December 14, 2015
WomEn's Conference Planning Begins 
 
DCR Chamber is pleased to announce the return of the 6th annual WomEn's Conference Presented by Anchor Bank on March 10, 2016 at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center in Eagan. Our WomEn's Conference Committee, chaired by Lisa Franxman from Anchor Bank - Farmington, has been assembled and is comprised of 17 hardworking women who will work over the coming months to make this a great event. This annual conference is sure energize, educate & empower, with renowned speakers and topics that will help you develop personally and professionally.

The committee is currently seeking sponsors, Marketplace vendors, conference bag donors and participants. Information on these opportunities is available on the Conference website. Please be sure to check back regularly for updates on the event, including current sponsors, keynote and panelists, Marketplace availability and the day's events! Click here to learn more.  
Committed to Business... for YOU.
Chamber Submits Supportive Comments for Polymet and Sandpiper
 
While neither of these economic development projects are located within Dakota County, your Chamber has been actively involved in supporting their development.  Copper-nickel mining (Polymet)would provide thousands of construction and long-term mining jobs, thousands of spin-off jobs, and billions of dollars in new investment and economic growth. The construction of Sandpiper Pipeline would also provide for job creation, millions of dollars in economic investment, energy independence, and provide for a long-term solution to rail congestion.  These developments are tremendous opportunities for Minnesota and we urge decision-makers to say "YES" to economic investment for Minnesota.   
Would You Like to be a Host?
 
Your Chamber is currently looking for member businesses that would be interested in hosting Coffee Break or Why Not Wednesday 
in 2016. Both events offer a great networking opportunity for our members and a chance for you to get them in your door! Your event would be promoted through Weekly Update, on the DCR website and through marketing emails. If you are interested in receiving more information please contact Emily Corson, 651.288.9202.
 
Events Calendar
 
 
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
14
11:30 a.m.
(Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy)
15
12:00 Noon

16
7:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
(Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy)
17
7:30 a.m.

18
21
22
23
24


25

Merry Christmas
28
29
30
31


1

Happy New Year!
4
5

8:00 a.m. 		6
7
7:30 a.m.
8

7:30 a.m.

Did You Know?
According to Myra Hart, Harvard Business School, there is a woman opening a new business every 60 seconds.
Governor's Workforce Development Board Vacancies
 
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released the December 2015 notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. There are currently 11 seats open on the Governor's Workforce Development Board. Click here for more information. Applications are due December 29, 2015.
Grow Minnesota!
 
Your Chamber is a proud partner of Grow Minnesota!, a business retention initiative designed to harness public and private resources to keep Minnesota companies strong and competitive in today's global economy.  The program was launched 13 years ago and today provides countless resources to businesses, enabling them to grow and prosper.  Statewide, nearly 10,000 visits have been completed, saving thousands of jobs in Minnesota.  If your company is interested in a visit in 2016 through DCR Chamber's Grow Minnesota! contact Vicki Stute at 651.288.9201.
Local Focus: Find Out What's Happening In Your Community

Farmington City Council meets December 14 - see the agenda
Rosemount Planning Commission meets December 14 - see the agenda
Rosemount Port Authority meets December 15 - see the agenda
Rosemount City Council meets December 15 - see the agenda 
Mendota Heights City Council meets December 15 - see the  agenda
Eagan City Council meets December 15 - see the agenda
West St. Paul City Council meets December 15 - see the agenda
Dakota County Board of Commissioners meets December 15 - see the agenda 
Member Spotlight: Staying Connected
 
Lynda Boudreau 
Outreach connections are vital for operating a successful business, and equally as important for communicating with a member of Congress. As a district office staffer for Congressman John Kline, attending Dakota County Regional Chamber events offers great opportunities to gather feedback and provide assistance with federal services. As a former state legislator, I recognize the importance of connecting with business owners, local officials, and community leaders to learn about the economic policies that impact them. It has been a pleasure serving as a Chamber Ambassador, WomEn's Circle Sub-Committee Chair, and working alongside the Chamber team. I enjoy taking part in ribbon-cuttings, ground-breakings, women's luncheons, before/after hour events, and learning about community events. Congressman Kline appreciates updates on Chamber activities as an elected official, and also as Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.
vacancy_sign_desk.jpg
Help Spread the Word

We are excited about the creation of a new position at your Chamber: Office Services Coordinator. We recognize the importance of member engagement - an active member is a satisfied member - and so we've created a new position to ensure the highest return on investment for our members. Learn about the job details. The best employees are referrals from our members...   
 
New Members
We welcome the following new members!
 

New York Life
Piepho Moving & Storage
Auto Vault LLC
Inland Real Estate Corporation

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!

 
Share a smile this season. Area Wings Financial branches are collecting new, unwrapped toys and cash donations for the U.S. Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots Drive. Please drop off donations by December 19.

Thank you to Castle Rock Bank for hosting the Farmington Holiday Party this year. Guests had a great time and enjoyed some delicious food and beverages!


Eagan Holiday Party guests were treated to holiday songs performed by Eagan High School's VoCa choir and received a little holiday gift compliments of Jensen's. Thanks to both the choir and Jensen's!


Congratulations to West St. Paul YMCA for receiving the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Service Award during the Dakota Scott Workforce Investment Board annual recognition event. The West St. Paul YMCA has been working in collaboration with the Dakota County WIOA Youth Program for more than three years via HIRED. The YMCA has been a valuable resource in providing internship opportunities to the program's youth.

DARTS is hosting a monthly series of Learning Sessions covering a variety of topics relevant for older adults. The next session is on "Technology and Seniors" on January 14th at DARTS. This is a free event that will provide tips on working with software, email and social media. An IT professional will conduct a presentation followed by hands-on training on social media by a group of Sibley High School students.  Learn more.

The Farmington Library is looking for area businesses to be a part of a local job fair.  If your company is actively hiring new employees, or you are anticipating a need to hire in early spring, please consider joining them on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Learn more on how to get involved.  

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