Does your company have any promotions currently running that you would like to announce? Are you hosting an event you would like to invite chamber members to? Or are you simply looking to raise your companies' visibility in the community? If this is the case, the Dakota County Regional Chamber has the perfect opportunity for you to do so, the MailPak!

 You Provide:

- 500 Flyers

- 20lb paper; 8 �" x 11"; must be folded in half

- Materials need to be at the Chamber by deadline

-  $150 investment, paid prior to deadline

You Receive:

- Circulation to approximately 500 businesses in Dakota County

- Advertising for current promotions and events

Our next deadline is July 25 at Noon- Submit your ads today! Click here to participate in the quarterly Mailpak. Questions? Contact Chelsea at 651.288.9202 or by email.

Increases in Minimum Wage Effective August 1, 2014   

Effective August 1, 2014, the minimum wage in Minnesota will rise over the next several years. The schedule is:

• Large employers, an enterprise with an annual gross volume of sales of $500,000 or more) must pay a rate of at least:
• $8.00 per hour beginning August 1, 2014.
• $9.00 per hour beginning August 1, 2015.
• $9.50 per hour beginning August 1, 2016.
• The rate as adjusted for inflation, beginning January 1, 2018.

• Small employers, an enterprise with an annual gross volume of sales of less than $500,000) must pay a rate of at least:
• $6.50 per hour beginning August 1, 2014.
• $7.25 per hour beginning August 1, 2015.
• $7.75 per hour beginning August 1, 2016.
• The rate as adjusted for inflation, beginning January 1, 2018.

The law also provides minimum wage raises for the 90-day training wage (for employees 18 and 19 years old), and establishes a youth wage (for workers under 18) and a special wage schedule for certain hotels, motels, and resorts with a summer work travel exchange visitor program. Click here to read the law.

The Dakota County Regional (DCR) Chamber of Commerce and Allthatstory America will be hosting a seminar for businesses interested in learning about Korean market exports and investments. The Seminar will expose business owners and interested enterprises to Korean trade opportunities and how these opportunities can help their businesses.  The event is set to take place on Thursday, July 24 at the Eagan Fire Safety Center from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and will include lunch. Click here to register, spots limited.

Dakota County Starting To Question Its Return On Transit

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune: An alliance formed by metro counties to expand light rail and fast busways is starting to fray. Dakota County commissioners are questioning whether their taxpayers are getting enough back from the $14 million they pay each year. "Most of the future projects - in dollars and cents - are heading toward the western metropolitan area,'' said Commissioner Tom Egan. "We are making sure that everyone knows that we want to be a good team player but at the same time we are not fools and we want to be treated fairly.'' Click here to view the complete article. 

DEED Job Training Program Available

The DEED Job Training Incentive Pilot Program  includes limited grant funding to address the workforce training needs of new or expanding businesses.  The program differs from the current Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership program in that a company does not have to use MnSCU faculty for its training. Click here to find out more and apply. 

Flood Impact Survey Deadline Extended 

Recent Minnesota flooding has affected many businesses across the state. In order to prepare accurate preliminary flood damage assessments, DEED needs to hear from all impacted businesses. Please note - this is NOT an application for assistance, but a tool being used to help the state determine the full extent of damage. Businesses must complete the online survey by July 25th! Take the survey here. 

Opinions on Robert Street Project to be Shared at Open House

For several months the City of West St. Paul has been working on proposed landscaping designs along the Robert Street Corridor.  The designs consist of various alternatives including new sidewalks, pavers, curbs, retaining walls, trees, boulevards, medians, etc.; all of which may impact property owners and tenants through changes in easements, right-of-ways, initial construction costs, and ongoing maintenance fees.

On Tuesday, July 22, the City is hosting an Open House (see attached invitation) and this is your opportunity to share your opinion with City staff and elected officials of the proposed project.  The Open House is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.  Currently the proposed plans range in initial cost from $5.6 million to $1.3 million (excluding design costs and ongoing maintenance fees). 

Please encourage your business neighbors, colleagues, tenants, and others interested in the redevelopment of Robert Street Corridor to attend this important discussion. For more information on the Robert Open House click here.