The Prospective Member Luncheon held yesterday had more than 70 people in attendance; nearly 10 businesses joined your Chamber! This event gave prospective members an opportunity to learn more about your Chamber and meet other members. Thank you to all who brought a guest! If you know of someone who would benefit from Chamber membership, please call Amanda Faletti at 651.265.2778.
Calling all business owners along University Avenue: help light rail engineers make sound decisions regarding on-street parking, non-signalized pedestrian crossings and secondary station access by completing a brief survey. Central Corridor project planners will use your feedback to plan construction and business mitigation, including marketing strategies for businesses during the construction process. Click here to access the survey.
Organizations interested in participating in “CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration” may now apply. CivicFest will be held in conjunction with the RNC from August 29–September 4 and will include more than 35 exhibits celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. Presidency. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be open to the general public. To apply, vendors should complete an online application at www.civicfest.org.
Don’t forget to sign up as a Preferred Vendor on www.msp2008.com so convention delegates, media and other visitors can learn about your services! E-mail rnc@saintpaulchamber.com with convention-related questions.
Lawmakers are considering a number of proposals regarding the planned Northwest/Delta merger. Bills being considered include seeking damages if earlier contract provisions are breached; directing the MAC to adhere to all agreements; and providing tax incentives to Delta if the company relocates its headquarters to Minnesota.
Small businesses had a victory this week at the Capitol. The Legislature passed a bill this week that requires MnDOT to develop a plan to inform local, small businesses about transportation projects. The legislation is on its way to the Governor.
The latest proposal from the Governor on a session-ending deal includes a bonding package with Central Corridor, the Minneapolis Veteran’s home and Lake Vermilion State Park. His plan includes using $125 million from the Health Care Access Fund and $250 from the state budget reserve, along with other cuts to fill the projected $935 million deficit. The Governor is also asking for a property tax cap of the lesser of 3% or the Consumer Price Index. Your Chamber continues to encourage Legislative leaders to fund Central Corridor this session.
The City of Shoreview is seeking applications for an interim city council position to serve through November. Interested residents should submit an application by May 8. For more information, visit www.ci.shoreview.mn.us or call 651.490.4610.
This month’s Citizen’s League’s monthly Mind Opener & Policy Forum is “Transparent Funding Options for Meaningful Transportation Choices,” featuring Tyler Duvall, Undersecretary for Transportation Policy with the U.S. DOT. The forum begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 5 at the Minneapolis Central Library. Click here for more information.
Last Friday, Hamline University announced the grand opening of its School of Business. The school includes both graduate and undergraduate business programs.
Long-time local economic development leader Ken Johnson announced his plans to retire from the Port Authority this summer. Johnson leaves behind a 40-year legacy of economic development success in the east metro.
Your Chamber’s suite is available for Neil Diamond July 19 and 20! Each suite lease includes 16 tickets and two parking passes. Limited quantities of lower level tickets are available for Casting Crowns, April 26; Rush, May 22 and George Michael, July 7. For more information contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786.
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 or to add your own coupon. Your Membership ID # + the last four digits of your main phone number.