YEAR IN REVIEW
Feature
1,500 ADDITIONAL
impact on Rochester’s future, sharing voter resources through the Chamber’s website, newsletter, and social media, and distributing educational materials. Over the past year, the Chamber elevated its advocacy initiatives, prioritizing stronger communication channels and fostering deeper connections with candidates and elected officials. Early in the year, we partnered with previous Olmsted County Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden to launch the Candidate Training Program . This three-part series helped 45 attendees explore running for office and equipped those who planned to run with resources and knowledge to assist in organizing their campaign. Over the course of the training attendees heard from current elected officials and covered topics such as crafting their messaging, information on filing deadlines, budgeting, campaign finance regulations, leveraging social media, and more. Building on this momentum, the Chamber introduced another initiative in the summer, Connecting Candidates and Commerce . This program fostered meaningful connections between the current or aspiring political leaders and the business community. Following the general election, the program was rebranded to Linking Leaders & Industry to align with the Chamber’s ongoing mission of connecting local, state, and federal elected officials with the businesses. Through tours of local businesses, elected officials heard directly about challenges, opportunities, and the impacts of policy decisions on their operations. The tours highlighted a diverse array of industries, including non- profits, hospitality, trade, and distribution, among others. In the fall, the Chamber partnered with the League of Women Voters and Post Bulletin to hold Candidate Forums for both the primary and general elections. These forums provided candidates with a platform to share their perspectives on key issues directly with voters. In addition to building on relationships with state leadership and local state delegation to advocate on behalf of the Rochester area business community, the Chamber held meetings with newly elected local officials to discuss legislative
WEBSITE VISITORS within the first month of launching the new website
Linking Leaders & Industry at Powers Ventures
priorities and pressing local issues. In fact, 56.7% of local candidates running for office in 2024 attended our Candidate Training Program, Connecting Candidates & Commerce, or met with us one-on-one. When breaking it down to winning candidates, the number increases to 60% that engaged.
Linking Leaders & Industry with the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester and Gift of Life Transplant House
Thank You The Chamber team is honored to serve the business community and talented workforce of our region. With diverse industries, a skilled workforce, strong partnerships, and exciting growth on the horizon, the Rochester area is truly a place of opportunity. Thank you to our members for your ongoing support
FEBRUARY 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13 and engagement! Through your support of the Chamber we will continue to develop and lead business community initiatives that will advance the Rochester region.
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker