Shakopee Chamber President Honored with Workforce Development Award
By Ryan Dahnert
Tim Zunker, President of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and Hub News board member, has been recognized with the Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award.
Presented annually by the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board (WDB), the Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Development Award honors those who embody the spirit of workforce development, fostering growth and opportunity within their communities.
Under Zunker’s leadership, the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce has championed initiatives aimed at connecting local businesses with workers, addressing employment gaps, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
His efforts include fostering collaborations with The Academies of Shakopee program at Shakopee High School, working on innovative programs like the Future Ready Workforce Grant and the Youth Skills Training Program. These initiatives have strengthened partnerships between employers, educators, and workforce organizations, creating pathways to meaningful careers for individuals across the region.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board.” Zunker said, “The Shakopee Chamber's workforce efforts thrive because of our incredible community partnerships. A heartfelt thank you to Senator Eric Pratt and Representative Brad Tabke for authoring our workforce appropriation, which will foster upward mobility for those living and working in Scott County. I’m also grateful for our collaboration with Shakopee Schools to create career pathways for students right here in Shakopee and Scott County. The Career Lift Initiative—our partnership with Southwest Metro District 288, the Scott County CDA, Scott County, and local businesses—is another shining example of what we can achieve when we work together. These initiatives will strengthen our community and expand employment opportunities in Scott County for years to come.”
The Dakota-Scott WDB works to ensure economic vitality through workforce initiatives. The WDB oversees employment programs in Dakota and Scott Counties, serving both job seekers and employers primarily through CareerForce locations in Burnsville, West St. Paul, and Shakopee. In 2024, CareerForce locations are projected to serve an average of 688 customers monthly.