YEAR IN REVIEW
Feature
Communication is Key Keeping members informed was a top priority for the Chamber in 2025. Through consistent, multi-channel communications, the Chamber informed, connected, and promoted the local business community using weekly emails, social media, publications, and educational programming. “The Chamber’s communications help members stay informed about opportunities, resources, and events while amplifying visibility for local businesses,” says Sophia van Oss, senior director of communications & design. The Weekly Update reached more than 6,500 contacts each week, an increase of over 800 subscribers, and featured timely news, upcoming events, and member announcements. The Resource Connect email series also delivered 13 targeted editions covering policy updates, workshops, grant opportunities, and government initiatives. Across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, the Chamber connected with more than 13,700 followers, growing its audience by more than 1,000 in 2025. Social media highlighted ribbon cuttings, member milestones, legislative updates, and event recaps. Print communications remained strong, with six issues of Advantage magazine distributed to more than 7,700 readers. The 2025 Community Guide expanded to include transportation resources, and Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester. It also debuted its first illustrated cover by local artist CHOOCHOO-ca-CHEW, with 2,500 guides distributed. The Shop Local – Holiday Gift Guide celebrated its fourth year, featuring 52 Chamber members—an increase of 18 from the previous year—and was promoted across email, social media, print, and broadcast channels.
Member Engagement
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of opportunities for members and the broader community to connect, learn, and engage throughout the year. One of the Chamber’s most visible community initiatives is Lemonade Day , an entrepreneurial program that teaches youth essential business and financial literacy skills. Participants create business plans, manage budgets, and learn about customer service, marketing, and giving back—all while gaining confidence and real-world experience. In 2025, Lemonade Day expanded with eight community pop-up events, including a season kickoff, a Best Tasting Contest, and the first-ever Lemon U Workshop, hosted by Altra Federal Credit Union. The program supported 90 lemonade stands across Southeast Minnesota and engaged 540 participants, including 180 from the Summer of Service Community Education Program, which used the Lemonade Day curriculum to raise money for the local homeless shelter. Nearly 30 percent more participants joined compared to 2024, and more than 15 sponsors, along with two local media partners, supported the initiative. The Lemon U Workshop helped returning participants strengthen their money management, marketing, and customer service skills. Other pop-up events included support from Bricks and Minifigs, guiding participants to design and build their dream lemonade stands out of LEGOs, and the Rochester Athletic Club, which hosted the Best Tasting Contest with judges providing feedback on recipes, stand design, and overall business models. “The team at Lemonade Day National recently launched ‘Junior Market,’ which encourages returning participants to expand their businesses and try new products and strategies,” says Shannon Gowen, the Chamber’s events and program director and city director of Lemonade Day. “The Rochester area is looking to introduce this program to expand Lemonade Day’s impact in the years to come.” When it comes to golf, the Rochester region is filled with golf aficionados eager to hit the links. This was especially evident at the Chamber’s 45th Annual Golf Outing, which sold out within an hour of registration going live.
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