2025 Business Plan

Supporting Human Capital

 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 5 – 7, 2025. Deliver a conference agenda offering the opportunity to enhance leadership development skills, focus on current policy issues, and allow for extensive networking.Location: Water Street Inn, Stillwater  
    Host: Robin Anthony, Greater Stillwater Chamber   
    Committee members: Matt Baumgartner, Duluth Area Chamber; Robin Anthony, Greater Stillwater Chamber; and Nort Johnson, Faribault Area Chamber and Tourism
  2. Summer Refresh: May 22, 2025. 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: Wyndham Burnsville Nicollet Inn, Burnsville
    Committee members: Jennifer Harmening, Burnsville Chamber; Heather Proskey, Shakopee Chamber; Anne Johnson, Redwood Area Chamber
  3. Fall Conference: September 17 – 19, 2025. Coordinate a highly valuable learning opportunity showcasing the expertise of fellow chamber professionals and industry experts.Location: Sugar Lake Lodge, Cohasset
    Host: Minnesota Chamber
    Committee members:  Matt Baumgartner, Duluth Area Chamber; Shannon Full, Moorhead Fargo Chamber; Michelle Larson, Red Wing Area Chamber; Tim Zunker, Shakopee Chamber; Christine Fenner, Waconia Area Chamber
  4. New Executive Orientation: Coordinate brief orientation sessions for new executives and their mentors to be held as part of the various conferences.Committee: Nort Johnson, Faribault Area Chamber and Tourism; Robin Anthony, Greater Stillwater Chamber
  5. Regional Groups: Continue to provide support and specialized training opportunities for the 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 every other year (to be held in 2025), this six-day program (one day per month hosted by a local chamber) is focused on executives 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:  Jessica Dodge, Hastings Area Chamber and Tina Fetch, Grand Forks East Grand Forks Chamber
    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. Explore the opportunity to establish a mentor program with all executives in Minnesota.
  3. Scholarships: Continue to sponsor and/or promote scholarships to MCCE conferences, U.S. Chamber Institute, Mid-America Chamber Executives, U.S. Chamber Government Affairs Conference, and Leadership Minnesota. Some scholarships may also include lodging and travel expenses.  Recognize specific named memorial scholarships during conferences.Committee:  Kristy Barse, Hastings Area Chamber; Derek Ricke, Park Rapids Chamber; and Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber.
  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: In an effort 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.Committee: Shannon Full, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber and Anne Johnson, Redwood Falls Chamber.
  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.Committee: Robin Anthony, Greater Stillwater Chamber and Nort Johnson, Faribault Area Chamber and Tourism. 

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: Continually refresh and maintain content on the MCCE website to ensure it provides easy-to-access resources and promotes the benefits of membership.
  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 as a way to market 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. Marketing and Communications Committee:  Michelle Larson, Red Wing Area Chamber and Christine Fenner.
  6. Surveys: Conduct two 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.Committee:  Anne Johnson, Redwood Area Chamber; Nort Johnson, Faribault Chamber; Christine Fenner, Waconia Area Chamber; Michelle Larson, Red Wing Area Chamber