The Voice for Business

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest and premier business advocacy organization. As the statewide voice of business, the Chamber represents more than 2,400 businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. The Minnesota Chamber excels at offering private-sector solutions to public-sector problems.

Chamber Vision: Working together to make Minnesota the best place for business.

Chamber Mission: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing public policy and job growth strategies that create an environment for businesses statewide to prosper.

Record of Accomplishment for 100-plus Years

The business community's priorities focus on policies that will protect the interests of all companies. We will advance another member-driven agenda in 2011 with confidence that we represent the interests of all types and sizes of businesses throughout Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Protecting the bottom line of businesses is integral to ensuring a vital state economy. Our policy sessions across the state ensure that our agenda reflects our members' priorities.

Our priority issues for the 2011 Legislature are:

Budget Reform and Service Redesign: The $33 billion general fund should be focused on solving our most pressing problems and building the infrastructure that the development of our economy requires. Reforming the budget and redesigning public programs and services are critical if we are to sustain vital public programs and make them more effective.

K-12 Education Reform: Employers more than ever need a world-class workforce to compete in the worldwide marketplace. Minnesota continues to have one of the widest achievement gaps in the country among racial groups as well as across socioeconomic levels. Changing demographics also are contributing to workforce shortages. Our policies are aimed at producing a world-class workforce while closing the achievement gap.

Environmental Review and Permitting Reform: Businesses continue to be frustrated by the cost and time to apply for and receive approval for a variety of permits. We need sensible regulations to foster economic development while still maintaining current health and environmental standards.

Energy: Minnesota is approaching a dangerous crossroads in its ability to provide a reliable supply of electricity at competitive prices. Notwithstanding increased conservation targets and new investments in renewable energy, additional base-load electricity still is necessary for businesses and households alike. Lifting the state’s bans on consideration of new nuclear and coal-fired power plants is essential.

For specifics on our top priorities, click here.

The Minnesota Chamber's strength is our consensus agenda. Your feedback is necessary and valuable as we work together to maintain a vibrant business climate in Minnesota. Please direct comments on your priorities to Jennifer Byers at (651) 292-4673 or jbyers@mnchamber.com.

Solving problems for your business

• Grow Minnesota! - We help you stay and expand in Minnesota.
• BusinessConnection - We connect your business to Minnesota resources.
• Minnesota Waste Wise - We save you money by identifying ways to reduce waste.
• Minnesota Energy Smart - We are an energy efficiency business assistance program.
• Business Services - Educational program and services in the areas of human resources and safety management.
• Minnesota Business Gives - We provide local recognition for business philanthropy and contributions.
• Leadership Minnesota - We give business leaders an exclusive look at what makes the state's economy tick.
• Courts/regulatory agencies - We intervene and advocate on behalf of statewide business interests.
• Leadership Fund PAC - An affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber that supports legislative candidates who support business issues.