As the legislative session wrapped up at the State Capitol this week, the Lake City Chamber spent part of the week doing something many people probably don’t picture when they think about a local chamber of commerce — contacting legislators about tax policy.
Through our partnership with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Chamber Federation, we received a statewide call to action regarding the Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Tax. This tax provision directly affects many small businesses across Minnesota, including businesses right here in Lake City.
The Chamber reached out to our legislators urging support for extending the PTE tax provisions before the end of session. Unfortunately, the bill stalled in a House committee before final passage. Unless further action is taken, the current provisions are set to expire at the end of 2026.
These kinds of issues can feel distant when they’re being debated in St. Paul, but they have real impacts on small business owners trying to manage rising costs, staffing challenges, and long-term planning. One of the advantages of being connected to statewide chamber networks is making sure communities like Lake City stay informed and have a voice in those conversations.
At the same time, summer season is arriving quickly here at home.
Tour de Pepin is now less than a month away, and we’re approaching nearly 600 registered riders. We’re especially excited about the After Ride Party this year and hope the community comes out to enjoy the atmosphere and support our local businesses during the event weekend.
And somehow, Water Ski Days is right around the corner as well. Planning meetings are happening weekly, volunteers are stepping up, and sponsor support continues to grow. Businesses interested in donating swag items for volunteer bags can drop off 100 items to the Chamber office or Knight Barry Title. With well over 100 volunteers helping throughout Water Ski Days, it’s a great way to support the event while getting visibility within the community.
Also, Business After Hours will be taking a seasonal pause, which makes it the perfect time to get out and enjoy Market by the Lake. Opening day for the market is June 11th, and it’s a great opportunity to support local vendors, connect with the community, and enjoy everything summer in Lake City has to offer.