June 8, 2020
Message from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Dear Members and Community Partners,
 
It has been a very challenging time for our communities in Dakota County with the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd, and the events that transpired as a result of his tragic death. We add our thoughts and prayers to those of the entire community who stand with the Floyd family as they deal with the loss of a father, brother, and son. 
 
As businesses, we are all dealing with the adverse economic impacts from COVID-19 and many are faced with having to rebuild due to the destruction that was caused by individuals engaged in illegal activity such as looting and rioting, and who have no regard for business or those who run the businesses. We know that the business community is strong and resilient, but we also need to do what we can to support them as they rebuild and start over. We are also deeply appreciative of our citizen soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard as well as law enforcement offices and departments throughout Dakota County who have protected our communities during this last week.   As a region, we can and must do better and there is no question that change must take place and reforms need to happen. The disparities facing the Twin Cities are real and won’t go away without the involvement of business leaders. The Dakota County Regional Chamber has begun reaching out to community leaders to be a part of that conversation.  
 
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the business community has shared the responsibility of balancing the need for public health protections and economic impacts. Businesses that have remained open throughout this crisis have taken necessary steps to protect employee and customer health.  Small businesses across our state have done the same and are ready to re-open now.  Without decisive action, many will be lost. This is not simply a personal loss for business owners. This is a loss to the employees, their communities, the local governments and the state in terms of commercial and economic activity.  We will continue to advocate on a local and state level to get our communities fully open for business.
Andy Schriner, Chair
DCRC of Commerce Board of Directors
Maureen Scallen Failor, President
DCRC of Commerce
Governor Tim Walz Announces Phase III of Stay Safe Order

On Friday, June 5, 2020 Governor Tim Walz announced the lifting of more restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and will allow for limited indoor dining, indoor entertainment at movie theaters and other venues, fitness club usage, and outdoor entertainment of up to 250 people.  These new guidelines will take effect on June 10 of next week .

Phase III of the Stay Safe Order turns the dial further to open: 
  • Restaurants and bars for indoor service at 50% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, with reservations required; 
  • Personal services like salons, tattoo parlors and barbershops at 50% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, with appointments required; 
  • Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios for both indoor and outdoor use at 25% capacity; 
  • Seated indoor entertainment like movies, concert halls, bowling, arcades, museums, and theaters at 25% capacity, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space;
  • Pools at 50% capacity and maintain social distancing; and 
  • Outdoor event and entertainments settings, like sporting events, concerts, and theaters, cannot exceed 250 people in a single self-contained space, and must continue to follow social distancing guidelines, maintain social distancing, and strongly recommend masks be worn.
 
All workers who are still able to work from home must continue doing so. All businesses that have been allowed to reopen under previous Executive Orders, including Critical Sector businesses, non-Critical Sector industrial and office-based businesses, and retail establishments can continue operations as previously allowed.   Visit   Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan  – including details about what is open and what restrictions exist - for more information.
As businesses begin to reopen the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce wants to support and help promote all of our members. Please email or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn with an update on your businesses hours and services and we will share it across our social media platforms.

If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected]
Our June Public Affairs Breakfast was held on Friday, June 5, 2020. Senator Greg Clausen, Senator Matt Little, Representative Laurie Halverson, and Representative Jon Koznick spoke on a variety of topics on the 2020 Legislative session, COVID-19, and the need to pass a bonding bill.  Thank you to our Dakota County Legislative Delegation for your work ensuring Dakota County continues to thrive as a great place to live, work and play.
 
We would like to acknowledge our sponsors Charter Communications, Flint Hills Resources, and Velocity Public Affairs for your continued support of the DCR Chamber. Also, thank you to Eagan TV and Rodel Q Photography for broadcasting and capturing this months Public Affairs Breakfast.
 
If you were not able to attend the June Public Affairs Breakfast you can watch a replay of the event HERE
Business Support Series: Rebrand, Redefine, Reengage Your Customers

Join us Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM as we hear from Maureen Bausch, Partner, Bold North Associates. Maureen is an award-winning “marketer’s marketer” and expert in creating and building bold brands. T o learn more or to register, visit HERE

If you have questions contact Diane Mavis, Director of Programs & Events, at [email protected]
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New SMART Center Breaking Ground Monday, June 8, 2020
Then new Safety and Mental Health Alternative Response Training (SMART) Center in Inver Grove Heights, is hosting a ground breaking ceremony Monday, June 8, 2020 from 10 am - 1 pm. T he SMART Center will be the regional home for crisis intervention training for public safety partners in Dakota County and the surrounding area. Learn more HERE .


 City of Farmington, Farmington Business Association  and DCR Chamber produce “City of Farmington is Open for Business”
The DCR Chamber in partnership with the Farmington Business Association and the City of Farmington came together to highlight the great businesses in the Farmington Community.  A special thank you to the city of Farmington for producing this video. Check out the video HERE
Networking   at its  Best
Registration is Required
Thursday, June 11, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Renewed Members

Cadan Technologies - 20 years
Home Federal - 13 years
Sam's Club Eagan - 13 years
Goff Public - 6 years
Nelson CPAs, LLC - 1 year


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