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Lessons in the Alewives

5/31/2022

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Welcome, summer! Yesterday we honored military members who have died in service to our country with deepest respect. When next you meet a veteran, or as you love one, know that we depend on your support. To my brother and sister veterans, I salute you. And I thank you.
 
This week I also have been thinking about alewives…. You heard me. Kathleen Lohmar Exel told me all about them. For the first time since 1783, alewives return to China Lake. The last time alewives made the 70-mile journey from the ocean to China Lake in central Maine, the American Revolution had just come to an end in 1783. Since then, the sea run fish, also known as river herring, have been blocked from their historic spawning grounds by a series of dams. But this past week, something remarkable happened: the fish returned. It is especially interesting in that it was a small group of people who made the impossible, possible AND it involves fish ladders. You’ll have to read about that…
 
Real change and real transformation always starts small. People united by an idea and driven by passion. Small groups of people, changing the world. 
 
We, too, can manifest the remarkable.
 
See you in the trenches.
B
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  • COVID supply rationing: The White House is planning for "dire" contingencies that could include rationing supplies of vaccines and treatments this fall if Congress doesn't approve more money for fighting COVID-19. Biden administration officials have been warning for weeks that the country has spent nearly all the money in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that was dedicated directly to COVID-19 response.  
  • More COVID-19 ‘test-to-treat’ sites coming to Minnesota. Patients will be able to get the antiviral drug Paxlovid at the federally supported sites.
  • More than 1 in 5 adult COVID survivors in U.S. may develop long COVID, CDC study suggests. Among patients 65 and older, the number is even higher: 1 in 4.
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  • 4 reasons you need to think like an economist: As recession anxiety rises in an economy that’s not been seen before, it’s more important than ever to understand what is impacting the market now and in the future. Understanding key economic indicators is how you win in turbulent markets.
  • The Congressional Budget Office said in a report that inflation is projected to linger through the rest of 2022, though the pace is expected to slow to 4.7%, with the targeted 2% level likely out of reach until 2024 when more typical economic conditions return. The CBO also noted that it expects the federal deficit to decrease to $1 trillion in 2021 and average $1.6 trillion annually from 2023 to 2032. (The Washington Post)
  • Meet Bob Clark, co-chair of Minnesota’s bid to win a World’s Fair in 2027.  Minnesota and the U.S. are bidding to hold the 2027 World's Fair in Bloomington, pitching the theme of “Healthy People, Healthy Planet.” It's one of five finalists worldwide competing to host the months-long, international event. Should we be successful, it would be a very big deal. Expo 2027 would generate $2 billion in economic impact and bring an estimated 7 million visitors and foreign leaders from across the globe to the Twin Cities, according to the organization responsible for the bid. Before the Expo’s economic effects can be realized, nonprofit Minnesota USA Expo 2027 needs to make a convincing case to the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) and its member countries that Bloomington is the best location for Expo 2027, and that the nation has the infrastructure, as well as political support and capital to do so. Its first major deadline is coming up fast — June 7.
  • EDA: The deadline to apply for EDA’s FY22 “Build to Scale” program is June 13.
  • US DOT: The deadline for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program is September 15.
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Federal
  • Democrats' policy limbo: Democrats are floating past their soft Memorial Day deadline for a deal on a scaled-back reconciliation package to advance pieces of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" domestic policy agenda. According to The Hill, the new deadline for draft legislation is the August recess.  Why it's worth watching: A successful vote as late as September, as that timeline suggests, on such a high partisan priority seems highly unlikely in an election year, but Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) continues to insist that his party should be able to line up behind a measure to reduce prescription drug costs, cut the deficit and fight climate change. Biden and his party need something: Last week's Morning Consult/Politico survey found that just 36% of Democrats "strongly" approve of the president's job performance and the party's voters are less likely than Republicans to express enthusiasm about showing up at the polls this November.
  • IIJA aka BIL:
    • The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $2.9 billion of funding for major infrastructure projects now available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The funding represents three major discretionary grant programs that will be combined into one Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant opportunity, aka MEGA. 
    • In addition to investments in transportation, energy, water, and broadband infrastructure, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act included substantial funding to increase the resilience of communities to climate change and natural disasters, as well as cyber threats.  
  • The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has granted a temporary waiver for complying with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's new Buy America requirement for construction materials. 
 
State:
  • Minnesota Legislature adjourns 2022 regular session without passing tax cut, spending bills. With more money to spend than any previous even-numbered year Legislature, there were resources to do some of what both Republicans and DFLers wanted: tax cuts, new spending and even additional savings. Having $9.25 billion in surplus and more than $1 billion in federal cash from the American Rescue Plan meant both parties could get some of what they wanted.  
  • On Sunday, Minnesota Legislature approves $18.4 million to address drought relief and includes $110 million to help build more high-speed internet infrastructure in Minnesota. The broadband funds are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.  
  • Frontline Worker Pay application system is expected to open on June 8, sign up for email updates.
  • Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is back in the black by repaying all advances from the U.S. Treasury! Employers should receive a letter from DEED with information about the tax changes and credits to ensure everyone has the information they need to move forward. Learn more.​
 
Regional
  • Purple Line route modifications under consideration. Plans for the proposed METRO Purple Line, a new Bus Rapid Transit line in Ramsey County, are getting another look. Project staff is looking at ending the now 15-mile line somewhere along County Road E, between Highway 61 and Interstate 35E in Vadnais Heights or at the Maplewood Mall Transit Center.
 
Subscribe to our Chamber Advocacy Update to keep up with advocacy news.
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  • Minneapolis will name First Avenue block for Prince.
  • Please join us on Tuesday, June 7, 2-3pm for Fair Opportunities: Data and Strategies for Employers. This virtual event will feature data and strategy tools, a dive into the Twin Cities R!se Minnesota Employers’ Fair Chance Hiring Guide and impact stories from other employers who have realized the value of hiring individuals previously involved with the criminal justice system.  The event format is Zoom Webinar.  Advanced Registration is required HERE.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  This Fair Opportunities Series event is sponsored by the Workforce Innovation Board, Ramsey County and Twin Cities R!se. 
  • Spend summer in St. Paul!
  • Sixteen Minnesota-based companies made the Fortune 500 cut this year. The highest earning Minnesota company is UnitedHealth Group.
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  • Here’s how many people are quitting their jobs in Minnesota. In what has been dubbed the Great Resignation, Americans have been quitting their jobs in record numbers in recent months - a trend that shows no signs of slowing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 4.5 million Americans quit their job in March 2022, the most ever recorded in a single month, and up from 4.4 million quits in February.  And the explanations for the quit rates vary.
  • Partners support equitable trades career prep. The Met Council’s commitment to help build a more equitable region showed up in a very tangible way this month as 35 people — mostly women and people of color — graduated from the fourth (and largest to date) cohort of the Building Strong Communities program.
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  • Minnesota’s new crop of angel investors want to fuel social change. Forge North, an initiative of Greater MSP focused on boosting Minnesota's startups, and Groove Capital, a pre-seed investment firm and angel-investing association, are teaming up for an event that aims to broaden the number and backgrounds of angel investors in the Minnesota.  On June 2, the two organizations will host Angel Fest, an event focused on shifting the culture of who angel investors are — and subsequently who gets funded by angel investors.
  • Minnesota is 6th best state for Millennnials. With a population of around 80 million, millennials will continue to have a huge influence on American culture and consumption. Today, these mid-20-to-early-40-somethings are responsible for 21% of all consumer discretionary spending in the U.S.
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  • Two industrial projects OK’d as Woodbury backs growth. Greystar’s Royal Gateway, 435K SF spec office/warehouse/light industrial project. And NAI Legacy’s 475K SF I-94 East Logistics Center.
  • Single-family permits down, multifamily up in May. Cities in the 13-county metro area have issued permits for 559 new single-family houses in May, down 18% from a year ago, according to the Keystone Report. For the year to date, single-family permits are now 7% behind 2021. Multifamily builders stayed busy during the month. Cities have issued permits for 1529 new multifamily units in May, up 235%, and 6,413 units for the year to date, up 130%, according to Keystone data.
  • Did the Twin Cities population grow or shrink during the pandemic? Two new datasets showing city-level population estimates give quite different results.
  • Historic Fort Snelling reopens Saturday after $34.5M revitalization. Visitors can see stunning new views of the Mississippi River as well as a more expansive telling of the site's 10,000-year-old history that evokes both "pride and tragedy."
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Lest We Forget

5/23/2022

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​This Wednesday, May 25, marks the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. There are several events planned in the Twin Cities this week with most occurring in Minneapolis. There is one event currently planned for St. Paul which will be on the afternoon of the 25th, at the Governor's residence on Summit Avenue.
 
Reflecting on these last two years, highlighted by Floyd’s murder and also so many others before and since, requires that we consider lessons learned within the context of their lives, the conditions around them, and whether or not there was fairness in the systems in their lives as there was for people who have more privileged lives. If anything, my learning has deepened my grief. The Center for Public Integrity last week published a piece on George Floyd’s life, shaped by racism, that “tells an American story.” A worthy read.
 
The question: what has changed? Minnesota, a state known for its progressive politics and economic opportunity, has become the ugly epicenter of an American reckoning on race and justice. An article by The Washington Post tells us that two years after Floyd’s death, “Black Minnesotans say little has changed.”  I can’t deny that reality; that said, I am seeing commitment to change: funding, policy, and – most important to my mind – heart changes. Most recently, 25+ corporate, civic, and philanthropic leaders launched the GroundBreak Coalition to deploy $2 billion of capital around MSP towards BIPOC entrepreneurship and other key areas.  Time will tell; “hopeful skepticism” still abounds.
 
Lest we forget: our continued response must be grounded in authentic, proactive change.

​See you in the trenches.
B
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  • More Minnesota counties have high COVID-19 levels but milder cases. The state is reporting more than 2,100 cases/day, up from 374/day in mid-March. Modest increases so far in hospitalizations and deaths. Long-term care facility infections are up while reported outbreaks in K-12 schools and colleges remain lower. ​​
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  • Minnesota retains 32nd place in Tax Foundation’s business property tax ranking. “Minnesota continues to levy a burdensome and economically distortive estate tax, hurting the state’s tax competitiveness,” Tax Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Katherine Loughead told The Center Square in an emailed statement Tuesday.
  • Grant Opportunity: US DOT Announces $1B Available in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022 (FY22), up to $1 billion is available. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. 
    • NOFO: The FY22 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Safe Streets and Roads for All grants is live on Grants.gov  
    • The deadline for applications is September 15, 2022 
    • Webinar Series: Attend a “How to Apply” webinar 
    • More coverage here.  
  • DEED: The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced grantee partners for the second round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program, distributed through two rounds of funding, awards grants to partner organizations to establish programs within specific communities that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects.  
  • The median price of a home reached a record high of $391,200 in April, a nearly 15% increase compared to the same time last year, as mortgage rates edged upward and total home sales volumes decreased for the third straight month.
  • Minnesota unemployment hits record low in April: 2.2%, down from 2.5% in March. The labor force participation rose two-tenths of a point to 68.3%, solidly outperforming the national rate.​
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Federal
  • Police reform: This Wednesday marks two years since George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. While lawmakers on Capitol Hill appear to have thrown in the towel on police reform, Biden is said to be ready to take his own action in the coming weeks via executive order.  Why it's worth watching: Two years later, the mass popular interest has swung from reforming policing practices to tackling crime, leaving Biden on tricky territory ahead of the midterm elections as he balances the desire from his base to rein in law enforcement officers and key voters' interest in keeping communities safe. 
  • The Senate failed to advance a $48 billion aid package for restaurants and other small businesses in a 52-43 procedural vote, likely marking the end of the effort to assist industries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as the Biden administration's coronavirus supplemental spending package remains stalled.
  • IIJA aka BIL: 
    • It’s been six months since the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed Congress on a strong bipartisan vote. This law finally broke the congressional logjam on infrastructure, which had been the subject of much debate and hand-wringing for years. Now, six months later, implementation of the IIJA is proceeding at a breakneck pace. 
    • The White House released a map that shows how much Infrastructure Bill funding has been announced for work within states. 
  • The White House: President Biden announced that $10 billion in American Rescue Plan funds have been committed to public safety – including at least $6.5 billion in State and Local funds committed by more than half of states and more than 300 communities across the country.  
  • Broadband: The Biden administration on Friday made $45 billion in broadband funding from the bipartisan infrastructure act available to the states, emphasizing that they make sure any internet service that’s built is affordable not only to those with low incomes but to the middle class as well.  
  • Housing: President Biden, as part of his effort to persuade Americans he’s trying to lower consumer costs, laid out a plan Monday to reduce home prices. The most significant initiative would give extra points for transportation dollars to states and localities that allow more multifamily housing in areas reserved for single-family homes. 
 
State:
  • Sunday at 11:59PM was the constitutional adjournment of the Legislature. They failed to reach agreements on numerous omnibus bills. Special Session possible. Stay tuned for more info.
  • Sunday Take at 9AM on WCCO Radio had an extended interview with Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan as they were endorsed at the DFL Convention in Rochester.  LISTEN: http://bit.ly/2022WCCOStream.  Along with Gov Walz, also endorsed unopposed were Attorney General Keith Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon, and State Auditor Julie Blaha.
  • Bipartisan Deal: Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota’s top lawmakers struck a bipartisan deal to spend $8 billion of the state’s budget surplus over the next three years on tax cuts, infrastructure projects and new spending to address ongoing challenges from the coronavirus pandemic.  
  • Lawmakers still at odds over public safety solutions (update as of Thursday, May 19, 4:30pm). That said, on Thursday evening the House repassed a conference agreement to add law enforcement supervisors unit.
 
Regional
  • Ramsey County: The Board of Commissioners and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved an investment of $21.6 million into affordable housing developments. Here is a complete list of projects. More coverage is here. 
 
Subscribe to our weekly Chamber Advocacy Update to keep up with advocacy news.
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  • Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2022 Women In Business Honorees: include Shari Ballard, Minnesota United FC; Tish Bolger, Girl Scouts River Valleys; Tammy Buchert, RBC Wealth Management-U.S.; Colette Campbell, Bremer Financial Corp.; Julie Cosgrove, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union; Sara Durhman, Mall of America; Kristi Fox, Securian Financial Group Inc.; Dayna Frank, First Avenue Productions; Laura Graf, Ryan Cos. US Inc.; Jenny Haag, Rise; Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen; Velma Korbel, APi Group Corp.; Stephanie McDaniel, BWBR Architects Inc.; Naomi Pesky, Metropolitan Airports Commission; Claire Roberts, Colliers | Minneapolis-St. Paul; Lisa Shannon, Allina Health System; Masha Yevzelman, Fredrikson & Byron;
  • St. Paul taps two longtime staffers to direct Parks and Rec and DSI: Andy Rodriguez has been with Parks since 2005, replacing Mike Hahm; Angie Wiese has been interim, and is now permanent head of DSI.
  • Memorial Day in the Twin Cities: what to do, and where to go?  And check out Visit Saint Paul’s website!
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  • St. Paul's Bush Foundation awards fellowships to 20 Minnesota leaders.
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  • MN DEED awarded a $1M grant to the Center of Economic Inclusion to support Black and Latino-owned small businesses with financing to spur commercial development and redevelopment along specified metro corridors.
  • Full Stack hosted a panel with leaders from Brown Venture Group, the MSP Equity Fund, UEL, and Bridgemakers to discuss community wealth building and BIPOC entrepreneur and investor resources.
  • Resources: Many local governments share a commitment to advancing racial equity, but struggle to produce measurable results for communities of color. Taking the initiative to embed racial equity into procurement processes is one tactic that local leaders can leverage to realize change. This resource was developed by the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab to highlight innovative ways local governments can deliver services more equitably by identifying and breaking down historical barriers.  
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  • What’s the latest at Rice-Larpenteur? Here’s an update on progress on the Rice-Larpenteur vision. Kim O’Brien, the backbone of the alliance and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with the St. Paul Area Chamber, presented an annual update to the city of Roseville last week, showing that the group’s vision is coming to life. 
  • Papa Legba opens, hoping to create its own cozy vibe on St. Paul’s West Side! Owners Greg and Dolly Agnew have created a club meant to honor Black music and will feature two nights a week of live jazz and blues.
  • Update on Port Authority’s Hillcrest project! EPA announces grants, $500K to the Hillcrest project.  And $4M to other projects across the state.
  • HUD gives six Midwest states (including Minnesota) $1.6B for housing grants.
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The Art of Humble Inquiry

5/16/2022

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Happy sunshine - happy warm weather – happy face time with friends!
 
Several years ago I read a book by Edgar Schein, The Art of Humble Inquiry. The book has stayed with me, and I strive to follow its lessons. Today, more than ever before, the art of humble inquiry is a critical skill.
 
Humble Inquiry asks questions. We are in a culture that loves talking, loves telling. We need to learn to ask better questions because we operate in an increasingly complex, interdependent, and culturally diverse world. We couldn't possibly understand what others in the room know. Asking rather than telling invites people in. Fundamentally, asking empowers the other person and makes me vulnerable and available and, for that moment, even more approachable. 


Humble Inquiry requires authenticity. You ask questions because you genuinely are interested and curious. You can't fake this - if you are disingenuous, it will only work for a short while. 
 
Humble Inquiry is even more important when all involved parties need to do the right thing, to be connected on the same mission. In my work, especially in a political environment, good relations and reliable communication across hierarchical borders is crucial.  “Here and now" humility is our awareness that we are dependent on others to accomplish something we are committed to. 
 
And Humble Inquiry challenges me to overcome the belief that, "if you're not winning, you're losing." It takes a lot of growing to stop telling - and start asking. 
 
Steven Covey echoes a similar sentiment in his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
 
​
See you in the trenches.
B
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  • The COVID-19 testing site that has been operating out of Roy Wilkins and the River Centre will be closing Thursday, May 12. A new testing site in Midway in the former Herberger's building will open on Monday (May 15). 
  • COVID-19 wastewater levels, hospitalizations creeping up in Minnesota. COVID hospitalizations are rising along with infection numbers, but some involve patients with mild or asymptomatic cases. ​
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  • Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, fresh off an easy Senate confirmation to a second term, will speak at The Wall Street Journal's "Future of Everything" conference Tuesday at 2 p.m. He'll discuss inflation and give a wide-ranging view of the economy. Wells Fargo & Co. Chief Executive Charlie Scharf will also speak at the conference; he'll cover banking and Main Street on Tuesday at 10:10 a.m.
  • Contractors: price, supply chain issues put businesses at risk. Advocates for Minnesota’s construction industry say rising costs and supply chain woes have reached crisis proportions in the state and beyond — and they’re calling on public entities to share some of the pain.
  • Policy has tightened a lot. Is it enough? From the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Pres/CEO Kashkari: an important question for monetary policymakers is, What policy stance, including the current setting of the federal funds rate, the current size and composition of the Fed’s balance sheet, and the expected paths of the funds rate and balance sheet, represents “neutral”—neither stimulating nor restraining the economy?
  • Inflation remained at a 40-year high in April as consumer prices rose 8.3% compared to the year-ago period, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The figures offered some hope of a slowdown in inflation when compared to the previous month's price increases of 8.5% year over year. (The Washington Post).
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​Federal
  • COVID funding: Senate talks over $10 billion in COVID-19 funding remain at loggerheads, with Republicans demanding a vote to reverse the Biden administration's plan to curtail the Title 42 public health order that has enabled border authorities to quickly expel migrants seeking to enter the country via asylum declaration.  What we're watching: The Senate's No. 2 and No. 3 Democrats, Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois and Assistant Democratic Leader Patty Murray of Washington, appeared to open the door last week to giving Republicans what they want, but will their boss, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, come along? The stakes appear to be rising, with the White House reportedly facing the prospect of running its coronavirus response on a dwindling budget.
  • The House Ways and Means Committee's oversight subcommittee will broadcast a hearing on "Taxpayer Fairness Across the IRS" on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig, meanwhile, will testify before the committee on Wednesday at 1 p.m. on the agency's fiscal year 2023 budget request. The SEC also has a date with the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday for its 2023 budget request.
 
State:
  • Update on omnibus public safety policy and supplemental appropriation: conference committee hearings are ongoing. 
  • Minnesota SF 3692: Omnibus tax bill: first conference committee hearing is Monday, May 16. 
  • Who gets MN ‘hero pay’ and how unemployment tax hike will be returned to businesses.
  • Final stretch at the Capitol, here's an overview of where things stand.
  • Legislative leaders reach “broad framework” agreement.
  • The Minnesota Senate passed their version of paid family leave but the bill's future in uncertain in the House.
 
Regional
  • Met Council chair acknowledges transit rider behavior issues, says safety is top priority.
  • Ramsey County offers to sell the Pond's Golf Course but its future is still in limbo.
  • Will Rice Creek Commons more forward after new developments?
 
Subscribe to our weekly Chamber Advocacy Update to keep up with advocacy news.
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  • KICK OFF SUMMER IN ST. PAUL JUNE 3-4: The Flint Hills Family Festival, presented by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, is back in person! This beloved family event, supported by Flint Hills Resources since 2001, will feature free and low-cost performances and activities for children of all ages. One of the largest and longest-standing events of its kind in the country, Festival attendees will be able to enjoy more than 50 free outdoor performances from more than 300 artists. This year’s Festival will also include a wide variety of food trucks, a beer garden and a free family dance party featuring the Twin Cities group NUNNABOVE on Friday, June 3. GET TICKETS: Flint Hills Family Festival.
  • SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program:  T.H.R.I.V.E. Working to help small businesses to accelerate growth. Highlights include business coaching, training, mentoring, accountability.  Second Stage Growth Program is coming up, May 18.  Register here.
  • 73 farmers markets to check out this summer across the Twin Cities. Map here.
  • Warm weather is bringing people out! If you are looking to meet downtown St. Paul, you can see a map of downtown bars and restaurants with patios here. ​
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  • Record-setting quit rates are about more than just pay. Amid a historically tight labor market, a record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March. Many were driven by a desire to earn a higher income, but Morning Consult data suggests that burnout is also contributing to greater attrition rates in certain industries.
  • Even as businesses struggle to hire, many job seekers struggle to find work. Job seekers face multiple obstacles, requiring more employer flexibility, employment agency staff say. ​
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  • For the second time in less than a year, Comcast RISE will award another $1 million in grants - $10,000 each – to 100 Twin Cities small business owned by people of color or all women to help grow their businesses, create jobs, and play a vital role in supporting our communities.  I invite you to spread the Comcast RISE grant announcement to the small business you frequent and share the link on your social media platforms or newsletters to ensure as many small business owners as possible are aware of this great opportunity.  Additional information and the application can be found at ComcastRISE.com·      
  • Startup Civic Eagle lands investment from Colin Kaepernick, Everlaw founder AJ Shankar, Menlo Park Ventures. Civic Eagle, a political technology startup, announced Wednesday it raised $10 million in Series A financing, which included an investment from former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. 
  • A recently released plan from US Bank to inject $100 billion into community impact efforts. https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/us-bancorp-announces-100-billion-community-benefits-plan.html
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  • Arden Hills reaches deal with Alatus over TCAAP site. A long-expected redevelopment of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site in Arden Hills may have moved closer to reality Monday when the Arden Hills City Council approved a term sheet with master developer Alatus.
  • Finance & Commerce announces top projects of 2021.  Projects honored this year include the Market at Malcolm Yards and an addition to the Center for Performing Arts; several apartment buildings, and a number of additions and renovations to schools and universities.
  • What’s next for Hillcrest? Hillcrest golf course redevelopment goes to St. Paul City Council this month; Port Authority leader talks next steps for The Heights·       
  • ​Flint Hills to build $75M solar array in Rosemount. Flint Hills Resources plans to begin construction this week of a $75 million solar installation to help power the company’s Pine Bend Refinery in Rosemount, a project that Flint Hills describes as the largest of its kind in the U.S.
  • On a street called Prosperity, St. Paul developer seeks to cluster tiny homes for homeless vets. St. Paul developer Jamie Stolpestad is dreaming of installing six prefabricated homes for homeless military veterans. His plans for a “veterans village” took a step closer to reality on Wednesday when the St. Paul City Council, acting as the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, approved sale of a sizable parcel of land at 1381 Prosperity Ave. to YardHomes, Stolpestad’s relatively new “tiny homes”-oriented real estate venture. The site sits south of Arlington Avenue and a few blocks east of Lake Phalen.​​
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Paving the Way for Equitable Growth and Strengthening Economic Competitiveness

5/9/2022

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I hope the weekend was good for you, that you had the opportunity to thank a woman in your life – or maybe your loved ones celebrated you? – for the gift of motherhood. I had a special dinner with my two adult children, and I know that I am, indeed, blessed among women.

So….. Invest: Insights interviewed me as part of their focus on the GreaterMSP region in 2022.  My interview was focused on Creativity. I watched it today, and I am proud of the work we’re doing to grow and partner creatively. Our mission, our reason for existing, is to champion our diverse employer community for an economically vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive region. And it all starts with creating connections that count.  Some of the leading requires that we challenge ourselves, embrace new ideas, course correct, and sometimes we need to outright change.

You can watch the entire interview here.

The week, amidst all going on in your life, don’t miss Wild vs Blues on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Our team is SHOWING UP, and the series has been terrific. Be sure to show the home team some love…

See you in the trenches.
B​
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  • The need for COVID-19 testing in Minnesota has shifted with the pandemic: anyone who wants a test can get one, but the purpose and value is different after two years of the pandemic. And, yes, some free state testing sites will remain open through the summer at least.
  • FDA limits use of Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. According to the FDA, this is due to the risk of blood clots.
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  • According to Morning Consult, U.S. consumers are increasingly concerned about inflation as supply pressures persist. In their recent report, U.S. Supply Chains & Inflation, we see that prices have already jumped 8.5% year over year in March, and future inflation expectations continue to trend higher.
  • May economic outlook: cloudy conditions ahead. Consumer confidence slid further last month, while inflation and softened global demand still loom as massive risks to the U.S. economy. Check out the full report here (registration required): Economic Uncertainty Prevails In May: May 2022 U.S. Economic Outlook.
  • The Federal Reserve raises interest rates by 50 basis points (1/2 of 1%), the largest increase since May of 2000, to fight inflation.
  • President Joe Biden doesn't have the legal authority to cancel student loan debt on a wide scale through executive action, according to a legal analysis written by Charlie Rose, who served as the top lawyer in the Education Department under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2011. In a memo seen by The Wall Street Journal that was written for his law firm, Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd., Rose said that such a move by the president could prompt litigation from loan servicing companies and investors in student loan-backed securities. (The Wall Street Journal).
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We are looking for a Vice President of Public Affairs and Public Affairs Specialist. Take a look and send good candidates our way!
State:
  • The House, Senate, and the Governor came to an agreement last week and passed a bill refilling the Unemployment Insurance trust fund, eliminating the need for tax increases on businesses all over the state. In order to get all parties to agree, the UI fix had to be paired with essential worker bonuses in the same bill. Some lawmakers pointed out that making sure that our unemployment insurance trust fund is solvent IS a benefit to workers. At best, this bill served to hold businesses harmless, for a situation that they did not cause, and should not have to be forced to shoulder the burden.
  • The legislature now has three weeks to finish the remainder of its work to find agreement on tax policy, spending initiatives, and a bonding bill.
  • Prosecuting violent crime in the twin cities is a new focus of Minnesota's U.S. Attorney.
 
Regional:
  • SPPD: Jeremy Ellison has been appointed as Interim Chief of Police for the Saint Paul Police Department. At the May 4 St. Paul City Council meeting, the City established a “Qualifications and Examining Committee” for the position of Police Chief. Follow the link to see the updated Committee Roster. Final adoption of the ordinance will be at May 11 CC meeting
  • City of St. Paul:
    • Rent control went into effect in St. Paul on Sunday, May 1. Find the final rules, definitions, and process overview here. The Chamber is continuing to monitor the Mayor's stakeholder group, and will share the report when it is published this summer.
    • The City outlined in detail how they plan to spend their ARPA dollars on pg. 34 of the 2022 Adopted Budget.
    • Not long ago, the city of St. Paul opened a grant application process for tourism-related businesses that had been hard hit by a loss of foot traffic during the pandemic Seven applicants applied for a share of the $4.5 million in relief dollars, which stem from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA. On Wednesday, the St. Paul City Council approved varying levels of grant funding for all seven applicants.
    • A Ramsey County judge says St. Paul has been billing street assessments incorrectly, creating an $18M hole in the budget.
  • Washington County:  
    • Washington County, led by its County Board and Public Health & Environment Department, played a key role in the response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The county took a number of actions to address community needs early in the pandemic, and has used federal assistance through the Coronavirus Relief Act (CARES) and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) to support its businesses and residents. This document highlights and provides a summary of those activities.  
    • The Washington County Board of Commissioners agreed to amend the county’s American Rescue Plan Act April 19, to allow for programs for employment training and transitional housing. 
  • The Met Council and Ramsey County are looking at options, based on White Bear Lake city council's narrow passage of an anti-Purple Line resolution.

Read more updates in our weekly Chamber Advocacy Update.
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  • ​​SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program:  T.H.R.I.V.E. Working to help small businesses to accelerate growth. Highlights include business coaching, training, mentoring, accountability.  Second Stage Growth Program is coming up, May 18.  Register here.
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  • We are in the middle of the Great Reshuffle.  One or more of you might be a new CEO.  Exciting, yes, but there’s also a lot to learn. Learn the 7 roles of a new CEO and how to use those roles to connect with workers, transform your company and create long-lasting change.
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  • More cities adopt sustainable building policies. The Center for Energy and Environment released an updated report in February that said eight cities have sustainable building policies: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Maplewood, Northfield, Rochester, St. Louis Park and Edina.
  • Black professionals have lacked a peer network in the Twin Cities. These leaders are building some.
  • Meeting the Moment: How MSP can frow an economy that works for all. And check out the work of GroundBreak Coalition and their event coming up this week.​
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  • Demand is strong for apartments through Q1. Last year saw record absorption, a trend that is continuing into the early part of this year, according to an apartment trend report published by Marquette Advisors last week.
  • Demand for air travel is surging. Here’s how flights have recovered at MSP International Airport.
  • On Wednesday, DEED’s Minnesota Business Vitality Council (MBVC) working group released a final report and recommendations to support the creation and sustainability of child care businesses. Here is a link to their press release for more information.
  • Just Sold: Produce wholesaler buys St. Paul warehouse.  Russ Davis Wholesale bought the Hamms Brewing “Stockhouse No 3” bldg on Rice St, that had been brought back to life in 2012 with Urban Organics. 
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Making Space at the Table for Young Professionals

5/3/2022

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​Another departure from B’s Blog this week so that your Chamber Team can highlight Small Business Week and our Young Professionals Network. The St. Paul Area Chamber represents the largest and the smallest companies within the region – and country. We care deeply about small business and young professional growth because through both we see the future. Now is the time to invest in each, particularly as we recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. You’ll see more representation for both -- on our board, in our work and at our gatherings -- and we hope to engage you every step of the way.
Growing Leaders
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​Last week we joined our partners from the Dakota County, River Heights, and Woodbury Area Chambers for a gathering of Young Professionals from across the East Metro Region at the Minnesota Vikings Museum. As we welcome record numbers to these intentional gatherings at great new places and spaces, we are reminded how important our role is in building a stronger community by connecting people who might not cross paths without the Chamber.

We can’t say it enough -- by making space at the table for new faces and businesses, we are building an economically vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive region.
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If you’re a small business or young professional in the East Metro Region, we’ve got a place for you. We are working together to create casual and easy conversations, and making meeting new people easy, comfortable, and fun!

If you’re a Chamber member, make sure your young professionals know they can take advantage of your Chamber benefits too and encourage them to keep updated by subscribing to our Young Professionals newsletter.

From small business and Young Professional specific events to meeting and connecting a new network at all Chamber events, we’re here to help grow leaders, grow roots to strengthen our community.

We know our network of businesses who come together to collaborate on and promote the interests of their businesses can be an invaluable resource for advice and we look forward to growing these efforts. Watch for new programming like our addition of Golf 101 to our Chamber Golf Classic and other innovative ways to make space at the table.
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See more great photos here and please join us at our Home Run Lunch with the Minnesota Twins on May 13 or our next Chamber Connect event.
 
See you in the trenches,
 
Your Chamber Team
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