We Are The chamber

Mission:
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives advances the effectiveness of chamber professionals by providing career development, communications, and networking to ensure professional and organizational growth.

1) Education and Networking

Provide strong and consistent professional development opportunities through MCCE events and conferences.   Continue to offer training for professionals at all levels of experience focused on the theme of building professional leadership and organizations for the future.

  1. Annual Meeting: February 18-19, 2026. Deliver a conference agenda offering the opportunity to enhance leadership development skills, focus on current policy issues, and allow for extensive networking.Location: The Saint Paul Hotel, Saint Paul
    Host: B. Kyle, Saint Paul Area Chamber
    Committee members: Staci Christensen, Saint Paul Area Chamber; B. Kyle, Saint Paul Area Chamber; Christie Ransom, Winona Area Chamber; Anne Johnson Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism; and Robin Anthony, Greater Stillwater Chamber
  2. Summer Refresh: May 28, 2026. This one-day conference, designed for chamber staff at all levels, will focus on the fundamentals of running successful chambers, and the issues and trends facing the business community.Location: Owatonna
    Committee members: Glenda Smith, Owatonna Area Chamber & Tourism; TBD.
  3. Fall Conference: September 16 – 18, 2026. Coordinate a highly valuable learning opportunity showcasing the expertise of fellow chamber professionals and industry experts.Location: Moorhead, MN
    Host: Moorhead/Fargo Chamber
    Committee members: Shannon Full, Fargo Moorhead Chamber; TBD.
  4. New Executive Orientation: Coordinate brief orientation sessions for new executives and their mentors to be held as part of the various conferences.Committee: Anne Johnson, Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism and Jennifer Harmening, Burnsville Chamber
  5. Regional Groups: Continue to provide support and specialized training opportunities for regional groups throughout the state. Offer resources and development as needed to the individual regions including additional support for any inactive groups.  Leverage regional groups to communicate about MCCE, Minnesota Chamber activities, and educate volunteer leaders from local chambers.  Gather regional group leaders once per year to compare and share ideas and best practices.Northwest/West Central – Lisa Workman, Fergus Falls Area Chamber
    Northeast – Matt Baumgartner, Duluth Area Chamber
    Central – Linda Althoff, Delano Area Chamber
    Metro – Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber
    Southwest – Brad Gruhot, Marshall Area Chamber
    Southeast – Brad Meier, Owatonna Area Chamber
  6. Executive Leadership Program: Held annually, this six-day program (one day per month hosted by a local chamber) focuses on executives and senior team members looking to advance their career in the chamber industry and develop their professional leadership skills. Applicants will be accepted who have demonstrated a commitment to the chamber of commerce industry and desire to succeed in this profession.
  7. Specialty Interest Groups (SIGs): A program designed to bring together members who are interested in learning more about specific topics in three areas: membership, communications, and programs and events. SIGs will meet 3 to 4 times per year either virtually or as part of MCCE’s conferences.Programs and Events: TBD
    Membership: Brad Gruhot, Marshall Area Chamber
    Communications: Lauren Johnson, Alexandria Lakes Chamber and Stacie Jensen, Greater Stillwater Chamber

2) Peer Development

 Offer members support and accessible, affordable training to strengthen their professional skills and organizational operations.

  1. New Executives: New executives receive a personal welcome email, letter, and visit by MCCE staff members to introduce the industry and offer resources available through MCCE. Conference certificates are also presented for use within one year of service for all new executives.
  2. Mentorship: Assign mentors to new executives to help engage them in MCCE activities during their first year in the industry.
  3. Scholarships: Continue to sponsor and/or promote scholarships to MCCE conferences,
    U.S. Chamber Institute (IOM), Mid-America Chamber Executives, Annual Trip to Washington D.C., and Leadership Minnesota.  Some scholarships may also include lodging and travel expenses.
  4. Resource Library: Continue to build out the MCCE resource library through industry best practices from local chambers as well as national partners such as ACCE and USCC. Also, research the opportunity to develop a listing or bureau of strategic planning or meeting facilitators as well as a speaker’s bureau.

 3) Industry Development

Develop opportunities to feature the Chamber industry as a relevant community stakeholder and profession through education, programs, and engagement of professional staff, volunteers, and general public.

  1. Internship Programs: To attract talent to the chamber industry, MCCE will focus on developing and promoting internship programs at local chambers. MCCE may offer matching funds to help local chambers fund interns.  Specific criteria and career follow up will also be implemented to ensure that the internships are valuable and attract students to chamber careers.
  2. Chambers’ Board of Directors: Identify opportunities to engage with board members and volunteer leaders to inform them of the benefits of MCCE and the importance of the chamber industry; provide resources and counsel during executive transitions.
  3. Awards: Implement an annual awards program that provides best-in-class recognition of local chambers, and their respective leaders.
  4. Digital Resources: Develop a series of digital training resources to strengthen knowledge and best practices for local chamber executives and their board members. Topics may include, but not be limited to governance, financial controls, staff and board roles, membership development, advocacy, economic development, and other core areas.

4) Marketing and Communications

Build visibility and recognition for MCCE, and the benefits of involvement to further engage current members and attract new members through stronger brand development and technology.

  1. Website: Maintain a dynamic, user-friendly MCCE website by refreshing content, integrating new digital tools, and showcasing the value of membership. In 2026, identify opportunities to modernize the site with updated resources and emerging technologies through recommendations of a Website Task Force.
  2. Implement Video and Podcasts: Implement the use of video and podcasts to market MCCE to current and potential members; and consider short video clips to feature conferences and events.
  3. Social Media: Continue to strengthen use of social media channels to inform MCCE members and others of the value of the association and industry. Identify other cohorts that could utilize platforms for communication purposes.
  4. Newsletter: Produce and distribute a monthly MCCE newsletter to provide education and information, share resources and success stories of local chambers, and promote the industry.
  5. Surveys: Conduct surveys to garner feedback from members and non-members regarding the programs and services offered through membership in MCCE. Utilize the information to strengthen future offerings.Marketing and Communications Committee: Michelle Larson, Red Wing Area Chambe; Brooke Sticha, New Prague Chamber; and Christine Fenner, Waconia Area Chamber