Future Volunteer Leadership Announced

Your Chamber's Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing October 1, 2014. 

• Cindy Haas, Gateway Bank
• Erich Hansen, August Ash
• Beth Krehbiel, Fairview Ridges
• Jeffrey Larson, JBL Companies
• Dan Leach, Gopher Resource
• Matt Lemke, Flint Hills Resources
• Ryan O'Gara, SKB Environmental
• Roz Peterson, Cerron Commercial Properties
• Jeffrey Rothmeyer, Trustone Financial Credit Union
• Randy Thatcher, Ecolab

Additional candidates for consideration may be added to the slate by letter addressed to:  Nominating Committee Chair; and signed by at least twenty (20) voting Chamber members in good standing and returned to the Chamber office prior to August 18, 2014.  For questions, please contact Vicki Stute at 651.288.9201.

Vote August 12

Help Us Spread the Word:  Get Our State Back On Track

Join Us for This Month's Meet the Chamber

Are you a new or prospective member? Join us for Meet the Chamber on August 19 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m at the DCR office. Meet The Chamber (New & Prospective Member Orientation) is a monthly meeting providing an opportunity for new members, new company representatives and prospective new members to meet and learn all about how to get the most from their chamber membership. Each attendee is also given the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a 30 second commercial about their business or position. New members are welcome to bring others from their office(s) or those that may be interested in joining the chamber and would like to learn more.

Lunch and drinks are served. To RSVP, email Kate Bowen. 

Project Raises Concerns for Dakota County Businesses

 The West St. Paul City Council will be meeting on Monday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m. to take action on two key issues that could impact the Dakota County business community. City staff is seeking approval by the City Council for final design of the Robert Street streetscape project as well as authorization to seek bids for construction of Phase I roadway improvements.

Should both projects move forward as presented, total costs (Phase 1 only and Streetscape) will exceed $32.2 million.  As your business advocate, Dakota County Regional Chamber is concerned that these projects will move forward without all funding mechanisms being identified.  Often times, funding for projects such as these are passed down to business owners through increased local property taxes, special assessments (one-time, ongoing maintenance), and other fees. 

We hope West St. Paul businesses take the time to attend the City Council meeting and contact your local elected officials so your voice can be heard.  

City Provides Resources to help with Mall Opening Weekend Traffic

With the addition of the new Eagan Outlet Mall, traffic analysis suggests possible impacts nearby during the opening week beginning August 14. The City and the mall officials have been planning ahead to deal with likely traffic conditions. To plan your route and find out more on how this will affect you, please visit www.cityofeagan.com/abouttheRoute. Here, you can subscribe to email updates, subscribe to "About the Route" to get the most updated information, see parking and area information, and much more.