Every morning I announce to my family that I’m going jogging, but then I don’t go…

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Thank you to Lakeville Links for hosting our October Lunch Mob. Every month you can join our Chamber Ambassadors, and some other members, for a quick lunch. It’s simple – drop in, order off the menu, pay your own tab…and get to know some new people!

See you next month!

Ok, we are embracing AI over here! Here is an AI recap of our Access & Issues meeting last week. Next month we will hear from the County and City on the I35/Cty Rd 50 interchange project. Access & Issues is the 2nd Friday of each month and is open to all members. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.



One Big Beautiful Bill Act

• Phil Raines, committee co-chair, introduced the act to expand 2017 tax cuts and provide new relief for workers, families, and businesses.
• Darrel Mullenbach (CliftonLarsonAllen), guest speaker, outlined key provisions:
• 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for most pass-through businesses.
• 100% bonus depreciation for first-year asset write-offs.
• Expanded R&D tax credit eligibility beyond manufacturing.
• Estate tax exemption increased to $15 million per person, adjusted for inflation.
• SALT deduction cap raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for some taxpayers.
• Minnesota’s pass-through entity tax deduction helps offset state tax impacts.

Taxation & State Conformity

• Mullenbach clarified Minnesota’s partial conformity with federal tax law.
• Minnesota does not align with federal bonus depreciation rules, creating additional liabilities.
• New $2,000 charitable deduction introduced for individual taxpayers.

Office of Representative Craig

• Matthew Buelte, Rep Craig’s office, reported that Rep. Craig is concerned the bill could raise healthcare costs and reduce SNAP benefits for small businesses.
• Addressed federal government shutdown impacts and assistance for affected constituents.
• Secured $2.6 million for the Shakopee Fire Department to hire 12 firefighters.

City & County Updates

• Councilmember Dan Wolter confirmed no current proposal for a Lakeville data center.
• Councilmember Joshua Lee reported progress on a new fire station and $154 million in planned capital projects.
• Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg highlighted:
• A proposed 9.9% county levy increase for 2026 due to state mandates (foster care, SNAP).
• Rising administrative costs linked to outdated state systems.
• Ongoing road safety projects at high-incident intersections.

Transportation & Infrastructure

• Rep. Jon Koznick emphasized infrastructure repair needs and capital investment priorities and discussed future legislation on electric and autonomous vehicles.
• Mel Simon noted the Minnesota Trucking Association’s involvement in emerging technologies.

Congrats to Children’s Dental and Orthodontics on the expansion of the building and their orthodontic services! The murals throughout the building are so warm and welcoming. They have several pediatric care options, check them out!  

The six Chambers in Dakota County are hosting our annual joint fall after hours event next month. It is free to attend and there will be food, prizes and a cash bar.

The final state information session of the year is scheduled for November 13, registration link to come.

The MN Chamber has aggregated several resources regarding the upcoming Paid Leave mandate, starting January 1st. Click HERE to be connected to information on: FAQs, Private Plan Options, Payroll Tax Calculator, Workplace Posters, and more.

Key dates coming up: 

• October 31: file quarterly wage detail reports 
• November 10: deadline to apply for private plan approval
• December 1: post workplace poster and notify employees of the new law

If you would like to read over the slides from our October  compliance information session, with attorney Brittany King-Asamoa with Gislason & Hunter LLP, click here.

Excerpt...Six decades have passed since Lakeville went through one of the most turbulent times in its history with its battles over the border wars with the neighboring communities of Apple Valley and Farmington. For a community of approximately 8 thousand residents, it was an intense period of consternation, uncertainty, anger, frustration and confusion. Click to read the full newsletter and see the answer to the subject line!

The Lakeville Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Stonebrooke Wealth Management and Exit Planning as a Visionary Sponsor. Their generous support demonstrates a strong commitment to the success of Lakeville’s business community. Through their expertise in financial guidance and strategic exit planning, Stonebrooke helps local business owners build, protect, and transition their wealth—contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of our community.

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

Our Chamber Ambassadors give back so much of their time and talent to the Chamber and our business community. They attend events, write thank you notes, deliver membership and anniversary plaques, and more. Throughout the year we will highlight their businesses. Make sure and say HI when you see them around! Our next business is...

Name: Colin Hoffman

Title: Branch Manager / Consumer Lender

Company: Citizens Bank Minnesota

How long have you been in business or in your current line of work?

I’ve been with Citizens Bank Minnesota for just over 6 years.

What inspired you to start this business or do this work? I’ve always been a numbers guy who enjoys budgeting and financial planning. During college, I interned with the bank and was fortunate to have some outstanding mentors who guided and inspired me to pursue this career.

What is your favorite product or service you provide?

I don’t have a single favorite product or service, but what I truly value is the small community atmosphere we provide. When you call or stop into our Lakeville branch, you’ll always speak with one of our local employees—someone who knows you and cares.

Do you have a special promotion or event coming up?

We just hosted one of our favorite annual events, our Oktoberfest celebration. It’s for existing clients and includes grilled brats, burgers, and local German Schell’s beer.

What do you love most about serving your customers?

I love seeing the joy on our customers’ faces when they achieve their financial goals—whether they’re saving for something big or accomplishing a long-term dream. It’s rewarding to build real relationships along the way.

What’s the most rewarding part of running your business or being a part of your organization?

The people. I’m lucky to work alongside an incredible team. The bond we’ve built is something truly special—you don’t find that just anywhere.

What is one fun or interesting fact about your business that people might not know?

Citizens Bank Minnesota is one of the oldest community banks in the state, chartered in 1876. Our Lakeville branch was established in 2004.

Where can people find more information about your business?

Website: www.Citizensmn.bank

If you were to describe your Chamber experience, what would it be and why?

My experience with the Chamber has been fun and energizing. It’s a passionate group of individuals who are genuinely excited about growing the Lakeville community and supporting local businesses. They focus not only on welcoming new members, but also on retaining and supporting existing ones with a variety of helpful resources.

Bring a donation for The Open Door if you are

coming out to the annual trick-or-treating fun! Click image to see map of participating downtown businesses.

Thank you for your support!