Thank you for your continued partnership with the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce. Our voice is stronger as a result!

Our publishing partner, E&M Consulting, is wrapping up the publication of our White Bear Chamber of Commerce Hot Jobs & Great Companies Guide.  In the next few weeks, they will be contacting all of the members with advertising opportunities.  If you have any interest in advertising this year, please contact a sales associate at E&M or sign up online HERE. They are very professional and produce a high quality publication.  Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.  As always, your support of the White Bear Chamber of Commerce is greatly appreciated!

On Wednesday, January 30, the House Labor Committee will hear HF 5 – Paid Family Leave Act (Halvorson, DFL- Eagan).  This mandate will allow up to 24 weeks off with partial wage replacement.

• HF5 (Halverson - 51B,DFL): This bill creates a state-wide mandate on employers and employees - a new state insurance program financed through a joint employer/employee payroll tax - in order to establish a partial wage replacement benefit for the purposes of medical AND family leave. 
• Medical Leave Benefit program covers benefits related to an employee’s serious health condition and pregnancy leave.
• Family Leave Benefit program covers benefits related to family care, bonding (parental) leave, qualifying exigencies and safety leave. 

Employees may access both types of leave in a 12 month period. The tax rate and appropriations are left blank in the bill text as introduced, but 7% of funds collected will be used by the state to administer the program and .5% will be used to conduct community outreach.

While none of our local legislators are on the Labor House Committee, it’s vital to call your local legislator to voice your opinion on this bill.

Click HERE for the Minnesota House of Representatives Labor Committee

Join us for a conversation with Steve Bondy, Charge` d'Affaires and get an update on current U.S. and Middle East affairs. We will hear from Mr. Bondy about his responsibilities as the Acting Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, his relationship with Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo and get an introduction into diplomatic life.  

A continental breakfast will be served and reservations are required. This event is limited to the first 50 people who register.

How would you like to have a few extra bucks in your profit column? Colette Jurek, Manager Community Relations and Mike Meyer, Rebate Specialist from Xcel Energy will be informing us on how to find savings through their rebate plan and energy audits! 

Start you day out by meeting new contacts, sharing your valuable information and enjoying a fantastic breakfast! Everyone will have an opportunity to promote their business and share their information. The only cost to attend is for your breakfast. Please RSVP as space is limited.