By David Olson

Minnesotans face a dramatically different political landscape in 2011. It's more important than ever - and a real opportunity - for the statewide business community to be unified in its messages at the Capitol. Please mark your calendars for March 16 - Business Day at the Capitol, the largest business lobbying day in Minnesota.

We have a new Governor for the first time in eight years. Sixty new
lawmakers are among the 201 legislators in the House and Senate, which means a new lineup of legislative leadership as well. It's a completely new environment for the business community.

These are especially serious times for businesses as the economy continues its slow recovery. It's doubly important that business leaders take time to introduce themselves to their local legislators and familiarize policy-makers with their concerns and priorities. There's no better way than inviting lawmakers for a firsthand tour of your business. Continue that relationship year-round and especially when the Legislature is in session.  And then please join the Minnesota Chamber during Business Day at the Capitol as we lobby with one voice on the issues that will shape the state's economy.

Jobs and the economy will frame the conversation at the Capitol. Central to that debate will be the $6.2 billion shortfall in the state's general fund for the next biennium. The Minnesota Chamber remains confident that the state can live within the projected $32 billion in revenues, which is actually a 5-percent increase. The task won't be easy. Policy-makers must focus on funding those programs that are truly statewide priorities.  Second, they must identify and implement more efficient delivery of those services.

Resolving the deficit will not be without consequences. Minnesotans,
including businesses, will share a collective pain.

But reforms are essential if Minnesota is to forge a path out of the
recurring budget shortfalls. Our state, like many others, is experiencing a dramatic change in demographics. As baby boomers retire, more people are requiring public services and fewer individuals are paying taxes to pay for those services.

Witness the current predicament. The state anticipates biennial revenue of $32 billion, and yet we face a large budget deficit because spending is projected to grow to nearly $39 billion. The chasm will continue to widen as the costs of government services are outpacing available revenues. We must bring greater discipline to government spending.

Overall, the Minnesota Chamber and its network of local partners will
advance four priorities at the Legislature. Government service redesign and spending reform is No. 1. The others: Reform public education, especially in K-12, so employers have a world-class workforce to compete in the worldwide economy; Further streamline the environmental review and permitting process at state agencies; Remove the ban on consideration of additional nuclear and
coal-fired energy to ensure a reliable supply of electricity at competitive prices.

We work every day at the Legislature and around the state to improve the business environment. When we speak, policy-makers listen. Our efforts are critical with the many new players in St. Paul - the individuals who will be crafting public policy that directly affects the livelihood of your company and your employees.

We'd like your help in building the largest crowd ever for this year's
Minnesota Business Day. The impact of the day depends on the broad-based involvement of business leaders and business organizations. Employers and employees alike will benefit from your participation, and legislators will be impressed that you have taken time out of your schedules to visit them at the Capitol. 

Let's plan to meet March 16 in St. Paul.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.

NOTE:  The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce will be taking a delegation to the Capitol on March 16th.  Please call Deb McMillan at the Chamber office to register for the event. 

UCLICK Studios, LLC
Tracey Rust

Salon SPAtoria
Melissa Hanson, Katheryn Paradise, Robin Robey

Anytime Fitness of Chaska

Scott Karo, Kari Koznick


Partnership Community Services
Cindy Bartels

Gamin' Ride
Dave Soliday

Bruce Torgerson, Shayne Currin

December Ambassadors

 

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors met the following businesses:

 

  Perkins Family Restaurant, Chaska

 

Pictured above:

Brad Gruhot , Jan  Socha , Melissa Carlson, Craig Ramsey, Bill Moch (Perkins Food Production Manager), Susan Duchon , Jerry Little , Nancy Madsen , Gwen Jansen, Wade Clarke, Robin Fink 

 

Salon Celeste, Chaska

Pictured above:

Gwen Jansen, Craig Ramsey, Jan Socha, Jerry Little, Susan Duchon, Nancy Madsen, Robin Fink, Janey Vierling (Co-Owner, Salon Celeste), Melissa Carlson, Melissa Hoobs (Stylist, Salon Celeste), Wade Clarke, Claire Quillen (Stylist, Salon Celeste), Brad Gruhot, Cinde Isaac (Admin. Asst., Salon Celeste)

PostNet, Chaska

Pictured above:

Craig Ramsey, Jeremy Alberg (PostNet Store Manager), Susan Duchon, Brad Gruhot (Membership Director, SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce), Gwen Jansen, Jerry Little (PostNet Owner), Jan Socha, Nancy Madsen, Wade Clarke, Robin Fink, and Melissa Carlson.