Advancing the Prosperity of our Member Businesses and the Vitality of the Area.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Curious about how Covid Grants will impact taxes?

Missed the live event? Watch the recording HERE.

PPP Tax Forgiveness Needs to Happen Now

Legislature must act to provide tax forgiveness on PPP loans. If PPP loan proceeds are used for qualifying costs and 60% of the loan proceeds are used for payroll costs, then the federal government will forgive the loan. Unless Minnesota conforms to federal tax law, these forgivable loans will be taxed in Minnesota. Contact your state representative NOW!

Action Alert

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Feature a special offer, an upcoming event or company information--but it must be 50 words. The cost to participate is $50 per week.

Community Bank Owatonna PPP Loan Program

Community Bank Owatonna is participating in the SBA PPP loan program for small businesses. No matter where you bank, we are willing to help! Visit our website at www.cbowatonna.com for more information and application forms, or call us at (507) 455-2265 and ask for Steve, Jeff, or Tim. Member FDIC.

Owatonna Needs Workforce Center

President/CEO Updates

By Brad Meier, President/CEO

-Chamber testified at State legislative hearing this week to advocate for funding for workforce center in Owatonna. Thank you to Rep. John Petersburg for presenting the bill and lining up the testimony. Owatonna is the only city in MN with population over 20,000 that does NOT have a workforce center.

-Steele County Economic Relief Grant applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, February 12th. Any business or non-profit located in Steele County and faced loses due to closure are eligible. Click HERE to read grand guidelines and complete application.

-The historic mural at former Jerry's Restaurant found a new home last week at the Steele County Historical Society. Thanks for supporting the project Viracon and Rocon. To those who worked behind the scenes to make it happen Tom Brick, Kellen Hinrichsen and many others--and the funders!

-Downtown Streetscape meetings were held last week with ISG, Inc. To keep up-to-date on the project and to view the presenation-Click HERE.

-Virtual "coffee and conversation" with Superintendent Elstad is scheduled for Friday, February 12th at 8:30 am. Hear an update on what's been happening with the school district. RSVP to shoffman@isd761.org by 4 pm on Wednesday to receive the details.

-COVID-19 Vaccination - How will I know when I'm eligible and vaccine is available? Mayo Clinic Health System patients in Southeast MN will be contacted if they are eligible for the vaccine based on federal and state guidance. Learn more about vaccine eligibility notification by clicking HERE.

-LTO's Clue: On Stage Opens February 12 and auditions for 2021 spring production of The Gin Game being held next week.

COVID Trends in the Workplace

The SHRM group of southern Minnesota has put together a great program and has provided the opportunity for chamber members to participate in the event-FREE. The virtual event is Thursday, February 18th, 12noon-1pm.

In this meeting, panelists will:

Discuss the impact COVID has had on the workplace from the perspective of local businesses

Learn about the impact of medical care for employees from both providers and internal Occupational Health departments

Discuss labor trends, such as unemployment, FFCRA, PPP, and financial programs designated to support businesses

Compcare Urgent Care - Taking an innovative approach to health care

With same-day urgent care, 15-minute COVID-19 rapid testing, and virtual visits available, Compcare Urgent Care provides quality medical care and service at an affordable price. Read full blog story HERE.

Valentines Staycation

If your business has a promotion or sale going on in February, please contact kpehrson@owatonna.org and she will get it added to our Valentines Love is Not Canceled blog.

Click here to read the blog and see the current deals our local businesses are offering. Visit Owatonna will be promoting these local ideas on social media with sponsored ads that will reach thousands of people in our region. Don’t miss out on this!

Bold & Cold Campaign Results Exceed Expectations

The January results for the “Bold & Cold Winter Activities Worth a Weekend Trip” campaign hit above industry standards and reached over 279K people.

Click HERE to view results.

YPro's Grow Your Network

Join the Young Professionals as they learn how to grow their network by using the LinkedIn platform on Tuesday, February 16th from 12 - 1 pm; virtually. Sign up by 2/10 to receive a $10 Old Town Bagel certficate.

Click HERE to register for the event

Not a Young Professional passholder yet? Return your registration form for all 9 events in 2021 for a total of $40. Not a passholder, each event is $10 per attendance.

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320 Hoffman Drive
Owatonna, MN | 55060 US

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