Minnesotans face mutual challenges as we climb out of a recession that has taken a toll on both the private and public sectors. Conducting business as usual just doesn't cut it. Business and government alike must explore all measures and take bold action to deliver quality products and services to our customers at lower cost.

In that pursuit, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its local partners are engaging business leaders and citizens to redesign government services. We're grateful to the Bush Foundation that contributed money to this effort. The findings, to date, of these five studies were reported at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) There is reason for optimism.

Chambers of commerce at Brainerd Lakes, Staples Motley Area and Long Prairie Area are working with Crow Wing and Todd counties to study the case management for individuals who access a variety of county departments; the goal is to streamline the process and make these people less reliant on public services. The Owatonna Area Chamber is working with its city to use the LEAN process to evaluate operations; the first department being reviewed is parks and recreation.

Rochester Area Chamber is working with its city to develop a more customer-focused approach for review and approval of various development requirements. The Austin Area Chamber studied public safety dispatch with the city of Austin and Mower County. And a group of Twin Cities chambers is working with the Metropolitan Council to identify efficiencies in transit operations.

Some of these projects are still in progress, and others have issued final recommendations. Among the common themes that have emerged:

•  Improving service to customers should be at the forefront of any effort to consolidate and/or streamline operations.
• Don't expect an immediate return on the bottom line; real savings are long term.
• Enacting change requires engaging ideas that focus on the outcomes. Do not pander to the vested interests of stakeholders; there can be no sacred cows.
• The private sector must demand change and be ready to jump in with its resources.

 Hardly a week passes that headlines don't announce another initiative on government collaboration. Otter Tail County's director of solid waste also oversees programs in Wadena and Todd counties. Austin and Albert Lea are exploring sharing the services of a finance director. Rice County officials are charting a course to change the way the county does business. And Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, said he would first consider redesign to ease the state's expected budget deficit. He suggested that some agencies, like law enforcement, don't need to be restricted by county boundaries.

Changing demographics are driving the delivery of government services. An aging population is demanding more public services, especially in health care. At the same time, a shrinking workforce is contributing fewer tax dollars to support these services.  And the reality of a world economy means services must be delivered at the same or lower per-unit price. 

We also recognize that many local governments - no matter how well intentioned - are hamstrung in efforts to change operations. Myriad state mandates hinder their flexibility and ability to carve new paths. That's why chambers of commerce are working with local governments and legislators to review and eliminate the costliest and most cumbersome of mandates.

The Minnesota Chamber believes the state budget can be balanced by using the revenues we know will be available for the next biennium. Budget reform and service redesign must be part of the final puzzle. We stand ready to assist policy-makers at all levels of government to identify the most pressing problems and then fund those programs that deliver the greatest value and best outcomes.

Hello from the Chanhassen High School Key Club! We have a very exciting message to spread throughout the community: Chanhassen Key Club is ready to take down hunger.

            First of all, what is Key Club? Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership throughout the community and throughout the world. Each Key Club chapter strives to develop competent, capable, and caring leaders through community service. Only in its second year, the Chanhassen Key Club chapter now boasts over 100 members who are ready and excited to make their mark in their community. Chanhassen Key Club has created a project, Storm Against Hunger, that will help share the Key Club motto, "Caring-Our Way of Life", with Chanhassen High School, the Chanhassen community, and, potentially, the state of Minnesota.

            The Storm Against Hunger project will involve Chanhassen Key Club partnering with Kids Against Hunger whose mission is to "to significantly reduce the number of hungry children in the USA and to feed starving children throughout the world." The Kids Against Hunger organization transports materials for groups to package food into individual meals which are distributed to hungry families locally as well as internationally. Chanhassen Key Club is planning a pep-fest that would include a speaker on hunger-awareness and a school wide hour to pack meals for Kids Against Hunger. The club is hoping to create a tradition of an annual Storm Against Hunger day. Not only will it be excellent for students but it will also give Chanhassen High School and its students a great reputation throughout the community. Chanhassen Key Club is hoping to get news coverage for the event and spread this service learning notion to high schools across the state.

            In order to make an impact- to truly "Storm Against Hunger"- the Chanhassen Key Club has set a minimum fundraising goal of $10,000 for their project. It costs 23 cents per meal packaged, therefore $10,000 will pay for over 43,000 meals to be packaged. The club hopes to really make an impact on every student by allowing them the chance to package meals and be a part of making a difference in the lives of others. With $10,000 each student at Chanhassen High School could pack 30 meals each- a life changing experience.

            The Storm Against Hunger project is a huge undertaking and Chanhassen Key Club cannot do it on its own. The club is looking to local businesses and news stations to aid in the funding and publicity of this project. The club is asking businesses and companies to consider sponsoring the project, ideally for amounts between $500 and $1,000; of course, due to the economy, any and all donations are extremely appreciated. Thank you for your time and best wishes to you for a successful year.