Governor Tim Pawlenty congratulates John M. Rivisto, president and CEO of Wells Concrete Company, on its new facility in Sartell. The plant has created 50 jobs in central Minnesota and will add another 100 jobs over the next five years. Minnesota legislative leaders share their priorities at the Minnesota Chamber’s annual Session Priorities event: (from left) House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, moderator Tom Hauser of KSTP-TV Eyewitness News; Senate Minority Leader David Senjem; Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller. Governor Tim Pawlenty addresses nearly 1,600 business leaders and policy-makers at the Minnesota Chamber’s annual Session Priorities event, the largest legislative gathering of its kind. Michele Engdahl with Thomson Reuters, Eagan, receives an up-close look at a hog-producing facility – Baarsch Farms-Next Generation Pork, Inc. near Austin – as part of Leadership Minnesota. The Minnesota Chamber program is an exclusive look at the state’s changing economy and the issues that will shape its future. Grow Minnesota! events help businesses prepare for the economic recovery. Sharing their perspectives on how the recession has changed the job market were (from left) Simon Foster of SpencerStuart, Minneapolis; Sue Metcalf of Ecolab, St. Paul; and Jan Erickson of Medtronic, Inc., Fridley. Dee Schutte, executive director of the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, visits with House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers at the Session Priorities event.

Be Recognized

Minnesota Business Gives supports the contributions and community involvement activities of businesses, and provides public recognition in local communities for that commitment.

Businesses are recognized that give cash and/or in-kind contributions to charitable organizations amounting to 2 percent or more of their pretax earnings. The program is based on the Minnesota Keystone ProgramSM Standard, criteria established in 1976 by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Most businesses are modest at best in promoting their community giving. Minnesota Business Gives is an excellent way for businesses to share their stories and be recognized with their peers. Best of all, because recognition is based on the percent of income given in cash and in-kind donations, a small business that gives $1,000 each year can receive the same recognition as one that contributes $10,000.

How to Participate

Any business or professional association (corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship) can participate. See Local Business Gives Programs to determine if one is in your area. If not, contact your local chamber of commerce or Minnesota Business Gives, Jackie Reis at jreis@mnchamber.com, (651) 292-4688.

To participate, a business must certify that during its most recently completed fiscal year it gave at least 2 percent of its pretax earnings in cash and in-kind contributions to charitable organizations. Certification is based on a written declaration by the company's chief executive or financial officer. The only information about participants that is publicly released is the name, type of business and location. Business Gives programs do not report contributed amounts, nor do they audit for compliance. The honor system prevails.

To see how your business can participate, you can view a participation form, instructions and a calculation worksheet.

*The Minnesota Keystone Program service mark is owned by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Privacy & Security|Contact Us|Send Feedback
© Copyright 2009 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

This web site is developed and owned by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Any use or reprinting is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.