Harmening to serve as workforce development board president

July 15, 2026

Jennifer Harmening, president of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, is the new chair of the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board.

“Being part of the workforce board since 2018 has been a wonderful opportunity for me to represent the business community and express their workforce concerns while also learning about the resources available for employers to attract, recruit and retain employees,” Harmening said. “I’m really proud of this board and am honored to be elected as chair.”

Harmening was hired as Burnsville Chamber of Commerce president in January 2016. Through a partnership created in 2024, she also serves as president of the Savage Chamber of Commerce. She oversees day-to-day operations of both organizations, working with each chamber’s board of directors to innovate and set a strategic vision. Harmening leads the chambers' operations, public policy, workforce, economic development and business education partnership efforts. She also works on events, communications, membership and business engagement.

The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board oversees employment and training programs in Dakota and Scott counties. It is a state leader in developing innovative programs administered through CareerForce locations in Burnsville, Shakopee and West St. Paul.