LETTER FROM THE INTERIM PRESIDENT
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As we head into the final days of the legislative session, the fate of a transportation and transit bill is still uncertain. Your Chamber has long supported transportation and transit funding under consideration at the Capitol and we remain hopeful that a bill will pass this session. Please contact your local legislators to encourage them to support a transportation and transit bill in 2016.
Your Chamber has been busy with other members of the Workplace Fairness Coalition on the proposed Minneapolis sick and safe leave ordinance. The only public hearing on the proposed ordinance was held on Wednesday and the City Council heard a wide range of comments. Both advocates of the proposal and business owners spoke to the negative effect the proposal would have on their businesses and employees, the burden of complying with the proposed ordinance, and the potential for unintended consequences.
The Workplace Fairness Coalition opposes the "one size fits all" mandate in the proposed ordinance and prefers a voluntary partnership approach under which the City, employers and the community would work together to promote shared goals. We are concerned about the negative impact the ordinance would have on the many sick and safe leave policies currently in place that are working and provide the coverage and flexibility needed to meet the needs of employers and employees alike.
We have proposed a number of changes to the proposed ordinance:
- An amendment that would exclude employers who are already providing the level of benefit in the proposed ordinance
- Provide that the ordinance would apply to employers with 24 or more employees (currently proposed at 6 or more)
- Provide the ordinance would only apply if an employee performs 320 hours of work in the city in a calendar year (currently proposed at 80 hours or more)
- Several additional changes that would address concerns of our member businesses
The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed ordinance on Friday, May 27th, just a little over a week from today. If you have not done so, please contact members of the City Council to express your concern. More complete, updated information on the proposed ordinance can be found at WorkforceFairnessCoalition.com.
Finally, last Friday we hosted a breakfast of business, civic and community leaders to unveil the 2016 MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard. The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce started a Business Vitality Index years ago to track how our region was performing on key measures against ourselves and competitor regions across the country. This was the second year the Regional Indicators Dashboard was published, in partnership with other business groups, government entities and non-profit foundations active in our region. It's an interesting and informative read on how our region is performing.
Spring seems to have returned and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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John Stanoch
Interim President & CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
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Minnesota Keystone Program recognizes, supports and promotes corporate giving by recognizing companies that give back at least 2% of their pre-tax earnings to the community. Qualifying companies have an operating presence in Minnesota and donate at least 2 percent of their pre-tax earnings through cash contributions, in-kind donations, or employee volunteerism.
Minnesota Keystone program is turning 40 this year and to celebrate we are running a monthly feature on Keystone member companies.
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This Month's Featured Member is
Northeast Bank
Northeast Bank has been a Minnesota Keystone member since 1994.
They were recognized as an honored company in 2009.
Why does your company value charitable giving?
While our expertise centers around assisting individuals to realize their financial dreams, we recognize the importance and value of local nonprofits that work with youth, the elderly, and those that need a hand-up to establish a better future for themselves and their family. As a strongly capitalized financial institution, we have the ability (and in our opinion responsibility) to be a strong corporate citizen and leader within the business community. We recognize that our success is reflected in the prosperity of our markets, therefore it is imperative that we entrench ourselves within our communities to best assess their needs in real time. We also believe that giving is most effective when demonstrated with a multi-faceted approach. We offer local nonprofits funding through the Walter C. Rasmussen - Northeast Bank Foundation, corporate guidance through the commitment of our Board of Directors and officers to local nonprofit boards and committees, and boots-on-the-ground assistance in the form of volunteers.
Tell us about a meaningful partnership you have formed with a charitable organization.
Our most impactful and longest-running nonprofit partnership is with East Side Neighborhood Services, a nonprofit human service agency that provides social and other services to individuals, families and the communities of primarily Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis. Their purpose is to assist people of all ages and backgrounds in realizing a higher quality of life.
The Walter C. Rasmussen - Northeast Bank Foundation (formed in 1991) has consistently contributed funding to East Side Neighborhood Services (ESNS). In addition, members of our management team have worked closely with ESNS in the following roles: Chair of the Board, Board members, Chair of the Finance Committee, IT Committee member, Centennial Gala Chair, and other miscellaneous planning committees. The Bank is a sponsor of their annual Wine Tasting and Big River Brew Fest fundraisers, and also provides a volunteer crew for each event. Volunteers are also provided for their annual Senior Appreciation Valentine's Luncheon.
Mary Ostapenko-Anstett, Director of Volunteer Services/Events at East Side Neighborhood Services, states
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"Northeast Bank is really a model for any business that wants to participate in the community. They have always come through with all of our requests, usually above and beyond. When approached by other businesses that want to become more involved with the community, I always mention Northeast Bank as an example".
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Why does your company continue to be members of Minnesota Keystone?
Though Northeast Bank has been a proud member and supporter of the Minnesota Keystone Program since 1994, our giving program stretches back over half a century. Records at one of our closest nonprofit partners, East Side Neighborhood Services, denote our dedication to community starting in the 1950's. In Board Chair Belva Rasmussen's own words, "Northeast Bank is here because of our founders' vision to serve the community. Today, that vision is still the driving force behind Northeast Bank. We pledge to continue to live by the words we use to describe our bank: Strength of a Leader, Hand of a Friend." Belva's late husband, Walter, believed that community banking was about so much more than just offering financial resources and a safe place to maintain one's money. To him, community banking was about establishing the Bank as a cornerstone in the community, both socially and economically. It was about giving back by supporting local nonprofits and organizations that enrich the neighborhoods and communities where our customers and employees live and work. This is a philosophy that continues to be embraced by Northeast Bank's current ownership and management team.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
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Featured Job Opportunities!
- Carhartt - Mall of America | Retail Sales Associate | Apply
- WNAV Audio Visual | Administrative & Office Work | Apply
To learn more about these positions, please visit the
Employment Opportunities section on the Chamber's website.
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PCL Construction
Fortune magazine has named PCL Construction to its "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for the 11th consecutive year. PCL moved seven spots to rank at number 60 on the list this year. The company has the list since 2005 because of the organization's employee-ownership model, dynamic culture, wellness initiatives, and philanthropic efforts.
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Marco Inc.
FMarco received a 2016 100 Best Companies to Work For Award, presented by Minnesota Business magazine. The business was also named the winner of two 2016 Perfect Image Awards by imageSource Magazine in the categories of Dealer of the Year and Outstanding Leadership in Customer Engagement. The prestigious awards program recognizes exceptional leadership and innovation in the office channel.
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CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy leadership was recognized for their commitment to sustainable transportation and supporting reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Metro Transit, along with Edina Mayor Hovland, honored the company with the 2016 Commuter Choice Award in the Building Owner and Managers category for the work, lease arrangement and support given to Meet Minneapolis for their Minneapolis Visitor Information Center in CenterPoint Energy's new Minneapolis headquarters at 505 Nicollet Mall, which includes Move Minneapolis. The Commuter Choice Awards puts a spotlight on organizations, employers, building owners/management companies, government agencies and individuals who actively promote alternatives to driving alone.
Also, CenterPoint Energy's Minnesota Active Retiree Service (MARS) is celebrating their 30th anniversary and their surpassing a $30,000 milestone in the company's Grant Incentives for Volunteer Employees (GIVE) program. Since 1986, MARS volunteers have led active retirees who have contributed more than 150 grants to community agencies in the company's service.
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Greater Twin Cities United Way
The Greater Twin Cities United Way is contributing $50 million through it Strengthening the Safety Net grants into the community which goes into effect July 1, 2016. Close to 100 new and established United Way agency partners will receive a total of $16.6 million annually over the next three years. Roughly 20 percent of the new infusion of funds, include capacity building grants, for what the nonprofit refers to as "Culturally Specific Organizations" or CSOs. CSOs are smaller organizations led and staffed by persons of color and primarily serve communities of color. State demographers estimate that 17 percent of Minnesotans are people of color and that number is expected to reach nearly 30 percent by 2040. The Safety Net targets six key areas: optimal health, stable housing, food security (aiding the hungry); independence for seniors and people with disabilities; safety from family violence; and legal services.
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RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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The Social Lights, LLC
610 Ninth St. S.E., Ste. 101
Minneapolis
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MN
55414
www.thesocial-lights.com
Co-Founders Martha McCarthy Krueger & Emily Pritchard are all smiles as they celebrate a new office and 5th anniversary for their social ad agency The Social Lights.
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Loring Social
1629 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
www.damicocatering.com
D'Amico Catering celebrates the opening of its newest venue Loring Social adjacent to Loring Park in Minneapolis.
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UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
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SMART for Business: Cybersecurity - Is Your Business Protected?
Elsie's Restaurant Bar and Bowling
729 Marshall St. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413 |
View Map
The safety and security of your business information is a top priority. And yet, technology changes quickly. It can be hard to keep up with fluctuating cyber-threats and new regulations.
Join us as we discuss basic safe guards and systems every business should have in place; what to do if your security is breached; and how to minimize the disruption of service if your data is compromised.
Presenters:
- Yan Kravchenko, Chief Information Security Officer, Atomic Data
- Randall J. Romes, Principal, Information Security, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Thank you to our sponsor:
UPS
Cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event for a refund.
All no shows will be billed. Substitutes are accepted.
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Thank you to the 50 amazing individuals who participated in this year's Leadership Twin Cities program! Class members, who dedicated one day a month for nine-months to explore in-depth the critical issues facing our community, completed their program year at Vision Day on May 12.
Hosted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx at the Courts@Mayo Clinic Square, the group heard from Ted Johnson with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, YOXO CEO Jeff Freelander Nelson, John Stanoch, Interim President and CEO for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Northside Achievement Zone President and CEO Sondra Samuels. They also explored ways to take the knowledge and ideas they gained from Leadership Twin Cities and turn them into personal action.
Class members shared the details of their completed service projects. Participating organizations included RESOURCE, Inc., Camp Fire Minnesota, Catholic Charities, Girls on the Run Twin Cities, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Bridging and Vision Loss Resources.
For information about Leadership Twin Cities, contact Cheri Gengler at (612) 370-9160.
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Help support the 87th Celebrate Northeast Parade! Sponsors Needed
The Northeast Minneapolis Chamber is currently seeking sponsors for the annual community event attended by over 7,000 people. Sponsorships are affordable and the benefits are unique! To learn more click here.
Sponsorship isn't for you? Consider having an entrant in the parade. Click here for more information.
June 21, 2016 | 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Between 27th Ave Northeast and 18th Ave Northeast
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 Leadership Twin Cities now accepting applications for 2016-2017 Class
Leadership Twin Cities is a nine-month series that informs people about the critical issues facing our community. Its focus is to inform and inspire future leaders - and challenge them to make a difference.
Participants in Leadership Twin Cities
- Get behind the scenes access to museums, hospitals and government agencies.
- Create new business connections from a cross-section of the community.
- Hear from renowned speakers and community leaders, such as mayors, policy-makers and CEOs.
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Want to start saving on business supplies with your chamber membership?
 As a chamber member, your company is eligible for special savings, aggressive pricing and other great benefits from Office Depot, including the special offer below.
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Chamber Referral Program
Do you know of a business that would benefit from membership?
Click on the link below and provide the business name and contact. When your referral joins the Chamber you will receive a $50 gift certificate to the member restaurant of your choice.
*There is no limit to the number of referrals you can submit. The more referrals you provide, the more gift certificates you receive!
Here is how it works:
- Contact the business you are referring and let them know that you have submitted them as a potential new member
- Complete the online referral form
- Chamber staff will contact your referral about membership and mention your name
Sharing how your Minneapolis Regional Chamber membership has helped your business can make a big difference!
Enhanced Listing Opportunity
Did you know that over 31,000 people visit the Chamber's website every month? And that for as a little as $150 you can show off your company to thousands of potential clients? The Chamber now offers Enhanced Listings in our Online Membership Directory. Your company is immediately bumped to the top of your category in search results and includes a YouTube video, a photo gallery, 1,600 character description, 20 additional keywords and much more!
You can check out the Minneapolis Regional Chamber's Enhanced Listing by
clicking here and compare it with your listing in our online directory.
Contact
Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 or
John Youngberg at (612) 370-9170 today!
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SMART for Business: Cybersecurity - Is Your Business Protected?
 Tuesday, May 24
7:30 to 9 a.m. / Elsie's Restaurant Bar and Bowling
Thank you to our sponsor: UPS
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B.E.E.R.: The Art and Politics of Making it OK to be Pro-Business
Wednesday, May 25
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Bachman's
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Public Policy Forum: A Legislative Session Wrap-Up
Friday, June 3
7:30 to 9 a.m. / Wells Fargo Center
Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo
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Chamber Town Talk: Upper Riverfront - Visions and Plans
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Meet the Chamber! Bloomington
Tuesday, June 14
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
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Meet the Chamber! Minneapolis and Be the Match
Tuesday, June 21
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Be the Match
Thank you to our sponsor: Panera Bread
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Assemble
Thursday, June 16, 2016 | 4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting
