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October 13, 2026

The Good News of the Day

Wholesale Sales. The 1.8% monthly increase and $817.5 billion in sales offer a concrete, positive business story relevant to Dakota County's manufacturing, distribution and transportation sectors. Source: Census.gov

New unemployment claims declined to just 197,000 for the week ending October 3, down 2,000 from the previous week. The four-week average fell to 198,000, marking four consecutive weeks with new claims below 200,000, a level rarely sustained since the 1960s. Source: Department of Labor

These are signs of economic resilience despite energy sector inflation.

Question of the Month Results

We're now in the last quarter of 2026. How is your business or organization performing.

1=not great, and 10=beating plan by a lot.

It appears most Members are closer to making plan than missing it, but of course, depending on industry and other factors, there are variations.

Thursday, October 15

Wild Tree Wellness Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, October 20, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, 4040 Nichols Road, Eagan

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and Twin City Homes Happy Hour & Handshakes at Fireside Bar & Restaurant

Wednesday, October 21, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, 3410 150th Street West, Rosemount

City of Farmington Coffee Break

We’re heading to Farmington for a little hometown hospitality at our next DCR Coffee Break! Get to know more about the community behind the small town charm as the City of Farmington hosts a morning focused on what makes this growing city a great place to live, work and do business. Click HERE to register!

Tuesday, October 27, 8:00 - 9:00 am

Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd Street, Farmington

Meet the Chamber October

Take full advantage of all that your Chamber Membership has to offer. Meet the Chamber is a great way to discover opportunities you may not know about! Whether you're a new Member, new to your organization, or simply looking to get more involved, this monthly gathering offers a closer look at DCR programs, events and resources. Register HERE and see what's waiting for you at the DCR!

Wednesday, October 28, 8:45 - 10:00 am

Think Bank Upstairs Community Room, 4245 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Eagan

Minnesota Energy Resources Coffee Break Recap

DCR Members got their morning off to an 'energizing' start at our recent Coffee Break hosted by Minnesota Energy Resources. Along with learning more about the company’s commitment to reliable, affordable energy, Members picked up timely tips for keeping their homes safe as winter approaches. Thanks to the team for a great morning!

More PINKtober Energy!

State Co-Chairs of the Men Wear Pink campaign for MN/ND/SD Jon Althoff and DCR Board Member Scott Swenson, along with Doug Norland and DCR Member Josh Sargent of Luminate Bank attended the Annual American Cancer Society Strides Walk at the MOA on Saturday. Two thousand attended and over $180K was raised. Several of our Regional law enforcement agencies were also there raising funds as part of the Pink Patch program. 

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BEA Finalists and Special Recognition Award Winners Announced!

The excitement is building for the DCR Business Excellence Awards, presented by Flint Hills Resources! Who will take home this year’s Business Excellence Award honors? We’ll find out Thursday, November 5. Here are the finalists!

✨Small Business of the Year: 721 Sports Bar & Lounge, Style Encore, Superior Automotive

✨Mid-Size Business of the Year: MVTA, Storm Creek Apparel,

Wellington Security Services 

✨Large Business of the Year: Dakota County Technical College, Solventum, Wings Credit Union

✨Nonprofit of the Year: Living Well Disability Service and Sleep in Heavenly Peace

That night, we’ll also celebrate three incredible individuals whose leadership and contributions deserve their own moment in the spotlight:

✨ Jim Friend with Frandsen Bank - 2026 Legacy Award Recipient

✨ Mari Kautzman-Knoll with Pink Collar Accountants - 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year

✨ Mark Jacobs, Formerly Director, Dakota-Scott Workforce Board - 2026 DCR Regional Workforce Champion Award Winner - Mark is the inaugural winner of the award!

Join us to celebrate these individuals and organizations! Purchase your tickets or table HERE and help us set the Golden Standard!

We’re still looking for show-stopping dessert donations to fill the Dessert Dash table. Contact Kayla, if interested in donating something sweet!

2nd Congressional Debate Recap

The DCR Chamber, along with other Chambers in the 2nd District, hosted the 2nd Congressional District Candidate Debate yesterday, at Dakota County Technical College. Click HERE to watch the debate that was live streamed on DCR Member Town Square Television.

Candidates Matt Little and Eric Pratt shared their perspectives on issues and policies impacting businesses and communities across the District. Thank you to the candidates, attendees, moderators—Hastings Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Barse and Shakopee Chamber of Commerce President Tim Zunker—as well as Town Square Television.

Election Season Resources

Search 411 for Candidate Information - The League of Women Voters offers a variety of election resources available at Vote411.org and will be hosting several key candidate forums throughout the DCR Region.

New Member - Welcome to YOUR DCR!

White Tree Solutions

Rep: Nathan White

Renewed Member

Professional Export Services – 32 years Remarkable!

If you have any questions or concerns about your membership renewal, contact Samantha Kaesemacher at skaesemacher@dcrchamber.com or 651-452-9204.

Dakota County

Jon and Kayla met with County Manager Heidi Welsch and Deputy County Manager David McKnight, to go over business issues related to County operations. These will become regular meetings going forward.

Also, Commissioner Bill Droste is scheduled to be Chair Elect of the Board of Commissioners for 2027, replacing Commissioner Laurie Halverson.

Eagan

The City of Eagan and Xcel Energy Partners in Energy are inviting local business leaders to complete a brief survey sharing your perspective on the energy-related opportunities, challenges and priorities impacting Eagan’s business community. Please take a very short survey by clicking the link HERE.

Mendota Heights

Drop by the Mendota Heights Fire Station on October 10th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm for a Fire Department Open House including truck tours, hands-on demonstrations for all ages and a chance to meet Mendota Heights firefighters. No registration required.

Thank you City of Mendota Heights

Rosemount

The Rosemount Police Department was the first department in the state to support the American Cancer Society by selling pink patches and other items. 



Besides their patches, they are also selling the a 10-year commemorative pin celebrating the occasion.

West St. Paul

The West St. Paul Police Department is also participating in the Pink Patch program supporting breast cancer awareness in October. 

They were selling pink patches and other items at MOA on Saturday at the American Cancer Society Strides Walk.

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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!