Joe Swedberg (from left), Hormel Foods Corporation, moderated an exchange between Pat Shortridge (center) and Ken Martin during Minnesota Business Day at the Capitol. They are the respective chairs of the state Republican and Democratic parties. Mike Bromelkamp (left), Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., and Tom Hesse, Minnesota Chamber vice president of government affairs, testify at the Legislature in support of a bill to convert the sales tax refund program for capital equipment to an up-front exemption. Environmental and energy policies were center stage at this Insiders' Issue breakfast: (from left) Deputy Commissioner Bill Grant, Department of Commerce Energy Division; Commissioner Paul Aasen, Pollution Control Agency; Senator John Carlson, R-Bemidji; Senator Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont. Leadership Minnesota participants received a private audience with Governor Mark Dayton during their wrap-up session for this program year. Leadership Minnesota is exclusive to the Minnesota Chamber and provides insight into the state's changing economy and the issues that will shape its future. An industry panel addressed workforce issues at the recent Grow Minnesota! Partnership Meeting held on February 22nd in Owatonna. Pictured are Beth Dienst, Human Resources Director, Viracon, Inc.-Owatonna., Rodney Gramse, Director of Operations, MRG Tool and Die Corp. -Faribault, and Tim Wenzel, President, Winegar, Inc.-Waseca. Legislative leaders shared their views at Session Priorities: (from left) Senate Majority Leader David Senjem, House Speaker Kurt Zellers, moderator Tom Hauser of KSTP-TV, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk.


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Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Federation

2012 Priorities 

Develop the Best Talent
Minnesota has respected schools, but the way we measure student success needs to evolve so we know students are keeping pace with their peers in other states and globally. Think technology, a broader world view and using our resources in a smarter way. Today’s students will not be prepared for tomorrow’s jobs using yesterday’s classrooms.

Costs must be Competitive
Whether it’s energy, health care or taxes, Minnesota employers make hiring decisions based on the costs of doing business. When these costs are burdensome or unpredictable, businesses become cautions, less likely to invest in new employees and projects.

Innovate
It’s simple – let’s be entrepreneurial. Minnesota is known for innovative, government solutions and world-leading companies of all sizes. We should use these assets t cast a new model of government service delivery around the values and priorities of our citizens.

Fairer Rules, Fewer Delays
Minnesota business owners play by the rules, but the rules have not kept up with our expectations for growth and have hindered our ability to compete. It’s time to use technology to simplify permitting and regulatory review. Our legal system is out of line with other states. When employers are freed from outdated barriers, following the rules will be easier, and they will invest more in new ideas, industries and jobs.

The Minnesota Chamber advocates on more than 50 policies representing our member priorities. Form more information on our legislative agenda, contact our public policy team.

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