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In the News

    Home In the News

    IN THE NEWS

    June 20, 2017

    By Brad Meier:

    In a very sad change of events, the Owatonna/Minnesota delegation to DC learned that a shooting on Wednesday morning (6/14) at congressional baseball practice forced the cancelation of a major workforce initiative announcement by President Trump.  Our delegation was slated to attend that workforce announcement, but shifted plans after this unfortunate incident.

    USDOT To MN/Owatonna: ‘We Are Optimistic’
    Members of the Owatonna Chamber joined 40 business leaders from across Minnesota to connect with our Congressional delegation and interact with the large departments that can influence what happens in our state.

    The meeting at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) stood out because of the optimism surrounding that department around a major infrastructure package they think will make its way through congress in September.

    That sentiment was supported in meetings with the US Chamber of Commerce as well as members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation who say that ‘if’ the senate passes a healthcare bill, then the next domino will be tax reform, which will then lead to a major infrastructure bill.  All of these items are predicated on the health care bill happening first.

    US Tourism #’s Drop 4%
    In our meeting with US Senator Amy Klobuchar, she talked about her concern in the recent numbers showing a 4% decline in foreign tourists to the United States.  It is believed that this decrease comes from the discussion about travel bans to our country.  A decline in international tourism would have some impact on Owatonna as the Louis Sullivan bank (Wells Fargo) building is a global draw.

    Repatriating Business $’s
    Part of the plan for growing the economy is to lower the corporate tax rate to 20%.  A rate that it is believed will be low enough for companies to bring the dollars they have kept in foreign countries back to the United States because of the current high tax rate.  Congressman Jason Lewis spent a significant amount of time talking about repatriation and how that will be a key piece of a tax bill federally.

    When in DC… 
    While we were in D.C. it was important to see the sights, so we toured the monuments, a couple Smithsonian museums, had a ‘moonlight’ Capitol tour courtesy of Congressman Emmer, and toured the White House East Wing.  Additionally, former Governor Tim Pawlenty joined us for dinner and shared his thoughts on the direction of the country and Minnesota specifically.

    Nathan Dotson, Dotson Woodworking and Mike Milstead, Ag Power Enterprises joined me on the trip this year.

    If you’re interested in joining our group to DC next year, let me know and i’ll fill you in on the details-bmeier@owatonna.org!

    April 27, 2017

    By:  Brad Meier

    3 Ways We’re Bringing Workers to Businesses
    It’s a constant request from our members, find me more workers!  25% of graduating seniors say they don’t have a plan after graduation.  Here are 3 ways we are connecting the incoming workforce to our businesses.

    1. More than 160 high school juniors and seniors experienced firsthand the opportunities for not only a job, but a career during the school year through Made in Owatonna Day.  __% of students who participated in the program say they have a much better understanding about work/career options in the area.  Partnership with Bosch Foundation, United Way, Junior Achievement, & Owatonna Public Schools.
    2. Connecting the new workers with local business is happening now, are your openings listed?  We* have developed the one stop for first time job seekers in our area at www.steelecoworks.com.  The initiatives at the high school to engage students about local opportunities comes to fruition on this site.  Your jobs aren’t here?  Email them to uwadmin@unitedwaysteelecounty.org.  *United Way, Workforce Development, Inc, Chamber, & Owatonna Public Schools.
    3. Pilot programs with students doing apprenticeships, internships and job shadowing at local businesses right now.  This workforce connection is happening through a position funded by a grant obtained by the United Way.  This grant ends soon and the Chamber is committed to keeping this position in what we plan as a three way partnership between the United Way, Owatonna High School and the Chamber.

    These initiatives are the tip of the iceberg for how we work as a business community with the schools in the area.  There will be more opportunities for your business to connect as we move this initiative forward.

    Mar 12, 2017
    Curly Girlz Candy owner & CEO (Paula Trenda) is awarded MN Small Business Person of the Year
    Story by:  Kare 11 (September 21, 2020)

    Click Here for complete story!

    OHS and local businesses teaming up to provide job opportunities for youth
    Mar 24, 2017

    Owatonna High School is partnering with several local businesses and the chamber of commerce to provide local opportunities for students not attending college in a new “school-to-work” program.

    Read More ›

    Shirley Schultz named Director of MainStreet
    Mar 23, 2017

    Chamber President Brad Meier announced Thursday that Shirley Schultz has been hired as MainStreet Director. Meier said Schultz has been active with the chamber for many years and with MainStreet as a volunteer since 2013.

    Read More ›

    Chamber leaders: tax relief, benefit mandates top priorities
    Mar 22, 2017

    The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates, including the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, say this should be the year to finally pass comprehensive tax relief and transportation funding plans…

    Read More ›

     Cybex cuts ribbons to open new factory expansion
    Feb 23, 2017

    Cybex and Life Fitness think they have a simple recipe for success: “Produce the highest-level, best-quality fitness products more efficiently than anyone else in the world.”

    Read More ›

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