Public Policy: Cale provides an overview of the new Center for Civic Engagement, a comprehensive initiative to increase civic engagement, candidate recruitment, and voter turnout, including leveraging the Vote FMWF website. He also previews the upcoming Minnesota legislative session, focusing on potential reforms to Paid Family Medical Leave and the pursuit of a substantial bonding bill.
Workforce: Jane introduces the new Workforce Forum event on January 28th, designed to bring together employers, educators, HR professionals, and policymakers. She shares an update on the Good Jobs Challenge Grant, which provides up to $5,000 for upskilling in agriculture/food, cybersecurity/IT, and advanced manufacturing. Jane also breaks down the importance of Work-Based Learning and the Chamber's four Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs): healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity/IT, and agriculture.
Events & Initiatives: Catherine discusses major changes to the Chamber’s programming, including sunsetting "The Pulse" in favor of more flexible roundtables and info sessions. The Annual Celebration will transition to a business-focused Annual Meeting in March with a keynote speaker, and the Chamber Choice Awards will be rebranded as "The Awards" in May. She also explains Innovate 28, a four-year collaborative campaign with the Economic Development Corporation focused on public policy, workforce, and business development, and highlights new advertising packages and opportunities to engage with the Health Tech Trade and Career Expo (HTTC).
The team encourages members and non-members alike to engage with the Chamber's numerous opportunities in 2026, including the DC and Minnesota Days at the Capitol, and emphasizes the Chamber's role as a resource for the entire business community.