September 29, 2006

Wednesday's announcement that the 2008 Republican National Convention will be held in Saint Paul will result in a huge economic benefit to the entire region. Your Chamber is already working to learn how to best leverage this opportunity for all members, and will keep you posted on activities and progress as information comes available.
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Your Chamber will host a District 5 Ramsey County Commissioner Candidate Debate Wednesday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Center Hotel St. Paul. Incumbent Rafael Ortega and challenger Dan Galles will discuss their visions for Ramsey County and take questions from the audience.  Registere at 651.265.2769 or www.saintpaulchamber.com. 
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Congratulations to Memorial Blood Center, which celebrated its move to Saint Paul on Monday.  The nonprofit organization opened its new headquarters at Highway 280 and University.
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Your Chamber PAC announces endorsement of two candidates for the Minnesota Senate, Dan Williams (R) and Jim Metzen (DFL), of Districts 54 and 39, respectively.  Williams is a business owner and technology consultant.  Metzen, a community banker, has served as president of the Senate since 2002.
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The business community will celebrate the opening of phase I of the Wakota Bridge project at the South St. Paul Hotel, 701 Concord Street on October 9 at 4:30 p.m. The opening of this bridge is extremely significant as it relates to regional infrastructure.  Twenty years of planning, lobbying and building has resulted in a significant success for the business community. Join me at the celebration!  RSVP with the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651.451.2266 or register online at www.riverheights.com.
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Your Chamber will host a Public Officials' Luncheon with the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on Monday, October 9 from noon-1:30 pm at the Chamber of Commerce Center.  The Commissioners and County Manager David Twa will be on hand to answer your questions on the future of Ramsey County.  Register online at www.saintpaulchamber.com or call 651.265.2795.
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Maplewood's City Council set its preliminary property tax levy increase at the maximum allowed: of 11.4 percent for 2007. This is a stark difference from what the City told your Chamber's Maplewood, Oakdale and North Saint Paul Business Council in August. At that meeting, the interim city manager stated that there would be no increase and the council had directed him to hold Maplewood's portion of the levy at 2006 levels. An initial public hearing will be held Monday, Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m.  If you live or do business in Maplewood and would like your voice heard on this matter, attend this hearing! For more information, contact Billy Dinkel at billy@saintpaulchamber.com or 651.265.2791.
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The Amazing Race kick-off event is scheduled for October 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Pool and Yacht Club. Join in and experience the adventure of developing new business contacts and helping your Chamber grow. The GRAND PRIZE winning team will receive two tickets for each member to anywhere in the continental United States that Sun Country flies.  Think about a winter get away!!! For more information, contact Camie Quigley at 651.265.2777 or camie@saintpaulchamber.com. 
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Your Chamber's suite at Xcel Energy Center is available to lease for Barbara Streisand, October 24; Bob Dylan, October 29 and Minnesota State Girls High School Volleyball, November 9 - 11.  The suite is also available for a limited number of Minnesota Wild home games during the 2006-2007 season as well as Minnesota Swarm home games beginning in January. Each suite lease includes 16 tickets. Contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786 or stephanie@saintpaulchamber.com for more information.
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Weekly Sponsor

Data Center 2.0: Winning Strategies for What's Next

Hosted by VISI
Speakers: TopRank Online Marketing, Mindtouch, Shavlik Technologies and Coyote Point

November 2, 2006, afternoon and evening sessions

Location: VISI St. Paul Data Center, 180 East 5th St, St. Paul

Cost: Free with RSVP

Register and details online at www.visi.com/dc20.

Get your message out to thousands of Chamber members, elected officials and the media by sponsoring Friday Facts! To reserve your date, contact Amy Rudolph at amy@saintpaulchamber.com.

New Members

Welcome New Members!

Western Bank

Mr. Richard McNamara

Bennett Restaurant Company

Mr. Joseph Bennett

Campo & Associates

Mr. Dan Campo

Plan Ahead

Wild Face-Off Luncheon 2006 - Tuesday, October 3, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Commissioner District 5 Candidate Debate - Wednesday, October 4, 11:30 -1:00 p.m.
TIPS for Networking - Friday, October 6, 7:30 - 9:15 a.m.
Public Officials' Luncheon featuring the Ramsey County Commissioners - Monday, October 9, noon - 1:30 p.m.

Click here for the complete Calendar of Events

Member Rewards 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 your member number   + the last four digits of your main phone number.