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Jun
Statewide Policy Tour Makes First Stop in South St. Paul to Deliver 2017 Legislative Wrap-Up
Nicole Bengtson0 comments Advocacy & Public Policy, Business Ideas, Editorials
Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul (June 2017) – As a member of the Minnesota Chamber Federation, the River Heights Chamber of Commerce was proud to have long-time member, Waterous Company, host the first stop on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Statewide Policy Tour on May 31st in South St. Paul.
A little history about our host: Waterous has been making quality, American-Made firefighting related products since 1886. Waterous made complete apparatus including horse-drawn, steam-driven hose carts until 1929 when the focus changed to manufacture fire pumps. NOW – Waterous still builds revolutionary fire suppression systems and holds true to the philosophy “Cast, Machine, Assemble and Test our pumps in America.” You can count on Waterous to provide you with the utmost in quality products and customer service.
Statewide Policy Tour: The tour included 25 business representatives from Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, St. Paul and surrounding communities who got to hear from Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Director of Environmental Policy and Director of Education & Workforce Development from the Minnesota Chamber, first-hand (days after the special session concluded), on results of the Federation’s legislative priorities that have weighed on businesses and families in our communities over the past year and prior.
The Minnesota Chamber lobbying team noted, “The Minnesota Chamber clearly delivered on your priorities this year. All the top priorities were signed into law except for one – the Uniform State Labor Standards Act – and that passed both the House and Senate, only to be vetoed by Governor Dayton. Our legislative victories will better position your company, and all of Minnesota, to be ready for the future – ready for change and ready to grow.” They added, “The Legislature went into special session to avoid a government shutdown. Governor Dayton signed all the budget bills and tax bills, but more negotiations may be coming. He line-item vetoed the House and Senate legislative budgets in an attempt to force leadership back to the table to undo provisions he already signed into law: the repeal of the automatic inflator on the statewide business property tax levy and cigarette taxes; the increase in the estate tax threshold; teacher licensing reforms; and rulemaking prohibitions on drivers’ licenses for undocumented immigrants. His vetoes are headed for a court challenge.”
The conclusion of this legislative session highlighted significant progress on a range of business needs stated below. Our successes are at the foundation of your success.
- BUSINESS TAX RELIEF: We delivered biggest tax relief for all Minnesotans since 2001
- TRANSPORTATION: We delivered largest investment in roads and bridges since 2008 – without increase in taxes or fees
- HEALTH CARE: We delivered more options for small businesses to provide employee coverage
- LAWSUIT REFORM: We delivered protection for businesses targeted with abusive lawsuits
- ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS: We delivered reasonable and responsible improvements to state environmental review and permitting
- EDUCATION/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: We delivered on workforce needs including K-12 reforms, early learning, housing and childcare funding
- LABOR/MANAGEMENT: We preserved the effectiveness of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council process
- ENERGY AND TELECOM: We delivered savings on energy costs and improved communications infrastructure
UNIFORM LABOR STANDARDS
“Our biggest disappointment was the Governor’s veto of the Uniform State Labor Standards Act that would have explicitly prevented local governments from mandating local wage and benefit packages on private employers. We adamantly oppose government interference – at any level – in private-sector employee benefits, especially a local patchwork of mandates,” added the Minnesota Chamber.
Our lawsuit continues against the city of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis and St. Paul paid sick and safe time ordinances are scheduled to go into effect July 1. The Hennepin County District Court has ruled that Minneapolis may not enforce its ordinance against “any employer resident outside the geographic boundaries of the city of Minneapolis” until there’s a decision from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. As a result, St. Paul is imposing its ordinance only on those businesses with a physical location within its boundaries. Our lawsuit is scheduled for a July 11 hearing before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, which then must issue a decision within 90 days.
Members of the business community shared the following items they would like to see the Minnesota Chamber Federation continue to work on and advocate for in the 2018 Legislative Session: create uniform labor standards, create more health care cost solutions for small businesses and individual plans, secure social security tax relief and education reform for ensuring effective teachers and funding for early childhood education.
For more detailed information on each priority’s results, please visit the River Heights Chamber’s website here.
About River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to attract and retain businesses to keep the business community thriving. The River Heights Chamber continues to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit our website www.riverheights.com to learn more!
Stay Connected with the River Heights Chamber on our social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
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May
Progress Plus ED Foundation and the City of South St. Paul Partner to Attract New Business
Nicole Bengtson0 comments Business Ideas, Editorials, Marketing
Progress Plus ED Foundation and the City of South St. Paul Partner to Attract New Business
The City of South St. Paul is looking to attract new businesses to the area and Progress Plus is here to lend a helping hand.
A Great History…
South St. Paul’s early growth was driven on the hooves of cattle by drovers, ramrods and settlers. Over the years, our community evolved and earned a reputation as home to a proud and prosperous community of dedicated, hard-working innovators. Rooted in this history, today South St. Paul is home to one of the upper Midwest’s most dynamic and diverse business park environments at “BridgePoint,” home to world-class manufacturing plants, state-of-the-art distribution and warehousing businesses, specialized technical and professional service providers, and much, much more. We invite you to visit and learn how we can help to establish your company as BridgePoint’s next great success story.
…A Greater Tomorrow
Any company that considers South St. Paul soon finds that here they’re never in business alone. Every program we offer, every benefit we provide, has been designed to help businesses succeed and individuals enjoy a better life. Here you’ll find programs to help businesses with location selection, expansion and relocation services. You’ll discover that we’re more than ready to do everything possible to help you successfully bridge the gap to a greater, more prosperous tomorrow.
The City will work with your business to analyze project requirements including: planning, zoning, finance and marketing. Depending on the nature of the project, the following business assistance resources may be available:
Open to Business – South St. Paul works with MCCD’s “Open to Business” program, which offers free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting to small businesses located or thinking of locating in South St. Paul. Open to business offers a range of technical assistance to businesses and is able to provide financing to qualified business development projects.
South St. Paul Future Inc. – South St. Paul Future Inc. offers competitive fixed asset financing to qualified firms whose operations are based within the City of South St. Paul. Whether you need financing for new equipment, expansion, startup costs, or acquisitions, Future is here to help you with the next step. www.riverheights.com/sspfuture (651) 451-2266
Here are some other local partners businesses you can tap into:
Dakota Scott County Workforce Center
Their workforce and business development representatives can help you find the right workers, publicize jobs and access workforce data. (651) 554-5622
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Economy. Industry. Workforce. Incentives. See why Minnesota is the best place for your business expansion or relocation. DEED.CustomerService@state.mn.us (952) 259-7114
South Metro Chapter of SCORE
Provides free and confidential business counseling whether starting a new business, buying or selling a business or managing an existing business. www.southmetro.score.org (952) 890-7020
For questions, or if you would like more information on doing business in South St. Paul, please contact Progress Plus Economic Development at 651.451.2266 or visit us online at www.progressplus.org.

Mar
River Heights Chamber Announces Small Business of the Year
Nicole Bengtson0 comments Business Ideas, Event News, Marketing
March 29, 2016
Contact: Nicole Bengtson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: 651.451.2266 ext. 1033
Email: Nicole@riverheights.com
MEDIA RELEASE
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham to receive 2016 Small Business of the Year Award from River Heights Chamber of Commerce
27th Anniversary of Small Business Award in Local Business Community
Inver Grove Heights/South Saint Paul – The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham will receive the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Small Business of the Year Award! Don Heikkila, General Manager, will humbly accept the award at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Small Business Award Luncheon & Trade Show on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul.
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us in celebrating Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham and to salute small business at the annual event on April 14th. This year marks the 27th Anniversary of the River Heights Chamber celebrating this award with the business community and is sponsored in-part by Town Square Television, Waterous Company, Hometown Meats (2015 Small Business of the Year) and Antonsen Construction. The event also consists of a business Trade Show supported by Wakota Federal Credit Union and FASTSIGNS of Inver Grove Heights. Member businesses nominated local small businesses and the Chamber’s Recognition Committee selected the award recipient from many deserving applicants.
The Small Business of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has been in business for five years or more, has 20 or fewer employees, has at least two years of membership in the River Heights Chamber, and encompasses a business that has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, to its employees, suppliers and customer relationships, in addition to a commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations.
Keynote speaker, Dina Simon, from Simon Says Lead and Simon Says Give, is confirmed to share her secret sauce to being unstoppable in achieving what you want in your business and encourage you to find your own unstoppableness along the way. Dina is a professional speaker, author and CEO of Simon Says Lead and will share with us her personal journey of moving from managing a $500 million P&L to being the founder of two start-up operations.
RSVP to attend the luncheon and tradeshow ($35/pp) at www.riverheights.com/smallbusiness and plan to exhibit at the trade show by signing up at www.riverheights.com/tradeshow by April 7th!
For more information on this award recipient, please contact the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651.451.2266 or visit us online at www.riverheights.com to see their award video following the event.
About River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is a business organization who aggressively promotes the interests of the business communities of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. The organization is volunteer driven and strives to attract and retain businesses to keep the business community thriving. The River Heights Chamber continues to provide value-added opportunities for all members. Visit our website www.riverheights.com to learn more!
Stay Connected with the River Heights Chamber on our social media sites – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn!
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