YEAR IN REVIEW
YEAR IN REVIEW
Feature
Feature
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
In February 2023, Eggs and Issues featured a discussion of the Minnesota state budget with then Commissioner Jim Schowalter of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget. Commissioner Schowalter shared his budget forecast for the state of Minnesota and engaged with attendees. This included insight into priorities and initiatives surrounding the budget and potential challenges and opportunities for Minnesota's financial stability moving forward. In May 2023, Caitlin Codella Low, Vice President, Policy and Programs and Kyle Butler, Manager, Programs from the US Chamber’s Center for Education and Workforce presented and discussed the importance of the talent pipeline when it comes
The Chamber celebrated the second year of Lemonade Day , which is a free experiential learning program that teaches local youth entrepreneurial and financial literacy as they learn how to start their very own business. This year, nearly 500 young entrepreneurs learned the aspects of developing and maintaining a business such as creating a product, establishing a budget, and designing a marketing plan. In addition, 20 local Rochester businesses participated in the Sweet Spot program, which is designed to help future entrepreneurs sign up for high-traffic locations on Rochester’s Lemonade Day. City Director Ally Sheehan said, “It was amazing to see participants, families, local businesses and the Rochester
to workforce development. Following Low's remarks,
community get involved in this sweet day! My favorite was visiting the young entrepreneurs that participated in last year's Lemonade Day to see how they changed, tweaked or adapted their
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce launched our new strategic plan to start 2023 and the resource has served as our road map throughout the past year for the organization. This includes a focus on advocacy, workforce, employer development & resources, member engagement, and more to serve the Rochester area business community
"My favorite was visiting the young entrepreneurs that participated in last year's Lemonade Day to see how they changed, tweaked or adapted their stand for the second year!"
an Education and Industry Partnership Panel discussed their collaborative efforts to facilitate a local talent pipeline aimed at addressing area workforce needs.
Throughout the year, the Chamber produced events, resources, discussions, and more in the areas of advocacy, workforce, professional development, networking, and more. These resources and opportunities are developed to support members as they strive for success, develop their teams, and adapt to an ever-changing business landscape. The Chamber is grateful to have an increase in member engagement in events and programs throughout 2024. Eggs and Issues , a long-standing series, provides opportunities for member businesses to learn about and discuss the issues that impact their businesses and the community.
stand for the second year!”
2023’s final Eggs and Issues was held in August with featured speakers Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and John Kirchner, Vice President, Midwest Region of the US Chamber highlighting action at Capitol Hill and delivering updates on relevant legislation to the business community.
Sheehan attended the National Lemonade Day conference where she gained ideas, met with other City Directors, and won an award for the Rochester MN Lemonade Day area. Save the date for the upcoming Lemonade Day on June 8, 2024!
and to demonstrate the value of Chamber membership.
Inside this issue of the Advantage are highlights from the past year including the continued expansion of programs, advocacy efforts, and accomplishment of key initiatives.
4 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2024
FEBRUARY 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 5
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