Important EDates

Since the election is pretty top of mind this week, here is your reminder of the important dates related to the 2024 election. The Chamber will do our Candidate Forums this fall for City Council, School Board, and State Representatives. Watch for dates and details next month.

Tuesday

And, speaking of Memorial Blood Centers. Our 7^th annual Citywide Blood Drive is also on Tuesday (and Wednesday). We are still about 100 donors short so we STILL need your help! Please register to donate if you are able, and bring a friend! Please also share our social media post to your local network. If you are not able to donate, but still want to help, you can register to volunteer for a shift here.

Do I win the bet?!

You have to come see their large, bright space! Oh, and maybe grab a donut of course! I mean it is our duty to support small business after all.

Webinar July 31, 2-3PM

Through the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) small to mid-sized Minnesota businesses can request reimbursements for up to $30,000 in expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. During this session, you'll also gain insights into leveraging SBA loans to finance these accommodations upfront. They will explore the details of the 7(a) Small Loan and microloan programs. REGISTER HERE

What’s a Reasonable Accommodation?

Some examples of reasonable accommodations include ergonomic workstations, specialized software, captioning services, special equipment, and much more. Their website and the ERAF staff can walk you through the kinds of accommodations covered by the fund.

Can't attend the webinar?

Do you have questions about reasonable accommodations? Do you need to know more about ADA? The ERAF staff can answer questions, provide technical assistance, and provide more information about the fund and how it can help Minnesota businesses. mn.gov/deed/eraf, 651-539-2390, eraf.deed@state.mn.us

FYI from the County

Loans for small businesses to upgrade equipment for chloride reduction. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provides zero-interest loans up to $75,000 to small businesses. Loans are for capital equipment purchases that help meet or exceed environmental regulations. Businesses must have fewer than 100 full-time employees and have a profit less than $500,000. Loans are available throughout the year. Many business sectors are eligible. Eligible projects that will reduce chloride and help protect Minnesota's water resources include:

▪ Brine making and application equipment

▪ Plow blade and broom technology

▪ Pavement temperature sensors

Loan terms, conditions, application and more can be found on MPCA’s environmental improvement loan webpage

REMINDER –

Monday Morning!

KARE 11’s Sunrise show will have various spots of live coverage from the party celebrating Regan Smith’s Olympic performance in Paris. The event will feature LNHS and LSHS Pep Bands, North and South Cheer Squads, various local mascots, Lakeville fire trucks, police squad cars, the Mayor of Lakeville, Paralympic champion Josh Cinnamo, various swim teams and more. Bring your signs to cheer her on or create one at our sign-making stations to show your Olympic spirit. LBC on the Lake will have for purchase, breakfast tacos, French toast bites, breakfast croissant sandwiches and juice. Idioma will have coffee for purchase.

Congrats on 5 years!

Congratulations to these members celebrating 5 years of membership this month!

Let’s BOWL…

and raise some money!

We know you might not have September on your mind yet, but we do! September 17 is our annual Bowl for Education Tournament! This is your chance to have fun with friends and our chance to raise some money to support our work in business and education partnerships – including our teacher breakfasts and impact grants. Grab a team and join us for a few hours of bowling, pizza, and prizes! PRO TIP: Several members use this as a company social outing!

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

We are now accepting nominations for our 2024 Businesswoman of the Year! This year’s recipient will be honored at our annual Women’s Symposium & Expo on November 12.

If you know of a businesswoman who should be considered for the RUBY Award, please email a short paragraph or two to info@LakevilleChamber.org. The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

R – couRage – taking initiative, thinking outside the box, handling challenging situations, exhibiting leadership
U – enthUsiasm – passion and determination in her role
B – DependaBility - Demonstrates follow through, team player, believes that when her actions help her company succeed - she succeeds
Y – IntegritY - Recognizes and celebrates the success of others, handles difficult situations with honesty and professionalism

Thank You for your Commitment to Commerce

Special Price offer

ends next month

In August, Sun Thisweek is moving to 100% paid distribution. It is very important that we continue to have a local news outlet in Lakeville. Sun Thisweek is utilized by the Chamber, the City, the Schools, local non-profits - the list goes on - to disseminate information. Many of our members advertise their goods and services in the paper. We want to make sure to maintain, and perhaps grow, the readership of this local information resource.

This makes a great coffee table read in your break rooms and waiting areas!

Visit Lakeville Tourism Tidbit

When the snow melts away, Buck Hill transforms into a vibrant hub of summer activities and events. From thrilling mountain biking trails to live music concerts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Checkout one of their upcoming events: