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Supporting business growth and development since 1881

Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce

Originally developed by the milling industry, the first settlers came to the Minneapolis area to harness the abundant waterpower of the Mississippi River, saw lumber and grind flour. In pursuit of comparatively smooth transshipment of grains from the Midwest back east, a group of merchants organized and incorporated the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce in 1881, the same year The Pillsbury A. Mill was constructed.  The Minneapolis Miller’s Association initially felt threatened by the formation of the chamber, but soon both groups realized that the mutual benefits of cooperation and joined forces under the title of the chamber. 

The success of the milling industry opened the doors to other business in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Their local and distant market success paved the way for management, advertising, market research, arts and entertainment, and the many other industries currently headquartered in the seven county Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, all of which made these cities a financial powerhouse.  

Fifty-nine years later, the Minneapolis Chamber recognized the booming tourism industry in the area and added a convention and visitors function simultaneous with the construction of the first Minneapolis Convention Center.  As more people came to the area for professional and personal pursuits, business expanded.  Reflecting on the growth of the region and the migration of large business outside the Minneapolis urban core, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce added Greater to its name in 1959.

Fifty-eight percent of the membership is located in the city of Minneapolis, with the other 42% spread across the entire metropolitan region. Business success for the entire metro area has always been the focus of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.  It was evident in the organization’s first mission statement in 1979; which committed the organization to, “Work for the economic growth of Greater Minneapolis and provide leadership for the role of business in our community”.

The MRCC has been and will continue to be the voice for business.

 

Bloomington Chamber of Commerce

Long before Minnesota even became a state, Bloomington, 15 miles south of the flour mills on the Mississippi in Minneapolis, then known as I-CHA-HTA-KA, was known for its commerce, trade and settlers. The same year Minnesota claimed its own star, Bloomington claimed its name from Bloomington, Illinois settlers who became mesmerized by the beautiful Minnesota River banks and its prosperous business opportunities.

Bloomington looks much different today from what the first settlers saw in 1842, but the importance of commerce, trade and business prosperity remains every bit as essential.

The Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1954, has been the leader in maintaining and expanding commerce throughout the entire south metro region, and like Bloomington’s first settlers, the chamber has always regarded both the city and the south metro region as a lucrative place to do business. 

This community has accomplished more than most other high growth areas in the United States over the past 45 years, thanks in large part to the Bloomington Chamber. Highlighted by modern, substantially upgraded international airport and, in the nearby Mall of America, a world-destination retail and entertainment complex, Bloomington has earned its standing in today’s global marketplace.  Providing leadership, resources and programs necessary for business success, growth and viability, the Bloomington Chamber exists to “help business succeed”. 

 

Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce

Northeast Minneapolis is a unique corner of the city known for its industrial and immigrant heritage.  In the early days, immigrant populations were sprinkled throughout Minneapolis with Polish, Ukrainian, Lebanese and German communities anchored in Northeast.  The identity of the area is forever tied to these oldest immigrant communities who built churches, schools, service organizations and business that have long remained.

The area is currently experiencing a fantastic revitalization with its old warehouses and factories being put to new use.  Communities of young families, professional s, artists and immigrants have arrived in Northeast, with new traditions and entrepreneurial dreams.

Like everything in Northeast, the Northeast Chamber of Commerce has a rich tradition.  The organization was established in 1953 as the Central Avenue Commercial Association, with the mission to promote commercial, social economic and civic interests in its neighborhood.  By 1993, the organization expanded its reach to include business throughout Northeast Minneapolis, thus changing its name to North East Business Association (NEBA).  In 2002, the organization became the Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce to better reflect its role in the community.

The Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner and participant in a community rich with character, history, entrepreneurship, social service and creativity.  Northeast remains a unique city with-in a city that has unprecedented tradition of community engagement, commitment and thoughtfulness and continues to be a great place to live, work and do business.

 

A Future Together

Just as the founders of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and members of the Minneapolis Miller’s Association viewed cooperation as a benefit in 1881, the Bloomington, City of Lakes, Northeast Minneapolis and Minneapolis Regional chambers envision greater success by working together.  Bringing together 167 years of experience, member businesses and organizations are assured that this new inter-connected structure of chambers will continue to strive for business success region wide.