Friday, January 20, 2017

Your Regional Chamber Connecitons

Minneapolis Chamber 1 2 Bloomington Chamber 3 4 Northeast Minneapolis Chamber 5 6

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
@jweinhagen | @MplsChamber
Here We Go...
If the first three weeks of the New Year are any indication as to the pace of 2017, hold on tight. From City Hall to the State Capitol, local regulations to elections, its shaping up to be a busy year for Minneapolis and the region.

On January 3rd the State Legislature gathered at the newly refurbished Capitol (Side note: The restoration is beautiful and well worth a visit sometime this year). In addition to passing a two-year state budget before the end of May, priorities for lawmakers include tax cuts, transportation, infrastructure investments and addressing immediate and long-term health care concerns. Your Chamber will be watching the debate over preemption as it relates to paid sick leave and minimum wage.

Speaking of paid sick leave, Hennepin County Judge Mel Dickstein made his ruling in the lawsuit between the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the City of Minneapolis yesterday. While the city can move forward with implementation, a temporary injunction has been placed related to imposing the regulation on companies based outside of the city. The sick leave ordinance is scheduled to take effect on July 1.  
 
This week the city appointed members to a Workplace Advisory Committee, one of the first formal steps in the discussion about imposing a city specific minimum wage. The Chamber, in partnership with the Minneapolis Downtown Council and neighborhood business associations, will host listening sessions to ensure that the diverse voice of the business community is represented in this important policy discussion.

As we wait to see what, if anything, the Legislature does related to transit and transportation funding, the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) approved a "preliminary intent to dissolve" this week. The Chamber will work closely with our counties and the Metropolitan Council as this evolves.

Chamber Celebrations
On February 17 the Chamber will host our Annual Meeting. Celebrating the City @150 will highlight the major moments in the City's evolution which has resulted in one of the most vibrant communities in the Midwest. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and Target's Layasha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer will serve as our guest speakers with Frank Vascellaro, of WCCO TV as our Master of Ceremonies. Please join us as we celebrate the role of the business community both past and present with a look to the future. Click here to register today.

The Best in Business Awards luncheon, celebrating the successes of five member companies for their accomplishments in 2016 will be held March 23rd. We are currently seeking nominations for the following awards: Best in Business-Large Employer, Best in Business-Small Employer, Best in Business-Non-Profit, Break out Business and Quality of Life. The deadline for applications is Thursday, February 1st.  More information about the awards and the associated criteria can be found here.
 
For more information about either event, including registration and event sponsorships please contact Christine Levens or 612-370-9116.

Have a great weekend.
Jonathan Weinhagen
Jonathan Weinhagen 
President & CEO 
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Big Climb Mpls

One Source
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2017 Annual Meeting: Celebrating the City at 150
www.minneapolischamber.org/mpls150

Friday, February 17, 2017
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Members: $65 | Non-Members: $80
Sponsored Table of Ten: $1,000

Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402 | View Map 

 

It was official 150 years ago: Minneapolis became a city. We're throwing a sesquicentennial birthday party celebrating everything old and new that makes Minneapolis great.Save your seat for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Annual Meeting!

 



Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Target and our event sponsors: Xcel Energy, Associated Bank, Mall of America and Mortenson

Thank you to our partners: Minneapolis Marriott City Center, City of Minneapolis and PSAV
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THINGS TO KNOW!
ChamberWelcome to Our Newest Members 

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US Internet
www.usinternet.com

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Orman Guidance
www.ormanguidance.com

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Ogletree Deakins
www.ogletreedeakins.com

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Luebeck Wealth Management 

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Media Kiln
www.mediakiln.com

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Sojos Pet Food
www.sojos.com
Cabin Fever Getaways
Featured Job Opportunities!
The following member companies are now hiring:
  • WNAV Audio Visual - Administration Assistant | Apply 
  • RBCU - VP of Lending | Apply
To learn more about these positions, please visit the Employment Opportunities section on the Chamber's website.
Give Someone the Gift of Life: Memorial Blood Centers
Please click here to find a February 1st - 14th blood donation schedule from Memorial Blood Centers.

With all these choices, there is likely a location very close to work or home.  Someone will be very grateful you took the time to donate.
Upcoming MnDOT Projects
U.S. Highway 169 Edina to Golden Valley:
This is scheduled to start March 20. The bids will be opened February 1. Once a contractor is on board, MnDot should have a more specific schedule in four to six weeks. Click here for the project website.
University of Minnesota
Highlight of FY 2016 include: University faculty and staff competed successfully for a record $788 million in externally sponsored research funding, up $13 million (4.5 percent) from FY2015 and a record amount, when excluding one-time federal stimulus funds.

Among nonfederal sources, business and industry funding grew 3.6 percent to $80.8 million, on top of last year's 40 percent increase.  According to the latest data from the National Science Foundation's Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, the U of M maintained its rank of eighth among public research institutions in FY2015, posting over $880 million in research expenditures. The University remains ranked third in expenditures among Big Ten institutions. And  the University's Office for Technology Commercialization launched a record 17 startup companies in 2016, and passed a milestone of 100 startups launched since 2006. Those startups have raised in aggregate over $219 million in investment capital, three-fourths of them have been based in Minnesota and 82 percent of the startups still active today - well above the national average. Additionally, two startups, Innotronics and Minnepura Technologies, were named among the 35 "Best University Startups 2016."
Bridgewater Bank
Bridgewater Bank announced the promotion of Ross Wieser to Vice President, Commercial Lending and Joe Chybowkski to Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President. Wieser joined Bridgewater Bank in 2012 as a Credit Analyst and most recently served as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lending. Chybowski joined Bridgewater Bank in 2013 as Controller and most recently served as Vice President of Finance.
PadillaCRT
Lynn Casey, Chair & CEO of PadillaCRT, has been chosen one of 5 women to be honored as Wonder Women by Twin Cities Business. This award honors women who are trailblazers within their respective fields and highly respected for their professional acumen and achievements.
RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Mall of America
344 East Broadway
Bloomington, MN 55425
www.margaritavillemallofamerica.com/welcome

Everyone was all smiles as we cut the ribbon for Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at the Mall of America.
Bonicelli Kitchen
1839 Central Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55418
www.bonicellikitchen.com

Owner & Chef Laura Bonicelli cuts the ribbon celebrating her newly opened Bonicelli Kitchen in NE Minneapolis.
Call for Nominations
Thursday, March 23, 2017
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.


Share your success story! Nominate your company for one of the Chamber's Best in Business Awards listed below. Winners will be recognized on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the annual awards luncheon.

Winners will be chosen from the following five categories:
Downtown Mpls Polar Plunge
Boost Your Brand Exposure with Chamber Sponsorship
Sponsoring a Chamber event or program is a high-impact, cost-effective way to gain company exposure in the business community. Sponsorship through the Chamber is budget-friendly for small to large businesses and provides your company with: 
  • Increased publicity and brand exposure
  • Exclusive associations with high profile business events featuring key leaders and policymakers.
  • Credible community exposure
  • Highly targeted advertising placements across a variety of print and web media
  • Access to new business relationships and potential customers
  • Opportunity to renew and strengthen relationships with current customers and clients
Click here to Get Started!

Advertising & Marketing 
Gain greater visibility for your brand with the affordable advertising and marketing options available through the Chamber.

Events Sponsorship 
With a variety of events and sponsorship investment levels to choose from you can find an option that aligns with your company goals.

Programs Sponsorship 
Find the best fit for your Chamber support from regional policy & advocacy work to specialized local initiatives.
Bloomington Chamber's
Annual Membership Meeting - Looking Forward
 
Friday, February 10, 2017
8 to 9:30 a.m.


The Bloomington Chamber's Annual Membership Meeting "Looking Forward" will celebrate the successes of the Chamber in 2016 and preview what is in store for 2017. This event will highlight the Chamber's programming and signature events, membership development, and legislative updates while featuring keynote speaker Dr. Chris Cassirer, President of Northwestern Health Sciences University.


Sheraton Bloomington
5601 West 78th St.
Bloomington, MN 55439 | View Map 
 
DRIVE Emerging Leaders Coffee, Eggs & Good Conversation
Can you think of a better way to start your Friday morning?

Join DRIVE Emerging Leaders on the third Friday of each month for the well attended morning rountables. Hear from guest speakers and discuss topics important to this marketplace with the members of the region's most energetic and thoughtful young professional group. Purchase your season pass now and guarantee your spot at the table.

To purchase the DRIVE Roundtable Season Pass, please click here to download the form to complete and fax to 612.370.9195 or email clevens@minneapolischamber.org information and payment must be received by Monday, January 30, 2017.

Season pass holders will receive 10 roundtable admissions for $75 ( a savings of 50%) . 

Thank you to our series sponsors:
Cara Irish Pub, CenterPoint Energy, Wells Fargo and Xcel Energy

Did you know you get Exclusive Member pricing at any
Office Depot® or OfficeMax® store?
 
Show the cashier your store purchasing card when checking out to see the savings!

Don't have a store purchasing card?  Text "MinneapolisSPC" to 555-888 to receive one now!

Find a store near you at officedepot.com/storelocator
Member to Member Discount MN Drug Card
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!
 
Contact Rhonda Bernard at (612) 370-9121 or Brent Pavia at (612) 370-9181 today!
 

Enhanced Listing Opportunity

Did you know that over 3
1,000 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 Brent Pavia at (612) 370-9181 today!
Union Bank _ Truct

Promote Your Business Here
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast with the Mayors
Register Today Tuesday, January 24
7:30 to 9:00 a.m. / University of Saint Thomas - Woulfe Hall North 

Thank you to our presenting sponsors: Target and Xcel Energy and our event sponsors: Memorial Blood Centers and Metropolitan State University
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Critical Issues Forum: The Economics of Affordable Housing
Register TodayFriday, January 27
7:30 to 9:00 a.m. / Radisson Blu - Minneapolis

Thank you to our series sponsors: Mortenson and Xcel Energy
Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
2017 BCC Annual Gala: BCC Corral
Register Today Saturday, January 28
5:30 to 11 p.m. / Radisson Blu Mall of America

Thank you to our sponsors: Mall of America, Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Crowne Plaza Aire Minneapolis Airport / Mall of America, Hubbard Broadcasting, Normandale Community College, Radisson Blu Mall of America, RBCU, Wells Fargo, Xcel Energy, edgProductions, Inc., The Westin Edina Galleria, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Fairview Southdale Hospital, FastSigns, Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC, Total Wine & More, Axtell & Haller LLC, BWA Wealth Management Group-Merrill LynchDavid M. Senness, CPA, Donaldson Company, Inc., HealthPartners, IAG Commercial, Jimmy Buffett's MargaritavilleKraus-Anderson Companies, Inc., Midland TitleMortgages Unlimited, Inc.Tunheim, Williams & Associates, Inc., Wings Financial Credit Union, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Southwest AirlinesDoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington and Freeway Ford LLC
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Twin Cities Alumni Social and Fundraiser
Register TodayThursday, February 2
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. / 612Brew

Thank you to our sponsors: LHB, Inc. and Accenture
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Public Policy Forum: Employers & Health Care
Register TodayFriday, February 3
7:30 to 9:00 a.m. / Wells Fargo Center - 3rd Floor

Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo and our series sponsor: CenterPoint Energy
Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
Bloomington Future Leaders
Winter Business Conference: Adversity & Diversity

Register Today Friday, February 3
7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. / Holiday Inn Bloomington Airport South

Thank you to our sponsors: Mall of America, CenterPoint Energy, Holiday Inn Bloomington Airport South, Bloomington Public Schools Career and College Academy and RBCU
Bloomington Chamber of Commerce
BCC Annual Membership Meeting - Looking Forward
Register Today Friday, February 10
8:00 to 9:30 a.m. / Sheraton Bloomington

Thank you to our sponsors: Mall of America, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Xcel Energy and TRIA Orthopaedic Center
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce Focus Luncheon Series:
Video Marketing, What it is, Why it Matters & What You Should Do About It

Register TodayWednesday, February 15
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. / Better Business Bureau
Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour Networking at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Register Today Thursday, February 16
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. / Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Annual Meeting: Celebrating the City at 150
Register TodayFriday, February 17
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. / Minneapolis Marriott City Center

Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Target and our event sponsors: Xcel Energy, Associated Bank, Mall of America and Mortenson
Celebrate Northeast Parade