Brad's monthly Chamber update on KRFO AM 1390.
MP3 File
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
U.S. Chamber Access: Gingrich and Clinton
The following audio is from the US Chamber Access 2006 program held in Washington DC. The Owatonna business community was represented at this program May 10-12th. The audio is of two of the more prominent speakers, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and Senator Hillary Clinton. The message was to small business on issues that are most important including health care, small business health care, education, energy, and transportation. Other topics covered included: middle class engine, National deficit, health care dilema, regulation reform, litigation reform, competing with China and India and technology changes.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) addresses the U.S. health care dilema with U.S. Chamber of Commerce members.
2 min.
MP3 File
2 min.
MP3 File
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich addresses how the U.S. can compete with China and India.
1 min. 30 sec.
MP3 File
1 min. 30 sec.
MP3 File
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich addresses the expansion of U.S. science to U.S. Chamber of Commerce members.
2 min. 5 sec.
MP3 File
2 min. 5 sec.
MP3 File
Monday, May 15, 2006
Secretary of Treasury addresses Leaders
The Secretary of the Treasury, John Snow spoke on the current economy of the United States as well as the future projections during the US Chamber Access 2006 program in Washington DC.
He says the economy is strong and moving forward in a positive way. When he started the economy was under performing and fragile, now with tax cuts that he'd like to see as permanent, the last 3 years have brought lowering of taxes that improves the economy, adds jobs, real wages, while increasing government income as well.
Growth is at 4% over the last 3 years, real wages are up, revenues are up (highest the government has ever had), GDP is up and there are 5.2 million jobs. The corporate tax receipts are up as are individual tax receipts.
His next quest is to get rid of the death tax. He says it's time to end the double taxes.
Sec. Snow believes that the national debt will come down and that the economy will meet and exceed the president's effort to cut the debt in half.
Looking ahead, how can we continue this 4% growth rate over the next 10 years? Sec. Snow says that increased job participation rate, capital investment, and innovation & technology are key to keeping the economy growing at this high rate.
He says the economy is strong and moving forward in a positive way. When he started the economy was under performing and fragile, now with tax cuts that he'd like to see as permanent, the last 3 years have brought lowering of taxes that improves the economy, adds jobs, real wages, while increasing government income as well.
Growth is at 4% over the last 3 years, real wages are up, revenues are up (highest the government has ever had), GDP is up and there are 5.2 million jobs. The corporate tax receipts are up as are individual tax receipts.
His next quest is to get rid of the death tax. He says it's time to end the double taxes.
Sec. Snow believes that the national debt will come down and that the economy will meet and exceed the president's effort to cut the debt in half.
Looking ahead, how can we continue this 4% growth rate over the next 10 years? Sec. Snow says that increased job participation rate, capital investment, and innovation & technology are key to keeping the economy growing at this high rate.
Clinton Addresses Forum
Hillary Clinton, the possible frontrunner for the Democratic party in the 2008 presidential election addressed the Owatonna business leaders as well as the rest of the US Chamber forum during the Access 2006 program in Washington DC.
Clinton outlined the challenges that she believes we have as a country moving forward, including health care, education, energy, and fiscal responsibility.
Health Care-Information technology needs to be better. There should be a national framework for this and a single form for all insurance companies.
Education-Need to invest earlier in our kids and keep the doors of college open for everyone
Energy-reduce the dependance on foreign oil. Force oil companies to change by using flex fuels and providing tax incentives to purchase more efficient vehicles. Also that we need better energy efficiency in our buildings.
Fiscal Responsibility-important for the government to grow the current situation is not good because we've got our 'hat in hand' when dealing with other countries because they're loaning us billions of dollars. She wants to see the US back on a pay as you go like in the 90's. Likened the deficit to a 'ticking time bomb'.
Clinton outlined the challenges that she believes we have as a country moving forward, including health care, education, energy, and fiscal responsibility.
Health Care-Information technology needs to be better. There should be a national framework for this and a single form for all insurance companies.
Education-Need to invest earlier in our kids and keep the doors of college open for everyone
Energy-reduce the dependance on foreign oil. Force oil companies to change by using flex fuels and providing tax incentives to purchase more efficient vehicles. Also that we need better energy efficiency in our buildings.
Fiscal Responsibility-important for the government to grow the current situation is not good because we've got our 'hat in hand' when dealing with other countries because they're loaning us billions of dollars. She wants to see the US back on a pay as you go like in the 90's. Likened the deficit to a 'ticking time bomb'.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Gingrich Speaks Business In DC
Several applause stops spotted a speech by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich during the Owatonna business visit to DC with the Minnesota and US Chambers of Commerce. The Gringrich speech highlights include:
-Compliments to business-people who know what needs to be done in DC but are too busy in their own business to do their civic work and don't often break down the doors of government.
-Science will change dramatically over the next few years which means more knowledge with more advanced technology.
-The US will need to transform itself to compete with China and India by changing: litigation, regulation, taxation, and security.
-Citizens need to be the immediate response to issues. Gingrich mentioned several examples of private business being many times more efficient than government and even joked that it might have been better for New Orleans if FEMA hadn't found its way there.
-Health Savings Accounts need to be implemented by employers so that employees are invested in their health care. Prevention and wellness is key piece of overall health of country.
-Education-interesting idea to pay kids money for math and science scores with grades of B or better in the poorest neighborhoods of America.
We'll have full audio of Gingrich's speech shortly on this site.
-Compliments to business-people who know what needs to be done in DC but are too busy in their own business to do their civic work and don't often break down the doors of government.
-Science will change dramatically over the next few years which means more knowledge with more advanced technology.
-The US will need to transform itself to compete with China and India by changing: litigation, regulation, taxation, and security.
-Citizens need to be the immediate response to issues. Gingrich mentioned several examples of private business being many times more efficient than government and even joked that it might have been better for New Orleans if FEMA hadn't found its way there.
-Health Savings Accounts need to be implemented by employers so that employees are invested in their health care. Prevention and wellness is key piece of overall health of country.
-Education-interesting idea to pay kids money for math and science scores with grades of B or better in the poorest neighborhoods of America.
We'll have full audio of Gingrich's speech shortly on this site.
US Chamber President Addresses Owatonna Business
Part of the Owatonna business visit to Washington DC included an excellent panel of speakers. Tom Donahue, President/CEO of the United States Chamber of Commerce addressed several hundred small business people this morning and touched on the following:
-Small business is why the US economy is doing so well versus Europe where unemployment is high-small business people get up early and stay late to get it done.
-The message is that we're here as businesses to kick some butt at capitol hill.
-Government needs to create a good environment for business and then get out of the way!!
-The US Chamber is now getting into K-12 education, after stating some very sobering statistics about low graduation rates, unskilled workers, etc, lead Donahue to ask, "What the hell are we doing?"
-Outlined three priorities when dealing with Immigration: 1. Safety of the country, 2. future of the workforce, 3. Who we are-country of immigrants, what do we want our country to look like?
-Small business is why the US economy is doing so well versus Europe where unemployment is high-small business people get up early and stay late to get it done.
-The message is that we're here as businesses to kick some butt at capitol hill.
-Government needs to create a good environment for business and then get out of the way!!
-The US Chamber is now getting into K-12 education, after stating some very sobering statistics about low graduation rates, unskilled workers, etc, lead Donahue to ask, "What the hell are we doing?"
-Outlined three priorities when dealing with Immigration: 1. Safety of the country, 2. future of the workforce, 3. Who we are-country of immigrants, what do we want our country to look like?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Four Season Collaboration
Great work by the Steele County Commissioners, specifically Tom Shea and a community task force to find a solution to a potentially bad situation.
Never flinching, the effort lead by Steele County Park & Rec Chair John Connaker, jumped a marathon worth of hurdles to ensure all current users of the Four Season Center remain.
The exciting part about this is that seven entities made concessions so that there will be ice in March/April starting in 2008 for the SMN Express junior A hockey team and dry floor available for our other successful events (Deer & Turkey Expo, Farm & Power, KOWZ Home Show, Wrestling Open).
The Chamber of Commerce says 'Thank You' to this hard fought effort, your work is very positive for the Owatonna area. Let's keep the momentum moving in the right direction!
Never flinching, the effort lead by Steele County Park & Rec Chair John Connaker, jumped a marathon worth of hurdles to ensure all current users of the Four Season Center remain.
The exciting part about this is that seven entities made concessions so that there will be ice in March/April starting in 2008 for the SMN Express junior A hockey team and dry floor available for our other successful events (Deer & Turkey Expo, Farm & Power, KOWZ Home Show, Wrestling Open).
The Chamber of Commerce says 'Thank You' to this hard fought effort, your work is very positive for the Owatonna area. Let's keep the momentum moving in the right direction!
Monday, May 01, 2006
State Transportation & Energy Issues
What can be done to address transportation needs in Minnesota? How do we provide consistent power to our industries and homes at affordable prices?
These two major business questions were hashed out during a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast featuring state lawmakers: Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester), Sen. Ann Rest (D-New Hope), Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), and Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis).
Transportation
Let's clear out the rush hour parking lot in the metro! Discussion revolved around interesting ideas for reducing congestion in the Twin Cities metro area, including an outer ring that would route traffic in a wider square around the metro area outside of the 494/694 ring. Toll roads and hot lanes made it into the discussion as well with the lawmakers in general interested in the toll road option since it works in other states.
Each of the legislators were in favor of a gas tax ranging from 5-10 cents to help pay for infrastructure.
Sen. Senjem even brought up his belief that a commuter rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities may be prudent in the future.
Rep. Beard cited engineering solutions that merge lanes in a smarter way to reduce traffic problems in the Twin Cities on sections of 494/694 and how this can help as part of the solution.
Each of the legislators would like to see the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Constitutional Amendment wording changed a little bit, but all agree that either way this is an amendment that needs to pass in November to send needed money to transportation.
Energy
What do animal waste, wind and nuclear all have in common? They're electric! At least capable of producing power.
Of course these options and coal were all part of the continuing discussion about growing energy options for our state and nation.
According to Rep. Beard, bio mass (burning animal waste for power) is working with almost 100% efficiency in some locations. Rep. Thissen believes wind needs to be part of the mix and Sen. Senjem wants to wait on an energy policy until a study comes back that would provide detailed information about the options. This study will be available for the debate in 2007.
They acknowledged that base power-providing nonstop generation-is an issue. Transporting coal from the coal basins is a problem that hasn't been fixed with rail lines providing slow and inconsistent service. Nuclear power was discussed as a very real opportunity. The issue, they say, with nuclear is that it is a political problem because the perception is that it is very dangerous and bad for the environment.
These two major business questions were hashed out during a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast featuring state lawmakers: Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester), Sen. Ann Rest (D-New Hope), Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), and Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis).
Transportation
Let's clear out the rush hour parking lot in the metro! Discussion revolved around interesting ideas for reducing congestion in the Twin Cities metro area, including an outer ring that would route traffic in a wider square around the metro area outside of the 494/694 ring. Toll roads and hot lanes made it into the discussion as well with the lawmakers in general interested in the toll road option since it works in other states.
Each of the legislators were in favor of a gas tax ranging from 5-10 cents to help pay for infrastructure.
Sen. Senjem even brought up his belief that a commuter rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities may be prudent in the future.
Rep. Beard cited engineering solutions that merge lanes in a smarter way to reduce traffic problems in the Twin Cities on sections of 494/694 and how this can help as part of the solution.
Each of the legislators would like to see the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Constitutional Amendment wording changed a little bit, but all agree that either way this is an amendment that needs to pass in November to send needed money to transportation.
Energy
What do animal waste, wind and nuclear all have in common? They're electric! At least capable of producing power.
Of course these options and coal were all part of the continuing discussion about growing energy options for our state and nation.
According to Rep. Beard, bio mass (burning animal waste for power) is working with almost 100% efficiency in some locations. Rep. Thissen believes wind needs to be part of the mix and Sen. Senjem wants to wait on an energy policy until a study comes back that would provide detailed information about the options. This study will be available for the debate in 2007.
They acknowledged that base power-providing nonstop generation-is an issue. Transporting coal from the coal basins is a problem that hasn't been fixed with rail lines providing slow and inconsistent service. Nuclear power was discussed as a very real opportunity. The issue, they say, with nuclear is that it is a political problem because the perception is that it is very dangerous and bad for the environment.
State Transportation & Energy Issues
What can be done to address transportation needs in Minnesota? How do we provide consistent power to our industries and homes at affordable prices?
These two major business questions were hashed out during a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast featuring state lawmakers: Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester), Sen. Ann Rest (D-New Hope), Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), and Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis).
Transportation
Let's clear out the rush hour parking lot in the metro! Discussion revolved around interesting ideas for reducing congestion in the Twin Cities metro area, including an outer ring that would route traffic in a wider square around the metro area outside of the 494/694 ring. Toll roads and hot lanes made it into the discussion as well with the lawmakers in general interested in the toll road option since it works in other states.
Each of the legislators were in favor of a gas tax ranging from 5-10 cents to help pay for infrastructure.
Sen. Senjem even brought up his belief that a commuter rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities may be prudent in the future.
Rep. Beard cited engineering solutions that merge lanes in a smarter way to reduce traffic problems in the Twin Cities on sections of 494/694 and how this can help as part of the solution.
Each of the legislators would like to see the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Constitutional Amendment wording changed a little bit, but all agree that either way this is an amendment that needs to pass in November to send needed money to transportation.
Energy
What do animal waste, wind and nuclear all have in common? They're electric! At least capable of producing power.
Of course these options and coal were all part of the continuing discussion about growing energy options for our state and nation.
According to Rep. Beard, bio mass (burning animal waste for power) is working with almost 100% efficiency in some locations. Rep. Thissen believes wind needs to be part of the mix and Sen. Senjem wants to wait on an energy policy until a study comes back that would provide detailed information about the options. This study will be available for the debate in 2007.
They acknowledged that base power-providing nonstop generation-is an issue. Transporting coal from the coal basins is a problem that hasn't been fixed with rail lines providing slow and inconsistent service. Nuclear power was discussed as a very real opportunity. The issue, they say, with nuclear is that it is a political problem because the perception is that it is very dangerous and bad for the environment.
State Transportation & Energy Issues
What can be done to address transportation needs in Minnesota? How do we provide consistent power to our industries and homes at affordable prices?
These two major business questions were hashed out during a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast featuring state lawmakers: Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester), Sen. Ann Rest (D-New Hope), Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), and Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Minneapolis).
Transportation
Let's clear out the rush hour parking lot in the metro! Discussion revolved around interesting ideas for reducing congestion in the Twin Cities metro area, including an outer ring that would route traffic in a wider square around the metro area outside of the 494/694 ring. Toll roads and hot lanes made it into the discussion as well with the lawmakers in general interested in the toll road option since it works in other states.
Each of the legislators were in favor of a gas tax ranging from 5-10 cents to help pay for infrastructure.
Sen. Senjem even brought up his belief that a commuter rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities may be prudent in the future.
Rep. Beard cited engineering solutions that merge lanes in a smarter way to reduce traffic problems in the Twin Cities on sections of 494/694 and how this can help as part of the solution.
Each of the legislators would like to see the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Constitutional Amendment wording changed a little bit, but all agree that either way this is an amendment that needs to pass in November to send needed money to transportation.
Energy
What do animal waste, wind and nuclear all have in common? They're electric! At least capable of producing power.
Of course these options and coal were all part of the continuing discussion about growing energy options for our state and nation.
According to Rep. Beard, bio mass (burning animal waste for power) is working with almost 100% efficiency in some locations. Rep. Thissen believes wind needs to be part of the mix and Sen. Senjem wants to wait on an energy policy until a study comes back that would provide detailed information about the options. This study will be available for the debate in 2007.
They acknowledged that base power-providing nonstop generation-is an issue. Transporting coal from the coal basins is a problem that hasn't been fixed with rail lines providing slow and inconsistent service. Nuclear power was discussed as a very real opportunity. The issue, they say, with nuclear is that it is a political problem because the perception is that it is very dangerous and bad for the environment.
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