TwinWest Chamber of Commerce: Setting the Standard. Leading the Way.
 
 In Touch
 
   issues and updates:
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 February 14, 2008
 
 
 
 
Metro Transit busLakeState Capitol (inside)Neighborhood sidewalkStorefront
Dear Rachel,

Welcome to the February 14, 2008 issue of In Touch! The 2008 legislative session is off to a fast start, with bills already passing out of committee in both the House and Senate. While this session is scheduled to be primarily a bonding session, other issues like transportation, health care, and the state's budget deficit are dominating the discussion.

Refer to weekly issues of In Touch to help you stay up to date on legislative action, and watch for your chance to take an active role and help TwinWest's lobbying activities.
 
If you'd rather not receive this e-newsletter, please click on Update Profile/Email Address at the bottom of this e-mail and change your preferences.
 
Legislative Session Kicks Off

State Capitol

The Minnesota Legislature returned for the second year of the 85th session at noon on Tuesday, February 12.
 
According to the state constitution, the Legislature is allowed 120 days over the biennium to get its work completed. Last year, it took 75 legislative days, leaving only 45 days for this year's work. This means legislators must complete their work by May 19.
 
Traditionally, the second year of the biennium is commonly known as the "bonding year" and is reserved for consideration of investment in capital projects. Local units of government, higher education systems and state agencies have submitted proposals for these investments totaling more than $3 billion. But, to stay within debt service guidelines, the general obligation bonding cap is likely to be less than one-third of this amount - around $965 million, as proposed by Governor Pawlenty. Once the February Economic Forecast is released, the bonding number could be adjusted.
 
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis) and House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) have announced the following committee deadlines in the House:
  • March 14: Committees act favorably on bills in the house of origin.
  • March 19: Committees act favorably on bills or companions that met the first deadline in the other body.
  • March 28: Committees act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
In other words, the clock is ticking - and legislators haven't wasted any time starting their work this week.
 
More information about the legislative process and the Minnesota House of Representatives can be accessed through the House Web site.
 
Transportation Funding Plan Speeding Along

Traffic jam

A transportation funding plan appears to be speeding through the House. Sponsored by Rep. Bernie Lieder (DFL-Crookston), HF2800 was approved by the House Transportation Finance Division on a 12-5 vote along party lines.
 
Included in the proposal is:
  • An immediate 2-cent gas tax increase and a 3-cent increase in the fall. The increase would also be adjusted annually for inflation.
  • $2.2 billion in bonding over the next decade for roads and bridges, including $500 million in each of the next two years.
  • An increase in vehicle tab fees, in effect only upon purchase of a new vehicle.
  • A one-half cent sales tax increase in the Twin Cities metropolitan area for transit purposes.
A Senate version, SF2521, sponsored by Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), was approved by the Senate Transportation Budget and Policy Division Thursday. The bill will continue to move rapidly through committee over the next few days.
 
March 5: Make Your Voice Heard at Business Day at the Capitol
 
TwinWest members the 2007 Business Day at the Capitol.On Wednesday, March 5, you're invited to join nearly 800 business leaders from across the state at Business Day at the Capitol.
 
TwinWest members will meet at our office in Plymouth at 8:30 a.m., hear a short session on how to advocate for the business community's positions, and ride together to the State Capitol to meet with legislators. (Our thanks to Liberty Diversified Industries for sponsoring transportation to and from the Capitol.)
 
You don't need to have any special political knowledge or experience to participate - you simply need to show up and be ready to make your voice heard. The cost is $50 for lunch and materials.
 
Business Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.
 
State of the City Addresses Continue with Golden Valley Next Week

city sidewalk

Each year, TwinWest partners with the communities we serve to present State of the City events. You'll hear about your city's accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year, including local economic development projects, services, and programs.

Put your local event on your calendar and plan to join us! All of these events are free of charge; visit our event calendar for details. 
  • Golden Valley State of the City
    Thursday, February 21, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
  • Plymouth State of the City
    Thursday, February 28, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
  • St. Louis Park State of the City
    Thursday, March 6, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
  • Brooklyn Park State of the City
    Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
  • Hopkins State of the City
    Tuesday, March 18, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Thanks to our sponsor:
Comcast

Upcoming events:

 
Government Affairs Committee
Wednesday, February 20
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
ROI: Stay up to date on issues affecting your business and community
 
Overtime at Comfort Inn/
Axel's Bonfire
Wednesday, February 20
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
ROI: Build your network of contacts while you explore a local hotel and restaurant
 
Golden Valley State of the City
Thursday, February 21
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
ROI: Find out what your city has accomplished in the past year, and what's in the works for the year to come
 
TwinWest Emerging Leaders "On the Fast Track" Luncheon: Networking Without the Nerves
Thursday, February 21
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
ROI: Learn how to become a more powerful communicator and develop valuable relationships to grow your professional life and business
 
Business Showcase at
Supper Thyme
Wednesday, February 27
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
ROI: Make some new contacts and dinner too!
 
Plymouth State of the City
Thursday, February 28
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
ROI: Find out what your city has accomplished in the past year, and what's in the works for the year to come
 
Member Orientation
Wednesday, March 5
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
ROI: Learn how to make the most of your TwinWest member investment and get a jump start on networking
 
 
 
Quick links:
 
CITIES
 
Brooklyn Center
   Web site
 
Brooklyn Park 
 
Crystal 
 
Golden Valley
 
Hopkins
 
New Hope
Medicine Lake
 
Minnetonka
 
Plymouth
 
St. Louis Park


SCHOOL DISTRICTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HENNEPIN COUNTY
 
 
 
STATE LEGISLATURE
 
 
 
TWINWEST LINKS
 
 
City and School District News
 
City of Robbinsdale:
  • North Memorial Health Care has bought Now Care Medical Centers Inc., a chain of urgent-care and retail clinics around the metro area. North Memorial, which owns a hospital in Robbinsdale and primary care clinics, is hoping the acquisition will strengthen its market niche in emergency services. Read the Star Tribune article.

City of St. Louis Park:

  • The public is invited to attend the city's second Green Business Forum, which will be held Tuesday, March 4, from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Learn from Terry Gips, a St. Louis Park resident and president of Sustainability Associates, about green initiatives that can be used in your business and personal life. View an agenda and read more on the City's Web site.

Wayzata Public Schools:

  • Construction will begin this summer on additional classroom space at Oakwood Elementary for the district's Step program, which serves elementary students with autism, physical disabilities and other needs. The addition will provide space for students with disabilities to stay in a traditional school environment, which allows for more interaction with mainstream students.

The Step program began with approximately five students and has grown to 20 students this year. The project will cost approximately $1.5 million and will be paid for through a lease-purchase arrangement with a bank or other finance organization. Construction is expected to be completed by fall.

  • Wayzata High School's Internship/Mentorship program is looking for businesses willing to provide opportunities for young professionals seeking real-world career experiences. Business volunteers from a variety of industries are needed to provide job shadowing, mentorship and internship experiences to students who are self motivated and have interest in a specific career area. Career areas include advertising, management, human services and more.

Businesspeople who volunteer and participate in the program gain the perspective of younger professionals, and they also gain access to a pool of talented individuals who may help meet businesses' recruitment needs.

For more information, please contact program coordinator Michelle Cornwell at 763.745.6808 or michelle.cornwell@wayzata.k12.mn.us.

Thanks to Those Who Attended Tuesday's Session Priorities Dinner
Business leaders and elected officials kicked off the 2008 legislative session at the Minnesota Chamber's annual Session Priorities Dinner in St. Paul Tuesday night. TwinWest was very well represented with 31 members and six legislators participating.
 
Attendees participated in issue briefings conducted by Minnesota Chamber staff, enjoyed a keynote address from Governor Pawlenty, and learned what to expect this session from legislative leaders. Thanks to these TwinWest members and legislators for their time and dedication:
 
TwinWest Members and Community Leaders
Jerry Archambeau, Grand Casino Mille Lacs & Hinckley
Larry Brauch, Liberty Diversified Industries
Mark Carlson, Minnesota Mailing Solutions
Dannette Coleman, Medica
Peggy Douglas, Wayzata Chamber of Commerce
Steve Drozda, Nestle Medical Nutrition
Dan Duffy, Duffy Architects
Laura Harmeling, RLK Incorporated
Mike Hickey, Hickey and Associates
Tess Hohman, General Mills
Karen Jothen, Qwest Communications
Greg Korstad, Larkin Hoffman Attorneys
Taylor Kristoffe-Jones
Jan Kruchoski, LarsonAllen LLP
Stephanie Laitala, OWL Bookkeeping and CFO Services
Jeff Lambert, Jeffrey W. Lambert, P.A.
Mike Lehman, Ferguson Enterprises
David Lenzen, Liberty Diversified Industries
John Mazzitello, RLK Incorporated
Lynne Osterman, GSP Consulting Corporation
Jeff Peterson, Total Energy Concepts, Inc.
John Rupp, Commonwealth Properties
Rich Stanek, Hennepin County Sheriff
Jeff Starbird, Lurie Besikof Lapidus and Co.
Kris Sundberg, The Links Group
Steve Swanson, Eco Energy Solutions
Bruce Taher, Taher, Inc.
Shawn Taher, Taher, Inc.
Blair Tremere, Public Affairs Consulting
Sandra Westerman, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Bob Wittman, Robbinsdale Area Schools
David Yates, Nestle Medical Nutrition
Legislators
Senator David Hann
Senator Gen Olson
Representative John Berns
Representative Erik Paulsen
Representative Sandra Peterson
Representative Kurt Zellers