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Weekly Update: June 19, 2017
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Did You Know?
The Inver Grove Heights City Council will be considering enacting a Franchise Fee for all utility users in Inver Grove Heights as an additional revenue stream to the City budget.
What is a Franchise Fee?
Under Minnesota Statute (216B.36), cities can impose a fee on utility companies that use the public rights-of-way to deliver service. The City can determine the amount, structure and use of franchise fees. Generally, they are structured in one of two ways:
- A flat rate per utility account OR
- A percentage of consumption used by each utility account
Currently, the City is focusing its discussions on the “flat rate” fee option, rather than one based on consumption - which would vary each month.
What Does This Mean for Residents?
If implemented, utility customers would likely see an increase on their gas and electric bills noted as a “City fee.” The utility companies would collect the franchise fees and remit them to the City.
Why Implement a Franchise Fee?
Utility franchise fees are more equally distributed than property taxes, and would be paid by ALL utility customers - even those who do not currently pay property tax.
Click here for the discussion schedule and plan to attend a meeting to find out how this will impact your business.
The RH Chamber Board Weighs In.
Last year the River Heights Board discussed the City’s request to Xcel Energy to provide information on implementing a franchise fee in Inver Grove Heights. We understand the requested targeted funding amounts needs are $1 million and $2 million for consideration. The Board passed a resolution to support a property tax increase instead of implementing a Franchise Fee to support the City budget shortfall if additional funding was deemed necessary. We would encourage the Council to hold open meetings with the Chamber and community to identify the City’s budget shortfall specifically to demonstrate a need for additional funding. Following these discussions, the City should identify what the additional funding will be designated for and a timeline for the projected shortfall. Lastly, we believe that when the City can identify the specific budget shortfall and the specific spending plan for additionally needed revenue, then the appropriate revenue stream to accomplish the City’s needed services would be to utilize its tax levy authority rather than create a new fee that is not transparent to residents and business owners.
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Golf Classic Online Auction is Ready for Bidding
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The Online Auction is a fun way for everyone to participate in bidding on auction items before and during the River Heights Chamber's Annual Golf Classic on June 26th! Share the auction with your friends and family on social media or by email with this link: http://www.riverheights.com/auction.
The Online Auction is open for bidding 24/7 from now until it
closes at 6:00 p.m. on June 26th. Watch for additional items that may be added throughout the week. Get text alerts when you're outbid, add items to your watchlist, see what items are on your leaderboard, or put in a proxy bid for the auction to bid up to your max! It's easy, it's fun and it supports your Chamber!
Online Auction by: Endorse Communications
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Keep it Local: Hometown Meats
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The Chamber had their first Grab & Go Keep it Local for Lunch at Hometown Meats in Inver Grove Heights last week! Thank you to Rob, Robin and the staff of Hometown Meats for sponsoring this event and offering a special on their lunch sandwiches for Chamber members!
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Chamber Meetings & Events This Week:
Tuesday, June 20:
Ambassador Business Visits:
- 3:00 p.m. - Dakota County Workforce Center - Mark Jacobs @ 1 Mendota Rd. #170, West St. Paul
- 3:40 p.m. - Corbin Exteriors - Nathan Corbin @1115 Southview Blvd. South St. Paul
Wednesday, June 21:
- 8:00 a.m. - Business Owners Roundtable @ Chamber Office
Thursday, June 22:
- 8:00 a.m. - CoffeeNet @ Unity One Credit Union
- 9:30 a.m. - Inver Grove Heights CVB Board of Directors @ Chamber Office
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Economic Development News - Progress Plus
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Editorial: Tapping hidden pools of talent
From Pioneer Press, June 18, 2017
As the worker-shortage trend continues its ascent, more Minnesota companies can’t find the employees they need.
At the same time, there are pockets in our population — so-called “hidden talent pools” — where unemployment remains high.
The effort to tap those pools can mean jobs, jobs, jobs for Minnesotans who need them, employees for businesses that needs them, and opportunities to address disparities in our communities. Leadership from business advocates — including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce — is helping draw attention to barriers to employment and what it takes to help people overcome them.
Read full article here
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CoffeeNet
Thursday, June 22
8 - 9 a.m.
Unity One Credit Union
5300 South Robert Trail, Suite 100, IGH
Join us for complimentary coffee and refreshments at this early morning networking event! Bring your business cards and start your day off right. This is a free networking opportunity open to all members and prospects. Chick-fil-A will be providing the food!
Sponsored by: Unity One Credit Union
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River Heights Chamber Golf Classic
Monday, June 26
10 a.m. - Registration & Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
11 a.m. - Shotgun Start
4:00 p.m. - Happy Hour
4:30 p.m. - Buffet Dinner
5:00 p.m. - Awards
Southview Country Club, 239 E.,
West St. Paul
Online Auction is Ready for Your Bids!
Still want to Donate?
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The Government Affair
September-December
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This four-part educational series is perfect for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of civic affairs. Whether your experience with government is limited to voting for elected officials or you lobby your representatives on a weekly basis, this program will walk you through a comprehensive, non-partisan, grassroots experience at the local, state and federal level. This program will challenge participants to stretch their knowledge on all levels of government while learning from and networking with other business people and influential leaders.
Register here
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Get Free Event Reminders
Join the River Heights Chamber VIP Text Club!
Text RHChamber to 20673 to receive upcoming event reminders from the River Heights Chamber of Commerce!
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Wakota Federal Credit Union Hosts 5th Annual Community Appreciation Week in South St. Paul
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Wakota FCU wants to express appreciation for our community and membership the week leading up to Kaposia Days weekend.
- The event begins on Saturday, 6/17 with Story Time with the Counting Chef- Friendchip Farm (in partnership with the St Paul Farmers’ Market), geared to kids 3-8 years old from 10:45-11:30am, RSVP encouraged to info@friendchipfarm.com.
- Monday, 6/19 at 2:30-4:30pm is an Ice Cream Social.
- Tuesday, 6/20 at 2:30-4:30pm is Walking Taco Tuesday.
- Wednesday, 6/21 at 5:30-6:30pm join us for Yoga in the Park at Lorraine Park in SSP.
- Thursday, 6/22 from 3-5pm there will be a Shred It truck on-site for anyone to come to dispose of sensitive documents. The Shred It event is partially funded by the MN Pollution Control Agency and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.
- Friday, 6/23 is Community Appreciation Day from 2-6pm with food and prizes.
All events are FREE, open to the community and are located at 1151 Southview Blvd. South St. Paul, MN 55075 (except for Yoga in the Park). In addition to the events, the credit union has its Community Appreciation Loan Sale running the same week. Interested parties need only to apply online 6/18-6/24 to qualify for our lowest rates of the year.
More details here
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Member Benefits, Hot Deals & Job Postings
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Community Appreciation Loan Sale
From Wakota Federal Credit Union
June 18 - 24, 2017:
Rates as low as
- 0.99% APR* for secured loans and
- 5.99% APR* for unsecured loans!
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