A number of you have already received your 2016 membership dues invoice. If you have, you will notice a new line requesting a voluntary contribution to help restore our capital fund. In 2015, the Chamber purchased a large number of new computers and software. For some, this was long overdue. We paid for these upgrades out of our technology fund and are now asking members to help us rebuild it through a voluntary contribution of $35 or more. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

The Minnesota Trade Office is accepting nominations for the 30th Annual Governor's International Trade Awards, which honor Minnesota companies that have excelled in the international marketplace.

Awards will be presented in April to Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in foreign markets. In addition to honoring individual recipients, the award recognizes the positive effect that exports and trade have on the state's overall economy.

Awards will be given in two categories: manufacturing/services and agricultural commodities/processed food.

If a significant portion of your business is international and you have experienced growth in this area over at least the past three years, consider applying.

Details and application forms are located on the DEED website. The application deadline is Feb. 5, 2016. Questions may be directed to Paul Hansen at [email protected].

You can help maintain Minneapolis' wonderful urban forest. The City of Minneapolis offers a program to plant trees for qualifying businesses and nonprofits through the Health Department's Urban Forestry Project.

A landscape professional will work with your business to select the best trees for your property and have them professionally installed including mulch and a watering bag for proper maintenance. Your contribution is $25 per tree. (Quality trees with professional installation can cost businesses up to $250 per tree.) There is no limit on number of trees. These trees provide a great service to our city through reduced storm water runoff, lower energy use, and cleaner air for the communities where we live, work, and play.

RESERVE YOUR TREES HERE. The trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis with plantings in the spring and fall 2016. Businesses and commercial property owners that pay a pollution control annual bill may apply here to reserve their trees for 2016. To qualify, the property must have enough space to accommodate a tree, and the owner must commit to maintaining and watering the tree.

Join the more than 150 businesses that have already taken advantage of the program. For more information contact [email protected] or visit the Minneapolis Urban Forestry Project webpage.