Public Affairs Priority

Welcome back from what I hope was a rejuvenating Thanksgiving weekend. As the year winds down, I’m hearing from so many of you that you are tired. Really stretched. I truly hope you’ll find time to recharge, re-center on the “why” that keeps you energized, encouraged each day.
 
Fourth quarter for your chamber is all about gearing up for the year ahead, setting our priorities. As a team, we’ll also be taking some downtime at the end of December so we, too, are recharged and ready.
 
Today I want to update you on the Chamber’s policy priorities into 2023.
 
By now you should know that I strive to approach our work, use our voice, thoughtfully. As it relates to our policy work, we spent the entirety of 2022 taking a deep dive into topics we believe will be transformational and that we can impact: public safety, housing, and the benefits cliff.  Through that deep dive, our Public Policy Committee developed a set of recommendations we’ll be pursuing next year. On Nov. 15, we presented our 2023 Advocacy Priorities to the St. Paul Area Chamber Board of Directors for their review and approval.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
 
See you in the trenches.
B​

• As part of our focus on public safety, I wanted to share the latest updates on COVID – the omicron variant, MN testing, and vaccines.
• In case you missed it: last week we shared our 2022 Crime Perceptions Survey. Follow THIS LINK to read our report on the survey.

• Minnesota exports rose to an all-time high this fall. However, the state is slightly trailing the growth of U.S. exports Q1-Q3.
• Coming soon: the big credit squeeze. Good info on buying, saving, and increased credit trends nationwide.
• The Fed and the upside: Micro-businesses continue to surge despite headwinds of inflation, higher interest rates. ​

​State

• Paid family leave on a fast track at Minnesota Capitol.

Subscribe to our Chamber Advocacy Update to keep up with advocacy news.

• Visit Saint Paul’s Guide to the Holidays in Saint Paul!
• Please join us at St. Paul’s holiday party –  Holiday Chamber Connect: Tuesday, December 6, 5-7pm. Register here!
• ​Our Young Professionals network is having its end-of-the-year celebration at Can Can Wonderland: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4-6pm. Register here!​

• Corporate volunteer mentors adding up through HandsOn Twin Cities. Looking for a path to lean in, to serve? Check this out.
• I love Harvey Mackay. And his latest is great: Make creativity a core value for your business. ​

• Diversity is mission critical to winning Gen Z.  Why?​​

• Hafner’s site on White Bear Ave is up for redevelopment: St. Paul accepting offers to purchase, develop the vacant lot.   
• Twin Cities area retail space is in demand: ‘We’re having our best year.’  Post-pandemic surge of in-person shopping is boosting the market for brick-and-mortar stores and restaurants. And “Small Business Saturday” highlighted both the successes and challenges. And here’s one very special highlight in downtown St Paul: skyway vacancy offers chance of a lifetime for clothing maker.