January 2024 Board Member Newsletter Article

Laura Stein

Feb 07 2024

Thank You For A Great Year!

Kristy Barse
Chair
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Happy 2024 Friends –

I’ll seize this opportunity to give one big heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you for your engagement and support through MCCE in 2023! The programs and continued education provided by MCCE are inspired by you and made possible by your peers. It was an honor to serve as Chair of the MCCE board alongside industry leaders I admire so much.

Here is a snapshot of what MCCE accomplished in 2023:

  • 16 Chambers received scholarships for continued education and organizational growth.
  • 14 new executives were paired with industry mentors to ensure they had the resources not only to survive the first 2 years but to thrive.
  • The Leadership Program worked with 11 chamber executives on a year’s worth of leadership training from the finest Chamber leaders in the state.
  • The three MCCE conferences engaged, on average, 85 attendees with quality content, meaningful networking time, and an impromptu trip to the capital for some much-needed face to face time with elected officials.

This work could not be done without the help & guidance from The Minnesota Chamber staff. Please be sure to thank Doug, Vicki, and the entire policy team for their continued investment in your Chamber’s success.

Bring it on 2024! We have a lot of work to do for local businesses and the communities we serve. Make sure you’re starting the year off right by attending the Annual Meeting on February 13th & 14th….it just so happens to be at the best new hotel in the state. 😊

See you all soon!