Weekly Update:
February 11, 2019
Sponsored in-part by: 
Chamber & Community News
Did You Know...

Food for Thought is Back February 26th & We Want to See You There!
Economic Trends is Presented by:
Sean O’Neil, Business Development Coordinator, Grow MN!  

Join us to hear What's Working for Local Businesses:
  • Hear insights on business success in the River Heights region and how this compares to what we heard from businesses through our 2018 Grow MN! visits 
  • Understand broader economic trends impacting our area and what’s behind these trends
  • Learn some of the major opportunities and challenges for future growth in our business community
Make Sure You Get a Seat at the Table!
Seeking Sponsors & Vendors for the Small Business Event of the Year
Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show
Thursday, April 25
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mendakota Country Club

Featuring Keynote
"When Generations Connect": Communicating Across Generational Divides

WOW - See Why This Keynote is Important!

  • 10,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 every day for the next 16 years (AARP)
  • Many organizations are approaching a mass exodus of leadership
  • Gen Xers are stepping into leadership roles and redefining corporate cultures
  • By 2020, Millennials will comprise 50% of the American workforce (US Bureau of Labor)
  • By 2025, Millennials will comprise 75% of the global workforce (US Bureau of Labor)
  • 74% of Gen Zers say they struggle with in-person communication (BridgeWorks)
Upcoming Chamber Events
Chamber Meetings & Events This Week:

Wednesday, February 13
  • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - CoffeeNet @ Evolve Workplace, 260 Wentworth Ave. E., WSP

Thursday, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day!
  • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Inver Grove Heights Local Issues @ ISD 199 District Offices, 80th & Cahill, IGH
Business Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 27
11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
11 East Kellogg Boulevard 
St. Paul, MN 55101

Keep the momentum from Session Priorities rolling and join us on February 27 for our annual 2019 Business Day at the Capitol. This is another perfect opportunity for YOU to tell our leaders how to grow our state's economy for all Minnesotans! 
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Economic Development News at the Legislature
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE MANDATES 
Proposed mandates on Minnesota employers continue to advance through the Legislature. The Minnesota Chamber testified last week on HF 5, which creates a state-administered paid leave insurance program. Financed through a new tax on employers, employees and independent contractors, the program will fund partial wage replacement benefits for 12 weeks of paid parental and family leave and 12 weeks of paid medical leave.

We share the goal of giving Minnesotans the time to care for themselves and loved ones. The question is how to achieve that goal while balancing employer and employee needs with the scope and costs of the program. Two measures in the bill are especially concerning.
  • First, an employee could miss 24 weeks of work – 44 percent of workdays – in a 12-month period.
  • Second, the definitions of “family member” and qualifying events are greatly expanded. The bill passed the House Labor Committee on a partisan 10-5 vote on January 30. Next, it will be heard by the House Commerce Committee where we expect a significant author’s amendment to hopefully address some of our issues.

It’s important for legislators to hear firsthand how these proposed mandates will hinder your ability to simply operate – let alone grow – your business and the overall state economy.
Member News & Events
Welcome New Chamber Member
Vivial
Kate Homan
10800 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420
(763) 316-0607
Congratulations to the Ambassador of the Month for January!
Andy Lucking, Certified Financial Planner
LWM, LLC
2315 Waters Drive
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
(651) 272-3511
A Sweet Treat Exclusively for River Heights Chamber Members - Special Offer from Sassy Pecan!
Valid through Feb 14, 2019
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River Heights Chamber of Commerce | 651.451.2266 | nicole@riverheights.com | riverheights.com