YEAR IN REVIEW
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the local SHRM Chapter on a coalition letter calling for modifications and a delay. The effort resulted in a record number of more than 180 signatories. “The involvement of our area business community is vital to our advocacy work, ensuring the voice of area businesses is heard on the local, state, and federal levels,” says Ryan Parsons, president of the Chamber. However, with the program set to go into effect on January 1, 2026 there was a limited appetite from legislators to modify or delay implementation. As a result, the Chamber pivoted towards ensuring member businesses and organizations were prepared for the program and compliant. This included sharing a number of resources and hosting information sessions. An initial session, held in partnership with Dunlap & Seeger, drew more than 100 attendees. Continued demand led to a second session with neighboring Chambers in Byron and Stewartville, featuring the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and drawing more than 200 attendees.
Educator Industry Experience at KTTC
180 BUSINESS COALITION SIGNEES for PFML legislative change
The Chamber continued to grow in 2025, both in membership and engagement from area employers across advocacy and workforce initiatives. As programming expanded, so did the Chamber team , with the addition of staff focused on business community engagement and communications.
"As we continue to grow and engage
our members, we will expand our work to impact the future of the Rochester area"
“We are grateful for the investment of our members. The expansion of our team provides the capacity to expand our work to help businesses thrive,” Parsons says. “As we continue to grow and engage our members, we will expand our work to impact the future of the Rochester area.”
Paid Family Medical Leave Info Session with DEED and neighboring Chambers
Thank You The Chamber team is proud to serve the region’s business community and talented workforce. With diverse industries, strong partnerships, and continued growth, the Rochester area offers exceptional opportunities. Thank you to our members for your ongoing support. Together, we will continue advancing initiatives that strengthen the business community and the region as a whole.
300+ PFML INFO SESSION ATTENDEES in 2025
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13
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