Friday Five: Announcing the Chamber’s new President and CEO

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

We’re coming to you on the doorstep of what seems like an important election season conclusion. Of course, Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3. So check your calendar and make sure you’re voting on the third, if not before.

We’ve got to make sure that businesspeople, business leaders and people who work in business have the opportunity to let their voices be heard through the elections, because this election season is incredibly important to the future of our state.

I will point out that in the previous couple of election cycles, we’ve had really, really close elections that can make or break the difference between having a balanced, thoughtful legislative body representing the entire state, including the business community, or having one that is less than helpful to the business community and the future of our state’s economy.

If you think back to just the 2024 election cycle, we had one House seat that was won by just 14 votes. And in 2022, the last time the Senate was up, we had a race that was won by only 321 votes.

That shows that showing up really matters. Those who show up have the opportunity to help shape the future of our state. So I encourage you to get out and vote. Early voting is something you can take advantage of if you’re not available on November 3.

I would also say you can educate yourself. You can go to our website and find legislative voting scorecards and background information on legislators. Make a plan to vote, whether that means voting in advance or showing up on November 3 because your voice matters!

Now, secondly, I’m thrilled to share that the Minnesota Chamber’s Board of Directors met this week and has named my successor. As I’ve mentioned on previous podcasts, I intend to retire at the end of the year from my position as president and CEO of the Chamber.

I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you that the Board has named Doug Stang – yes  another Doug – as the next President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Doug will begin in his role on December 1, so we look forward to working with him on his onboarding and broadening his experience and work with the business community.

He brings extensive experience to the position, with more than 20 years in government affairs, business and public service, including leadership roles at LegalZoom and 3M. He also served four terms in the Minnesota House and was Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health.

He brings a wealth of experience and a terrific understanding of the intersection between business, politics and good public policy.

Doug knows the Minnesota Chamber very well, having previously served on our Board of Directors, and that experience is very valuable as he steps into this new role in December.

The Board conducted a thorough search, and I’m proud of its work. I’m confident Doug’s background and relationships across the business community will serve the Chamber well into the future.

Minnesota is at an important point in its economic future, with newly elected leaders preparing to take office early next year and major policy decisions ahead for the state.

The Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that help businesses grow and keep Minnesota competitive. The work already underway includes our Economic Imperative for Growth campaign, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s research and programs on economic development and workforce, and preparations for the 2027 legislative session, which is not far off.

I will remain in my role through the end of the year and work closely with Doug to ensure a smooth transition.

After 11 years leading this fantastic organization, it has truly been a privilege to work alongside our members and the amazing professional staff here at the Chamber as we collectively advocate for Minnesota’s business community.

So thank you to all of you, our members and the Chamber team, for your continued support. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing the organization continue its important work well into the future under Doug’s leadership.

Thank you for being with us. I look forward to the upcoming broadcasts of the podcast and to connecting with you soon as I wrap up my tenure here at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

But before then, make sure to get out and vote on or before November 3. Do your homework and look for candidates who believe we have a bright economic future ahead of us and want to work hard to accomplish that.

Have a great Halloween weekend, and I look forward to connecting with you on the next episode of the Minnesota Business Podcast.