Chamber busy from Blue Zones to Ag Lunch

Published 8:27 am Tuesday, March 31, 2009

At a recent Albert Lea-Freborn County Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting, a director expressed the opinion that we, as a chamber of commerce, did not take enough credit for all the things that we do in the community. I listened to what he had to say and realized that he was accurate in his assessment. I believe that because it seems as though we communicate a great deal through our E-Biz and special e-mail communications we think that everyone is aware of our accomplishments. Realistically, however, I realize that those communications don’t show the measurable results.

Let’s look at just the first three months of this year. In January, we attended the Minnesota Chamber’s annual session-priorities event and spent time with our local legislators and others discussing the upcoming session. We heard from the governor and the leadership of both the Minnesota House and Senate. Also in January, we participated in focus groups for the AARP/Blue Zones City Health Makeover and went on the coldest “walking audit” in history.

Also in January, we hosted a lunch for Mary Ann Potter, the new CEO of KSMQ, and our local public television partner. Additionally, we worked with the Big Island Rendezvous on its annual Gourmet Auction. The resulting event set a record for both attendance and revenues. Many of you participated in the event, and we are grateful for your participation.

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We produced a survey asking for questions members might have regarding the Bridge Avenue corridor project. Once we compiled your questions, we shared them with the city and county as well as the Northside Business and Homeowners Association. The resulting answers are posted on our Web site and were published in the Albert Lea Tribune. Recently, we facilitated a meeting between the city and county engineers and business representatives of the association.

Liz Dickerson has actively participated in the selection of Teacher of the Year for District 241 while Sue Axsmith is part of the planning committee for the kickoff of the AARP/Blue Zones City Health Makeover. Katie Liska works on the Lakes Foundation and Tami Riecke produces all of our surveys, announcements and has coordinated the Farm Family of the Year project as well as the Ambassador Scholarship applications.

In February, we hosted a luncheon for our members that focused on the Employee Free Choice Act currently before Congress. A representative of the U.S. Chamber and a labor attorney discussed the issue with 40 representatives of the business community. Recently, the chamber’s board of directors adopted a resolution opposing this legislation and forwarded that to Minnesota’s entire Congressional Delegation.

The board also adopted a resolution supporting Freeborn County’s desire to be the new home for the Veterans Administration’s new community outreach clinic. Albert Lea is considered a prime location for this facility since their directive is to locate it near the southern border of the state.

On March 6, more than 40 members of the chamber attended a lunch with Commissioner Thomas Sorel of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He shared his vision for the department. He was accompanied by Nelrae Succio, District 6 engineer, who reviewed local projects and Debra Ledvina new ombudsman. Ms. Ledvina is the only ombudsman currently affiliated with a Department of Transportation in the county.

On March 17, we hosted the fourth annual Agriculture Lunch and revealed this year’s Farm Family of the Year, Chris and Holly Dahl. Additionally, we heard from Mark Graul, Midwest regional coordinator of Growth Energy, an ethanol advocacy group, and Director Bill Glann of the Minnesota Department of Energy Security and deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce. Director Glahn pointed out that we were in a position of strength in “new, clean energy economy.”

This list incorporates only the unique events. It does not include the many committees on which we serve. As you can see, your chamber is actively seeking to improve the business climate in our community. From transportation to agriculture, we find great pleasure in serving our members.

Randy Kehr is the director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.