On behalf of the staff at your Chamber, our thoughts are with all Minnesotans following the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge.  The region’s partners in public safety, emergency response, government officials and citizens performed heroically.  The impact to our local transportation network and economy will require collaboration and partnership in coming months.  Your Chamber will work to ensure that the business community does what it can to maintain the region’s economic viability.  Your Chamber attended a meeting today where we were asked to encourage employers and employees to consider transit options.  We ask employers to support vigorous new transit options developed by Metro Transit; consider alternatives to business-related truck traffic through the city core during rush hour; and look for other practical ways that will help our business community move forward.  To assist in alternative transportation routes, a link is provided to the City of Minneapolis at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us.  More information will be disseminated as we receive it. If members are looking for ways to donate, contact the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross at 612.460.3700 or www.redcrosstc.org.

The University Avenue Interim Overlay ordinance is expected to receive final adoption Wednesday, August 8 at a meeting of the Saint Paul City Council.  The ordinance will govern development along University Avenue for a period of one year. 

Roseville’s HarMar Mall will undergo improvements.  New owner and Chamber member, Emmes & Co., announced that it will renovate the former theater complex into space for two retail tenants, replace the exterior facade on the west side of the mall and redevelop the southeast area of the mall once housed by T.J. Maxx and Northwestern Bookstore. This space is expected to be ready for occupancy by the middle of 2008.

Please join me Wednesday, August 8, at Good Morning!, your Chamber’s monthly networking event for members, where I will get another chance to meet many more of you.  Come tell me about your business and find out about my plans and priorities as well as the status of issues affecting the Saint Paul/East Metro area.  Good Morning! meets from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at The Wildwood Lodge.  RSVP at www.saintpaulchamber.com or call 651.265.2795.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will headline your Chamber’s political leadership event on Thursday, August 23 at noon at 317 on Rice Park.  This event will give us a chance to get an update from the Senator on the federal response to the I-35W bridge rebuilding.  Individual tickets are $50 and tables are $450.  Contact Chad Kulas at 651.265.2787 or chad@saintpaulchamber.com.

Companies participating in leasing your Chamber’s suite at the Xcel Energy Center for the 2007-2008 Minnesota Wild season should plan to attend the Thursday, August 9, reception at x p.m. at location when dates will be selected.  Contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786.