October 5, 2015
Cindy Haas to Lead Chamber into 2016 
 
Cindy Haas, Vice President of Private Banking at Gateway Bank, assumed the role of Chair of the Board on October 1. Cindy actively attends Chamber events, serves on the Executive Committee and has participated in several task forces. She was one of the founding committee members of the womEn's Conference where she served as Chair for a number of years and also helped start the womEn's Circle. Looking ahead, Cindy hopes to shape the future of DCR Chamber as a prominent leader within our business community, maximize member benefits and provide cutting edge programming for members. Cindy recently shared that the experiences she has gained as a volunteer leader has allowed her to grow personally and professionally. Congratulations Cindy! We look forward to your leadership. See the full list of your 2015-2016 Board of Directors.   
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Public Open House for Pilot Knob Road Improvements Project  
 
Your Chamber has been working with Dakota County and the City of Eagan to help ensure that businesses along Pilot Knob Road are accessible for their customers while road improvements are being done in 2016. In preparation of the project, you are invited to an open house for the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 31/Pilot Knob Road Improvements Project on Wednesday, October 7 at the Eagan City Hall from 4-6pm. The purpose of the meeting is to review construction plans, detours and schedules along with answering project questions. Read more on the anticipated schedule and scope of the project.      
Is Your Business Ready for the Changes in Credit Card Technology?  
 
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Magnetic stripe credit cards have been around for decades, but that's changing as the U.S. adopts what is considered a more secure payment technology-EMV (Europay, MasterCard & Visa). EMV cards, which are commonly called "chip" cards are widely used in hundreds of countries outside the U.S. to reduce payment fraud. With the change in card technology comes changes in liability for merchants beginning October 1, 2015. Thanks to our partner, Minnesota Retailers Association, for providing  this helpful information to prepare you for the changes.  
Join Us for the County-Wide Chamber Expo & Business After Hours
 
Mark your calendars for the County-Wide Expo & Business After Hours on Wednesday, November 4 at Mendakota Country Club! Network with chamber members from Dakota County. The event includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and exhibits by members from the participating chambers. Sign up for your booth today!   
Listen & Learn with Doug Loon
 
Join your Chamber on Tuesday, October 13 in welcoming Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber's new president. Throughout the years, DCR Chamber along with the Minnesota Chamber have been successful partners as advocates for your business. Please join us for a special opportunity to meet Doug and share your perspective on the role of the Minnesota Chamber in shaping the economic prosperity of Minnesota. Thanks to Thomson Reuters for hosting the event. Register today.   
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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8:00 a.m.
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4:30 p.m.
  
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8:00 a.m.
  
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8:00 a.m.
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7:45 a.m.
  
8:00 a.m.
  
Noon
  
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12:00 Noon
 
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7:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.

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7:30 a.m.
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Did You Know?
The busiest shopping day of the year is only 54 days away. Get your hottest deals in the hands of every Chamber member at the beginning of November by participating in your Chamber's Mailpak. Don't miss out on this great marketing opportunity as space is limited. Sign up today!
Minnesota Vikings Take Next Step at Council Meeting
 
On Tuesday, October 6, the Minnesota Vikings will seek approval for their property from the Eagan City Council to amend Eagan's Comprehensive Plan to mixed use. It was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission last week where your Chamber provided testimony in favor of this amendment as it allows for the greatest flexibility on their nearly 200 acre development - one of the largest redevelopment parcels available in the Twin Cities. Stay tuned for continuing updates. 

Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

 

Mendota Heights City Council meets October 6 - see the agenda
Eagan City Council meets October 6 - see the agenda
Rosemount City Council meets October 6 - see the agenda
Sunfish Lake City Council meets October 6 - see the agenda
Dakota County Board of Commissioners meets on October 6 - see the agenda 
Member Spotlight:  Thank You for Your Leadership
 
Scott Swenson, Home Federal 
"I first became connected with this Chamber over 25 years ago. It has been a great source of networking and community involvement for me and my team. Eight and a half years ago I decided that Home Federal was going to be active in the Chamber as part of our strategy for introducing our new branch to the Twin Cities. All of our team members are active with the Chamber as it is a tool for providing leadership development. Personally, I have served on the Chamber's Board, including as Chair and Treasurer, have been active in membership campaigns and was once Chair of the annual golf tournament. Being passionate about the Chamber, I have been able to share the great news about this organization and have helped recruit many new members. I hope they have found their involvement as beneficial as we have." 
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

Investment Solutions
Quality Inn & Suites
TCO
Four Oaks Court Association
Katapult Network
The Rosemount Senior Living at Steeple Center


Studio Vibe, LLC
Primary Contact: Michelle Bell
1981 Silver Bell Road
Eagan, MN 55122
View website HERE
 
Studio Vibe is a premiere dance studio in Eagan. We offer recreational and competitive dance for those age 2-18 years.  We also have recreational classes for adults.  The styles we offer are:  Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. At Studio Vibe your dance schedule is not driven by the line you are place on.  It is driven by your passion for dance and the styles you enjoy.  Our teachers are all adults, most with professional dance experience.  We have a doctor on staff, as safety is a high priority for us. If you dare to be LIMITLESS dance at Studio Vibe.

Watch for more information about these fine companies in upcoming Weekly Updates.

Celebrate Business Success
News on what's happening with our members and in the community!
 
 
 
Marco has been recognized by Great Place to Work® and  Fortune as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Congratulations Marco!

Congratulations to Dakota Electric Association on recently being nominated for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) Cooperative Purpose Award. The award, new in 2015, recognizes cooperatives for their efforts at improving the quality of life for their members and communities. 
 
Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrated the grand opening of their new new store at 1992 Rahncliff Court in Eagan on September 30 with a ribbon cutting and samples of their famous cakes. Welcome to the community!
 
     
Fairview is currently conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment and would like your participation by October 8. The results will help determine Fairview Ridges Hospital's community outreach plan for the next three years. Click here to take the survey.   

Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
651.452.9872