That relief you get when you realize the weird house noises you hear...

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We had fun chatting with our teachers at both Eastview Elementary (did you know they have Harry Potter-like houses in their school?!) and Lakeville South over the last week. A huge shout out to HyVee Lakeville for donating the food and to Lakeview Bank for sponsoring our teacher breakfast program!

Best Brains Learning Center of Lakeville is located in the Cedar and Dodd area and specializes in teaching students ages 3 to 14 Math, English, Abacus, and Coding. Their teaching methodology is non-repetitive and aims to challenge students by introducing new concepts and skills each week. Contact them to learn more and to check out their bright learning space!

We completed the first of two sessions this week. Thank you to Brittany King-Asamoa for the great information and discussion. Our second session is next Wednesday. Please share with your HR team and register below.

Minnesota Mandate Compliance Information Sessions

October 8, 8:30am-10:30am

Holiday Inn & Suites Lakeville

Register HERE for October 8

• Non-compete Ban
• WESA 2.0 Pregnancy Accommodation
• Cannabis in the Workplace
• Captive Audience Meeting Ban
• Minimum Wage Changes
• Worker Misclassification
• Secure Choice Retirement

If you have not stopped out to Lunch Mob yet, give it a shot! Lunch Mob is hosted by our Chamber Ambassadors each month and it is super casual - drop in, order off the menu, pay your own tab, meet some new people! Last month they headed out to the Red Fox, next week it is Lakeville Links! Click image to set a calendar reminder.

Let's reach out and give them a warm Chamber welcome

• Window Nation
• Baldy's Tailgate Bar
• Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery
• Rose Yarn Co.
• Archcraft Exteriors

• Vital Energy Physical Therapy
• Farmington Greenhouse
• Unbakeable
• Dairy Delite
• Wild Things Indoor Playground

Big Beautiful Bill? Beastly Behemoth? End of Civilization? No matter what you think of the gigantic bill passed by Congress, there is a lot in there for businesses to learn about and understand. Join us for Access & Issues with special guest, Darrel Mullenbach of CLA, as our co-chairs try to lay out the fundamentals of the BBB. We will discuss:

• Is there a way to look at the bill and break it down into manageable pieces so people can understand the fundamentals?
• Does this bill have new regulations or regulatory relief that impact all businesses, or are the effects focused in specific areas?
• We have several emerging industries such as manufacturing (specifically national security-related manufacturing) and artificial intelligence…are there specific changes/opportunities for new business lines under this bill?
• What is the one thing most people don’t understand about this bill?

Access & Issues is open to all Chamber members. You can log on and just listen, or participate by asking questions of our presenters. Click image to register and receive the Zoom link.

The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board is accepting nominations to recognize individuals, programs, companies and organizations that improve workplaces in Dakota and Scott counties. The awards will be presented at the board’s annual Legislative and Employer Awards event in December.

Award categories include:

• The Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Award is given to an individual who has championed workforce issues at the local, state or federal level.
• The Business Champion Award recognizes an outstanding company that also uses CareerForce services such as the job fairs, job postings or working with counselors.
• The Bob Killeen Award recognizes companies for their use of innovative or quality practices.
• The Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award recognizes an organization or program, an employer, or an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to preparing young people ages 14–24. Two awards will be given — one for Dakota County and one for Scott County. Thanks to Dakota Electric Association and Cal-Tex Electric, Inc. for providing the award scholarships.
• The Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award recognizes a local entrepreneur success story as evidenced by business growth, the individual’s leadership in the business or civic communities, and the mentorship they provide to other entrepreneurs.
• Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities will be presented to an employer who has improved the lives of people with disabilities through employment.

The nomination deadline is Oct. 31. To submit a nomination, please go to 

2025 Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board Award Nominations

Think Bank is proud to be recognized as a Visionary Sponsor of the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce. Their support reflects a strong commitment to fostering local business growth, community connection, and economic vitality. By investing in the Chamber’s mission, Think Bank helps create opportunities that strengthen Lakeville’s business community today and for the future.

Know anyone looking? We have some great companies hiring! If you are currently hiring for any positions, email Kim so we highlight you!

Viking Fest MN

Oct 4-5

Oct 11-12

10am-6pm

Dakota County Fairgrounds

Welcome to Viking Fest Minnesota—a bold new celebration of Viking heritage, Norse mythology, and living history. Held over two immersive weekends in October 2025, we invite you to step into the world of the Vikings with live combat, roaring feasts, artisan crafts, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Whether you’re a hardened warrior, a curious skald, or a family seeking epic adventure, this is your chance to BE a Viking.

Thank you for your support!