Friday Facts A weekly update from Interim Chamber President Vicki Stute

Last Friday, Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman vetoed the councils’ decision which would have adversely affected final construction of the Holman Field floodwall. Many thanks to Mayor Coleman for his continued support and leadership of this important regional economic asset to the Saint Paul/East Metro area.

Last chance to update your company information for the annual membership directory publication. If you have not already done so please submit your verification form no later than July 12 to George via fax at 651.223.5119 or by e-mail at george@saintpaulchamber.com.

Local elections are being held this fall in a few east metro municipalities for school board and city council seats. For those races where a primary election is occurring, beginning on Tuesday of this week, candidates were able to officially file to have their name on the ballot in September. Filings close on July 17. With each of the seven city council seats up for election in Saint Paul, many are watching the filings with interest. A listing of those who have filed is at http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/elections/CandidatesWhoFiled2007.htm

Last evening, Saint Paul City Council voted five to one against the development of a Noodles and Co. on Grand Avenue. Your Chamber submitted written comments to the Saint Paul City Council in support of this economic investment and we continue to advocate for a stable tax and regulatory environment to encourage business investment in the region. Thank you to Councilmember Dan Bostrom for supporting the development. We are extremely disappointed that some council members continue to pick and choose which businesses will be allowed to develop in certain areas. If a proposed development meets the zoning criteria, the investment should occur!

A Welcome Reception for Kristofer Johnson, new president/ceo of your Chamber is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at M St. Café in The Saint Paul Hotel. To RSVP contact George Stoj at 651.265.2795. We hope to see you there!

Register today for “Coffee with the Mayor” on Tuesday, July 17 with Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Discussion will focus on downtown development, though all comments are welcome. To RSVP, visit www.saintpaulchamber.com or call 651.265.2795. The event is free and space is limited to 55 people.

Your Charitable Foundation thanks those who attended its Eighth Annual Charitable Foundation Luncheon and Auction Extraordinaire on June 20. Nearly $28,000 in proceeds was raised! This is all due to the support of the sponsors, attendees and silent auction both donated and purchased! Please reserve the date again for next year Wednesday, June 11, 2008!

Your Chamber encourages participation in Grow Minnesota!, a business-led program designed to strengthen and grow the regional economy by encouraging companies to remain and expand in Minnesota, establishing stronger ties between private sector companies and their business advocates, and recommending community and public-sector responses to trends affecting development of the state’s economy. For more information on how your business can participate contact Michael Belaen at 651.265.2773 or michael@saintpaulchamber.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.