Vicki Stute, your Chamber’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, informed us this week that she will leave the Chamber at the end of August.  She will become a partner of Dowell Stute and Associates, a new professional management services firm also led by Larry Dowell, my predecessor.  We are sad that Vicki is leaving us, but we support people who follow their dreams of starting their own business.  Vicki’s incredible hard work, dedication and commitment to your Chamber for the past ten years have made us a stronger voice for business.  Her leadership brought financial stability to the organization; helped membership grow with the Suburban Chamber of Commerce merger in 2001; and spearheaded the creation of the new Chamber of Commerce Center.  Join me in wishing Vicki well and thanking her for all she has done for your Chamber. 

Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will deliver his 2008 budget address at noon on Tuesday, August 14 at the Minnesota History Center.  Your Chamber anticipates his budget recommendations will contain an estimated 15 percent tax levy increase.  Your Chamber encourages members to attend the address, and over the next few weeks our local fiscal policy committee will provide feedback and input on the City’s budget.  The City Council will begin its budget review process August 15 and set the final maximum levy by September 12. 

The Saint Paul City Council approved development regulations along University Avenue related to the Central Corridor light rail line.  New buildings will have to be at least two stories high while the city studies potential changes to zoning along the Central Corridor.

Your Chamber is monitoring proposals and legislative discussions about a special session on transportation funding.  Next week, Chamber members should expect to receive an email survey to obtain your feedback on and support for various transportation funding options that may be proposed.

The Arden Hills City Council approved two phases of a final Planned Unit Development for an $80 million, 465,000 square-foot office project located at the northeast corner of I-35W and I-694 on Round Lake Road.  Phase one of the Traverse Business Center project includes a six-story building and phase two includes an eight-story building with the possibility of a third building adding another 30,000 square feet.  Construction is expected to begin in 2008 with tenants opening for business in 2010.

Learn about the constantly changing world of e-mail blasts, search engines and websites at the next P.O.W.E.R. Session on e-marketing and web technology Tuesday, August 21 at Majors Sports Café in Roseville.  Web designer Ken Buras and Jen Nelson, vice president, of Mirage Advertising in Roseville, a full-service advertising agency, strategic planning and media buying company, will bring you up to speed on the advances being made in this industry and provide tips for attendees to reach out to your customers more effectively. To register, go to www.saintpaulchamber.com or call George at 651.265.2795.

Your Chamber of Commerce Center has private office space available for lease. If you are interested and want more details, call Vicki at 651.223.5000.

Member Reward Coupons

Your Chamber's unique member-to-member online business tool is just a click away! Browse "Members Only" offers from your fellow Chamber members and post your own using the links below.

Click Here to view "Rewards Coupon" offers from your fellow Chamber members.  To add your "Rewards Coupon" click here.  Your  Membership ID# is  %%User1%% + the last four digits of your main phone number.