Monday, December 3, 2018
POLICY NEWS
Orange Line bus rapid transit awarded $74 million from federal government
The Orange Line bus rapid transit (BRT) is on track for completion in 2021 with funding from the federal government that was announced Wednesday. The new federal money covers half the $150 million cost. The other half has already been approved and came from a variety of sources closer to home, including Hennepin and Dakota counties as well as the state’s bonding bills.


Read the full article from the Star Tribune here .
Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan says paid family and sick leave among priorities
Look for the new Tim Walz gubernatorial administration to make statewide paid sick and family leave for workers a priority next year according to incoming Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. The city of Minneapolis passed a sick leave policy several years ago and St. Paul passed a sick leave ordinance in 2016. Flanagan didn't provide details on what a potential state policy would look like or when it could be brought up for a vote.

Read the full article from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal here .
Minnesota's tech colleges see surge in skilled-trades training
With the state's jobless rate near historic lows and a labor market boasting more job openings than people available to fill them, Minnesota firms are struggling to hire qualified mechanics, technicians and other tradespeople. They're leaning increasingly on Minnesota's two-year schools to deliver those well-trained workers.

Read the full article from MPR News here .
MEMBER NEWS
Irish pub favorite, the Local, expanding with hopes of opening 10 locations
Nicollet Mall pub, the Local, is about to become a mini Irish empire. Th e idea is to expand to 10 locations in the Twin Cities metro. One reason for the expansion is that it’s something CEO Peter Killen thinks the Twin Cities needs more of. “There are a lot of burger joints, a lot of pizza places, a lot of taprooms, but there are not a lot of Irish pubs.”

Read more in this Star Tribune article .
Stop by the North Local Market this holiday season
The "North Local Market," which made it's debut during Super Bowl 52, is bringing retail back to Nicollet Mall for the holiday season! There are lots of local vendors, including th e Jack Links Wildside Store, offering great products perfect for all your holiday gifting.

Learn more about the market on its Facebook page .
Minneapolis College Economic Contribution Estimated at $333.4 million
Minnesota State, the system of 30 state colleges and seven state universities, recently released the results of a study that estimates the contribution of Minneapolis College to the regional economy to be $333.4 million dollars and 2,972 jobs. The study was commissioned by Minnesota State and was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis.

Read more in the press release here .
Santa Claus is coming to Bloomington
To celebrate the holidays, Santa is coming to Valley West Shopping Center on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; and Southtown Shopping Center on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

EVENTS
2018 Annual Minnesota Keystone Awards Luncheon
Thursday, December 13
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

Originally known as "The 5% Club," the Minnesota Keystone Program recognizes companies that give back at least two to five percent of their pre-tax earnings to the community. Celebrate this decades long tradition of corporate giving at this year's luncheon as we recognize our 2018 honored companies with keynote speaker Kevin Warren.

Honored Company awards will be presented to: Nemer Fieger, Highland Bank, and Walser Automotive Group.

Keynote Speaker: Kevin Warren | Chief Operating Officer | Minnesota Vikings

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Xcel Energy ; our supporting sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota , RBC Wealth Management , and Wells Fargo ; our luncheon sponsors Mortenson , Mystic Lake , Target , and Padilla ; and our event sponsors Bremer Bank , Comcast , McGough , Minnesota Vikings , and WCCO .
Chamber Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Jax Cafe

Celebrate the season with friends, clients and colleagues at the chamber’s annual holiday party. Enjoy appetizers and a cash bar in the beautifully decked halls of Jax Café. It’s a merry good time!

Thank you to our event sponsors Central Avenue Liquors , Union Bank & Trust , and Jax Cafe.
Beer with B.E.E.R.S.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Bowlero Eden Prairie

It's that time of year again! Network and create connections with members of five different chambers while sampling offerings from local breweries. Cast your vote and help us choose which of these will win the "Best Chamber Beer" award and will be on tap at Bowlero for a year. Admission includes beer sampling, complimentary appetizers and more.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

MEMBER ADVANTAGE
The Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Office Depot
Office Depot and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber have partnered to provide exclusive savings on all of your business needs, including deep discounts on:

  • Office Essentials
  • Cleaning and Breakroom Solutions
  • Copy & Print Services
  • Technology
  • Furniture
 
Let Office Depot save you time and money! Whether you're a company of five or 10,000 employees we can help! 
 
Learn more and see the deals here .
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 .