|
|
| Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce Newsletter |
Newsletter
May 2009 |
|
|
Beginning June 1st the monthly Network Newsletter will only be published electronically. It will be emailed and available online at www.swmetrochamber.com. This newsletter is filled with valuable information for Chamber Members.
If there are representatives in your company that are not receiving our emails but would like to start, they can join the mailing list below or contact the Chamber
at 952-448-5000 to have them added.
Thanks!! |
|
| Leverage Your Chamber Membership
When you paid your annual chamber membership investment, you became the owner of a valuable asset: Chamber membership. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your chamber membership.
1. SouthWest Metro Chamber Member Decal
Let everyone know you are a proud member of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce and business community by proudly displaying your 2009 member decal in a prominent location of your business. An independent study by the Shapiro Group showed that 79% of customers believe that a company actively involved with the chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a businesses' reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices. We also have electronic member decals available for use in your publications and on your website.
2. Attend a Chamber Event
Attending a SouthWest Metro Chamber event is a great way to meet business people from the region and increase your network. The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities each month to meet your fellow chamber members. Following are just a few of our on-going monthly programs and events; check your weekly Chamber Link for additional opportunities.
1. Breakfast Networking
1st Thursday of the Month
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Summerwood Deli, Chanhassen
2. Women's Biz
2nd Tuesday of the Month
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location Varies
3. Business After Hours/Showcase
3rd Thursday of the Month
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location Varies
4. Monthly Member Luncheon
4th Wednesday of the Month
11:30 -1:00
Location Varies 3. Sponsor ~ Host ~Participate The Chamber has many ongoing opportunities to sponsor, host or participate in a chamber sponsored event or program. A variety of sponsorships are available for chamber events that reach a wide audience. If business is your target, sponsoring a chamber luncheon or hosting a Business After Hours event may be just the visibility you are looking for. If your target is the regional consumer, a presence in one of our Expos or sponsorship of a community event may be exactly what your business needs. Chamber staff is always available to help develop a marketing strategy customized for you and your business. 4. Attend the SouthWest Metro Chamber Monthly Member Orientation
On the second Thursday of each month, the Chamber hosts a member orientation for both new members and long-time members looking for new opportunities. Call the Chamber office for times and locations and join us!  |
|
Welcome New Members!
E & M Consulting
Printers, Publishers, Graphics
80 West 78th Street
Suite 230
Chanhassen, MN55317
(952)294-9941
Jason Epple
Elite Waste Disposal
Utilities
845 Corporate Drive
Jordan, MN 55352
(952)445-4301
Troy Schuette
Greystone Construction Company
Commercial Construction
500 S Marshall Road
Suite 300
Shakopee, MN55379
(952)496-2227
Ed Fogarty
JJ Crowley, LLC
Consulting
9265 Red Oak Drive
Victoria, MN55386
(612)280-4834
James Crowley
JUV Laser Center
Hair Removal
300 Prairie Center Dr
Suite 210
Eden Prairie, MN55344
(952)983-4588
Rebecca Salinas
Mortgages Unlimited
Financial Advisors
2228 Manuela Drive
Chaska, MN55318
(612)840-9891
Chad LaRoche
State Farm Insurance
Kim Schaffer Agency
Insurance 112 East 5th Street Suite 104 Chaska, MN55318 (952)448-2060 Kim Schaffer
Timber Creek Golf Course
Golf/Pro Shop/Driving Range
9750 County Road 24
Watertown, MN55388
(952)955-3600
Shannon Burks
Village Profile
Advertising
33 N. Geneva Street
Elgin, Il60120
(309)781-6077
Alan Zahringer
|
"Get Ready to Grow"
The Pohlad Family Foundation and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Economic Recovery Assistance
The Pohlad Family Foundation has pledged $5 million to help small businesses in Minnesota survive the current economic crisis and be poised for recovery. The money will be distributed in partnership with Grow Minnesota!, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's private-sector initiative aimed at retaining and creating jobs.
Small businesses will have access to grants to retain their employees while planning for and adjusting to their futures. Access to short-term, low-interest working capital and capital improvement loans also will be available to help continue operations and finance capital improvements consistent with a company's growth plans.
What small businesses are eligible?
· Privately-owned, for profit.
· Annual sales up to $10 million.
· Fewer than 50 employees.
· For loan applicants - application to a traditional banking institution made and denied.
For what purposes may funding be used?
· Employeesalaries and benefits in combination that best enables the business to retain valued employees.
· Consultant assistance for growth/stabilization planning.
· Working capital loans for business expenses requiring prepayment or payment upon delivery.
· Short-term capital improvement loans for facility and/or equipment purchases, including bridge loans for purchases that require longer-term financing.
How do I apply?
https://www.mnchamber.com/research_economy/get-ready-to-grow-application.cfm
What is the deadline?
· April 22nd: Application available on the Minnesota Chamber's Grow Minnesota! web site.
· May 25th: Completed applications due to local chamber Grow Minnesota! partner.
· June 15th: Completed applications submitted electronically to the Minnesota Chamber's Grow Minnesota! office.
· July 22nd: Final review of all applications.
· August 1, 2009: Decisions announced and grants/loans distributed.
For more information, contact the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce at 952-448-5000
| |
|
May Chamber Calendar
5 Education Grant Committee,Chamber Office,8:30a
6 Ambassadors,Gwen Jansen,Location TBA,11:30a
7 Breakfast Networking,Summerwood of Chanhassen,7:30a
7 Green Jobs Presented by Bill Glahn,8a
12 Women's Biz,Laura of By The Woods Landscaping,8:30a
12 Public Policy,Carver Church by the River,11:30a
13 Member Services,Chamber Office,8:30a
14 Member Orientation,ChanhassenRecreationCenter,9a
14 Business After Hours,The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center,4:30p
19 Board of Directors,Water Treatment Plant,11:30a
20 Victoria Business Council,School of the Wise-Victoria,8a
20 Taste of Chaska,CitySquarePark Chaska,5p
21 Chanhassen Business Council,Community Bank Chanhassen,10a
26 Chaska Downtown Business Council, Community Insurance Advisors,1p
27 Scholarship Awards Luncheon,MN Landscape Arboretum,11:30a
SponsorDunwoodyCollege of Technology
28 Economic Development,Carver Church by the River,11:30a |
|
Did you Know???
That the Chamber of Commerce originated
in 1599 in Marseille, France.
The first U.S. Chamber is in New York, it was started in 1768.
|
| Thank you
2009 Renewing Members
Abra Auto
Baker Hoff Educational Consultants
BrianP.ReisterState Farm Insurance
Chanhassen Car Wash
ChaskaTown Course
Christmas in May
ClearSoft Water Conditioning
Community Bank Chanhassen
Deer Run Golf Club
Drs. Dungey, Mesner and Associates
DunwoodyCollege of Technology
Embarq
ExecutiveOcean - Shakopee
H&R Block
Kraus-Anderson
Magnum IT Inc
Minnetonka Public Schools
MTM Advertising
Murray, Camp and Associates
NAPA Auto Parts
Pizza 'n Pasta
Power of Life Chiropractic
Pro Staff Personnel
Refine Laser and Electrolysis
River Gables
Treasure Chest Antiques
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Welcome Neighbor!
|
|
Thanks!!
We'd Like to extend a big thanks to those members who were able to assist us with our Membership Retention Phone-a-thon. It was a great day and a great way to hear feedback from our members. Thanks!!
Robin Fink, Security Bank
Steve Hansen, Hansen Hometech
Tiffany Hartert, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Julie Litzenberger, Bank of the West
|
|
Fun Facts about May
According to the early Roman calendar, May was the third month. Later, the ancient Romans used January 1 for the beginning of their year, and May became the fifth month. May has always had 31 days.
Several stories are passed around to show how the month of May was named. The most widely accepted explanation is that it was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. Her name related to a Latin word that means increase or growth.
|
|
Business Highlights
April Ambassadors
Robin Fink-Security Bank
Gwen Jansen-Carver County Workforce Jerry Little-PostNet
Julie Litzenberger-Bank of the West
Bob Mechtel-Promolink
Jennifer Moorse-bridgecreek consulting group
Suzanne Thiesfield-Peter Allen Co.
Carver County Flowers and Gifts
109 3rd Street East
Carver, MN 55315
952-681-7582
Owners: Al and Annette Hentz
Distinctive Floral Creations with an informal charm. Full service floral studio inside Treasure Chest Antiques, serving the SouthWest Metro area; sympathy, weddings, proms, everyday ocassions; cash and carry bouquets always available; free delivery within Carver city limits; reasonable delivery charges outside of Carver. Also carry a full line of gift items: greeting cards, candles, fresh plants, plush, permanent botanical wreaths and creations, photo frames and unique seasonal finds of the country cottage nature.
_________________________
Peter Allen Co
113 3rd Street East
Carver, MN 55315
952-292-8395
Owner: Peter Thiesfield
www.peterallenco.com
Since 1991 Peter Allen has been designing and producing fine custom cabinetry for residential and commercial applications. | |
|
|
|
Contact Legislators Now With Your Priorities
By David Olson, MN Chamber of Commerce
The legislative remedies to the looming shortfall in the state's general fund will have long-term implications on the ability of Minnesota businesses to compete in the worldwide marketplace. It's critical that business leaders contact their lawmakers now as the Legislature marches toward adjournment.
Minnesota, like most other states in this national recession, faces a daunting challenge. The state's general fund has a projected $4.6 billion shortfall for FY 2010-2011 - $6.4 billion if $1.8 billion of federal stimulus money for Medical Assistance is not counted. The challenge will likely be equally difficult in balancing the books for FY 2012-13.
Two messages should be at the forefront as you visit with legislators:
No. 1: Balance the budget without enacting general-fund taxes that would be detrimental to all Minnesotans, and especially the business community.
No. 2: Finish its work by the scheduled May 18 adjournment of the regular session.
Some lawmakers cast votes with one eye on the next election. We cannot afford to tackle this financial crisis with that mind-set.
Minnesota is beginning a period of rapidly changing demographics where the growth in the aging population (read: those individuals demanding more government services) will significantly outpace growth in the working population (read: those individuals paying taxes to support the government services). The dynamics necessitate that government seeks greater efficiencies in its operations and focuses on truly statewide priorities.
Legislators must craft a solution with an eye toward strengthening Minnesota in the global economy. The task should be accomplished through spending cuts and reforms. The shrinking economy emphasizes the need to restrain state spending and pursue strategic tax reductions that will encourage business investment and create jobs for Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Jobs Recovery Act proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty identifies key measures for keeping Minnesota businesses competitive. Among its chief
components: Reducing the corporate income tax rate; changing the capital equipment sales tax refund to an up-front exemption; creating the small business investment act; and allowing immediate expensing of qualified purchases.
The Minnesota Chamber and our local chamber partners across the state have aggressively lobbied our agenda. Legislators now must hear from those individuals who work in the trenches daily to preserve and grow their operations. Business leaders are in the best position to provide specific examples of the impact of existing Minnesota taxes - and proposed tax increases - on their companies and their employees
Legislators also must hear that there's no reason to go into overtime to solve the shortfall. Both sides have staked their positions; everyone has a clear picture of the economic circumstances and the decisions necessary to move forward. There's ample time to reach compromise in these final days.
We all appreciate the financial challenges facing Minnesota. At the same time, it's imperative that we don't take action that will diminish business investment and depress job creation. Thanks for your support during these challenging economic times. Working together, I'm confident we can present a unified business voice at the Legislature and protect our ability to compete in today's global marketplace.
David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.
|
|
Upcoming Chamber Meetings
May 7th - Breakfast Networking Group - 7:30-9:00AM
Laura Woods with By the Woods Landscaping will present "Gardening around the grill" learn how to set up your patio & get information on planting vegetables & herbs to use in your Outdoor Kitchen.
Summerwood of Chanhassen in the Deli
$10 for Members who pre-register $15 for Non-Members and Members after the deadline.
Register on line at www.swmetrochamber.com or call Kelly @ 952-448-5000.
Pre-Registration Deadline: May 1
May 7th - Green Jobs - 8:00-9:00AM
Bill Glahn, Director of the Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce and member of the Green Jobs Task Force will be speaking about opportunities that exist of our communities in the new clean energy economy. We have the opportunity to reshape and reinvent Minnesota's economic landscape but we need to act quickly. Learn more about proposed legislation and how to get involved with these opportunities by attending this presentation. For more information, go to http://www.mngreenjobs.com.
Chanhassen Recreation Center
$15.00 Chamber Members/ $20 Non Members
Register on line at www.swmetrochamber.com or call Kristie @ 952-448-5000.
Pre-Registration deadline: May 4th.
May 12th - Women's "BIZ" - 8:30-10:00AM
Pastor Brenda Legred will present "Her Story", her journey to become a Lutheran Pastor. We will also be accepting food donations for local food shelves.
Oak Ridge Hotel and Conference Center
$10 for Members who pre-register $15 for Non-Members and Members after the deadline.
Register on line at www.swmetrochamber.com or call Kelly @ 952-448-5000.
Pre-Registration Deadline: May 6
May 27th - Scholarship Presentation Luncheon - 11:30-1:00PM
Presented by the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Education Committee
We will be presenting 5 graduating seniors with a scholarship to use in their continuing education. Congratulations to Matt Bolen, Jay Firth, Erin Gilliland, Kaitlin Prusinski, Steve Weiterlin. Thanks to Baker Hoff Educational Consultants, Bloomberg Companies, Dave Huffman Race, IWCO Direct, Klein Bank, M&I Bank, Rising Star Dance Academy, Roberts Automatic Products, Southwest Newspapers and United Sugars Corporation. And a special thanks to the members of the SouthWest Metro Chamber for their continued support of this program through the luncheon raffles.
$20 Members/ $25 Non-Members & Members after deadline.
Seating is limited, walk-ins not guaranteed.
Register on line at www.swmetrochamber.com or call Kristie @ 952-448-5000.
Pre-Registration Deadline: May 21
Sponsored by
|
|
Upcoming Chamber Events
Golf Classic - June 19th
Cart Sponsor - EMBQARQ ($1500)
Eagle Sponsor - RidgeviewMedicalCenter ($1100)
This is one of the prime FUNdraisers for our chamber. Offering members the opportunity to golf and network on a beautiful spring day. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to expand and support valuable Chamber Programs throughout the year.
Chanhassen Business Expo - July 3rd
Expo Sponsor - RidgeviewMedicalCenter ($500)
This community event, held in conjunction with the Chanhassen July 4th Celebration, businesses have a great opportunity to promote and showcase products and services to thousands.
RiverCity Days Business & Health Expo - July 25th
Expo Sponsor - RidgeviewMedicalCenter ($750)
This community event, held in conjunction with Chaska River City Days, gives
Victoria Volksfest - August 29th
Sponsor - RidgeviewMedicalCenter ($750)
A community festival packed with food, fun and entertainment, plays host to an expanded venue of exciting activities for young and old. Volksfest also showcases area businesses giving them an opportunity to promote products and services to thousands.
Sponsorships providing maximum exposure to showcase your business
are available for all events above.
More information on these events coming to you soon! These are just a few of our upcoming programs, for more information on these or other events
call Kristie at 952-448-5000.
|
Fair Labor Standards Act Information
By Dick Cottrell, Compensation Design Services
Introduction:
This article provides information about Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules that employers may wish to follow to reduce the potential for either a compliance audit by the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hours Division or a class action lawsuit initiated by a law firm. If SouthWest Metro Chamber Members would like a workshop on this issue, it can be done.
Compliance review and lawsuit potential increases:
Ø A March 26, 2009 newsletter reported the US Congress is planning to "strengthen wage enforcement" by the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour division. The Secretary of Labor has announced the Wage & Hour department will hire 250 more field investigators to increase the compliance review activity and the Department will "find ways to increase voluntary compliance with FLSA pay rules." Reviews may be initiated when a current, former employee or visitor files a complaint.
- An April, 2009 newsletter from a firm specializing in business and legal reporting has stated that 79% of US firms in 2008 experienced governmental compliance reviews or class action lawsuits.
- A 2006 report on the percentage change in FLSA class action lawsuits had increased by 975% from 2004 to 2006
Compliance issues that may cause governmental audits or class action lawsuits:
Ø Misclassification of FLSA exempt or non-exempt status of employees.
Ø Failure to pay overtime correctly for non-exempt employees:
- Work time not counted as eligible for base pay and overtime.
- Failure to pay overtime for 'inside sales' commissions or a periodic lump-sum reward based on company performance
- Misclassification of non-exempt employees as exempt.
Ø Failure to pay salary appropriately for exempt employees:
- Reductions in salary when an exempt employee does not work a full 8 hour day. There are several reasons this may occur, including late arrival, early departure or partial day absence for illness, vacation or personal business event.
- Reductions in salary because of damage to company equipment or a performance issue that is regarded as low work quality.
FLSA definitions - non-exempt and exempt:
Ø The FLSA have definitions for non-exempt and exempt employees, with one additional exempt classification (Highly Compensated) added in 2004. For non-exempt classifications, there are also definitions of hours worked and that "each workweek stands on it's own" for most organizations with non-exempt employees
FLSA regulation 2004 revisions:
Ø The revisions to the FLSA were released for review and comments in 2003. The revised FLSA was finalized in April, 2004 and went into effect August 23, 2004
Ø For exempt employees, the "Salary Basis Test" requires that the designated salary be paid and is not subject to reductions because of variations in the quality or quantity of work performed. There was a recommendation for employers to develop and communicate a policy to avoid or resolve an improper reduction of exempt salary. I have developed an improper reduction policy - approved by the Minnesota DOL.
Compliance processes:
Ø US Department of Labor
- A letter advising an audit will be initiated, followed by a compliance officer visit to discuss the audit and begin the review process, including FLSA exempt and non-exempt status and hours worked for positions that were incorrectly classified as exempt. The audit may require back pay for up to 2 years, including employees that have left the firm within 2 years
Ø Class action lawsuits:
- Independent law firms may initiate class action litigation if a current or former employee contacts the law firm and advises them of a potential compliance issue. The Department of Labor reported in January of 2009 that 70% of employers are not in compliance with the FLSA
- A journal statement: "Wage and hour class action lawsuits are exploding, now outpacing workplace discrimination claims."
Ø Employer strategies to avoid compliance audits or class action lawsuits
- Analyze the revised FLSA and also review the state FLSA law to identify compliance requirements.
Conduct an internal audit
· Review positions to ensure all jobs are properly classified as non-exempt or exempt.
· Ensure the internal audit documents are properly managed to avoid the potential for an external law firm to subpoena the documents and use them when initiating a class action lawsuit.
Ø Information resources for ensuring compliance with both federal and state law.
The US federal register posted the revised 2004 US FLSA rules.
The US Department of Labor website 'Interpretative Bulletins' for hours worked and overtime calculation.
The state of Minnesota has a website with state FLSA regulations and documents with guidance for ensuring compliance with state FLSA.
- www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html and enter the search window - most current 50 titles. Two items to enter are
o Fair Labor Standards Act
o FLSA Interpretative Bulletin
- www.dol.gov/index.htm#stats This site contains statistics, recent ruling notations and DOL opinion letters that provide guidance on a wide range of FLSA questions.
Please contact Dick at 952-934-9218 for more information on the new FLSA rules. |
|
|
|
| 50% OFF |
Newsletter, Chamber Link or Website Advertisement. Excludes Sponsorship. Limited Availability, coupons will be honored on a first come first serve basis. One per Member.
|
| Offer Expires: 12/31/09 | |
|
