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Join the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce!
Make connections, build your business, be a part of the community. -
All are Welcome! Wednesday, August 28, 2024
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InspireHER Gala
Oct 24 | TPC Twin Cities
Save the Date for InspireHER - a night where we will recognize and celebrate women who are doing amazing work in our shared community.
If you are wondering if this is the Heels for Heroes Gala, you are right...it has been rebranded. The intent is still very much the same – honoring and showcasing women who are making a difference in our shared community. By rebranding we are removing the focus from the heel and instead focusing on the inspiration, which is really what it’s all about. We hope you like the new name and brand as much as we do!
This event wouldn't be possible without sponsorships, and we hope you will consider supporting the program in this fashion. See this flyer for the different levels; register also on our website. Thank you in advance!
Board of Directors Applications Now Open!
Have YOU ever thought about joining the MetroNorth Chamber Board of Directors? The Board sets policy and direction, ensures our fiscal health, and confirms that we are continued good stewards of your resources. The Board is currently seeking candidates to apply to join them in 2025. Serving on the Board of Directors is an excellent way to be a leader within MetroNorth as well as get to know other business leaders who share a similar interest.
Why else should you consider joining the Board? Your 2024 Board Chair Andrea Melberg Thompson, Senior Gift Officer for Allina Health Foundation, has this to say about serving on the Board:
“Chamber friends! Have you ever considered joining the Chamber Board of Directors? Several years back, a former board member encouraged me to apply. I had attended events for years, but never considered board service. On the Board, I have gained a broader knowledge of our business community, while working to shape the Chamber service and advocacy on your business’s behalf. In case you’re curious, the meetings are productive, structured and well-done, thanks to our in-tune staff and fellow leadership. Consider this your invitation to apply!”
Applications are due by Wednesday, August 14, 2024. A Nominating Committee comprised of current Board and Chamber members will review the applications. Recommended candidates will be voted on at the Annual Meeting this winter with the 3-year term beginning January 2025. Board meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of most months at 8 am, with Zoom an option, so the time commitment is nominal. Click HERE for an application and/or contact Lori at (763) 783-3553 or lori@metronorthchamber.org with questions.
State of Business
There was plenty to talk about at the MetroNorth Chamber’s State of Business program, which brought together employers and government for an open and honest dialogue so that ultimately we have a stronger community in which to live and work. Employers received helpful information from representatives of DEED, DLI, MNDoT, CareerForce and SHIP. We are excited that a few of them gave us some great information via video to share! Click HERE to hear more about Paid Family and Medical Leave; click HERE to hear more about DLI; click HERE to hear more about the Reasonable Accommodation Fund.Kurt Zellers, CEO of the MN Business Partnership, provided his thoughts on doing business in this state. State Senators and Representatives then shared their perspectives on a variety of issues (click on the link to hear from some of them via video!). Ultimately everyone was asked to keep the dialogue going – contact your legislator, share your story with MetroNorth, and be a part of the process. Many thanks to the Courtyards of Andover for hosting, Grand Casino for sponsoring, and for everyone taking time out of their day to attend this very important dialogue. Let’s continue to work together to make the north metro the best place possible!
The MetroNorth Community Resource Guide Available to AllThe MetroNorth Community Resource Guide is a publication highlighting the many wonderful aspects of living, working, and playing in the north metro. We encourage everyone to visit the MetroNorth Chamber office (9380 Central Ave NE, Blaine, MN) during normal business hours (M-Th 8-4, F 8-12) to pick up your copy – they are free to take. Also feel free to utilize this digital version. We thank the many advertisers, businesses and community partners who have supported this guide and made it possible.
Big Ideas: A Smashing Success!
Our Big Ideas Career Exploration Hiring Event on May 2nd was a smashing success! The event was jam-packed with exciting activities, from backhoe basketball to mosquito larva. Attendees had a blast while learning valuable career insights, with a few even bringing resumes and setting up interviews on the spot. We're thrilled to have had such a great response and to have shown some of the amazing careers, industries and employers available in the north metro! A huge thank you to all of our vendors who contributed to making this a memorable day. Check out even more fun photos from the day on our Facebook page!
Are You an Employer?
There are many new laws and regulations impacting Minnesota employers. We have crafted a dedicated page on our website, Business Advocacy Updates, with important updates, resources and links.
Excellence in Business Awards Recognizes Local Businesses
The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce presented their 2024 Excellence in Business awards on March 26th at Bunker Hills Event Center in Coon Rapids. Voted/nominated by their fellow chamber members, the winners are as follows:
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Restaurant + Beverage: The Rusty Bumblebee, Blaine
Arts, Culture, + Entertainment: Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, Anoka
Sports + Recreation: Urban Air Adventure Park Coon Rapids, Coon Rapids
Business + Professional Services: Church Offset Printing, Fridley
Shopping + Specialty Shopping: Buff City Soap, Blaine/Coon Rapids
Personal Care + Services: TC Med Spa, Blaine
Family-Owned Business: Twin City Heating Air and Electric, Blaine
Manufacturing/Trade: Aveda, Blaine
Nonprofit/Civic Organization: Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, Anoka
Community Champion: Rihm Family Companies, Coon Rapids
Economic Development Updates
There is a lot of exciting things happening in the development world in the north metro. Ground breakings for new businesses, expansions, and even some major, much needed transportation projects. For all things expansion-related, the Anoka County Regional Economic Development (ACRED) initiative, of which MetroNorth was a founding partner and current executive committee member, is your go-to resource. For an overview of main road projects, visit the Anoka County Highway Department page and/or MnDOT’s Twin Cities Regional Projects page.
We know that one pending transportation project, the reconstruction of Hwy 65 (slated to begin in 2025), will bring a lot of questions. We have developed a specific page on our website to host updates as they become available. Please check back frequently.
Leadership Resources
The MetroNorth Chamber is proud to offer impactful leadership resources and programming on a variety of topics to support our businesses.
To learn more, visit the Leadership page on our website to find details and resources.
Free Little Leadership Library
The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a Free Little Leadership Library. Modeled after the neighborhood Little Free Library, the Leadership Library offers a variety of leadership and business-related books and publications, available for anyone to stop by and take during office hours M-Thurs (8-4) F (8-12).
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Featured Members