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Business Advocates

Representing businesses individually and collectively on issues relating to government at all levels.

The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce has adopted these 2010 Federation State Legislative priorities.

  • Spending Reform: The spending reform policy will focus on budget process reform, enhancing productivity of state and local government, and reducing overhead costs. 
  • Education Reform: Alternative Teacher Licensure
  • Environmental Permitting: Streamlining, adding certainty and reducing the cost of the permitting process is important to economic development in the state.
  •  Health Care Reform: The potential impact of federal health care reform legislation on Minnesota keeps this topic on the Chamber’s priority list.   
  •  Repealing the Nuclear Ban:  calling for the legislature to allow open discussion on the use of nuclear power to meet the growing energy needs in Minnesota.

2010 is an election year and the focus for our Business Advocates Committee will include candidate recruitment and forums in addition to representing businesses individually and collectively on issues relating to government and public policy at all levels.

The Chamber’s local advocacy work is carried out primarily through:

  • GROW Faribault Program
  • Forums and events
  • Chamber appointments to boards and commissions
  • Individual advocacy on behalf of member interests

In 2009 the Chamber’s Business Advocates presented members with many opportunities to amplify the Voice of Business and speak out on issues

  • Co-hosted an event with Owatonna Chamber with US Chamber presenters on the Employee Free Choice Act in January
  • Held a meeting on the Employee Free Choice Act in February with Joe Swedberg from Hormel providing the information
  • We took a position in opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act
  • Attended a regional discussion on MN Legislative issues in Owatonna
  • Attended Business Day at the Capital with a cohort of members promoting the Federation issues.
  • Hosted a visit by Governor Pawlenty in February focused on the state budget issues
  • Invited newly elected Mayor John Jasinksi and City Administrator Tim Madigan to join in a board meeting to discuss mutual concerns
  • Held a Community Outlook event presenting the new Mayor and the Market Profile Study we commissioned.
  • We had a very successful visit with Congressman Kline August 20 at Met-Con
  • Promoted the participation by members in the sign ordinance discussions and in the I35 North development planning process.
  • Sent a letter and appeared at the budget hearing opposing the tax increases proposed by the city
  • Legislative Forecast discussion November 10 – Senator Day, Representative Fritz and Representative Bly