How Twin Cities chambers add value in supporting a healthy business climate
Writer: Chérie Lynn Canada
July 2024 — Chambers of commerce are evolving into dynamic catalysts for economic development and business success. Beyond traditional roles, these organizations add value by supporting business community interests and advocating for a healthy business climate.
“We like to think of ourselves as a full-service chamber. We have a variety of members, including small businesses all the way up to those Fortune 500s,” Pat MulQueeny, president of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, told Invest: in a recent conversation.
“Key areas to focus on include advocating for public policy, contributing to workforce development, helping companies with talent retention strategies, and connecting businesses with schools. Another important area we are focusing on is entrepreneurship. We focus on supporting entrepreneurs in getting start-ups off the ground. There is a dynamic business climate in Eden Prairie, and we are continuously innovating ways to support everyone and help them all feel like they belong,” MulQueeny said.
Modern chambers of commerce play a pivotal role in driving economic development. They actively attract businesses, promote local investment opportunities, and support entrepreneurial ventures.
“We’re seeing that we can sometimes be neutral ground, or we can just be that good connector and bring groups together right now; we’re seeing a change in our economic development focus in our public sector. Our county, city, and neighboring city have new economic development directors. As the chamber, we have brought them together and formed a cooperative. We just ensure we’re using the best time and resources, working together, and not competing for the same dollars of grants or other opportunities,” said Carrie Johnston, president of the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce to Invest:.
Chambers are increasingly involved in workforce development initiatives to address skill gaps and enhance employment opportunities. By advocating for policies that support workforce training and education, chambers ensure a skilled workforce that drives economic growth.
“We are seeing continued constriction and burdens placed on businesses, whether in terms of taxes or in the increased socialization of government,” B Kyle, president & CEO of the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, told Invest:. “Additionally, following the pandemic, people want to work differently and hold on to that quality of life around their families. In terms of Chamber value and relevance in this ever-changing business environment, it is incumbent upon us to focus on our value proposition. Leaders continue to be ever more strategic in terms of their investments of time, talent, and resources. We need to ensure that the work we do ties into their priorities.”
“One area of focus for us is the creation of a professional services division through which we serve other chambers and business organizations. Our vision is to collaborate and affiliate to make the business voice stronger and better organized. We also want to streamline operational services to improve efficiency and allow each partner the freedom to focus with great intention on its unique priorities. We are finding that, across the board, our members want more business development opportunities between organizations while also needing a more unified voice in our advocacy,” she added.
Advocacy remains a cornerstone of chamber activities. Chambers of the future advocate more aggressively for policies that create a favorable business environment. This includes lobbying for infrastructure improvements, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms that reduce barriers to business expansion. By influencing local, state, and federal policies, chambers contribute to a healthy business climate that attracts investment and promotes economic stability.
For more information, please visit:
https://visitdetroitlakes.com/chamber/
https://epchamber.org/
https://www.stpaulchamber.com/
