Join the Minnesota Chamber for Business Day NOT at the Capitol which provides all sizes and types of Minnesota companies the opportunity to see your legislators and influence public policy decisions. This is a great chance to advance your priorities face-to-face with lawmakers and learn about timely issues affecting your business. Join your peers from across the state while focusing on challenges facing your community and region. Speak with one voice on the issues that will help strengthen the business environment. Cost is $95 per person. Contact the Red Wing Chamber office to register. Location: Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront, Great River Ballroom, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul. AGENDA 9:30 a.m. Optional Session: Lobby 101: How to be the most effective advocate for your issues This breakout session has become very popular over the past two years, so we are opening it up to all attendees who might be interested in a little refresher course before heading up to talk with legislators.
Bill Blazar, interim president, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
10:30 a.m. Welcome & Key Messages for 2015 Business Priorities
Attendees will receive written materials outlining each priority.
11:00 a.m. Keynote Address, Tom O'Neill, president, The Nerdery
11:45 a.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Governor Address--Governor Mark Dayton – Invited
12:45 p.m. Break
12:45 - 4:35 p.m. Hot Topics--In between appointments, stop by one of these "hot topic" sessions for an update on key issues.
12:45 - 1:15 p.m. | Session 1--Construction/Renovation of the Capitol--Capitol History: Brain Pease, historic site manager, Minnesota Historical Society Renovation Update: Curt Yoakum, assistant commissioner, communications & planning, Minnesota Department of Administration
1:25 - 1:55 p.m. | Session 2--Transportation: Representative Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing), Sponsored by Northern State Bank
2:05 - 2:35 p.m. | Session 3--Taxes: Senator Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope)
We will bring the Capitol to you! Appointments will be designated by regional area of the state. All attendees will receive a legislator appointment time and location at check-in for all pre-scheduled appointments made by the chamber.
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Networking Social
We want to know how your day of lobbying went, so stay for refreshments and some camaraderie while sharing your success story of the day. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.