Lawmakers passed a new law that prohibits employers from meeting or communicating with their employees on public policy. The “captive audience” law stipulates that communications must be “wholly voluntary” and not be political or religious in nature. There is a federal preemption of these laws, and they have been litigated in other states. Minnesota’s law is effective on August 1, 2023.

Business succession and transition mark key points in a business’ life and the owner’s life. While representing a new era, business succession and transition (BST) requires significant effort and change from everyone involved. BST planning can help ensure long-term, sustainable success and a smooth exit for the owner.  

This year, the Legislature passed the most sweeping paid leave mandates on business in state history. Despite more than 80% of Minnesota members offering leave to their employees, the state now mandates all employers to grant employees sick, safe and paid time off equaling nearly 40% of a work year.

The Minnesota Legislature passed many bills this legislative session. Here is a timeline of when those bills become a reality for your business.

Throughout the month of October, we celebrate manufacturers. Manufacturers are a core tenet of our economy and contribute to Minnesota’s legacy of economic strength.  

Now that your company has hired people, onboarding new employees effectively is the next task. Properly onboarding new employees is crucial to setting them up for success and helping them quickly thrive and contribute to the success of your organization.

The Export–Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the United States federal government. They provide a number of insurance programs, loan guarantees and educational resources. Generally, EXIM provides export finance solutions to decrease risk and allow US businesses to offer more favorable terms to foreign buyers. 

Recently, the Chamber held its latest event in the Women in Business Series, this time at Post Consumer brands. Speakers included 2023-2024 Chamber Board Chair, Jill Bollettieri of Post Consumer Brands, as well as a panel on women in the workforce, including a broad and intersectional approach to the discussion. Panelists shared their personal journeys and success stories, as well as business best practices for engaging, supporting and developing women and other underrepresented demographics in the workplace. 

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and UnitedHealthcare announced a partnership to offer health plans designed to save small businesses on medical premiums while gaining more flexibility, freedom and stability. ChamberHealth by UnitedHealthcare are level-funded health plans that offer small businesses the same range of access as large corporations at competitive prices.