Me: This is a hard escape room…

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Congratulations to father and son team, Tom and Josh, on the gorgeous new space. Downtown Bicycles is in the BRAND NEW building next to Frandsen Bank & Trust on County Road 50. For them it is not about selling and repairing bikes, it is about specializing in customer service and solving your issues – which just happen to be needing some parts, repairs, or a new bike! They have a knowledgeable crew, of all ages, and the bright space is highlighted by the giant orange cow painted on the floor when you walk in the door. Ask them about it when you stop by!

If you're reading this, that means we successfully snuck a post into the eblast! Hehe. We celebrated a few days early, the incredible milestone of someone who leads with heart, vision, and unstoppable energy. Wishing you a fabulous 50th (on Sunday) filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot more cake! Want to send some birthday love? Email Krista a note.

We are still 190 donors short of our 400 donor goal this year. The blood supply is critically low. Please (1) register to donate if you are able (2) share this with your colleagues/network. 

This is a multi-chamber networking opportunity!

The day includes:

• Access to a private viewing tent
• Complimentary food, beverages, and parking
• Swag bag
• Prime views of a special presentation from Vikings leadership
• Performance by The Vikings Brass Band
• Unbeatable networking with business leaders from across the metro

$85 per ticket. Tickets are limited. Click image to register.

*Tickets will be delivered digitally prior to the event.

This year you get a "twofer" - not only is September 8th our bowling tournament, but it is also the Vikings Season Opener, Monday Night game!

YES....we will have the Vikings game going on the big screens around Bowlero. We just might even have some fun prizes for the teams that embrace a SKOL theme!

Please give us a heads up if you plan to wear Bears attire and we will put you at the back lanes…haha. I’m not even going to address the Packers attire questions.

So, grab 4-5 friends, co-workers, other members and come out to help us raise some money for our work in education and workforce development!

There will be food, prizes, raffle items - and a Vikings win! We do have a single bowler rate for those that want to meet some new people!

The nomination portal is now open for the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year. The selection committee will meet in late August to choose this year’s recipient. The winner will be honored at our 5^th annual Women’s Symposium and Expo on November 12. Tickets to the event are available here. The previous honorees are:

• 2021, Laurie Bolin, 360 Communities
• 2022, Patti McDonald, McDonald Eye Care Associates
• 2023, Karen Wentworth, HOBO, Chemquest, Triton
• 2024, Amy Povroznik, Flora Etcetera

• Capital Projects Levy Renewal on the Ballot November 4
• July 8 School Board Meeting Recap
• By the Numbers
• Leadership Updates
• Points of Pride
• Support Student Success at Ready, Set, ACHIEVE!
• Community Education Summer Programs & Camps
• Upcoming Meetings and Events

Know anyone looking? We have some great companies hiring! Are you currently hiring? Email Kim so she can get you scheduled into our weekly social media posts.

How do I qualify?

You need to manufacture a product in Minnesota, have been in business for two years and have an NAICS code between 31 and 33. Your company can submit one product per year.

Can I nominate someone else’s product?

Yes! You will be asked to provide a contact at the company for verification.

How is the bracket chosen?

The bracket of 64 products is chosen by a council of industry peers from the completed nominations.

How is a winner chosen?

The public will vote on products via head-to-head matchup in five rounds until the winner is announced on 10.7.25 at Manufacturers’ Summit.

What are the timelines?

August 15 - Nominations close

September 2 - First bracket announced

October 7 - Winner announced at Summit

What are dull details and where do I submit nomination? Click the image!

The Dakota County Fair is right around the corner—get ready for a week full of fun, food, and family tradition!

From thrilling rides and live entertainment to 4-H exhibits, fair food, and grandstand events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Located in Farmington, MN, the fair runs August 4–10, so mark your calendars and bring the whole crew for a celebration that’s been “Making Fun a Tradition Since 1858.”

Whether you're coming for the livestock shows, demo derby, live music, or just that classic fair food—we can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more: www.dakotacountyfair.org

Thank you for your support!