The MRCC (Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce) PAC was created in 2007 to promote and strive for improvement of local, regional and state government, encourage individuals to know their government, and assist individuals in organizing themselves for more effective political action.

The MRCC PAC is funded through donations by Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce members and private citizens. In addition to bringing significant financial resources to bear in key races, the MRCC PAC mobilizes the business community to action in other ways, including get-out-the-vote, grassroots and earned media activities.

 

Make a Contribution

Your generous personal contribution will go a long way toward helping MRCC PAC elect pro-business candidates. By law, MRCC PAC cannot accept corporate donations.  All contributions must be drawn from personal funds and are not considered deductible for tax purposes.

Download Contribution Form

 

Board of Directors

Todd Klingel, Treasurer
Steve Bianchi
Daniel Kadlec   
David Radziej
Marty Schirber
Troy Sinykin
Dennis Werneke
Charlie Zelle

 

FAQ about PACS

What is the difference between a Political Action Committee (PAC) and the Chamber’s current lobbing efforts?
The Chamber lobbies on behalf of its membership on issues important to them. 
A PAC supports specific candidates running for public office.

Hasn’t the Chamber supported candidates in the past, like hosting a candidate debate?
The Chamber has hosted candidate debates for specific elections for members.  By law, all candidates in the race were invited to attend and the content remained unbiased and neutral. 
The PAC can hold an event for a specific, targeted candidate, produce education materials that are persuasive and informative, and similarly assist a specific candidate.

In simple terms, what is the role and function of a PAC?
A PAC provides support to candidates running for public office with in specific guidelines. A PAC is the only way for businesses in Minnesota to directly participate in elections.   

What is the value of PAC for businesses, especially smaller businesses?
A PAC enables businesses to collectively combine resources to promote candidates that maintain similar philosophies and policy agendas as their business.  By Minnesota law, a PAC is the only mechanism this can occur.  Like most efforts, there is strength in numbers and this is no different in the electoral process.      

What kind of “support” can a PAC provide a candidate?
“Support” is any task that assists a specific candidate’s bid for election.  Most common is a  financial contribution to a candidate’s campaign. A PAC operates like a political mutual fund pooling dollars from small investors to provide financial support to specific candidates. Support can also include staffing specific events or forums such as voter education initiatives, or other targeted promotions.   

What is the criteria used for selecting specific candidates to support of MRCC PAC resources?
The Bylaws and Work Plan for the MRCC PAC are the guiding documents for all actions taken by the MRCC PAC Board, including criteria or candidate selection, events and initiatives, and fundraising goals.  This criteria includes their position on key business issues, voting records for incumbents, local business community support, and electability. The MRCC PAC Board implemented a process to examine each candidate to understand their positions and platforms on business issues.

Who governs the actions of this PAC and how are decisions made by those governors?
The MRCC PAC Board consists of two board members from the MRCC Board, two from each Chamber affiliate, and the Chair of the MRCC Public Policy Committee. 

In general, who regulates PACs and what are some of the rules surrounding donations?
The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board oversees the regulations of all political committees in the state.  By law, donations, expenditures and contributions must be reported to this Board once thresholds are met.  Only personal contributions are accepted by a PAC.  For tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service also regulates political committees.  Any donation to a PAC is cannot be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Upcoming Events

No events planned.

 

Contact Information

Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce PAC
81 South Ninth Street, Suite 200
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
612-370-9100
info@mrccpac.org