Area chambers gather for joint meeting

Talk about it

Six chambers of commerce converged upon Roberts on June 23, combining their powers to form the Association of County Chambers.

The meeting was arranged by the Central St. Croix Area Chamber of Commerce, of the Roberts and Hammond area. Also in attendance were representatives from the New Richmond, Baldwin, Somerset, Hudson and River Falls chambers.

“At a minimum, I’m looking for communication, and if can we work together on some projects,” said David Lindquist, past president of the CSCACOC.

There are organizations already formed for cooperative economic development and tourism purposes in the greater area, mainly Momentum West and St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Bureau. However, those present on Wednesday saw benefits in having a strong, local chamber cooperative too.

Having occasional gatherings of chambers would bring benefits to members, like networking and problem sharing, the group agreed. They could also plan symposiums together, like the health care seminar held in Hudson recently, someone suggested.

In the future, the ACC could pool their efforts and resources for county-wide initiatives, like guidebooks, and for governmental lobbying power.

The group plans to meet again this fall, and plan a large gathering for sometime in early 2011.

Tags: business, chamber, hammond, roberts