The federal CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses suffering losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. If PPP loan proceeds are used for qualifying costs and 60% of the loan proceeds are used for payroll costs, then the federal government will forgive the loan. For federal taxes, the forgiven loan will not be included in taxable income and the business can continue to deduct expenses related to that loan. Unless Minnesota conforms to federal tax law, these forgivable loans will be taxed in Minnesota.

More than 100,000 Minnesota businesses participated in the PPP loan program. Without this change, many small and mid-sized businesses – already struggling due to revenue losses – will face further tax burdens. It is critical to conform to federal tax law as soon as possible as the final tax payment is due March 15. Please contact your representatives to urge them to conform to federal PPP tax loan forgiveness and allow deductibility of expenses on Minnesota income tax returns for all businesses. Also, please contact Representative Paul Marquart, House Tax Chair, at 651-296-6829 or rep.paul.marquart@house.mn and urge him to conform to federal PPP tax loan forgiveness for all Minnesota businesses.

In our continued call for a transparent plan to reopen the economy, the Shakopee Chamber and Visitors Bureau has signed on to the Minnesota Ready letter to Governor Walz and the Legislature. Other states have crafted detailed plans that include achieving certain health-based metrics, dates, or milestones in order to trigger reopens either on a regional, industry specific, or statewide basis; Minnesota needs such a plan.

This year's Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is going virtual! Mark your calendar for two half-days of virtual learning and connecting with tourism professionals throughout the state. The conference is FREE to attend. Click here to register and view the conference agenda.

Each year during Chamber Week at the Capitol, real business people like you – who create jobs and economic prosperity across Minnesota – rally for pro-growth policies. It’s especially vital for lawmakers to hear from the business community this year as they make critical decisions on helping or hindering our economy’s recovery from COVID-19. This year's completely virtual, multi-day event will take place during the week of March 1–4. The Shakopee Chamber has been alotted space for six registrants; contact Tim Zunker if you are interested.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the US Department of Commerce, is providing Federal assistance to support innovative projects that promote and seek to ensure the growth and resolve the challenges faced by minority business enterprises. There is an estimated $375,000 anticipated to go toward Minnesota. Register today to attend the MBDA Business Center Grant Competition pre-application conference on Monday, March 1, to learn more about the application process, eligible locations, and deadlines.

The Dual-Training Grant is a funding source that generates collaborative and strategic educational solutions between employers and related instruction training providers across Minnesota. Employers or organizations of employers may apply for grants to reimburse expenses related to instruction toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate, or credential for their employees.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is committed to preparing you to apply for the Dual-Training Grant by offering a detailed workshop on completing the Dual Training Grant Request for Application. The workshop will walk applicants step-by-step through the application process and provide examples of prior applications. Click here to register. Click here for more Dual-Training Grant workshops and training opportunities.

This program complies with Federal DOT standards and Minnesota State Statutes and is designed to provide supervisors of both DOT and Non-DOT workplaces with the knowledge and skills they need to legally intervene and appropriately respond to a drug or alcohol reasonable suspicion occurrence in the workplace. Presenter Dr. Peter Swann will focus on real-world circumstances in addition to Minnesota state statutes and regulations. To register, e-mail Kim Johnson or call 651-968-5510.

Check out MOH's February newsletter for information about TB testing, silica medical surveillance, COVID-19 vaccine, DOT sleep evaluations, and work-injury tear-off posters.

Take a look at training opportunities and business resources available through the SBA's Minnesota District Office and their partners.

Don't miss a single podcast - a new one drops each Thursday! Listen to all of our podcasts by going to Shakopee.org/podcasts or subscribe to our podcast at:

Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3mwGFGk

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/396py7F

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2ZFVLQp

iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/2DPMGvH

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/39i36sF

Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2CKCft4

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3haNrhe

Podcast videos will be hosted and boosted on Facebook with a reach of approximately 2,000 per podcast, making a sponsorship a great way to increase awareness and visibility of your business! Click the link below for more info. Email the Chamber or call 952-445-1660 to secure your sponsorship.

Leadership 2.0 is a customized program built on investing in leaders with a leadership curriculum rooted in application and results. We all know the stronger our leaders in times of plenty and in times of want, the stronger our businesses and organizations. This program promises to equip leaders in a meaningful way. Click here to register. All sessions will be facilitated by Scott Morell, EdD – President and & Consultant with Rebar Leadership.

Rhythm on the Rails is an outdoor concert series that will take place five consecutive Wednesday nights this summer, from July 14 through August 11. ROTR provides a vibrant festival atmosphere that brings together the entire community - adults, kids, families, couples, friends, and neighbors - to enjoy live music, food, drinks, shopping, and activities for kids. This event is a collaborative effort led by Downtown Shakopee.

This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get involved and promote your business! Please email Ashley Grotewold or give her a call at 952-641-9044 with any questions or to secure your sponsorship.

SERVPRO of Shakopee/Savage/Prior Lake:

Register to be a judge. When registering, indicate Shakopee School District as your DECA Chapter. Email DECA Advisor Callon Siebenahler with any questions. Click here to learn more about DECA.

Join the Thrivent Member Network for "Retirement & Taxes", an exclusive webinar featuring guest speaker, Ed Slott. This entertaining and educational webinar is for people, like you, who have spent a lifetime saving for retirement and now want to know how taxes will impact those savings .... and what you can do about it. Gain insight on balancing your retirement security with the impact of taxes as Ed Slott combines his extensive IRA tax knowledge with humor and stories that anyone can relate to. (No products will be sold at this event. Ed Slott is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent.) Click here to register. Contact the Keystone Group, your local Thrivent financial experts with offices in Shakopee and Prior Lake, at 952-447-1090 for more information.

Start planning your graduation party early with QDOBA Mexican Eats! Call 888-778-2234 or click here for more information on our Graduation Party special and how you can save $50 on your catering order! 

Did you know that Chamber members can purchase Good Night Shakopee books wholesale to sell at your business for the retail price? And when you purchase 50 or more books, author and illustrator Christopher Straub will do a booksigning event at your business! Your book purchase will support the Chamber PLUS generate more business for you. Email the Chamber or give us a call at 952-445-1660 if you would like to purchase books.