A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Over the past several months, The Chamber has been at the forefront of many crucial efforts and conversations to shape and support policies that drive economic growth while promoting and protecting the needs of our business community. Through our collective voice and active engagement with leaders and policymakers in Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington, D.C., we have continued to make our regional presence felt while advocating for legislation that fosters an environment conducive to business growth, innovation and prosperity..

We entered the legislative sessions for both Minnesota and North Dakota with a clear agenda of regional priorities:

• Comprehensive Workforce Solutions

• Quality, Acessible and Affordable Child Care

• Competitive Educational Systems

• Building a Community for the Future

• Business and Community Vitality

Our Chamber’s public policy team has compiled detailed summaries of legislative outcomes in each state, aligning with our key priorities. Additionally, we are creating a Legislative review highlighting bills we supported and opposed, plus the voting reports from our Cass and Clay County legislators. Stay updated through our website and communication channels for more information. Legislative policies impact us all; the more informed and engaged our Chamber members are, the stronger our voice becomes. Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 ChamberChoice Awards. These exceptional businesses have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to our business community and local economy. Their dedication, innovation and commitment to the FMWF area set an inspiring standard of excellence for us all. I commend these award winners for their achievements and encourage our members to congratulate them, as they truly embody the vibrancy of our region.

As we progress, please continue engaging with our efforts and initiatives. The power and impact of innovative partnerships are profound, and we will highlight a few of those in this issue of The Bridge. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our Chamber’s mission.