The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is widely recognized for its networking, public advocacy, and the educational opportunities it provides to members across the region. Hear from Executive Director Kathleen Harrington about what’s to come for the organization in 2019 and why Rochester’s size is such an asset to the community.
With Destination Medical Center at the core of driving business, new development, and growth in Rochester and the region, employers are on the hunt for talent.
Now, your go-to resource for all things workforce is only a click away. Hubsource, an online tool developed by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, connects job seekers with openings in southeast Minnesota and provides a convenient way for local businesses to reach national talent. It is free for Rochester Chamber members and offers a hassle-free way for individuals to find real, relevant jobs throughout the region.
They might be called “small businesses,” but there’s nothing small about the impact these organizations have on our economy.
Recently, two Rochester businesses were named finalists in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, making the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce the only chamber in the United States with more than one finalist.
“There are 8,800 chambers in the United States,” says Rob Miller, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce president. “Any one of those could potentially submit nominees for the award. But Rochester was the only chamber – and Minnesota, the only state – who had more than one finalist.”
Rochester is growing – and that means there’s no shortage of work to go around.
DMC, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayo Clinic, the Diversity Council, the City of 
Rochester, and others want to make sure businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans have access to that work.
That’s why the Chamber will be hosting a Supplier Diversity Summit & Business Expo on August 3rd at the Mayo Civic Center to connect small and diverse firms with companies and organizations with contract opportunities.
More than 200 people from 10 southeast Minnesota chambers of commerce made the trek to St. Paul to engage with state legislators.
This was the first time the region has joined together for this event, and Lisa Clarke, DMC EDA executive director, recognized the importance and appreciation of this type of synergy.
“Having us together to represent our region as a whole is a testimony to how we are working together to make an impact for the state of Minnesota,” she says.