We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following members for their generous sponsorship of the Chamber Member Appreciation Luncheon held December 3. 

American State Bank & Trust

First International Bank

First National Bank & Trust Co.

Gate City Bank

North Dakota Guaranty & Title Co.

Western Cooperative Credit Union

The coffee and cider we were all delighted to enjoy was sponsored by

Cooks On Main

And a special thankyou to our board members who helped set up, serve and tear down for this event!  We couldn't do what we do with out your help!

Chamber Christmas Events

Spotlight on New Members

Federal Issues Update from NDCOC

Taxes - Last Thursday the US House of representatives passed a bill extending the Bush tax cuts for those individuals earning less than $200,000 and families earning less than $250,000.  While this is a good start we at the ND Chamber believe the ideal situation is to keep taxes low for everyone as well as decreasing governmental expenditures and the overall size of government.

On a rare Saturday Session, the Senate took two cloture votes on tax cut proposals, both of which failed to garner the necessary 60 votes: the broad Baucus (D-MT) package of tax cut extensions for households making less than $250,000, AMT and estate tax fixes and an extension of unemployment compensation (S.Amdt. 4727, cloture failed 53-36) and the Schumer (D-NY) amendment to extend 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for households making less than $1 million (S.Amdt. 4728, 53-37).  Senate republicans continue to hold the line on taxation arguing that taxes should not be raised on any Americans regardless of income.

The ND Chamber has signed on in support of an open letter to Congress urging our Senators and Congressman to vote for a full extension of the Bush tax cuts.  During this stage of the economic recovery we believe it is important to keep the taxes on small businesses low so they can afford to create jobs and put our country back to work.  To read this letter and add your name in support click here.

The Week Ahead: The Last Days of the 111th Congress - Congress has plenty to do in the last couple of weeks before this term comes to an end.  One issue they must address is ensuring government is funded through at least the first quarter of 2011.  Click here to read an article from The Hill which discusses this and other issues Congress plans to take up during the current week.