Small Business Voice E-newsletter

March 2008

This e-newsletter is distributed periodically to address issues that have the greatest impact on businesses with 100 and fewer employees. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Byers at (651) 292-4673, (800) 821-2230 or jbyers@mnchamber.com.

We want your direction
Small businesses represent more than 80 percent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce membership. The Small Business Policy Committee reviews every policy of the Minnesota Chamber to evaluate its impact on small business operations.

The Small Business Policy Committee is identifying its priorities for the 2008-2009 program year. Follow this link, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZO63g141Kt4dF8VxUHxIaQ_3d_3d, to select the top three concerns facing your business. If you have a priority that is not listed, or if you have specific comments on any issue, please write these in the "comment" section. You also may contact Tom Hesse, vice president, government affairs, at (651) 292-4678 or thesse@mnchamber.com.

State contractors must now use E-Verify for new hires
All vendors and subcontractors that do business with the state of Minnesota must now certify compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and certify use of the E-Verify system established by the Department of Homeland Security. This order does not apply to entities that receive state grants, unless those entities also have a state contract in excess of $50,000. There is no need to send in a certificate demonstrating your compliance until the state of Minnesota initiates contact.

This executive order was issued by Governor Pawlenty. It applies to new, renewed and amended contracts with the state, effective January 29, 2008. Contracts signed prior to this date must comply with this order at the time they are renewed or amended. E-Verify program information can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs. Visit our Web site, www.mnchamber.com, for more information about E-Verify, or contact Tom Hesse, vice president, government affairs, at (651) 292-4678 or thesse@mnchamber.com.

Receive a complimentary assessment for reducing waste, saving money
For a limited time, Minnesota Chamber members with fewer than 100 employees can take advantage of a complimentary waste assessment from Minnesota Waste Wise. A staff member will come to your location, get to know your operations and facilities, and help you discover ways to reduce waste and save money. To schedule a visit, contact your Chamber representative at (651) 292-4680 or Minnesota Waste Wise at (651) 292-4663.

Pandemics and People: Protection Strategies
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Minneapolis - location to be determined
Free registration

Preparing for a flu epidemic is a daunting task. Though the timing and severity of the next pandemic are unknown, it's in the best interest of your employees and your company to take steps now. "Pandemics and People: Protection Strategies" can give you the tools to get started. The Minnesota Chamber is co-sponsoring this workshop with Hoffman-LaRoche Service Corp., a leading healthcare company in Lakeville. The workshop is free to the first 75 registrants.

Featured presenter will Dr. Stuart Weiss, a founding partner of MedPrep Consulting Group, LLC, which creates innovative business solutions for high-risk-high impact public health events and problems. He has been involved in many pandemic flu planning activities for government and business. Also participating will be Aggie Leitheiser, director of emergency preparedness for the Minnesota Department of Health. For additional information and to register, visit https://www.seeuthere.com/event/m1312d36-276898985135.

Opportunity to network, learn public policy
Running a small business is a full-time job, often leaving little time to learn how public policy affects your business. Now is your opportunity to see firsthand what makes Minnesota tick in this program exclusive to the Minnesota Chamber and its members. The program will kick off its 2008-2009 series in September. Application deadline is May 23.

Leadership Minnesota serves to enhance the understanding of the state's economy and the role of public policy for Minnesota's business leaders. Participants include mid- to high-level managers, presidents and business owners from diverse business sectors across Minnesota. For further information, contact Jennifer Byers at (651) 292-4673, (800) 821-2230 or jbyers@mnchamber.com.