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Thank you for the warm welcome you all gave me at Wednesday night’s reception at the Saint Paul Hotel. I am humbled by the turnout of members and impressed by the enthusiasm of our Chamber’s volunteers. It was a great opportunity for me to meet more of you. Thanks again to the event sponsors.

Our members all deserve credit for the strong reputation of your Chamber. Following my meeting Wednesday with the Pioneer Press editorial board, an editorial in Thursday’s paper said: “The Chamber’s voice is an important one in our community. All who care about a strong capital city and a vibrant east metro area should welcome committed businesses big and small.” The editorial went on to say that “much of its valuable work happens behind the scenes. The 21-member staff conducts numerous business-to-business programs to develop leadership, marketing, networking and similar skills.” The paper also agreed with your Chamber’s continuing commitment to grow jobs and the tax base and the need for workforce development. I hope you’ll take a minute to read the whole editorial at www.Pioneerpress.com/opinion.

Earlier this week, the Ramsey County Board voted against seeking federal funding for a tunnel at University and Snelling Avenue, intended to mitigate traffic at one of the most heavily traveled intersections in the metro area. Much of the opposition to this plan was in the lack of public engagement before seeking funding. Businesses that potientially could be affected by any kind of redevelopment plan need to be included in the discussion.

Your Chamber’s Executive Committee, chaired by Ted Lillie, will hold its bi-annual planning retreat next Thursday. Participants in discussions at the retreat include Saint Paul city council president Kathy Lantry; Representative Alice Hausman; Senator Kathy Saltzman; Cyndi Lesher, RNC Host Committee Chair; and Tom Hesse, MN Chamber of Commerce. The retreat provides an opportunity to review progress on our annual business plan.

Register now for the Applied Leadership Academy; Talent In. Leaders Out. This dynamic new course was developed by top-notch instructors to meet the leadership development needs of our Chamber member organizations. This course provides in-depth and hands-on training for up-and-coming managers and future leaders of your organizations. Limited to 25 participants. Registration deadline is August 31. In addition, the application deadline for the Leadership Saint Paul Class of 2008 is August 15. For more information about both of these leadership programs, go to www.saintpaulchamber.com/foundation.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners seeks individuals to serve on the following volunteer committees and boards: The Capital Improvement Program Citizens Advisory Committee participates in the planning process for the county's Capital Improvement Program. Applicants are sought for districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The Small Business Enterprise Advisory Committee works to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Ramsey County's small-business enterprise program. The committee promotes maximum county spending through the recruitment, retention and use of a diverse pool of small businesses providing goods and services, and it fosters improved relations between Ramsey County and the local small-business community. County residents are sought specifically for districts 1, 2, 4 and 5. For an application and more detailed information on these openings, call 651-266-8001. All applications are due July 20, 2007.

After hearing public comment, the City of Arden Hills has prepared a Twin Cities Army Ammunition Army (TCAAP) draft composite land use map which combines the elements of the three original concept plans. The land use map, which is not the final plan, will be presented at a July 19 public meeting at 6:30 p.m. at North Heights Lutheran Church in Arden Hills. For more information, go to www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us.

Northwestern College is looking to expand its full-time student population by nearly 50 percent by 2018. To accommodate the larger student population, the school plans to add nine buildings to its current 12. The new additions may include a community life center or student union, residence hall, dormitory, athletic field house, academic building, visitor center and parking ramp. There are also plans for major renovations of current buildings.

Looking for a weekend of entertainment? Highland Fest is a free, three-day, outdoor, family-friendly festival on Ford Parkway July 20-22. Highland Fest features a juried art fair, live music on two stages, including Twin Cities favorite the Gear Daddies on Saturday, food, an auto show and a 5K. Fox 9 News’ Jeff Passolt and Robyn Robinson will broadcast their 5:00 news live from the festival on Friday. For more information, go to www.highlandfest.com.

Enjoy a Minnesota Wild hockey game in style! Small and medium sized businesses are invited to lease your Chamber's suite at Xcel Energy Center for 2007-08 season games. Up to 23 seats are available for each game in the suite. Only a few openings remain! For more information, contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786.

Congratulations and thank you to the welcoming face at your Chamber office’s front door -- Roxanne Bacigalupo -- who celebrated her 18th anniversary at your Chamber this week!