Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Dakota County Regional Foundation

Purpose of the Foundation

The Foundation serves as a venue for chamber members and others to get involved in the community through initiatives based on business interests, including leadership development, workforce education, and business resource development. The Foundation also serves as a supporting pillar of the interests of the community and its educational system. Partnerships with other organizations with similar values and missions, such as the Eagan Foundation and the Business & Education Partnership, are a key role the Foundation plays in the community.

Mission

The Foundation's mission statement remains a tightly focused description of the overall purpose for its existence and continuation:

Fostering a healthy business environment by supporting education, leadership development and business resource initiatives in our community.

Initiatives

Leadership Development

Dakota County Leadership Academy is a program that will serve as a platform to create and develop civic and business leaders in our communities by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to continue the growth and prosperity the area has enjoyed. In 2005, the first Dakota County Leadership Academy class was completed with 15 attendees. In 2006, the leadership class grew to 23 participants.

Workforce Education

In the fall of 2007, the Foundation developed Hope for Tomorrow at Eagan-based, Metcalf Junior High School. The goals of the program are to:

• Demonstrate leadership in the area of youth development
• Help communities support the learning and growth of their youth.
• Increase understanding of how diversity and cultural challenges impact the community.
• Develop future leaders for the business community.
• Enhance communications between youth and adults.
• Expose youth to educational opportunities.
• Expose Junior High students to opportunities for high paying jobs.

The Foundation is sponsoring 13 young women who are paired with executives and community leaders from Eagan companies. The Business Plan for the project includes expanding to the two middle schools that are located in Eagan in the fall of 2008.

Business Resource Development

The Chamber has leveraged the investment in the conference room for the use of businesses in the community. In 2007, the room was used regularly by a variety of local groups. It is outfitted with many of the tools and capabilities needed to conduct meetings, presentations, and seminars. In addition, the Foundation has continued the technology upgrades including the implementation of video conferencing capabilities to truly designate it as one of the most valuable meeting facilities available in the region. The Foundation is currently scheduling a regular Oracle user group for video conference with a site in Chicago.

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