Monday, October 22, 2018
POLICY NEWS
DRIVE Roundtable: Elections: #MN2018
At our October 19 DRIVE Roundtable, young professionals heard from Brian McClung, partner and co-founder of MZA + Co, about the upcoming election in Minnesota.
 
The eyes of the nation are on Minnesota. There are a number of big, contested races that are happening, leading to a larger public interest than Minnesota has seen before. The MSP region saw the highest voter turnout for a primary election this year, and early absentee voting is up around the state.
 
While some races may appear as though they have a relatively clear outcome, McClung told the audience that may not be the case. Polling and races are becoming harder to predict and voters are harder to reach—so remember to vote and remember to follow along with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber for more election news and analysis.


For more information about DRIVE click here , and to find more information on the upcoming election visit mnvotes.org .
Politicians in gridlock as Minnesota roads deteriorate
Under-funding isn't just an MSP issue, it's a state issue. Even if lawmakers and governors can find unity on the problem, they can't every time a specific funding source is suggested. The funding sources dedicated to highways, streets and bridges — led by the gas tax, vehicle tab fees and taxes on vehicle sales — generate about $600 million less each year than what's needed to maintain the state's sprawling road system, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

And that number leaves out the gap in transit funding to help move people around our region and state. Transit funding comes from different revenue sources than the funding for our roads and bridges, meaning it faces its own separate deficit that must be addressed. We must work together to find a solution to improve Minnesota for everyone.

Read more in this Mankato Free Press article .
Friday, October 26 | 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Westminster Presbyterian Church

Minneapolis has evolved into a popular destination for nationally recognized events. Nearly 35,000 people make a living in the city’s hospitality industry. How can this industry sustain growth while also attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce? Hear from our expert panel at the next Good Morning Minneapolis.  

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Wells Fargo .
MEMBER NEWS
Announcing a new partnership between the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Looking to finish your Bachelor's degree or earn an advanced degree? Through a new partnership between the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, now you can. Participants can obtain their degree either online or on campus at the School of Graduate and Professional Programs in Minneapolis while also receiving a 10 percent tuition grant with a waived application fee.

The flexible program allows you to take classes at your own pace on your own time, and is built for busy adults. There is a vast selection of programs, and there is something for everyone.

Wednesday, November 7 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | The Woman's Club Minneapolis

Minnesota ranks, on average, among the healthiest states in the nation. But averages alone tell an incomplete story. Health is created by more than just the absence of disease, but also by where you live, work and play. Our panel will examine how we can identify, understand and address disparities in healthcare and innovation to establish a healthier Minnesota.

Speakers:
  • Sara M. Chute, MPP, Assistant Director, Center for Health Equity | Center for Health Data, Minnesota Department of Health
  • Mollie O’Brien, M.A. Director, Health Equity, Allina Health
  • Janelle Waldock, Vice President of Community Health and Health Equity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Minneapolis Regional Chamber celebrates mspWellness Champions
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber recently celebrated the companies that completed the first year of the mspWellness program with an inaugural breakfast.

The program highlighted the changes these mspWellness champions have made to their workplaces creating better health and wellness opportunities for their employees, and to inspire others to do the same. This year, the champions recognized were The Big Know, Community Involvement Programs, Chowgirls Killer Catering, Damon Farber, East Side Neighborhood Services, Eastside Food Cooperative, FINNEGANS, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society- Minnesota Chapter, The Lynhall, The Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Minnesota Gastroenterology, and Stonebridge Capital Advisors.

Each company created unique wellness plans with the help of the chamber and the Minneapolis Health Department. Examples of initiatives include providing healthier food options for employees at events and in the break room, creating policy surrounding tobacco use and new mother friendly policies, as well as offering educational sessions on how to improve health and overall wellness.

Learn more from the chamber in this press release .
Horse-drawn hayrides and free family activities at Southtown Halloween Party Saturday, Oct. 27
Families can enjoy free horse-drawn hayrides, music, games and giveaways at the Southtown Halloween Party from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 27 at Southtown Shopping Center in Bloomington. 

Kids can enjoy dancing to Kidsdance Entertainment and participating in craft activities provided by Artistry. Other activities will include balloon animals, face painting, games and prizes. Children will also receive a free Halloween tote bag and treats (while supplies last). 

Learn more here .
Thursday, November 8 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington Minneapolis

The historic "brick and mortar" retail model is transforming at a rapid pace. Today, people rely on mobile devices and alternative channels when making purchases. The demand and expectation from customers to complete transactions at their home or on the go has become the new normal. "Community" is now an emotion that can be translated via social media. At this B.E.E.R., our panel of experts will explain how the landscape is changing and how your business can stay up to date on trends.

Speakers:
  • Sandy Anderson, Owner, Riverdale Travel
  • Tami Klimpel, Vice President, Digital Marketing, Bremer Bank
  • Bruce Nustad, President, Minnesota Retailers Association
  • Jill Renslow, Sr. Vice President Business Development & Marketing, Mall of America

Thank you to our sponsor Insperity.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
MEMBER ADVANTAGE
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber and the MN Drug Card
The FREE MN Drug Card is provided to you and your family to help lower prescription drug costs. The card helps you to receive savings of up to 75 percent (discounts average roughly 30 percent) at more than 56,000 national and regional pharmacies. This card can be used as your primary plan and/or it can be used on prescriptions not covered by your insurance plan.

Get your MN Drug Card here .
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Sprint
The Sprint Works Program offers a discounts of 15% on select rate plans to members of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. If the customer is active on Unlimited Freedom, they will receive a $5 discount instead of the % discount associated with the company.
 
Any subscriber on the account qualifies for the Sprint Works Program discount . The name on the proof document must match a name listed as a subscriber. The subscriber does not need to be the Account Holder.
 
Visit www.sprint.com/save for details.