Government Affairs

Testimonials

The following story, which was featured in the January 2008 edition of Chamber Advantage, tells two area Members' stories and how the Chamber's public advocacy efforts assisted their business.

It is well known that the Chamber provides outstanding networking, educational and marketing opportunities for its members, but one benefit - public advocacy - is often overlooked by membership. Two area businesses, Nigon Woodworks, Inc., and Family Tree Landscaping Nursery, Inc., are all too familiar with the Chamber's role in public policy, and are grateful for their investment in the Chamber for good reason.

Daryl Nigon, owner of Nigon Woodworks in Rochester since 1976, is one of these members. Nigon was planning on building a 2,500 sq. ft. warehouse attached to his current building last spring, but when applying for permits, he found out that half of his property was not zoned correctly for the new building. Nigon had to apply for a conditional use permit and this is when he found out about a new Transportation Improvement District (TID) fee - a fee amount determined by the amount of land you own, not the size of the building. Because of this fee, Nigon, no matter what the size of his company's addition, was set to pay $58,000 - approximately the same cost as the addition.

Nigon, who wasn't a Chamber member at the time, called John Eckerman, the Chamber's Vice President - Government Affairs, to see how he could help. Shortly thereafter, Nigon sent in his membership dues and the Chamber was able to work with the Rochester Public Works Department to lift the $58,000 TID fee Nigon was set to pay.

"Without the Chamber's assistance, Nigon Woodworks would be searching for a new location - one outside of Rochester," says Nigon. "In the short time that I have been a member, the Chamber has saved me $58,000 and has allowed me to move forward with the building addition.

Another area business that also benefited from the Chamber's public advocacy efforts is Family Tree Landscaping Nursery, Inc., owned by Margaret and Russ Hinz. The Hinz's, who joined the Chamber in 2005 essentially for the networking opportunities with other area businesses, were also in the process of erecting a new building when they also ran into a roadblock.

The Hinz's were just about to put up a new building on site when their township put a halt to the project. Due to several predicaments between the township and the building developer, the township would not hand over the necessary building permits to get the project rolling. As Nigon did with his company, the Hinz's approached the Chamber for assistance with their permitting process and through the Chamber's work the project got back on course and the building went up just in time for Family Tree Landscaping Nursery's busiest time of the year.

"I cannot thank the Chamber enough for all of their assistance in making sure our new building is up and running on schedule. Unfortunately, we had many permitting and phone hook up delays during the building process. Through the Chamber's connections our new location opened on time. Without the Chamber's influence, our building would not be ready for our busy spring season. Investment in the Chamber has definitely paid off for us!"

Your Chamber is a conduit between the business community and local, state and federal government officials. We take this role very seriously in advocating for our members. Contact Julie Fiesel at 507-424-5665 for any questions or concerns regarding this valuable service.

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce | 220 South Broadway, Suite 100 | Rochester, MN 55904

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