The Chamber wants to know: How are we doing? If you received an e-mail invitation this week to complete our online survey, please take a moment to fill out this important questionnaire. This is your chance to tell us how the Chamber can best support your business and provide a meaningful return on your membership investment. Complete this survey by Friday, June 27 and qualify to win a $100 gift certificate to Pazzaluna!
The Chamber’s downtown discussion series ended yesterday with tremendous success. More than 130 community leaders attended the meetings and determined the following issues as priorities: lack of retail, lack of nightlife, business retention/attraction, leadership/collaboration, parking, bus stops, connection to the river, and office vacancy. Chamber staff will continue working collaboratively on this project to develop a long-term vision for downtown Saint Paul. We would like to give special thanks to Jean O’Connell from 3M for facilitating our meetings and the Landmark Center for providing us meeting space.
Join us this Wednesday, June 25 at our Political Leadership Luncheon to hear from House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Senate Minority Leader David Senjem about the recent legislative session and upcoming issues confronting the state. The event is at 317 on Rice Park from noon to 1:30; the cost is $50. RSVP to George at 651.265.2795 or George@saintpaulchamber.com
The Saint Paul City Council heard public testimony on an ordinance that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention. The Chamber and member Bill Collins, Camp Bar, testified with a request to lower the $2,500 required license fee. The Council is expected to vote next Wednesday.
The Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office released a statement Wednesday, calling Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) unconstitutional. The question of whether or not Saint Paul should use IRV in municipal elections will be on the ballot this November. The Chamber has not taken a stance on this issue but plans to help educate members on IRV before this fall’s election.
The Saint Paul Police Department released Phase I of its Traffic Management Plan for the Republican National Convention. The plan ensures all major access roads in downtown Saint Paul, including Interstates 94 and 35E, Wabasha and Robert Streets, and Shepard Road, remain open. As part of the plan, the city will contact businesses immediately surrounding the Xcel Energy Center to answer questions and address concerns. Community meetings will also be held in Room 40 of Saint Paul City Hall on Monday, August 11 at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, August 13 at 8 a.m.
Congratulations to longtime Chamber member and Xcel Energy employee Steve Schmidt on his upcoming retirement. Through the years, Steve has been very active with the Chamber and has served on several committees.
Leadership Saint Paul (LSP) now accepting applications and referrals for the LSP Class of 2009. LSP is your Chamber’s premier community leadership program and accepts 45 people each year. For program and application information please visit Leadership Saint Paul or contact Beth Albrecht at 651.265.2767
The Saint Paul and White Bear Area Chambers, along with the North Saint Paul Business Association and the North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Rotary are co-hosting a forum for the upcoming North Saint Paul Mayor’s race this Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30 a.m. at the North St. Paul Community Center, 2290 First Street North. The forum will be taped and broadcast by On Location Channel 19. Broadcast times are June 27 at 7:30 p.m., June 28 and 29 at 9 p.m., and June 30 at 7 p.m. The election is July 1. The event is free, but please RSVP to George at 651.265.2795 or George@saintpaulchamber.com
The City of Roseville has two City Council seats up for election this fall. Interested candidates must be eligible to vote in the City, 21 years of age and a resident for at least 30 days before the general election. Applications will be accepted from July 1–15 at Roseville City Hall. For additional information, visit the City’s Elections webpage or call 651.792.7026.
An extensive resurfacing and repair project is being completed in Roseville on Hwy 36 between I-35W and Edgerton Street and on I-35W between County Road C and Stinson Blvd, affecting travel through mid-August. In addition, construction of a third lane on northbound Snelling Avenue (Hwy 51) from Roselawn Avenue to Hwy 36 is underway and expected to be completed by mid-August. The project includes installation of new traffic signals at the HarMar Mall entrance on Snelling Avenue and the intersection of Snelling Avenue and County Road B.
Member Reward Coupons
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Click here to view "Rewards Coupon" offers from your fellow Chamber members or to add your own coupon. Your Membership ID # + the last four digits of your main phone number.