and women holding half the leadership positions – she is a role model to challenge the status quo.
Woman/Minority Owned Business of the Year: Sara Butruff, Travel Leaders-Galaxy Travel

Last year had a significant impact on the travel industry, yet Sara has found ways to be innovative to keep her staff working. She encourages others in her industry and always has a positive attitude.
Ticket are still available for this amazing event celebrating the three outstanding Dakota County business leaders. Plan to join them on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 7:30AM - 12:30PM at the 10th Annual WomEn's Leadership Forum.

Register HERE
Thank You to our WomEn's Leadership Fourm Sponsors
A Message from Janet Benton, Chair of the DCR Chamber Board of Directors

 
I want to thank all of you for your continued support of the DCR Chamber over this unprecedented last year. It was a year ago when our world was turned upside down with the COVID-19 pandemic. We had no idea how long our communities would be impacted and what the adverse impacts would be. I am pleased to say we are coming out the other side with a vaccine and continued support from the business community.
 
I would like to announce that our President, Maureen Scallen Failor, has faced some challenges of her own. Maureen was diagnosed in early January with non-small cell lung cancer stage 3. As a result of this diagnosis, and in consultation with Mayo Clinic, Maureen had surgery on February 23, 2021. The surgery was successful, and she is now recovering at home. We expect her to fully recover but she might require additional treatment. As a result, Maureen will be taking time off to focus on her recovery, which will be 4 to 6 weeks. 
 
I am pleased to announce that during Maureen’s time off, former board chair and current chair of the chamber’s charitable foundation, Mark Lofthus, will become Interim President. Mark’s ability to step up and help us at this important time showcases the commitment our members and our volunteers have to serve the community. This is a key time for our region as we all work together to deal with COVID and other challenges. Our chamber is committed to be a key part of this work as we all move forward together.

Maureen’s amazing leadership has made this chamber stronger and helped us expand our impact, and we look forward to her coming back full-time soon. As she takes some time away from our day-to-day work, having Mark take a more active role in some of the other key projects will make sure we continue to work on issues like transit, workforce development, and economic advocacy.

Again, thank you for your continued support of the DCR Chamber. We are here to assist in any way. Mark can be reached via email at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Janet Benton, Chair
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Be Part of the DCR Chamber Golf Classic Committee
The DCR Chamber Golf Classic committee has set a date for their first meeting – Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 2:30PM.

If you are interested in being part of the committee that plans the abundantly fun Chamber Golf Classic, please contact Heather Proskey at (952) 288-9200 or [email protected] to receive a Zoom link to attend the first meeting.
Kick Off Your Day With Our Virtual Coffee Break
Join us on Thursday, March 11, 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
Business Support Series: Engaging in a Divided Public
Join the DCR Chamber on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 9:00-10:00AM as we kick off our 2021 Business Support Series.

Heightened tensions. Growing mistrust. Cancel culture. Communications have fundamentally changed over the past year, but the seeds were planted long before 2020. People today are isolated – which can cause social discomfort and division. But we’re also more engaged than ever with decisionmakers and have 24/7 access to platforms where our voices can be heard.

With so much noise, how can we rise above the fray to effectively advocate for our interests? Communications expert Jennifer Hellman, COO Goff Public, will share how individuals and organizations can have a meaningful dialogue in these divided times and avoid the pitfalls of this fast-paced communications world.
Jennifer Hellman
Chief Operating Officer, Goff Public
Register HERE
March Public Affairs Webinar: A Conversation With Chief Prosecutor Jim Backstrom Recap

We held our monthly Public Affairs Webinar last Friday, March 5, 2021. We were honored to have recently retired Chief Prosecutor Jim Backstrom as our guest for this month's webinar. We took a look back at Prosecutor Backstrom 33 years of service as the Dakota County Chief Prosecutor, discussed the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the Dakota County attorney's office, the current crime prevention measures happening around Dakota County, and much more.

If you were unable to attend the March Public Affairs Webinar, you can watch a recording of the event below
Thank you to our Public Affairs Webinar Sponsors
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Minnesota Vikings Practice Facility to Open as COVID-19 Vaccination Site
The state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have partnered together to help Minnesotans receive the COVID-19 vaccines a quick as possible. Early last week the Vikings’ agreed to open their Eagan practice facility to administer the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses starting this week. Gov. Tim Walz and the Vikings announced Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will play host to a new community vaccination site where approximately 13,400 doses of the new single-shot vaccine will be administered to Minnesotans ages 65 and older. Tuesday is the last day the facility will be used for this purpose, until further notification. Learn more about how you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine HERE.
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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 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 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 and 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
Thursday, March 11, 2021
8:00-9:00AM
Renewed Members

Sterling State Bank – 20 years
Landberg Law Office – 8 years
Union 32 Crafthouse – 3 years
WoodSpring Suites Mendota Heights – 2 years

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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