19 THE ADVOCATE EMAILS SENT informing members of important advocacy updates including PFML
Advocacy
2025 marked the re-launch of the Rochester Area Chamber Day at the Capitol . This event was developed as a result of member input during the planning process for the Chamber’s current strategic plan. As the third largest city in Minnesota, it was important that the regional business community had an opportunity to share their voice with decision makers at the capitol. This year will include speakers from leadership – Governor Walz’ Chief of Staff Chris Schmitter, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, members of the Rochester area delegation, and more. The Chamber will continue to grow and expand the event in 2026. “Although select priorities of the Chamber, such as the passage of a bonding bill and modifications to paid family medical leave did not progress, there was still much to celebrate,” Krull says. The Chamber also forged new relationships with key legislators and had numerous discussions on paid family medical leave and how to lessen the impact on businesses. “Despite the challenges of the session, the launch of the Day at the Capitol, the fostering of new relationships, and enhancing existing relationships with legislators were key successes for our advocacy efforts,” Krull says. With changes on the federal level, the Chamber also increased its advocacy efforts on behalf of the business community. Select changes to healthcare research funding resulted in the Chamber joining the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition, a national coalition of Chambers of Commerce that advocates for maintaining and increasing research funding in the federal budget and beyond. In addition, when the Rochester Boys & Girls Club was at risk of losing 21st Century Community Learning Center funding , the Chamber supported the club and advocated for the continuance of the funds. This funding plays a critical role in supporting hundreds of local families and youth through academic support, after school programming, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities for those who need it most. As a result of the advocacy efforts in the community, their funding was continued for the current year.
Day at the Capitol
270 ENGAGEMENTS WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
Day at the Capitol: Meeting with Rep. Andy Smith
175 ATTENDEES
a new record for Eggs & Issues, up 57 over 2024
Day at the Capitol: Meeting with Sen. Carla Nelson
The past year saw the Chamber host a number of info sessions , including topics such as road construction,
Eggs & Issues: From D.C. To Rochester
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