Friday Facts - A weekly update from Interim Chamber President Vicki Stute

This week, your Chamber’s Mississippi River Critical Area Task Force, chaired by Mark Stutrud of Summit Brewing, reconvened to review city staff recommendations to the Mississippi River Critical Area district overlay zoning proposal. In addition to overly limiting height restrictions, your Chamber remains concerned with what we see as a very vague and broad requirement that any new development within 300 feet of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul must have a “river-related purpose.” Saint Paul’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed overlay on June 15 at 8:30 a.m. in room 40 of City Hall. If you can attend the meeting or would like more information, contact Sandra Westerman at 651.265.2771. An executive summary of the proposed zoning restrictions can be found at http://www.stpaul.gov/depts/ped/ExecSumForPChrg042707.pdf.

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Here’s your opportunity to provide timely feedback to Saint Paul/East Metro area legislators, on issues such as Saint Paul food & beverage tax, LGA, Central Corridor, income tax increases and transportation funding. Your Chamber is hosting two separate forums -- the first with Roseville area legislators Senator John Marty and Representatives Mindy Greiling and Bev Scalze, co-hosted with Roseville Rotary. This forum takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on June 11 at the Roseville Radisson. The second event is with Saint Paul legislators Senators Ellen Anderson and Mee Moua and Representatives Alice Hausman, John Lesch and Erin Murphy. The second forum is on Wednesday the 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Center. Register for either event at www.saintpaulchamber.com or call 651.265.2795.

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A consolidated emergency communications center serving virtually all citizens in Ramsey County is nearing completion. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Monday, June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, 425 Grove Street. The new facility consolidates 911 dispatch centers currently operated by the county, Saint Paul and Maplewood -- and is supported by an 800 MHz radio system that will serve all police, fire, and EMS responders in the County. For more information, visit www.co.ramsey.mn.us.

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Learn how to communicate more effectively with baby boomers from Jackie Gustner of Weber Shandwick. Today “boomer-to-friends connections” is the name of the game. Never before have trusted voices been such an important part of the communications mix. The event will be held at the next P.O.W.E.R. Session on June 19 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale. For more information, call Sarah at 651.265.2791.

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More than one hundred new Chamber Members attended the New Member Reception last evening at Midland Hills Country Club. Your Chamber staff provided information about the hundreds of events, committees, task forces and educational opportunities the organization provides. Please welcome our new members and conduct business with them when you can!

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Special session, anyone??? Your Chamber continues to advocate for a special session, to address issues such as a bonding bill containing $40 million for Central Corridor. However, timing is critical. In order for projects to not count against the state’s 2008 borrowing capacity, a bonding bill must be passed before the end of the state’s fiscal year -- which is June 30.

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Enjoy a Minnesota Wild hockey game in style! Small and medium sized businesses are invited to lease the Chamber’s suite at Xcel Energy Center for 2007-08 season games. Up to 23 seats are available for a total cost of $3545 - $3944. For more information, contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786 or stephanie@saintpaulchamber.com.

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