How Can I Support Bars, Restaurants, Brewery, Fitness, Bowling Businesses?

Go there for lunch & dinner, buy gift certificates for employees in place of your holiday gatherings, shop local. List of local member businesses.

What does Shop Safe mean (click)?

Support Owatonna-Every Purchase Matters

Small Local begins Black Friday along with Shop Small on Saturday, November 27 & 28 thru Dec 20. Make local shops the first stop.

Help them survive. Each dollar spent locally has a ripple effect that multiples each dollar of your purchases through out town. Independent small businesses have the largest impact on the community. Local chains have the next biggest impact. Their employees spend their paychecks locally. That’s millions of local impact that is re-spent in the community, adding jobs, growing the economy and creating a vibrant community while supporting your schools, senior center, police, fire, local paper, media and causes. Love your community- Shop Local, Eat Local, Stay local, Shop Owatonna! Chamber office will be open Friday morning 8a-12noon to answer questions and for Chamber Gift Certificates.

Since the holidays will look a little different this year, we’ve put together a list of safe ways visitors can experience Owatonna over the Holidays. Visit Owatonna has 5 SAFE Ways to Experience the Holiday Season in Owatonna!

Congressman Jim Hagedorn

Hagedorn, State Leaders 'Urgency to Act' for Businesses

Federal and state leaders met with members of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (OACCT) to discuss the impact of the covid restrictions on business and how each level of government plans to move forward.

Congressman Jim Hagedorn addressed the group first, talking about his desire to get a next stimulus package passed before the end of the year to support businesses, communities and individuals until a vaccine can be widely distributed. READ FULL STORY or Click Blue box below to watch full meeting.

VIDEO

Special Session to Include Business Relief, Few Details So Far

Governor Walz is proposing the following for businesses impacted by the restrictions:

Sales tax forgivenesses for businesses that sell food and beverages.
Waive state regulatory fees.
Exploring direct relief for workers.
One time food grants for businesses to provide food to healthcare workers, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities.
State tax credit for food donations in the hospitality industry.
Elimination of the COVID-19 Fund expiration date.

Republicans plan includes:

$400M in direct grants to impacted businesses
3 Month Sales Tax holiday for businesses restricted under the current order
Rebates on state licensing fees
Reopen gyms and fitness centers

Owatonna Joins 89 Chambers Urge Governor for Business Relief

Immediate assistance is needed for small businesses, among the ideas being put forward by the Chamber include:

Replenish the Small Business Grant Relief Program
Quick refund for overpaid estimated taxes
6-month extension on sales tax remittance
Property tax relief
Direct financial relief to restricted businesses
Waive licensing fees
State tax credit for food donations
Ensure unemployment claims for covid are not counted on employer experience ratings.
READ FULL LETTER TO GOVERNOR WALZ HERE

Michael Burgess, Jostens CEO and President

Jostens Shifts Owatonna Employees Virtual; Sales Online

In a call with Jostens CEO and President Michael Burgess, members of the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development got an update on how school closures impact their business and how they’ve adapted workforce in Owatonna. Schools moving to virtual learning across the country has put Jostens digital push on hyperdrive. According to Burgess, the company has been able to make the transition very well in a short period of time. He recognizes there is still work to be done, but is confident that the move has allowed the company to perform very well even during this pandemic. Read full Blog Post (Including Owatonna Plans)

Selling Your Business/Succession Planning

Join the SBA Minnesota District Office for the final training of the year in the Money Smart Business Management Series.

Selling Your Business and Succession Planning

Dec. 3, 9 AM or Dec. 9, 6 PM

After completing this training, you will be able to:

• Explain how to change the ownership of a business through selling, closing, or transferring the business to successors.

• Explain how to establish an exit strategy for retirement which includes a succession plan, transferring ownership of the business, and paying taxes.

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

OACCT Now on Twitter
Are you a Twitter user? Want to keep up with Chamber news? Follow us on Twitter @OwatonnaChamber

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Owatonna, MN | 55060 US

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