Connected Commerce Council

Great food gets people talking. Digital ads help get them in the door.

Erik Forsberg, owner of Devil's Advocate in the Twin Cities, knows that running a restaurant takes more than a strong menu. It takes smart, affordable ways to reach local diners and keep regulars coming back.

For Erik, digital ads help level the playing field. They let him reach nearby customers, track what’s working, and stretch every marketing dollar further than traditional TV or radio ever could.

That matters, especially when independent restaurants are already dealing with rising costs.

Earlier this year, Minnesota lawmakers considered proposals that would have taxed social media platforms and digital ads, making one of Erik’s most cost-effective tools more expensive. Thankfully, both proposals failed before the legislature adjourned.

As Erik put it: “At a time when almost everything is getting more expensive, lawmakers should be trying to help small businesses cut costs — not making our most affordable, effective tools more expensive, too.”

Pull up a chair and read Erik’s story.

Twin Cities Restaurateur Uses Digital Ads To Reach Local Diners - Connected Commerce Council Restaurateur Erik Forsberg has been running restaurants in the Twin Cities since 2012. Over the years, he’s learned that success in the restaurant industry takes more than providing great food and service — it also requires finding affordable, effective ways to reach customers. Erik uses digital...

Today’s House Energy & Commerce hearing made clear that Congress still has important work to do to establish a national data privacy standard that works for consumers and small businesses.

3C supports advancing the SECURE Data Act because small businesses need clear, consistent privacy rules that replace today’s confusing state-by-state patchwork and provide the certainty they need to innovate, compete, and grow.

Read our full statement: https://connectedcouncil.org/3c-endorses-secure-data-act/

Energy & Commerce Committee Republicans Energy and Commerce Committee

3C Endorses SECURE Data Act - Connected Commerce Council WASHINGTON (June 3, 2026) — Connected Commerce Council (3C) Executive Director Rob Retzlaff today issued the following statement endorsing the SECURE Data Act. Retzlaff’s statement came ahead of today’s U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on the legislation. ....