Events for May 2019
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
May 1    Small Business University: Locally Social: Utilizing Social Media for your Small Business
Getting started with social media can be an overwhelming, yet rewarding task when executed properly.  In this session, you'll learn how small businesses connect with new and current customers by leveraging each platforms' content strategy.  After this course, you'll learn how to grow your audience with strategic objectives and goals. 

Samantha Franco's experience as a Social Media Strategist at Hubbard Interactive has enabled her to utilize her passions to better the brands she manages, while constantly looking for new creative ideas to reach audiences in the ever-changing digital marketing world. 

Fueled by coffee, Samantha finds herself consistently staying on top of the latest social media trends and always looking for her next project. When not scrolling through her many social feeds, you can most likely find Sam exploring the Twin Cities.

Small Business University is brought to you by the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the South Roberts Street Business Association. 
 

Photography Disclosure 
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce wants to share our great events in print, online and video-based materials as well as other publications. To do this, the chamber regularly takes photographs at events. When you register and attend an event: 
  • You agree to release and hold harmless the chamber from any reasonable expectation of privacy or confidentiality associated with the images. 

  • You acknowledge that you will not receive rights of ownership or financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of these photographs or participation in company marketing materials or other chamber publications. 

  • Finally, you release the chamber from liability for any claims in connection with your participation. 

Date: May 1, 2019
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Evolve Workplace
260 Wentworth Avenue East
West Saint Paul, MN  55112
 
Contact: Diane Mavis - 651.288.9202
EMail: dmavis@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday, May 1, 2019
7:30 am - Registration
8:00 am - 9:00 am - Program
Fees/Admission: Free - registration is required.  
May 3     2019 May Public Affairs Breakfast
Leadership of the Minnesota State Legislature
 
As we enter into the last month of the 2019 Legislative Session, tax conformity, capital investment, transit/transportation funding, workplace mandates, and other business issues are still on the table with no final agreement. The outcomes will be critical to the success of the business community of Dakota County and the State of Minnesota. Please join us to hear from the leadership of the Minnesota State Legislature.
 
 
Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B, DFL)
Speaker of the House
Invited
Rep. Paul Marquart (04B. DFL)
Chair of the House Tax Committee
Invited
Rep. Tony Albright (55B, R)
Assistant Minority Leader
Invited
Rep. Jon Koznick (58A, R)
Assistant Minority Leader
Invited
 
 
Senator Paul E. Gazelka (09, R)
Majority Leader
Invited
Senator Karin Housley (39, R)
Assistant Majority Leader
Invited
Senator Thomas M. Bakk (03, DFL)
Minority Leader

Invited
Senator Susan Kent (53, DFL)
Assistant Minority Leader
Invited
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 3, 2019
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Location:

Mendakota County Club
2075 Mendakota Drive
Mendota Heights, MN  55120

Contact: Diane Mavis, Director of Programs and Events - 651.288.9202
EMail: dmavis@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details:

Friday, May 3, 2019
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast Buffet
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Program

Fees/Admission:

Member:  $25
Non-members: $45
Prices includes breakfast

May 4    Craft and Bake Sale
Craft/Bake Sale and Silent Auction: Holy Family Catholic Church at Hwy 62 (old 110) and Lexington Ave S. Organic jams/honey and locally made foods, Norwex, Y.L. oils and organic make up, Photography prints, greeting cards, doll clothes, Toys, Pet beds, jewelry, baby gifts, quilts/blankets, garden art, MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS!!!. Host: Troop 297 (funds go to support youth camping activities)
Date: May 4, 2019
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 1960 Lexington Ave S, Mendota Heights MN 55118
Contact: Jennifer Johnson
EMail: dazyjmj@yahoo.com
Date/Time Details: May 4th, 8:30am to 4pm
Fees/Admission: FREE!!
May 4    Shanties Plaza Grand Opening Fashion Show
Date: May 4, 2019
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
May 7    Public Affairs Committee

The Public Affairs Committee addresses the regional business issues at a policy level by:

  • Facilitating member communication with local, County state, and federal officials
  • Becoming involved in resolving local business issues at a policy level
  • Develops position statements on critical local, County, regional, state, and federal issues
  • Increase member engagement through grassroots and leadership support
  • Provide resources for member businesses on Public Policy

The Public Affairs Committee typically meets on the 1st Tuesday each month.  

Please contact the Chamber President for further information.  

Date: May 7, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
Date/Time Details: First Tuesday of the Month
May 8    Peer-2-Peer Round-table
Peer-to-Peer Development Roundtable provides the opportunity to network with your business peers; stay abreast of new developments through learning and sharing at each meeting, and achieve personal growth through educational topics relevant to your professional responsibilities. This group accommodates only one member per industry, and total size is limited to no more than 25 members.
  • Meets twice per month on the second and fourth Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • Four social events, held with other networking groups each year
  • Application required with approval
  • Attendance required - Must attend 75% of the bi-monthly meetings and one-half of the social gatherings.
  • Non-Competitive; Industry Exclusive unless approved by industry peer
  • Free to Chamber members in good standing
If you are interested in participating, please contact Matt Ryan for more information.
Date: May 8, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: DCR Chamber Office
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
Contact: Matt Ryan - (651) 587-8473
EMail: mattryan@edinarealty.com
Date/Time Details: 2nd & 4th Wednesday's of the month
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for Chamber members
May 8    CANCELLED: Ribbon Cutting: Pemberton Homes Team
This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for another date. Stay tuned! 

Ribbon Cutting for Pemberton Homes Team!

Dakota County Regional Chamber member Nicole Junker from Pemberton Homes Team has opened a new office in Apple Valley! Come join us in celebration!


The schedule is as follows:
 
3:00 P.M. Reception
3:30 P.M.  Ribbon Cutting
4:00 P.M. Event Concludes
 

We’d love for you to be there!!



Thank you to our Ribbon Cutting Sponsor:
Date: May 8, 2019
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://www.nicolejunker.com
Location: EXP Realty - Pemberton Homes Team
15025 Glazier Ave, Suite #209
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday, May 8, 2019

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE!
May 9    Coffee Break: Caribou Coffee & Eagan Smiles
Start your morning off right with a fresh cup of coffee, a business card, and a visit to a DCR Chamber member.

The monthly Coffee Break was established to casually network while gathering in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.  Join us for a great morning of networking.

Note: This event is open to ALL MEMBERS. 


Thank you to our sponsors:







Photography Disclosure 

The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce wants to share our great events in print, online and video-based materials as well as other publications. To do this, the chamber regularly takes photographs at events. When you register and attend an event: 

  • You agree to release and hold harmless the chamber from any reasonable expectation of privacy or confidentiality associated with the images. 

  • You acknowledge that you will not receive rights of ownership or financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of these photographs or participation in company marketing materials or other chamber publications. 

  • Finally, you release the chamber from liability for any claims in connection with your participation. 

Date: May 9, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Caribou Coffee - City Vue Commons
3405 Promenade Ave
Eagan, MN 55122

 
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, May 9, 2019
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE!
May 10    Cancelled - Ribbon Cutting: Shanties Plaza
This Ribbon Cutting is Cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Ribbon Cutting for Shanties Plaza!



Shanties Plaza is coming to Eagan and opening their second store at Twin Cities Premium Outlets! 

Whether you're looking for a traditional Indian sari, salwar kameez, tunic, kurtas, and lehengha choli or planning a traditional Indian wedding, Shanties Plaza is your direct source. All of the traditional Indian apparel and accessories are handmade with an attention to beauty, design, and detail.


Please join us in celebration! 

The schedule is as follows:
 
3:30 P.M. Reception
4:00 P.M.  Ribbon Cutting
4:30 P.M. Event Concludes

Snacks and refreshments will be served, along with a special giveaway for attendees!

We’d love for you to be there!!

Thank you to our Ribbon Cutting Sponsor:

Date: May 10, 2019
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Website: http://sumeerali.com/
Location: Shanties Plaza
3905 Eagan Outlet Parkway
Suite 735
Eagan, MN 55122


 
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: 3:30 P.M. Reception
4:00 P.M.  Ribbon Cutting
4:30 P.M. Open House 
Fees/Admission: FREE!
May 11    Rick's Bike Sale

?11th annual sale on May 11, 2019 of refurbished bicycles, with all proceeds benefiting two local nonprofits. Over 500 refurbished bikes for all ages for sale.

Date: May 11, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Website: http://ricksbikesale.com/
Location: SUPERIOR SERVICE CENTER IN APPLE VALLEY 14580 Glenda Dr, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Contact: Randy Bailey (Bike Guru)
EMail: randy.bailey@frontiernet.net
Date/Time Details: Saturday May 11, 2019 | 9AM - 1PM
Fees/Admission: No charge for admission. All bike sizes and prices will be available. 
May 13    Member Listed Event: Kids 'n Kinship Mentor Information Session

Join Kids 'n Kinship in building a stronger community through youth mentorships!

Kids 'n Kinship is a non-profit organization making successful mentoring matches for over 45 years in Dakota County. Individual, couple, and family mentors are needed to provide mentoring friendship to youth ages 5-16 in need of a positive role model.

As a volunteer mentor in our Community-based program you would get together with your mentee for an hour or two each week doing low-cost or no-cost actiities like biking, playing catch, board games, drawing or arts and crafts, going to the park, eating dinner together, or visiting the library. Scheduling and activities are super flexible. Kids 'n Kinship hosts quarterly events, provides tickets/passes to events, and ongoing training.

You can also become a mentor in our School-based program where you would meet with your mentee at school for one hour/week and work on reading, spelling, math, or have lunch together. Mentoring is fun and rewarding and can make a meaningful impact! Find out more at an upcoming Information Session:

Monday, May 13 from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Robert Trail Library in Rosemount

The Information Session is the place to hear about the children who are waiting for mentors, the volunteer screening process, and the activities and benefits provided by Kids 'n Kinship. We schedule Information Sessions every few weeks, so if this date is not convenient, we'll plan a date and time that works for you. 

Please RSVP to Debbie at: volunteer@kidsnkinship.org. See also http://www.kidsnkinship.org/ 

Date: May 13, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Website: http://www.kidsnkinship.org/
Location: Robert Trail Library 
14395 S Robert Trail, Rosemount
Contact: Debbie
EMail: volunteer@kidsnkinship.org
Date/Time Details: Monday, May 13
6:00-7:00 pm
Fees/Admission: No Charge
May 14     2019 Good Day Dakota County - May

The Future of Education – What Will Learning Be Like In The Near Future and Beyond:
 
The basic model of delivering education has changed very little in the last century compared to the rapid pace of change taking place in the world around us. Why is that and how should that model be transformed for the future to meet the needs of students and families, and to address the growing issues of workforce shortages, rising income inequality, and an aging population? Please join us for this engaging conversation with two Dakota County school district superintendents.  We will also be joined by one local business leader discussing the needs of businesses as it relates to education in the future.   



Jay Haugen - ISD #192

 


Mary Kreger - ISD #196


Jon Althoff - Skyline Exhibits





 


 

Date: May 14, 2019
Time: 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Rosemount Community Center 
13885 S. Robert Trail
Rosemount, MN  55068
 
Contact: Diane Mavis, Director of Programs and Events - 651.288.9202
EMail: dmavis@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details:

Tuesday, May 14, 2019
11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

11:15 am    Registration/Networking
11:30 am    Lunch and Program
1:00 pm      Adjourn 

 

Fees/Admission: $30.00 members/non-members 
Includes Lunch 
May 14    ISD 196 Safe and Successful Schools Showcase
Come see the improvements in our schools! Community support was critical to passing the 2015 bond referendum, which provided District 196 students with safer buildings, additional and upgraded space for learning and increased access to technology as a learning tool. Superintendent Mary Kreger would like to invite all in the community to attend District 196’s Safe and Successful Schools Showcase, an event that will give the public an opportunity to see some of the improvements to our schools that were made possible with funding from the bond referendum approved by voters in 2015. The group tour will highlight improvements at Rosemount Elementary School, Rosemount Middle School and Rosemount High School. Please consider joining us and arrive promptly at Rosemount Elementary School at 6 p.m. The tour will start there and continue to the middle school and high school. We hope to see you there!
Date: May 14, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Website: http://www.district196.org/showcase/
Location: Start at Rosemount Elementary School at 6 p.m.
Contact: General questions? Call Caley Jorgensen at 651-423-7723.
EMail: caley.jorgensen@district196.org
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, May 14 Start at Rosemount Elementary School promptly at 6 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE
May 15    Let's Connect Happy Hour: Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant


On your mark, get set, NETWORK!


Join us for an evening of fun, networking, and socializing!  We'll be at Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant in Rosemount on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet new people, let loose and make some new business connections! 

This event is free.  Cash bar provided.



 
Date: May 15, 2019
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Website: http://www.lastortillas.net
Location: Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant
15051 Crestone Ave.
Rosemount, MN 55068
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday, May 15, 2019
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE!
May 17     Ribbon Cutting: Shanties Plaza
Ribbon Cutting for Shanties Plaza!



Shanties Plaza is coming to Eagan and opening their second store at Twin Cities Premium Outlets! 

Whether you're looking for a traditional Indian sari, salwar kameez, tunic, kurtas, and lehengha choli or planning a traditional Indian wedding, Shanties Plaza is your direct source. All of the traditional Indian apparel and accessories are handmade with an attention to beauty, design, and detail.


Please join us in celebration! 

The schedule is as follows:
 
3:30 P.M. Reception
4:00 P.M.  Ribbon Cutting
4:30 P.M. Event Concludes

Snacks and refreshments will be served, along with a special giveaway for attendees!

We’d love for you to be there!!

Thank you to our Ribbon Cutting Sponsor:

Date: May 17, 2019
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Website: http://sumeerali.com/
Location: Shanties Plaza
3905 Eagan Outlet Parkway
Suite 735
Eagan, MN 55122


 
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: 3:30 P.M. Reception
4:00 P.M.  Ribbon Cutting
4:30 P.M. Open House 
Fees/Admission: FREE!
May 21    Member Listed Event: Kids 'n Kinship Mentor Information Session

Join Kids 'n Kinship in building a stronger community through youth mentorships!

Kids 'n Kinship is a non-profit organization making successful mentoring matches for over 45 years in Dakota County. Individual, couple, and family mentors are needed to provide mentoring friendship to youth ages 5-16 in need of a positive role model. 

As a volunteer mentor in our Community-based program you would get together with your mentee for an hour or two each week doing low-cost or no-cost actiities like biking, playing catch, board games, drawing or arts and crafts, going to the park, eating dinner together, or visiting the library. Scheduling and activities are super flexible. Kids 'n Kinship hosts quarterly events, provides tickets/passes to events, and ongoing training.

You can also become a mentor in our School-based program where you would meet with your mentee at school for one hour/week and work on reading, spelling, math, or have lunch together.

Mentoring is fun and rewarding and can make a meaningful impact in the life of a child or teen! Find out more at an upcoming Information Session:

Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Wescott Library, Eagan

The Information Session is the place to hear about the children who are waiting for mentors, the volunteer screening process, and the activities and benefits provided by Kids 'n Kinship. We schedule Information Sessions every few weeks, so if this date is not convenient, we'll plan a date and time that works for you. 

Please RSVP to Debbie at: volunteer@kidsnkinship.org. See also http://www.kidsnkinship.org/ 

Date: May 21, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Website: http://www.kidsnkinship.org/
Location: Wescott Library
1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan
Contact: Debbie
EMail: volunteer@kidsnkinship.org
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, May 21
6:00-7:00 pm
Fees/Admission: No Charge
May 22    Peer-2-Peer Round-table
Peer-to-Peer Development Roundtable provides the opportunity to network with your business peers; stay abreast of new developments through learning and sharing at each meeting, and achieve personal growth through educational topics relevant to your professional responsibilities. This group accommodates only one member per industry, and total size is limited to no more than 25 members.
  • Meets twice per month on the second and fourth Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
  • Four social events, held with other networking groups each year
  • Application required with approval
  • Attendance required - Must attend 75% of the bi-monthly meetings and one-half of the social gatherings.
  • Non-Competitive; Industry Exclusive unless approved by industry peer
  • Free to Chamber members in good standing
If you are interested in participating, please contact Matt Ryan for more information.
Date: May 22, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: DCR Chamber Office
3352 Sherman Court, Suite 201
Eagan, MN 55121
Contact: Matt Ryan - (651) 587-8473
EMail: mattryan@edinarealty.com
Date/Time Details: 2nd & 4th Wednesday's of the month
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Fees/Admission: Free for Chamber members
May 25    Splash Day for RMHC
This year The Ronald McDonald House Charity-Upper Midwest, Minneapolis celebrates 30 years of supporting families. It’s time to make a splash a BIG SPLASH to celebrate these wonderful milestones!

Splash Day is Village Green’s nationwide fundraising campaign benefitting local Ronald McDonald Houses, which provides housing, meals and support for families whose children are hospitalized for extended periods. The support offered by the Ronald McDonald House is essential to those families in need of their services, keeping them close to their children when they need it most.

The Splash Day spring fundraiser, which serves as the Village Green community’s largest nationwide fundraiser, began with a dare 27 years ago. Residents were encouraged to raise money for a good cause - and a chance to watch their property manager cannonball into a freezing cold, UNHEATED, pool. That first event proved a huge success that the tradition grew nationwide with donations reaching over $101,000 a year. All funds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House! This level of community outreach provides a great opportunity for our residents, staff and local businesses to come together to demonstrate a sincere appreciation for the bounty we enjoy by helping those in need.

Join us in this fun and heartfelt event!

The Splash Day campaign begins April 27th and runs through May 26th, 2019. Join with us in showing the Ronald McDonald House Upper- Midwest that we all support what they do for families in our community. This year’s Village Green Minneapolis Regional Event will take place on May 18th from 12noon-4pm at Talo Apartments, Golden Valley. The Pointe at Cedar Grove will host a smaller event at Eagan community Pool and Clubroom on May 24th from 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Reserve your SPONSORSHIP LEVEL Today!
GOLD: $500 + SILVER: $300-$499 BRONZE: $100-$299


Registered sponsors will be listed at the event, in online publications and able to support the event in a more visual way.

Silent Auction Items are being collected for the events:
The Pointe at Cedar Grove: c/o Splash Day;
1959 Silver Bell Road; Eagan, MN 55122

Online donations can be made https://rmhtwincities.org/ways-to-help/splashday

Please contact me with your sponsorship pledge, donation or questions on how you can help this amazing cause.

Sincerely, Laura Ellingson, VG Cares Minnesota Ambassador
Date: May 25, 2019
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Website: https://rmhtwincities.org/ways-to-help/splashday
Location: 1959 Silver Bell Road; Eagan, MN 55122
Contact: Laura Ellingson Sales Manager The Pointe at Cedar Grove (651) 454-7036
EMail: lellingson@villagegreen.com
Date/Time Details: 11am
Fees/Admission: $5 suggested donation per person
May 29    Coffee Break: Key Community Bank
Start your morning off right with a fresh cup of coffee, a business card, and a visit to a DCR Chamber member.

The monthly Coffee Break was established to casually network while gathering in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.  Join us for a great morning of networking.

Note: This event is open to ALL MEMBERS. 


Thank you to our sponsor:

Date: May 29, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Website: http://www.keycommunitybank.com
Location: Key Community Bank
5684 Bishop Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Contact: Nicole McCarthy
EMail: nmccarthy@dcrchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE!