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Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Experimenting in Economic Development
Mired in the great depression and facing the prospects of war, Franklin Roosevelt believed in experimentation. If one experiment failed, he simply tried another. Roosevelt certainly didn’t have all the answers; but this one quality endeared him to a nation. His mantra lives on in the memories of our senior population.
We Duluthians ought to take a lesson. We are faced with many challenges in our region. Unfortunately, we tend to try the same old solutions to resolve the same problems. It is no wonder these issues persist.
Finland, until recently a poor agrarian society, tried a new approach. According to the May 29 issue of the Duluth News Tribune, the Finish society has invested heavily into education, which has resulted in a society of highly motivated, creative people. Finland now boasts about an advanced society that is rich in economic development. Moreover, people from all over the world are now touring Finland’s schools to learn their secrets. Roosevelt would be proud.
We should follow suit - not only in education, but in economic development as well. Bold experimentation in thinking differently is in order. Why must we be tied to thinking of the past? Certainly trying to attract businesses had some success, but investing in education and our young professionals might be just the kinds of experimentation that brings our area around.
While investing more in education may require a new look at the political landscape, the Chamber has recently invested in a Young Professional Group. This is an experiment that deserves some attention. The twenty-somethings that participate in this group are bright, sophisticated, and energetic. They, if given the right encouragement, could economically propel our region into the future.
I must confess that I was a critic of this group when it first started. But given Roosevelt’s thinking, I support their effort and wish this new experiment all the best.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Chamber Delivers Great News to Business
For the most part, politicians use politics to gain favor among constituents – and rightfully so. Policy, on the other hand, is how we would make decisions if we didn’t have to deal with any personal alliances. Not surprisingly, politics and policy are often in opposition. That is, the politics of a particular issue make policy development – and good decisions - incredibly difficult. Last Monday night, when the city council voted the city council voted to reduce costs for small business owners and operators in Duluth, we witnessed an anomaly. In this particular case, the politics surrounding the fire inspection fee issue when combined with good policy led to great outcome. It is important to note that every one of our city councilors can be called “pro-business.” Clearly, the councilors illustrated their commitment to businesses in Duluth by unanimously voting to reduce the fire inspection fee to $100. Furthermore, the city council and Duluth business owners understand the importance and necessity of having access to great fire protection services. As such, everyone thanks the Duluth Fire Department for the work it does on behalf of the city. The men and women of the DFD are smart, capable, and resourceful: they will find efficiencies in their department and continue to deliver great service. This, as recognized by the city council, is clearly “pro-business.” The city will issue a refund to those who have already paid their fee. For example, if you paid $400, you’ll get a check for $300 and so forth. You can thank the city council by dropping an email to them at council@ci.duluth.mn.us. And for us here at the Chamber, we work for you. Count on us to represent you when these types of issues arise.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, May 20, 2005
Small Business Alert - Fire Inspection Fee
Small Business Alert Background:Last fall the City of Duluth adopted the State of MN Fire Code - this code is mandatory for all cities within Minnesota. The code includes a category of operational permits - essentially, these are designed to protect the health and welfare of the general public. In particular, of the city's 3000 plus businesses approximately 1200 require special attention. Ostensibly, these businesses reflect a heightened risk to either employees or the general public. Establishments like restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, and chemical factories would have increased risk of personal injury under this code. As such, according to the state's fire code, they now require an in-depth inspection and consequently an operational permit.So far so good - we agree that public safety is an issue to be taken seriously. The Chamber is happy to see its member businesses are a safe place for those who patronize them. Further, we do not want to see a business owner or employee hurt or killed as a result of a fire. However, in assuring public safety, the City of Duluth passed the cost of the code inspections to the business owner - an unacceptable situation. In a series of meetings, the city councilors agreed to continue the rigorous schedule of inspections. Councilor Ness also proposed that the fees, currently anywhere from $200 - $2,400 for a three year operational permit, be reduced to $100. Councilor Little proposed the city eliminate the fee altogether. How This Will Affect You: If the proposals to lower or eliminate the fee fail – those businesses that need a stricter operational permit will be charged for the service. Again, the fees run from $200 - $400. If either resolution passes, the fees will be eliminated or reduced to a more reasonable level. Important Action Needed: The council meets Monday night, May 23rd at 7:00pm. Attending the meeting is a good thing. I will be there to help you sign up to speak and to give you pointers. Another way to be heard is to click the link below. It will bring you to our action center. In less than 90 seconds you can register and send a pre-written email to the city councilors and the mayor. www.votervoice.net/groups/dmncc
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Fire Inspection Fees
Last fall the City of Duluth adopted the State of MN Fire Code – this code is mandatory for all cities within Minnesota. The code includes a category of operational permits – essentially, these are designed to protect the health and welfare of the general public. In particular, of the city’s 3000 plus businesses approximately 1200 require special attention. Ostensibly, these businesses reflect a heightened risk to either employees or the general public. Establishments like restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, and chemical factories would have increased risk of personal injury under this code. As such, according to the state’s fire code, they now require an in-depth inspection and consequently an operational permit.
So far so good – we agree that public safety is an issue to be taken seriously. The Chamber is happy to see its member businesses are a safe place for those who patronize them. Further, we do not want to see a business owner or an employee hurt or killed as a result of a fire. However, in assuring public safety the City of Duluth passed the cost of the code inspections to the business owner – an unacceptable situation.
Last evening – at a city council meeting – councilors agreed to continue the rigorous schedule of inspections. Councilor Ness also proposed that the fees, currently anywhere from $200 - $2,400 for a three year operational permit, be reduced to $100. Councilor Little proposed the city eliminate the fee altogether. These proposals will be debated at the next council meeting on May 23, 2005.
As a business owner or operator you will be affected. We thought you should know – we are working on your behalf to eliminate the fire inspection fee.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Friday, May 13, 2005
Next Week in Politics: Action Item Included
The City Council meets Monday night at 7:00 PM in a committee of the whole to discuss fire inspection fees. The fire inspection fee affects every business in the city limits, and the Chamber thinks you ought to be concerned. We will be at the meeting to represent you. However, your attendance would bolster our advocacy efforts. From our action center, you can send a message to the Mayor and city councilors. Click here to go to our action center.
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The St. Louis County Board meets Tuesday, May 17 at 9:30am. At this meeting, county commissioners will approve the auction sale of tax forfeit property. That sale is scheduled for June 14 at 10:00am at the Depot in Duluth.
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Good news! The 148th Fighter Wing is not on the Base Realignment & Closure Committee’s list. According to a reliable source in the military, the 148th is cautiously optimistic that their mission will remain in Duluth. Thank you to those who participated in the Military Affairs Task Force’s “Save the Base” campaign.
Unfortunately, the Navel Reserve Center is on the list and may be closed. However, it is somewhat unclear if their mission might be changed making them once again viable.
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Stayed tuned to this blog for further details about news you can use as it becomes available.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Chamber Supports Small Business
Those who know me often hear me say that people differ in three ways: how they take in information, how they process information, and how they give out information. I learned this bit about human nature from Albert Ellis, an American Psychologist.
If you’ve ever played the party game “telephone,” you can see Ellis’ theory in practice. In this popular party game, one person whispers a sentence to the next; the same sentence is then repeated down the line of guests. The last person then states the sentence aloud for the rest of the guests to hear. By the time the original sentence reaches the end of the line, it has been significantly distorted, and, generally, hardly resembles what the first person said.
The way society passes along information reflects this model. One group may think it is communicating directly but becomes frustrated when it realizes it is being perceived in an entirely different manner. The Chamber recently experienced this very phenomenon. In Sunday’s paper, the Duluth News Tribune ran an editorial cartoon that purportedly showed the Chamber’s support for Wal-Mart rather than for local small business. I can only assume it has been a long time since the creator of the cartoon has stepped away from his or her desk, or he or she simply relied on old stereotypes or misinterpreted information.
The fact of the matter is, simply: the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce supports businesses of all kinds. Business, after all, is the backbone of our society. Business creates jobs; jobs create wealth; wealth creates taxes; taxes create public infrastructure; and so the chain continues. Moreover, sixty percent of our membership is made up of small businesses – businesses comprised of five or less employees.
So, when someone implies that the Chamber turns its back on small business, he or she is sorely mistaken. We are proud of and support the small businesses that work to compete amongst global challengers on an everyday basis.
We do interpret things differently. In this situation, I think the Duluth News Tribune might encourage its editorial staff to reflect what is really going on.
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Public Policy in Action
Life in Appenzell, Switzerland is much different from life here in the Northland. When issues that require community action arise, the whole town participates in the legislative process - willingly. The citizens of Appenzell gather to vote on issues that affect their hamlet, and then they partake in a collective celebration, raising glasses of Appenzell bier (beer) at local pubs across the town. If only we could be so lucky.
When issues that require community action arise in our neck of the woods, most simply remain passive and hope elected officials do something to achieve resolution. Those of us who choose to be more active in the process reluctantly and begrudgingly attend the city council, county, or school board meeting, endure the parts of the meeting that do not pertain to us, plead our case at the appropriate time, and leave when we’re done. Town celebrations rarely ensue. And if beer is tipped, it’s generally in celebration of the meeting’s end.
However, we need to realize that decisions are made at these meetings that affect businesses and their owners. As director of public policy for the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, it is my job to look out for your interests as Chamber members and business owners in our community. Starting next Friday, May 13, I will use this blog to keep you apprized of issues that might concern you. Further, you’ll be able to click on a link for more detailed information and have instant access to the email addresses of our elected officials. My goal is to harness the power of your membership in shaping public policy that is favorable to you: the business owner or operator.
While we’ll not be soon able to collectively vote at a community gathering, we will soon be clearly heard. Now – when will be able to hoist an Appenzell bier after the meeting?
posted by Andy Peterson www.duluthchamber.com at
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