August 17, 2020
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Hosting Free Mask Drive-Thru Distribution

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in community partnership with Skyline Exhibits, will be distributing free masks for businesses only in Dakota County, Wednesday, August 19, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Your business does not need to be a Chamber member. This will be a drive-thru distribution event at Skyline Exhibits, located in Eagan. Masks are intended for the customers of businesses in Dakota County.

This distribution event is first-come, first-serve, while supplies last. Please complete this form by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. To ensure we reach as many companies as possible, we are limiting the amount to 2 boxes of 50 masks per company.

Fill out mask request form HERE

**Skyline Exhibits is located 3355 Discovery Rd, Eagan, MN 55121, on the intersection on Yankee Doodle and Lexington.**
Regional economic conditions from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Are you interested in learning more about economic conditions in the six states of the Ninth District?
 
The Minneapolis Fed regularly gathers survey data from firms throughout the Ninth District to better track pandemic effects on businesses and the broader economy.
The most recent survey of businesses, closed in late July, received more than 1,100 responses from a wide range of firms from each of the six states in the Ninth District, thanks to the help of more than 30 business and economic development organizations across the District.
 
Join Ron Wirtz, Regional Outreach Director for the Minneapolis Fed, for a live, free webinar on Thursday, August 20, at 9:00 AM to hear about the latest survey results and to learn where and whom the pandemic is hitting the hardest.
 
This free webinar will be the first in a regular series of economic updates on the Ninth District’s regional economy.

Learn more and register for this Free Webinar HERE
Engaging with Dakota County Future Leaders - How Collaborating with our Schools Can Benefit Your Business, Now and in the Future

  • Do you need help expanding your customer service, marketing, communications, and advertising services & support?

  • Would you benefit from new views and perspectives on serving your customers and clients, and have the personnel to act on it?
 
If this sounds interesting to you please join Ben Kusch, Lead Designer of the TriDistrict Career and College Readiness Initiative and Director of the TriDistrict CAPS, with the Dakota County Regional Chambers of Commerce and River Heights Chamber of Commerce, as they facilitate a virtual conversation aimed at helping partners leverage the power of the chamber relationships with local schools to support their businesses.

Please join us on Tuesday, August 25th or Thursday, August 27th from Noon - 12:30 to learn more about how engaging with the TriDistrict can generate energy, action, and excitement for your business.
 
  • Register for August 25th Webinar HERE
  • Register for August 27th Webinar HERE
Become a Sponsor for the 2020 DCR Chamber Golf Classic

Is your business looking for advertising opportunities? Consider being a sponsor of the 2020 DCR Chamber Golf Classic. From exclusive hole sponsorships to being a contributing sponsor of this event, the DCR Chamber has options for all businesses, budgets, and needs. To learn more on how you can become a sponsor of this event please contact Diane Mavis, Director of Programming and Events, at dmavis@dcrchamber.com
2019 golf tournament
2019 golf tournament
DCR Chamber Hosts In-Person Coffee Break

On Thursday, August 13, 2020, The DCR Chamber in partnership with AdvantaClean held its bi-monthly Coffee Break at Crystal Beach in Burnsville. This Coffee Break was our second in-person event since the start of the pandemic. DCR Chamber members and Dakota County business leaders had a great morning of networking with coffee and breakfast provided by Vandella Euro Boutique & Coffee Haus.

Our next Coffee Break will be held virtually in partnership with SPIRE Credit Union Tuesday, August 25, 2020, via Zoom. Learn more or register for this event HERE
Dakota County businesses are doing everything they can to stay safe and stay open during this pandemic. Thank you, Cybick Productions, for producing this video!
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Announces $70 Million in Premium Relief and Rebates

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus (Blue Cross) announced plans to provide more than $38 million in premium relief for thousands of Medicare members, individual and family plan members, and fully insured businesses throughout the state. All of these one-time credits, which will range from 10 percent to 25 percent, will be applied to an upcoming monthly bill before the end of 2020. Additionally, Blue Cross recently completed an accelerated mailing of rebate checks totaling more than $31 million to thousands of members who had individual and family coverage with the insurer in 2019. Read More HERE

Comcast Launches New “Internet Essentials Partnership Program” for Cities, Schools, and Students for the Academic Year

Comcast announced a new program for cities, schools, and nonprofits to connect large numbers of low-income K-12 students to the Internet at home. The “Internet Essentials Partnership Program” is designed to help accelerate Internet adoption at a critical time. In nearly ten years, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest and most successful low-income Internet adoption program and has connected millions of people to the Internet. It offers households low-cost, broadband Internet service for $9.95/month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer, and multiple options for digital literacy training. Comcast also announced it is giving all Internet Essentials customers its innovative xFi platform, which enables parents to control and manage their children’s WiFi connected devices. Read more HERE

Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College Offering Three New Programs to Help Students Navigate the Fall

Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College is offering three new programs for students pursuing their degree. The Credit for Prior Learning, MN Reconnect, and GAP (Growth and Purpose) Year Program will be provided by both colleges.
  • The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving students time and money towards earning their degree. Learn more HERE
  • MN Reconnect program reconnects adult learners who have earned at least 15 credits but no college credential to specialized advising to help them take advantage of the multiple resources available, from state and federal grants for adult learners to childcare services. DCTC and IHCC can also provide funding to help participants pay for college costs; the MN Reconnect Scholarship awards eligible students $1,000 per semester, including summer terms.  The program provides scholarships and a navigator. Learn more HERE
  • The GAP (Growth and Purpose) Year program allows you to pursue an area of interest while enhancing your resume and academic transcript. GAP participants get it all – the opportunity to earn credit, have meaningful paid employment, and craft a personalized service or research project in connection with a dedicated mentor. Learn more HERE

Support The Minnesota Zoo and Enjoy Beastly Bash From the Comfort of Your Own Home

Now, more than ever, the Minnesota Zoo needs community support. With nearly 5,000 animals from around the world and hundreds of acres of natural beauty, the Minnesota Zoo is a unique resource connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Each year, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation hosts a fundraising event in support of the Zoo. This year's Beastly Bash is the most important one yet. Beastly Bash is going virtual on Saturday, September 12, from 7:30 – 8 pm. From the comfort of your own home, you can join us on our journey and become a part of the Zoo’s future. The half-hour family-friendly program will feature animals, guest speakers, and opportunities to provide vital support for the Zoo. Learn more HERE
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District 191 Board of Education Approves 2020-2021 School Plan

The District 191 Board of Education approved a plan for the start of the school year that will slowly build to all grade levels attending school in a hybrid model. This deliberate and strategic approach will help ensure safe and successful implementation of the hybrid model by prioritizing relationships and allowing students and staff to practice new health and safety routines. Learn more about the District 191 hybrid model and Fall school year HERE

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Creates Video to Answer COVID-19 Safety Questions

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry just put out a video that answers many of the commonly asked questions by businesses and workers, especially when it comes to safety, sick leave, worker’s comp, and more. Watch video HERE

Minnesota Department of Transportation Announces New Road Closures Around the Airport

Road closures near the MSP Airport are about to change between Hwy 62/55 and I-494 beginning August 14. Eastbound Hwy 5 will reopen to traffic while westbound Hwy 5 will close to traffic through fall 2020. Plan ahead to get to the airport. Details and detours at AroundtheAirport.com
Networking at its Best
Registration is Required
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Renewed Members

Bremer Bank, Eagan - 32 years
The Open Door - 11 years

If you have questions or concerns about your membership renewal, please contact Pam Schmidt at   pschmidt@dcrchamber.com    or call 651-452-9872.
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