The Chamber continues to address the concerns members have on rising property taxes.

The document attached was prepared by the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, research arm, 

Center for Public Finance Research.   It provides a comprehensive overview of frequently

asked questions on how cities and counties calculate local property tax.

Members interested in this work are invited to participate in the Chamber Business Advocates Group.

Contact Kymn Anderson at the Chamber to get involved:

kymn@faribaultmn.org

334-4381

After the Welcome Center -St. Olaf Report

With a look back at averages of 0% in 2009, 1% in 2010, 3% in 2011, what are you anticipating for 2012?

1819 2nd Ave NW –
Faribault, MN 55021 –

Tom Hesse from the Minnesota Chamber Policy Staff will be facilitating a discussion on priorities for the 2012 legislative session.

Plan to attend and help shape the message our legislators will hear from the MN Chamber and the Chamber Federation.

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
2012 DRAFT Federation Priorities

Budget reform:

• Implement priorities and outcomes based budgeting.
• Request and receive federal Medicaid waivers that will allow Minnesota’s programs to assign enrollees to a care system and pay for their care based on outcomes.
• Continue to lead and advocate state and local government redesign.
• Continue to advocate for public employee compensation reform.

Education:

• Improve teacher evaluation by eliminating the “last in first out” approach to teacher layoffs. Replace it with a system based in part on teachers’ classroom results.
• Reinstate the state’s math requirement for high school graduation.
• Support higher education policies that emphasize producing workers for available jobs and closing the skills gap. (Note: The Minnesota Chamber is currently researching and drafting a new higher education policy. This policy will be ready for the 2013 session.)

Energy:

• Require that electric rates in Minnesota be based primarily on the cost of serving the customer, i.e. cost-based rates.
• Lift the bans on consideration of additional nuclear power and the development/use of new coal-fired electricity generation.

Environmental permitting:

• Continue to improve the efficiency of and streamline the environmental review and permitting process, including consideration of updating the 30 day notice for completed permit applications and creation of an Economic Development Coordinator to oversee large economic development projects and their permitting needs.

Health care:

• Design and implement a health insurance exchange that allows Minnesota employers and individuals to shop for coverage based on both the quality of care and price.

New Major Policy Initiative: Tax reform:

• Research the feasibility of a major tax reform initiative.
• Make the proposal the focal point of the 2013 session.
• A tax reform proposal should:
  • Be revenue neutral
  • Make the tax system more competitive and stable.
  • Use Governor Pawlenty’s 21^st Century Tax Reform Commission report as a starting point.

On Friday Oct 7 the Chamber hosted a conversation on Understanding Business Property Tax.  The group heard from two speakers, whose presentations are posted below.

Paul Knutson
County Assessor
(507) 332-6102

 County Assessor Webpage

County Assessor Presentation

Property tax information

• How your property taxes are calculated in MN 1 – Property Tax Calculation
• Impact of classification system on business properties 2 -Classification
• State general property tax3 -Statewide General Property Tax

The Need for Greater Transparency in Local Budgeting Decisions

Greater Transparency in Local Budget Decisions

If one company we care about believes passionately on one side of an issue and another company we care about is equally passionate on the other side, is it our role to stay in the middle where we think we won’t upset anyone?
There are times that the middle of the road seems like the safest place to stand.  But the Chamber has values, strategies and beliefs to uphold too.  It is important to express those beliefs even if someone we care about thinks differently. If we don’t take a stand we risk upsetting or disappointing everyone.

The Chamber board sets the policy and determines the positions taken by the Chamber.  The board examines requests from members, evaluates the issues based on our mission and values and makes a decision.  On local issues we are often asked to take a position expressing the Voice of Business.  To make an informed decision we access resources including the opinions of our Business Advocates, the State Chamber Federation, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the US Chamber and our elected representatives.
Sometimes we get surprised by the passion our members have on one side of an issue and we are always willing to hear multiple sides of an issue.  As the leading business organization of our community, we must be true to our values and our mission.  Even at the risk of upsetting someone so we don’t disappoint everyone.

Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.”
-Alexander Hamilton

The effective voice of business promoting growth and prosperity.

Mission
To strengthen and promote our members by building community alliances and working as business advocates, making Faribault and even greater place to visit work and live.

Values

• Spirit of free enterprise
• Courageous leadership
• Members supporting members
• Inclusion of all businesses
• Respect for all views

What should state government DO or QUIT DOING

to help small businesses succeed?

Post your opinion here!

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS from the Govenor’s visit to Faribault.

Changes were made in a number of areas to reflect a more modern organizations best practices.

Changes include:
• Updating  language to identify Business members instead of “full” members
• Clarifying the categories of membership into two primary categories of
   business members and associate members
•   Removing the board “at-large” designation
•  Updating language on budget preparation and authority
•  Clarifying the make up of the board nominating committee
•  Updating the member communication requirement to include e-mail,
    websites and other electronic communication tools
•   Added a conflict of interest policy in compliance with best practices
•   Consistently named the officers of the board as Chair, Past Chair, Vice Chair  
    and Treasurer.
•   Applied the updated language referring to the chief staff person as President

The Chamber board acknowledges and appreciates the capable assistance of Gary Peterson P.A.  for his expert review of these by-laws revisions.

Proposed change to Chamber BY-LAWS 2011

Current Chamber By-Laws

The changes will be officially adopted by the board on October 20.  Any member wishing to comment should contact the Chamber office prior to October 14.

Wellness in the Workplace

Give a local business the recognition they deserve.

Nominate for the Annual Chamber Business Awards.

Awards are given annually for:

• New Business Spotlight  (less than 5 years in business locally)
• Small Business of the Year  (5 employees or less)
• Business of the Year  (more than 5 employees)

Nominees are evaluated based on three criteria:

Business Impact: 

• Exhibits growth, and sound business practices
• Innovative products or services
• Demonstrated job creation and commitment to the local workforce

Community Impact:

• encourages employees to be involved in the community
• provides leadership and and involvement with community activities

Personal Impact:

• offers family friendly work environment
• provides training and education for employees
• promoted diversity in the workplace

Nominations are due to the chamber by April 8. 

2011 Business of the Year Nominations Forms on-line