The Shakopee Chamber Podcast

Welcome to Episode #25 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. This week we talk with Kelsey Megard at Valleyfair about their safety protocols, what to expect when planning a trip to the park, and some of the new and exciting things to expect on your next visit. Go to https://www.valleyfair.com/ to stay up-to-date with all the things happening at Valleyfair.

Welcome to Episode #24 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. This week we talk with Tina Stofferahn with MRCI about their organization's mission, the services they provide for employers and the community, and how they are inovativing to help better serve the Shakopee community. Go to https://www.mymrci.org/ for more information on all the services MRCI provides.

Welcome to Episode #23 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. This week we talk 2021 marketing strategies with Paul Haga, Digital Sales Lead at Star Tribune and Chad Peterson with Integrated Marketing+Design. Gain some great insights into marketing your business or organization as we come out of the pandemic.

Welcome to Episode #22 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Congresswoman Angie Craig, representing the Second District of Minnesota. We chat with Congresswoman Craig about COVID-19 relief updates from the Federal Government, the Relaunching America’s Workforce Act, legislation to help small businesses in District 2, and initiatives on jobs, housing, and transportation. Go to craig.house.gov for more information. The views expressed in this interview are those of the...

Welcome to Episode #21 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Aaron Davitch, Shakopee Campus Pastor with Hosanna Church - Shakopee, MN. We chat with Aaron about initiatives Hosanna Church has taken to help the residents and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what initiatives they have planned for 2021. Go to https://www.hosannalc.org/campus-location/?campus=hosanna-shakopee to learn more about them and their initiatives.

Welcome to Episode #20 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Adam Bakken, Pharmacy Manager with St. Francis Regional Medical Center. This week we chat with Adam about COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Minnesota, differences between the current vaccines on the market and new vaccines coming out, different strains of COVID-19, safety of the vaccine, and what the future holds for wide distribution. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and...

Welcome to Episode #19 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Shakopee resident Eric Harkins, President and Founder of GKG Search & Consulting. This week we discuss Eric’s book, “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn't Suck” which focuses on leadership expectations and development, and his 8-bullet points on what makes a good leader. We also discuss Eric’s motivation for his book, his niece Shannon O’Hara and how her strength fighting cancer gave him the inspiration...

Welcome to Episode #18 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Dr. Michael Redmond, Superintendent with Shakopee Public Schools. This week we chat with Dr. Redmond about next steps after the operating levy did not pass, and information and updates on Shakopee Public Schools going to all virtual learning starting Monday, November 23. Thank you to our sponsor O’Brien’s Public House. Make sure to visit them online at https://bit.ly/2UERp8D for takeout options or take advantage...

Welcome to Episode #17 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guests this week are Jo Foust, Business Development Specialist with the Scott County CDA First Stop Shop & Jake De St. Hubert, owner of Euroworx Automotive Repair LLC and this year’s Fast-Track winner. We chat with Jo about the Fast-Track competition including who can participate, the eight challenge categories, positive outcomes for the communities in Scott County because of the competition, and how businesses can get involved. We...

Welcome to Episode #16 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guests this week are Michael Morris and Monte Johnson with St. Francis Regional Medical Center. We chat with Michael about the Saints Foundation including its upcoming Spirit of the Saints Virtual Gala on October 24. We chat with Monte about COVID-19 in Scott County including how St. Francis has weathered the pandemic, a potential second wave, timing of a vaccine, social gatherings, the current increase in cases, and what we can...

Welcome to Episode #15 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Amber Backhaus, Vice President of Public Affairs with the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA). This week we talk with Amber about Governor Walz's plan to implement California car regulations in Minnesota, how this policy would affect consumers and their ability to purchase certain vehicle types, how the policy would affect vehicle costs in Minnesota, and how Minnesotans can make their voices...

Welcome to Episode #14 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Lezlie Vermillion, County Administrator with Scott County. This week we talk with Lezlie about the 2020 election in Scott County including how Scott County is preparing for changes such as the increase in mail-in ballots and safeguards put in place to protect it, resident questions about ballots, where to go for unbiased election information, recruitment of election judges, and what voters need to know before...

Welcome to Episode #13 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Doug Loon, President with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. This week we chat about economic recovery in Minnesota after the COVID-19 pandemic, current issues at the Minnesota Legislature, how the Minnesota Chamber is working to support local Chambers, and what’s next for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to our sponsor St. Francis Regional Medical Center. Learn more about their urgent care services...

Welcome to Episode #12 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guests this week are Christie Larson and Katie Schauman with the Southern Valley Alliance. This week we discuss the founding of the Southern Valley Alliance and how it has evolved over the years, the issue of domestic violence in society, how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected domestic violence in the community, what services and programs the Southern Valley Alliance offers, how many people the Southern Valley Alliance helps each...

Welcome to Episode #11 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Commissioner Steve Grove with the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). This week we discuss the $300 unemployment extension, the unemployment insurance trust fund, what DEED and the community can do to support hospitality businesses during COVID-19, DEED's Thriving in the North initiative, how DEED is highlighting Workforce Development month, and how DEED has communicated pertinent...

Welcome to Episode #10 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week is Michael Kerski, Director of Planning and Development with the City of Shakopee. We discuss growth of development projects in the City of Shakopee during COVID-19, updates on the Shakopee Innovation Center, planning and development of the Shakopee park and trail system, how future workplace changes will affect development, and how the City of Shakopee team has worked to create a user-friendly environment for...

Welcome to Episode #9 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest this week, Christopher Straub, was crowned Fan Favorite on the sixth season of Project Runway, is a local business owner, self-taught designer, and television personality. We discuss Christopher’s amazing journey as a designer including his time on Project Runway, his apparel lines, where you can currently find his work, his upcoming projects, and why he still calls Shakopee and the Midwest home. Follow Christopher...

Welcome to Episode #8 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest is Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. This week we discuss the upcoming 2020 election; including voting from home, safety protocols being taken for voting in person, changing your vote if you have already voted from home, and what you can do to make sure you are registered to vote. Thank you to our sponsor St. Francis Regional Medical Center. Click the link to learn more about their express care services.

Welcome to Episode #7 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest is Jeff Hansen, Executive Director with CAP Agency - Community Action Partnership of Scott Carver & Dakota Counties. This week we discuss the numerous services Cap Agency provides including energy assistance, grants for appliances, education assistance, food assistance, and community partnerships. We also talk about the essential services Cap Agency has been providing to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to...

Welcome to Episode #6 of the Shakopee Chamber Podcast. Our guest is Bruce Nustad with the Minnesota Retailers Association. This week we discuss how the mask mandate has affected retailers, potential retailer liability due to COVID-19, and how the State mandated lockdown has affected business. Thank you to our sponsor St. Francis Regional Medical Center. Click to learn more about their express care services.