Good News for the Day: The US saw stronger-than-expected job growth adding 178,000 jobs in March, beating expectations. Unemployment fell to ~4.3% nationally. (Note: Minnesota's unemployment was higher, believed to be due to effects of immigration activity in Q1; it is expected to improve). Source: Axios | | |
Question of the Week: Chamber Memberships
Chamber Membership is important. How many Chambers do you belong to in addition to the DCR?
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Last Week's Question of the Week: How likely are you to recommend your DCR Chamber to another business or professional?
Top reasons for the high score were networking, strength of events (WLF specifically cited), voice of business, opportunities for involvement, welcoming and solid connections and referrals. One of the DCR core values is our dedication to providing an Exceptional Experience to Members. We sometimes fall short and are always working to improve. This high rating / 'net promoter score' is appreciated and your DCR Chamber will keep working for YOU!
| | Dakota-Scott County Teen Job Fair - This Saturday | | |
Time is running short to get in front of motivated, local teen talent. The Dakota-Scott County Teen Job Fair is nearly here.
Saturday, April 11, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, Dakota County Western Service Center (connected to Galaxie Library),
Apple Valley
Space is limited with only 25 employer slots available .
Register by contacting amber.higgins@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-554-6875.
| | Diane Cross of Fraser, Traci Leffner of Sovran, and Kate Hensing of Comcast were all featured in MSPBJ Press articles as "People on the Move" last month. | | Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans | | |
Small businesses in Dakota County can access 0% interest loans through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to support equipment upgrades and environmental improvements. Loans range from $1,000 to $75,000, with terms up to seven years and flexible collateral options. Eligible projects include energy-efficient equipment, EV infrastructure, and systems that reduce waste or emissions, among others.
Businesses with fewer than 100 employees may qualify and must demonstrate both economic and environmental benefits. For more information, click HERE.
| | Registration is Open for the 20th Annual DCR Golf Classic! | | |
Take your networking outside when the 20th Annual DCR Golf Classic returns Monday, June 22 at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club.
This annual favorite blends business and a bit of friendly competition, giving Members a chance to connect in a setting that feels more like a day out than a typical event.
Hit the course, join in on-the-green contests, or simply enjoy the conversations that happen between swings.
Register HERE as an individual or as part of a foursome. Those signing up solo or in pairs will be matched with fellow Members.
Sponsor or Volunteer!
Opportunities to get involved extend beyond the course. Contact Jane to explore sponsorship opportunities.
And, reach out to Kayla to join the Golf Committee — just one hour every other week and you can still golf! — OR, volunteer day-of to help create an unforgettable experience.
| | DCR Business Builder Series - Included with Your Membership | | |
Take advantage of an added Membership benefit - the DCR Business Builder Series. The upcoming session, Lead Smarter, Live Safer: Protecting Your Finances and Your Focus, pairs a practical workshop with lunch, giving you tools you can put to work right away, both professionally and personally.
Be sure to register by Monday, April 13 to secure your spot and take full advantage. Click HERE for more information and to register.
Thursday, April 30, 10:00 am - Noon
Thomson Reuters, 'The Landing,' 610 Opperman Drive, Eagan
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| Business at Bat - Networking at the Ballpark | | |
Step up to the plate and mix a little business with baseball at Business at Bat. This is your chance to connect with fellow Members in a fun, laid-back setting, no stiff networking, just great conversations and a night at the ballpark.
Join us May 12 on the Corona Deck at Target Field as the Minnesota Twins take on the Miami Marlins. With time to connect with fellow Members and the DCR Board, and a $10 ballpark gift card, it’s a win-win evening at the game. Sign up HERE.
Tuesday, May 12, 6:40 pm first pitch
Target Field, Corona Deck
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| DEED Small Business Grants for PFML | | |
Reminder, that if you qualify as a “small employer” under the PFML program, you may be eligible for grant funding to help cover costs when an employee takes leave after January 1, 2026.
These grants can be used for expenses like hiring temporary staff, increasing hours or wages for existing employees, or training team members to fill gaps. Employers can receive up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per year. The program is funded at $5m annually, and once those funds are fully used, no additional grants will be awarded that calendar year.
To learn more and apply, click HERE.
Source: Thanks to our partner, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
| | After a year plus in the works, the new Eagan Hub for Solventum is open! The massive facility will serve as the R&D Center of Excellence, a $200M investment in Eagan. On April 1, dignitaries, City and State officials all gathered to welcome Solventum and CEO Bryan Hanson and tour the state-of-the-art facility, three football fields long! Welcome Solventum! | | Wings Credit Union Coffee Break | | |
Strong connections and smart money moves come together at our next Coffee Break!
Join fellow DCR Chamber Members for conversation, idea-sharing, and relationship-building that helps move business forward. A special thank you to Wings Credit Union for sponsoring this event and for their continued commitment to supporting both connection and financial well-being in our community. Register HERE.
Thursday, April 9, 8:00 - 9:00 am
3240 Denmark Avenue, Eagan
| | Happy Hour & Handshakes at Block Portrait Studios | | |
Trade the late-afternoon slump for a little connection at our next Happy Hour & Handshakes at Block Portrait Studios. This is an easygoing way to step out of the workday and spend time with your local business community.
Enjoy light refreshments and a guided tour of the studio, where both businesses and families are welcomed into a portrait experience that feels relaxed, personal, and truly meaningful.
Register HERE and then stop by, shake a few hands, and head into your evening a little more connected than when you arrived..
Wednesday, April 15, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Block Portrait Studios, 676 Smith Avenue South, Saint Paul
| | Member Connect - Virtual Networking | | |
When your schedule is full but you still want to stay connected, DCR Member Connect fits right in. This virtual gathering on the 4th Wednesday of each month makes it easy to show up, be seen, and stay engaged. Hop on from your desk, your car, or wherever the day takes you and join fellow Members for a quick round of conversation with no travel and no hassle.
Register HERE.
Wednesday, April 22, Noon - 12:30 pm
Virtual, Zoom link sent upon registration
| | Legislative and Policy Updates | | As the Legislature heads into the final stretch, the path forward will require bipartisan cooperation. For our business community, the priorities are clear, workforce availability, cost stability in healthcare and energy, and continued investment in infrastructure. If we get those right, regions like Dakota County are positioned to lead the next phase of Minnesota’s economic growth. |
| Chamber Day at the Capitol - Sold Out! | | |
Great news! A full contingent of DCR Members will share their viewpoints directly with legislative leaders next week as part of Chamber Day at the Capitol.
We’ll report back with key issues discussed and any next steps to watch.
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The Eagan Historical Society is holding a community food drive in support of The Open Door as part of America's 250th Celebration. The drive will run May 1–15, with a community goal of collecting 1,776 pounds of donations in honor of 1776.
Donations may be dropped off at the lower-level main entry of City Hall and at Wescott Library throughout the drive. In addition, a drop-off location will be available during the Old Town Hall Spring Open House on May 3 from 11 am to 2 pm.
Community members are encouraged to participate by donating nonperishable food items to help support local families in need. Together, we can celebrate our nation’s history while making a meaningful impact right here in Eagan.
| | The City Council conducted interviews to fill the open seat following Nick Lien’s appointment to Mayor. The appointment will be made on April 20, with the selected individual serving through December 31, 2026. |
| Clear out the clutter this spring at the upcoming Shred Event on April 11 from 9 am to Noon at the West St. Paul Sports Complex. This free event is open to residents of West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, South St. Paul, Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, and Mendota. Please note there is a limit of eight paper bags or banker boxes per vehicle. |
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The Spring Egg Hunt held last week was a success, with over 500 pounds of food collected for 360 Communities and the Rosemount Family Resource Center. The event was sponsored by DCR Member My Credit Union and the Lions Club.
The puck drops this Saturday in the big Guns vs. Hoses (Police versus Fire) hockey game. Funds this year will be supporting DCR Member Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Great game for a great cause.
Thanks to the City of Rosemount for the information.
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More seen than heard, the old strip mall at Pilot Knob and Diffley is gone as preparations continue for the newest Eagan Kwik Trip.
Alerus is moving, but staying in Eagan. Stay tuned for their ribbon cutting at Member IAG Commercial's building near Eagan Park Commons.
Speaking of moves, the American Cancer Society is also moving from one Eagan location to another. There may be a same-day ribbon cutting in our future!
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BENEFITS YOUR DCR MEMBERSHIP OFFERS!
Log in by entering your username (email) and password to gain access to your company's member site to update information and take advantage of all the marketing tools included with your membership.
| | Check out upcoming DCR Chamber events on our online calendar! | | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL FOR EVENT PHOTOS, LAST MINUTE UPDATES & MORE | | | | |
