Note from the Mayor: Shakopee Jobs, Dogs, Tweets

Mayor Brad Tabke sent an email to constituents speculating that 2013 would see more jobs come to Shakopee.

"Quite a few wonderful, large projects have shown interest in Shakopee and would add to our positive momentum," he wrote.

Tabke also noted the new dog park the city plans to build this summer and a new city Twitter account.

Here's more from the mayor's email:

Jobs, jobs, jobs!

Everything is looking like 2013 will be an amazing year for jobs in Shakopee! We began in 2012 to focus squarely on job creation and have landed some large job-creators that will begin hiring in earnest in 2013. Some of the employers came through incentives but most because Shakopee has a highly educated workforce, access to infrastructure and transportation and streamlined city processes.

We also have seen a significant amount of extremely positive economic development activity the last few weeks. Quite a few wonderful, large projects have shown interest in Shakopee and would add to our positive momentum.

What makes me most excited are the emails and messages I've been getting recently if I know anyone looking for work along with the help wanted signs popping up all over town. Feels good to hear the local, small businesses are recovering and comfortable enough to hire!

We have programs in place and others in the works for assisting Shakopee small businesses. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help your business succeed in 2013!!

Shakopee Dog Park

We are building a dog park in Southbridge on Parcel 75 this summer and the Parks and Rec department needs your help with planning and direction. Visit this link to learn more and get involved!!

Communication

Kristin Holtz has taken over the helm of Communications Coordinator for the City. In that, she has started up a twitter account for the city, doing a great job with our e-newsletters and heading up our website redesign among many other things. Welcome to the team, Kristin!!

A portion of Pike Lake Trail near the Shakopee-Prior Lake border will be closed beginning Jan. 30. More info at ci.shakopee.mn.us

Winterfest - Great family fun!

Mark your calendars for Winterfest coming up on February 10 from 4 to 7 at the Lions Park Youth Building. It is a great event for the entire family...and there may be one awesome surprise if we can get the details worked out!! **I'll keep you informed**

Shakopee Diversity Alliance Meeting - 1/31

The Shakopee Diversity Alliance's January meeting is this Thursday, January 31 at 6:30 at the YMCA. They are working on great projects and need your help to promote education and awareness of our diverse community!

Highways 101 & 169

The funding for the Highway 101 bridge is moving along very nicely. MnDOT is planning on sending the project out to bid in May of 2014 and begin construction in the fall to build a 4-lane bridge completely out of the 100 year flood plain! And better yet, they anticipate very few closures because the bridge will be built along side the existing bridge. Thank you, MnDOT!!

Secondly, MnDOT is planning to add a lane this summer to the interchange from Hway 13 NB to 169 NB to help alleviate congestion. A great thing but we need to continue working on a solution for 21NB onto 169 but this is a great step!