Events continue to provide a connection to business

Oct 8, 2020

Chambers of commerce are known for connecting the business community – at every level – throughout the state. Local chambers and the Minnesota Chamber host events with high-level speakers, important and timely topics, and the opportunity to grow your businesses by getting to know each other.

Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve all had to get creative about how to continue to offer this programming, keeping members connected and helping navigate forward. In doing so, we have found great success.

At the Minnesota Chamber, we’ve hosted 14 webinars on how to navigate the pandemic. These feature decision-makers in government and the private sector, offering guidance through collecting best practices on what member businesses are doing to innovate their practices and continue operating. More than 2,000 people have tuned in to hear this information. The recordings have been viewed nearly 4,000 times.

We will continue to innovate in other ways to keep our programs relevant and our members connected. The Minnesota Chamber’s Women in Business program pivoted a previously scheduled conference for women to a virtual format. 300 women from across the business community joined Best Buy CEO Corie Barry and executives from Tunheim, Innovative Office Solutions and others to discuss issues important to their success.

Local chambers have found ways to innovate and continue to bring the business community together through critical events as well.

The MetroNorth Chamber shifted their upcoming Annual Meeting and Racism in Real Estate lunch programs to a hybrid format so that participants can choose to attend virtually or in person. Those who attend virtually will receive a gift card to a member restaurant, so they can still “enjoy lunch with the chamber” while bringing business to a community restaurant.

According to chamber president Lori Higgins, “One of the many things we’ve learned over the past few months is that people want to stay connected, and now more than ever. We’re excited to offer an option whereby we can safely bring together those who want to meet in person and those who prefer to stay connected virtually.” In October, they will host an outdoor baseball-themed after hours event. “People can bring lawn chairs and watch a baseball classic on a big screen. Hopefully the Twins will play in the playoffs that night, so people can stay and watch that too!”

The Laurentian Chamber has similarly pivoted in-person events to hybrid platforms, with virtual options available. “We transitioned our Annual Banquet to an Awards Ceremony in Olcott Park. We were able to provide an opportunity for our members to safely gather and celebrate success in business at a time when our community businesses needed some good news,” said Erik Holmstrom, President and CEO.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, your local chambers are still here to connect the business community. Live programming – whether at a reduced capacity in person, or virtual – helps you connect with fellow executives and leaders in the business community.

Business keeps moving forward, despite the pandemic. And connecting business people is what chambers do. Together, we remain committed to helping businesses find success.

Doug
Doug Loon
President
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce