Attend America's Small Business Summit 2011 in D.C.

America’s Small Business Summit (May 23-25 in Washington, D.C.) brings together business owners and local and state chamber executives in Washington to rally for free enterprise, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

Over the course of three days, summit attendees will network, meet with their elected officials to advocate for pro-growth policies and hear from Washington insiders and business experts on policies that are impacting American businesses.

Contact Julie Fiesel at jfiesel@rochestermnchamber.com or 507-424-5665 if you are interested in learning more or attending with a group of Rochester Chamber members.

Here's what a few of last year's attendees had to say about the summit.

“The U.S. Chamber Small Business Summit should be given consideration to attend. I would highly encourage anyone who is thinking about attending to get more information and considering being a part of the Rochester contingency. I enjoyed networking with potential clients on a national scale as well as learning about issues that are affecting small businesses (like health care). The speakers were outstanding.”
- Alan DeKeyrel, CWS, Inc.

"Why should someone go? To hear first hand from key economists in the country and other senior level people about what is going on at the national level and how we can make changes on a local level. The sessions were energized with business leaders and owners all wanting to find out how we can grow jobs in America and turn our economy around. From the panelists to the speakers there are many messages to take back home and share with others on how we can all do more in our own business and communities. As a business owner, CEO, or senior manager, the opportunities to meet with various legislators and senators and to share “best practices” with other business owners is invaluable."
- Melissa Brinkman, Custom Alarm

Building a Better Community: High Standards, Efficiency and Effectiveness are Essential

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, through the support of the Bush Foundation, the Minnesota Chamber, and our Members, funded an extensive study with an eye toward improving effectiveness and efficiency of Rochester’s development and permitting process.

“If we are going to succeed in building the world’s premier destination medical community, then we must have a process that reflects not only the highest quality standards, but the best service model as well,” said John Wade, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. “This isn’t about who’s right and who’s wrong, it’s about developing the best model for service in the country.”

Rochester Chamber’s Development Services Re-design Report Leads the Way to Job Creation and Much Improved Business – Government Working Relations

By Glenn S. Dorfman, Common Sense Solutions

After the two days interviewing City development staff, owners, developers, builders, architects, and engineers, it was easy to conclude that there is an obvious and serious disconnect between the service expectations of the Development Community and the mindset of the City development staff.

The business community considers the current plan review and permitting process to be capricious, inflexible, inconsistent, time-consuming, and unnecessarily bureaucratic. The City Development Staff distrust the word of many development community representatives based upon their experience with the lack of follow-through/word-keeping in regard to agreed upon development plans or permit conditions/requirements.

Both groups raised legitimate concerns and both groups need to make changes in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the permitting process to save Rochester taxpayers, homeowners, homebuyers, and businesses (those who always pay the cost of inefficiency) time, money, and inconvenience while still protecting public safety, quality of life, and natural resources.

Over the past ten years, and accelerating since the deep national recession of 2007, an increasing number of jurisdictions, supported by forward looking and thoughtful Business Leaders and Local Government Officials, the construction industry, and building owners, architects, engineers, and others have recognized the importance of streamlining building and land use regulatory systems and have put in place reforms to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The goals have often included the spectrum from increasing economic competitiveness to increasing energy conservation and disaster resiliency. Given the stubbornly high unemployment numbers, reflected in the faces of frustrated unemployed American workers, the goal of improving American economic competitiveness in a rapidly expanding world economy cannot be understated.

Government services re-design is not about regulatory abandonment, but rather it is about spending both government and private sector dollars more prudently. It is not about blame but rather improvement. This puts the Rochester Chamber and the City at the forefront of business government innovation.

An executive summary of the report can be downloaded here.

Sales Tax Extension Request a Legislative Priorty for 2011 Rochester on Tour at the Capitol

The people of Rochester ask the legislature to authorize the citizens to vote by referendum to CONTINUE THE CURRENT 0.5% City sales and use tax to raise $160 million in principal for improvements that will benefit the City, County, and State. This sales tax has been in effect since 1983. The proposed improvements include:

$26.5 million to State Higher Education Institutions (UMR, RCTC, WSU)

• $47 million for transportation improvements for highways (City and County) and the
  Rochester International Airport


• $38 million for economic development


• $8 million for a regional public safety facility


• $40.5 million for youthand elder regional and community facilities

Request rationale:
The City, Olmsted County, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the Higher Education institutions, Mayo Clinic, and many other organizations in the community believe that this extension will make Rochester a better, safer, and economically stronger regional center for this area and the State of Minnesota.

• REFERENDUMS: Rochester is the largest Minnesota local government to hold a referendum for a local sales tax. If authorized, this will be our 5th sales tax referendum. The last sales tax referendum in 2005 passed with a 72% positive vote. The Legislature is only requested to authorize the referendum vote.


• COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES OF THE FIRST CLASS: Rochester will be a City of the First Class in the 2010 census. All of the other cities of the first class have local sales taxes that either do not terminate or will be in place for a long time.

Interested in attending Rochester on Tour at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 2nd? There's still time to register. Click here or call 507-288-1122 no later than Monday, Jan. 31st.

Attend next month's Rochester on Tour at the Capitol! Growing Minnesota's Future. Today!

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring you the 8th annual Rochester on Tour at the Capitol, Rochester’s largest advocacy and networking event of the year. With a new governor and state legislature, the stakes are higher than ever to make our voice heard. We need to ensure that the Rochester area is well represented and receives fair treatment in the upcoming competitive legislative environment. More than 3,000 business and community leaders have taken advantage of this day to rally, promote Rochester, meet their legislators and enjoy a day full of networking.

Location: Rochester/St. Paul, Minn.
Cost: Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment: $40/person
Transportation: $10/person (free for seniors 62+ and students)
History Center & Supreme Court Tours: Free!
Register (deadline to register: Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011)

"The state is faced with significant fiscal challenges, and how they are dealt with will impact our area," says Julie Fiesel, director of government affairs at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. "You can make a difference by joining us at the Capitol and voicing your concerns to show our state legislators we care."

Rochester on Tour allows business leaders and community members to show the more than 85 legislators from across the state how important Rochester is to the economic vitality of the state. When attending this event, you have the opportunity to network with legislative, business and community leaders while highlighting many of Rochester’s prominent legislative priorities.

In 2004, the Chamber organized its first Rochester on Tour at the Capitol, drawing just over 200 attendees to fight for Rochester in the approaching legislative session. In the past seven years, this event has grown considerably, and is now widely known among legislators at the Capitol as the largest gathering of its kind. Last year, over 500 business leaders and community members arrived at the Capitol to show more than 85 legislators from across the state how important Rochester is to the economic vitality of the state.

"In addition to showing the state legislature how important our community is to the economic vitality of the state, Rochester on Tour doubles as a premier networking opportunity for the business community," says Kristine Ihrke of Best Western Soldiers Field in Rochester and this year’s Rochester on Tour committee chair. "It’s a great time to meet other community members and interact with a group of concerned citizens."

This year’s tour will again kick off at Galaxy 14 Cine with a breakfast compliments of Hy-Vee and a greeting and send-off from Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede. Attendees then load the buses and the tour begins. The day continues with lunch at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront in downtown St. Paul. Here, newly elected Governor Mark Dayton and our area legislators are invited to say a few words. The fun continues as attendees are then bused to the Capitol Rotunda where Rochester makes its voice heard during a rally which includes music, fun and prizes.

Following the rally, attendees are invited to watch legislature in action, tour the Capitol complex, visit with area legislators and participate in various local issues discussions. New in 2011, a tour of the Supreme Court is available. The tour then moves down the road to the site of our Grand Reception at the National Guard Armory. Here, local businesses and community members continue to promote our city to state legislators while enjoying live music, a taste of Rochester compliments of area restaurants and a small trade show of Rochester area exhibitors. All Minnesota state legislators are invited to attend.

The evening winds down around 7 p.m., with buses arriving back in Rochester at 9 p.m.

Regardless of our viewpoints, we can all be sure of one fact: Whatever happens at the 2011 state of Minnesota legislative session will affect the Rochester area. It’s your city, county, business and home. Be there to have a say in how they will be affected. Whether you know a little or a lot when it comes to government affairs, you’ll find this event worth your while. Please consider joining us. Together we can grow Minnesota’s future, today.

Click here to download event flier.
Click here for a full schedule of events and/or to register.

Governor Pawlenty Farewell Visit

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for a farewell visit with Governor Tim Pawlenty on Tuesday, Dec. 14th from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Rochester. Refreshments will be provided. While there is no fee for this event, we kindly request that you register in advance.

Doubletree Hotel; 150 S. Broadway
Cost: Free (please register)
Register

Public input sought on proposed Milwaukee-Twin Cities high speed rail corridor

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a Dec. 6 open house in Rochester to solicit public input into the environmental impact study for the proposed Milwaukee-Minneapolis/St. Paul high-speed passenger rail corridor.

The Tier 1 National Environmental Policy Act Study is part of an effort by Mn/DOT, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, and the Federal Railroad Administration to analyze all possible routes for high-speed passenger rail between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities. The study began in March 2010.

Monday, Dec 6, 2010
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mayo Civic Center; Elliott Suite
30 Civic Center Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904

Election Day

As you probably know by now, tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 2nd) is election day. This note came through our emails today from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's http://www.mymn.org/ initiative, and we couldn't have stated it better. See you at the polls!

A note from www.mymn.org:
Greetings! No state in the country has more engaged citizens than Minnesota. The National Conference on Citizenship ranked Minnesota number one in civic engagement based on voting, volunteering and trying to institute change in their own neighborhoods. Tomorrow is Election Day and Minnesota has a proud tradition of leading the nation in voter turnout to uphold. Your vote matters and will make a difference in this year's election. VOTE on Tuesday, November 2nd and help Minnesota maintain its rich and proud history.

If you aren't sure where to vote tomorrow, find out by visiting http://www.rochesterbusinessvoice.com/.

First Congressional District Candidate Questionnaire Results

With several key business issues at the forefront in 2010, the election in Minnesota’s first congressional district will impact the businesses of southern Minnesota for years to come. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce believes it is important for the business community to get good information from the candidates on their positions relating to job creation and other issues that affect the business climate in our community.

To better understand candidate positions on critical business issues, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, along with nine chambers from Minnesota’s First Congressional District, have come together to provide their members with a candidate survey in the Congressional race. Randy Demmer, Lars Johnson, Congressman Tim Walz and Steven Wilson, received and completed the questionnaire. The results are now available on the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Web site here.

“We joined nine other local chambers in the 1st District to provide quality information to our members about where these candidates stand,” says John Wade, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. “This election matters and we clearly focused on issues that are important to the district and the business community.”

The Chamber serves as the lead advocate for business at all levels of government. By developing positions on issues of public policy and communicating these positions, the Chamber creates value for its members. The Chamber provides a forum for the business voice to be heard. As a result, state, local, and federal leaders seek the audience of our members and their opinion with regard to public policy.

Next week's Gubernatorial Debate to feature candidates Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer and Tom Horner

Join the Chamber on Friday, Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Rochester Golf & Country Club as we partner with the Rochester Post-Bulletin to host a Governor Candidates Debate. Please join us as the candidates discuss the issues that affect Rochester and greater Minnesota. Confirmed candidates include Mark Dayton, Tom Emmer and Tom Horner. Cost to attend is $20 for Members and $30 for Non-Members. Click here to register.

2010 Legislative Session Results

The business community’s results were a combination of offensive and defensive victories again this year. On the tax front, businesses emerged from the session largely unscathed as the Governor insisted on balancing the budget without raising general fund taxes. That’s the good news. But the challenge will be even greater in 2011 as policy-makers tackle a projected shortfall approaching $6 billion for FY 2012-2013.

The budget again will be the top priority in 2011. The urgency for changes to the spending and budgeting processes cannot be ignored as Minnesota faces significant demographic changes with more people demanding public services and fewer people paying for them. Businesses and households don’t have the ability to collect higher taxes to fund their wish lists. Government must follow suit by seeking greater efficiencies in its operations and focusing on truly statewide priorities.

2010 Session – Local Results
Southeast Minnesota Rail Alliance

The Olmsted County’s request for $8 million in bonding funds to prepare design and engineering documents to construct a new rail line around the City of Rochester did not make it in the final bonding bill. On the passenger rail front the January released state wide rail plan named the Rochester-Twin Cities corridor as a Priority 1 corridor.

Mayo Civic Center Expansion

Funding was in the final bonding bill sent to Governor Pawlenty but was line item vetoed. The Governor followed through on his promise and commitment to not sign a bonding bill in excess of $700 million. Using his line item veto authority this was one of the projects shaved out of the $319 million cut. The $34 million bonding ask would have paid for 50% of the construction of additional ballroom/event space at the Mayo Civic Center. The other half would be paid for locally.

Multipurpose Corridor Acquisition

One million was granted to the City of Rochester for the purchase of an abandoned rail bed that would connect he Douglas trailhead to the pedestrian bridge that is being constructed over Hwy 14 near the intersection of Hwy 52 and Hwy 14.

Rochester MnDOT facility upgrade

The district six maintenance facility located in Rochester received $26 million for the construction of additional office space and equipment maintenance and storage space.

National Volleyball Center

This long sought after project received $4 million in bonding dollars to construct additional locker room, bathroom, and volleyball court space at the National Volleyball Center that is attached to Century High School. Construction is slated to begin sometime in 2011.

2010 Session – State Results
Taxes
Passed:

• Minnesota’s new angel investment tax credit is intended to stimulate private investment in emerging businesses and encourage job creation. It provides tax incentives to investors or funds that put money into start-up businesses that are focused on high technology or new proprietary technology. The bill allocates $17 million for angel investor credits in FY 2011, $12 million in FY 2012 and $11.9 million in FY 2013.


• Three changes were made to the research and development tax credit. First, the first tier of the credit was increased from 5 percent to 10 percent. Second, it is now a refundable credit. Third, partnerships and S-corporations are eligible for the credit.

Defeated:

• The more than $2.96 billion shortfall in the state’s general fund for FY 2010-2011 was resolved without raising general fund taxes. The session began with a $994 million shortfall, but that changed in the final weeks when the Supreme Court ruled that Governor Pawlenty did not have authority to make his unallotments in the summer of 2009. In the end, the Legislature ratified the lion’s share of the Governor’s unallotments and payment shifts – but still proposed raising $434 million in higher taxes. The Governor vetoed the tax increase. Most of the increased revenue would have been generated by creating a fourth-tier income tax bracket for high-income individuals. The rate would have been 9.1 percent starting at $200,000 income for married joint filers and $113,000 for single individuals. The bracket would have gone away only if the 2013 February Forecast showed a general fund surplus of more than $500 million. This tax would have hit small businesses especially hard as 57 percent of the filers in the proposed bracket have small-business income. Research also shows that high personal income-tax rates are a clear deterrent to investment and hiring by the state’s entrepreneurs. In addition, some high-income individuals have left states that have adopted tax brackets targeted at them. The bill also would have eliminated the state tax benefit of some federal tax deductions for high-income individuals one year earlier than Congress is expected to do. This was known as “accelerated conformity.”


• Proposal to repeal the foreign royalty deduction and foreign operating corporation provisions and define corporations that are incorporated or do business in so-called “tax haven” countries as domestic corporations. These provisions would increase the corporate tax liability of employers that have significant operations in the state and sell nationally or worldwide.

More work to do in 2011:

• As difficult as it was to balance the budget for this biennium, the Legislature faces an even more foreboding task for the next biennium. Lawmakers left a projected $5.8 billion shortfall for FY 2012-2013. It is imperative to take immediate steps to slow the growth in spending if we are to avoid future financial crises.


• The budget compromise contained two provisions to help the state avoid borrowing to manage its cash-flow needs. Both provisions, however, place a strain on cash flow for the affected businesses. First, those retailers subject to the June accelerated sales tax provision have to remit at least 67 percent of sales tax collections in the same month or must remit at least 90 percent of the collection six days earlier in the month following the collection. Though compromise language that was accepted, this is still bad policy. Second, capital equipment and corporate income tax refunds will be delayed for 180 days and is expected to generate about $152 million of one-time savings.

Environment and Natural Resources
Passed:

• Initial steps toward streamlining environmental review and permitting processes. Key provisions are: a goal of issuing Department of Agriculture permits within 150 days of application; e-licensing applications; customized environmental assessment worksheets for specific industries/projects; no duplication in the review and permitting processes; coordination among state agencies in the permitting and review processes.

Defeated:

• Proposal for legislative approval of permits. This would have created additional time, cost and uncertainty for applicants.


• Requirement that companies provide additional financial assurances on nonferrous mines. Current rules and regulations are sufficient.

More work to do:

• Additional streamlining of environmental review and permitting processes, including a goal of issuing Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency permits within 150 days and a measure that any appeals would bypass the district court and go directly to the Court of Appeals.

Energy
Defeated:

• Proposal to create a Nuclear Waste Storage Commission. Xcel Energy ratepayers still would have paid an assessment for permanent storage of spent fuel, but the money would have been diverted from a federal to a state fund. There would be no assurance that the on-site waste will ever leave Minnesota or be adequately stored on-site. In addition, there was the risk that ratepayers would have to pay two assessments – one to the state and another to the federal government.


• Measure to repeal a modified moratorium on additional nuclear power. The moratorium would go away only if the utility demonstrates it is not seeking cost recovery for planning, design, safety, environmental or engineering studies, or cost recovery for obtaining regulatory approval for a new plant. The onerous conditions placed on utilities would have made the existing moratorium even worse.

More work to do:

• Continue to seek removal of the ban on additional nuclear power. The moratorium is one of the most stringent of all states because the Public Utilities Commission cannot issue a permit under any circumstances.

Education & Workforce Development
Defeated:

• Measure that would have allowed local school boards to renew existing operating levy referendums up to10 years without putting the issue before voters. These are levies that were originally approved by voters for a specified number of years.


• Measure that would have permanently lowered the standards for high school graduation math requirements. Minnesota continues to graduate large numbers of students who are not ready for college or careers.

More work to do:

• The Rochester Area Chamber will continue to advocate for alternative licensure for teachers. Studies show that second to parents, quality teachers are the top predictor of student success. The measure had broad bipartisan support but DFL leadership blocked votes on the House and Senate floors.

Health Care
Defeated:

• A plan that the state spend $188 million to expand its medical assistance program for low-income Minnesotans to tap into $1.4 billion in federal money. Instead, an agreement was made where the governor and the next governor would have the authority to opt into the program. That authority would expire January 15, 2011.


• Medical Assistance surcharge on HMOs – a tax on health care plans that would be passed through to policy-holders.

Elections
Passed:

• Campaign finance reform that changes current law to allow independent expenditures by corporations. It also modifies penalties associated with the new expenditures and requires corporations that desire to do an independent expenditure to register via a new type of independent expenditure Political Action Committee. The new entities are subject to the same reporting requirements as current PACs. There are several new reporting periods for all PACs, but candidate committees and party units are exempted from the new reports. The bill allows “associations” – including corporations – that contribute to an Independent Expenditure Political Fund to protect the identity of member contributors.

Labor/Management
Defeated:

• Requirement that employers with more than 10 employees provide one hour of paid sick time off for every 30 hours worked up to a maximum of 72 hours, and a maximum of 40 hours for employers with fewer than 10 workers.


• Measure that would have mandated the specifics of “break time” – meal and work breaks – that employers provide employees.


• Measure that would have expanded the definition of misconduct, making it easier for workers fired from their jobs to receive unemployment benefits.


• Measure that would have allowed the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development – on sole authority without legislative approval – to increase the workforce development fee.


• Measure that would have prevented employers from considering job applicants’ credit scores as a condition of employment. Though uncommon, employers do use credit background as a tool for certain positions where confidential information is accessible or financial discretion is required.

More work to do:

• Workers’ compensation reform to streamline the dispute resolution process. Doing so helps injured workers find solutions sooner and saves legal costs.

Transportation
Passed:

• Measure that allows individuals to purchase an enhanced driver’s license as an alternative to purchasing a Passport, as required under federal law, to benefit those individuals who cross the Canadian and Mexican borders on a regular basis.


• The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council are required to provide a planning document every two years to key members of the Legislature describing the overall health of transit operating funds both at present and in the future. The document will help legislators and stakeholders better understand the long-term financial impacts and needs brought on by each new railway.

Defeated:

• Proposed street utility fee that would have allowed cities to establish “utility districts” for infrastructure improvement projects, and would have allowed cities to expand the improvement project assessment area beyond the area where the work was being completed.

More work to do:

• The Rochester Area Chamber supports the recommendations of the Strategic Management and Operations Advisory Task Force as a step toward greater efficiencies in the Minnesota Department of Transportation operations and projects. Taxpayers must be assured they are receiving the greatest value for their tax dollars.

2010 Worksite Wellness Conference & Expo - Now Accepting Exhibitor Applications

The 2010 Worksite Wellness Conference and Expo in Rochester, Minn. will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 at the Mayo Civic Center. The conference will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the expo will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity for Southeast Minnesota businesses to get involved in worksite wellness.

As a provider of services and opportunities to improve and enhance employee wellness, the Expo planning committee would like to invite you to apply to participate in the event with a table of information and resources. However, due to a limited number of spaces, there will be an application to fill out to be considered as an exhibitor for the 2010 Worksite Wellness Expo event.

Highest priority will be given to exhibitors with a focus on employee wellness and those with interactive displays. Please fill out the attached application form and return to Pete Moehnke at pmoehnke@rochestermnchamber.com. Application deadline is Friday July 9, 2010. Exhibitors will be chosen and notified by Friday, July 30, 2010.

There will be a $50 fee to have a display table of information at the Worksite Wellness Expo. A representative from your organization must be available throughout the event to share information and answer attendee’s questions. There is a separate $40 charge for electricity.

Critical Employer Issues in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

No law since perhaps the creation of the Medicare and Medicaid programs or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has more fundamentally shifted the health care landscape than the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148, as modified by H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010). Many of the provisions are geared toward expanding access to health care coverage through a mix of incentives for private insurance and a dramatic expansion of public programs.

Download the updated report (PDF)

U.S. Chamber Provides Health Care Analysis For Businesses

Analysis of the recently passed health care reform is now available on the U.S. Chamber's Web site. Links to the summary of the reform, along with the timeline for implementation, are found the at following link: Click here for the full analysis. We encourage all members to review the sweeping changes that will impact you, your business, and your employees.

Event Recap: April Eggs & Issues (Minnesota's Strategy for Building a Competitive Workforce)

Minnesota's Strategy for Building a Competitive Workforce was the topic at the April 10th Eggs & Issues. State Representative Sandra Peterson reviewed her bill which requires students entering high school to have a plan to guide him/her though high school and beyond into competitive employment and post secondary education. The Rochester Area Chamber supports this bill.

Following her presentation Representative Demmer, Representative Welti and Senator Lynch joined Representative Peterson for a question and answer session on other issues important to the business community.

Event News Coverage:
Post-Bulletin story
Post-Bulletin editorial

Northern Rochester Transportation Study Open House

The City of Rochester and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) District 6 are underway with the Northern Rochester Transportation Study, focused on an area bound by 75th Street NW on the north, 55th Street NW on the south, 50th Avenue NW on the west, and 18th Avenue NW on the east.

Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Address: George W. Gibbs, Jr. Elementary School, 5525 56th Street NW

The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the project, view the recommended alternative design layout, and provide input. Project staff will be available to answer questions and listen to concerns. A brief presentation will be given at 7 p.m.

The recommended alternative includes the following elements:

1. Construction of a new folded diamond interchange at Highway 52 and 65th Street NW
2. Relocation of the 55th Street East Frontage Road
3. Six-lanes on 55th Street NW between Members Parkway and the East Frontage Road (Bandel Road)
4. Reconstruction of the interchange at Highway 52 and 55th Street NW as a single point urban interchange
5. Construction of a west frontage road between 55th Street NW and 65th Street NW (Clearwater Road alignment)
6. Additional local roadway capacity improvements (e.g., additional lanes and/or intersection turn lanes)

Eggs & Issues: Minnesota's Strategy for Economic Recovery Re-Broadcast Dates/Times

For those unable to attend the Chamber's Eggs & Issues session on March 12th with Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Dan McElroy regarding Minnesota's strategies to improve job growth in our region, you can view the re-broadcast this Friday (1/19) at 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday (1/20 - 1/21) at 4:30 and 10 p.m. on Charter Ch. 10. The event also featured our entire local legislative leadership, who provided their input on the 2010 legislative session.

Electronic Message Center Sign Ordinance Amendment Defeated

The February 8th Rochester City Council Committee of the Whole meeting was a successful night for Rochester businesses. For several years, the Rochester/Olmsted County Planning Department has been advocating for a stricter zoning ordinance for electronic business signs. Since this was first brought forward, the Chamber has been working diligently against this through a task force of businesses who have a vested interest in fighting the stricter ordinance.

Many businesses have invested thousands of dollars in these electronic message centers which market their products and services to the public. These signs are frequently used to promote non-profit and community events. Two of the main proposed ordinance changes would have limited sign locations and how often the sign message could change.

If the proposed ordinance would have been enacted, it would of made many of these signs essentially static.

By filling the room with local businesses, the Chamber, along with the business community, was able to get the issue tabled until a federal study on electronic messaging is complete. It is unknown when the study will be finished or if the study will even review electronic message centers.

"This was a long process and in the end it was good to have the council see that at this time there was no real issue with the electronic signs," says Mike Thom, manager at Home Improvement Professionals. "We business owners thank the council for their patience, understanding and support throughout this process."

The Chamber thanks the city council and staff for supporting our task force efforts. They agreed that there was not a public outcry to enforce a stricter ordinance. There was not a problem to fix. You can be confident that if this issue pops up again in the future, the task force will be re-mobilized to fight against this unnecessary zoning ordinance amendment.

Your Chamber is a conduit between the business community and local, state and federal government officials. We take this role very seriously in advocating for our members. Contact John Eckerman at 507-424-5687 for any questions or concerns regarding this valuable service.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede and Chamber President John Wade Urge Rochester Citizens to Fill the Capitol on Feb. 24th at Rochester on Tour

Rochester area projects are in jeopardy. We need you at the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Chamber’s Rochester on Tour at the Capitol event to save our projects from being on the chopping block. As a community, this is a chance to make a huge difference in the future of Rochester. Rochester is a driving economic engine in Minnesota, but all in the state do not recognize this.

Rochester’s bonding projects are in jeopardy of not happening! The Mayo Civic Center expansion project alone will have a huge impact on the regional and state economy. It is expected to create 1,200 jobs (400 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs) and increase the Mayo Civic Center’s economic impact by $44 million per year.

These tourist dollars fill hotels and restaurants. Tourists shop in Rochester stores and keep our residents employed by bringing their business here. This, and other projects in the bill, is essential to Rochester’s economy. We need to make sure Rochester receives the tools to prosper economically and retain and grow jobs!

Rochester area bonding projects include:

• Southern Rail Corridor
• Mayo Civic Center Expansion
• Classroom additions and renovations at RCTC
• Co-location of Workforce Development Center at the RCTC Campus
• Multipurpose Corridor Acquisition
• Lake Zumbro Restoration
• Rochester MnDOT facility upgrade
• National Volleyball Center

Register today for Rochester on Tour. To register, click here or call 507-288-1122. We have extended the registration deadline to Noon on Monday, Feb. 22.

2010 Legislative Session Preview Re-Broadcast Dates/Times

For those of you who were unable to attend the Chamber's 2010 Legislative Session Preview Breakfast this Tuesday, you can view the re-broadcast tonight (1/29) at 5 p.m., Saturday (1/30) at 10:30 p.m., Sunday (1/31) at 10 p.m., or Monday (2/1) at 9 a.m. on Charter Ch. 10. The Jan. 26th event featured the entire local legislative leadership, among other legislators, who provided their input on the upcoming session and discussed the business agenda with more than 100 audience members.

Media coverage of the event can be found at the following Web sites:

• Post-Bulletin News Story
• KAAL-TV News Story

2010 Legislative Session Q & A w/ Rochester's local legislative delegation

The 2010 Minnesota Legislative Session will be starting in a few weeks. The session will be another challenging year as the state's finances will dominate. It is also a bonding year and Rochester and Southeast Minnesota will be advocating for several important bonding projects. Rochester's local legislative delegation will be heading to St. Paul on Feb. 4th. Here are their thoughts on a few questions regarding the session:

The November forecast was grim - down another $1.2 billion. What is your view on solving the budget deficit?

Rep. Tina Liebling: Last session, the legislature passed a three-part balanced budget - carefully targeted cuts, a modest tax increase on high incomes, and accounting shifts. We also passed many efficiency and accountability measures and will continue that work. In my view, a balanced approach is still the only responsible way forward.

Rep. Randy Demmer: I believe the Governor and House Republicans will stay strong on not increasing the tax rates on individuals and businesses. We will advocate for putting off spending or reducing to get within the revenues we anticipate coming in. Even the federal government, at least for now, understands that raising tax rates at a time that the private sector is struggling is not good policy.

Sen. Ann Lynch: Simply put, Minnesotans need more jobs. We cannot raise taxes or cut spending enough to get Minnesota and its citizens out of this dire budget situation. We must take a balanced, long-term approach to solving this problem. Dealing with this budget is going to be really hard work, but not unlike what Minnesota’s families and businesses are facing. We must honestly cut state spending, raise fair revenues, and make sound investments that will create jobs because that’s the only sustainable way to move Minnesota forward.

Rep. Andy Welti: The short-term deficit will be solved through more budget reductions and reforms. The reductions will affect nearly every budget in state government.

Sen. Dave Senjem: The state's budget shortfalls are a reflection of what is happening on our general economy. When business revenue is down the solution is not to raise prices but to reduce expenses. This has to be the pathway for solving our state's financial deficit. We must do things that enhance job creation and tax wealth. Further taxing jobs and families when they are struggling to hang on is not the way to prosperity. Creating a business friendly, jobs producing state with an economic engines that fit the strengths of our state is the way to bring prosperity back to Minnesota.

Rep. Kim Norton: The November forecast was indeed grim, but the projections for the next biennium are much, much more concerning. We continue to lack a long term solution for weathering the deficit and addressing the long-ago identified structural problems with our budget. Several committees, even one of the Governor's making, have made a list of suggestions for addressing these issues - but there has simply been no interest at the Executive level to move ahead with them. Knowing the Governor's position, I am fully prepared to work with my colleagues to make necessary cuts in the state budget and would hope that, this year, the legislature will be allowed to proceed as our constituents expect without threat of unallotment. Having said that, I am very concerned about the impact of these cuts on Minnesotans and the quality of life we want and expect.

How do the Rochester Area Bonding projects look to fare during the 2010 Minnesota Legislative Session?

Rep. Kim Norton: Your delegation will work hard to make certain that the legislature understands the importance of the various bonding bill proposed for our part of the state. As a regional center, we should certainly be given special consideration for some projects of regional or statewide importance, even in these tough economic times. I am hopeful that a number of our requests will make it to the Governor’s desk...what happens after that is in his hands.

Sen. Dave Senjem: Thinking about the bill and statewide proportionally, I think Rochester will have another good bonding outcome headlined by the $34 million for the Mayo Civic Center. Additional projects are going to be difficult with such a large amount going to the civic center but we will be working as a delegation on things like the Workforce Center, the Volleyball Center, the Lake Zumbro Restoration, and our regional trail projects. The Rochester area has fared well in the past and I we'll work hard to make sure we are fairly represented going forward.

Rep. Andy Welti: The House bonding bill will probably include three to four key projects. When the conference committee meets and the Governor weighs in, some of those projects could be lost according to his recently released bonding bill proposal.

Sen. Ann Lynch: I just reviewed the Governor’s bonding request and am pleased to see that funding for the Southern Corridor Railroad Project was included. I believe the key to a good bonding project is that it creates jobs and helps bring additional revenue to the area or state. Two projects that meet this criterion are the Mayo Civic Center expansion and the National Volleyball Center.

Rep. Randy Demmer: I think we will see even more emphasis this year on projects that are infrastructure based - roads, bridges, HEAPR, rail, airports, etc. Projects deemed to be of a more local nature will have a tougher time, regardless of party connections.

Rep. Tina Liebling: The governor has excluded almost all Rochester projects from his proposed bonding bill and threatens to veto the final bill if it includes projects he does not favor. With the Governor insisting on his bill or none at all, unless at least three House Republicans will vote to override his veto, our chances are slim. This missed opportunity is a blow to our regional economy and to the entire state.

Rochester on Tour (ROT) is Wednesday, Feb. 24th. What is your favorite part of this annual event? Your favorite ROT moment?

Rep. Tina Liebling: My favorite part is the big hometown party at the Armory, where we meet friends old and new. My favorite moments are when I meet folks from Rochester who are visiting the capitol for the first time, and when legislators from other places tell me how much our community impressed them.

Rep. Randy Demmer: My favorite part is seeing all the "locals" on Capitol hill, creating the "buzz". I also really enjoy meeting with the Chamber young professionals, answering questions about process, politics, etc. Of course the food at the Armory is outstanding! Really, what is not to like about ROT?

Sen. Ann Lynch: My favorite part of ROT is the number of visitors who take the time to come to St. Paul to share their stories and help me to shine light on our important regional economic issues. Having 500 of my neighbors, community leaders, constituents, students and friends fill the capitol rotunda is truly inspiring and gives me a sense of pride for the area I am privileged to serve.

Rep. Andy Welti: I enjoy attending the reception at the Armory. After a very hectic and fast paced day, it gives me a chance to speak with the people who attend the event.

Sen. Dave Senjem: My favorite part of Rochester on Tour is the evening party when I get to showcase the people of Rochester to my legislative colleagues. You guys are great and we who serve you are all so very proud to do so.

Rep. Kim Norton: I'm ready for Rochester to storm the capitol again this year! This great event makes us all proud and is mentioned by legislators regularly. They note the large number of citizens that participate, but also comment on the wonderful event at the close of the day as the "premier" city event each year.