The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce takes an active interest and an active role in retaining businesses in the region.  Our participation in the Grow Minnesota! program provides a great conduit to gather feedback from local businesses.

GrowMinnesota! was founded seven years ago by private sector leaders in the state who had a growing concern about all the locally grown businesses leaving the state or expanding their businesses elsewhere.  In an effort to better understand the reasons for the disturbing trend, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce partnered with local chambers and private sector CEOs and business owners across the state and started visiting businesses.  The purpose was twofold, first to thank the businesses for locating in this community in Minnesota; the second is to offer help or assistance if needed or requested.

In the seven years that we have been involved with the Grow Minnesota! Program, we have personally visited more than 100 businesses in the SouthWest region to learn more about them and the service they provide.  This data shows us trends in business, the great fondness business owners have for the communities in which they are located and even some areas that require improvement or policy changes that could help their businesses to grow or be more competitive. 

Having a vital business community is essential to the health of the region.  Businesses not only provide jobs and tax base but most are very philanthropic as well, giving generously to educational and athletic programs, local non-profits and charities.   So to all who have chosen the SouthWest Metro region in which to locate your business, we say thank you!  You are an important and valued part of our community.

For more information on the Grow Minnesota! program, to schedule a business visit or to become part of the SouthWest Metro Chamber's advisory committee, please contact Deb at the Chamber office.

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again host the "Welcome to my Front Porch" event in Victoria. 

Businesses in Victoria have purchased Adirondack chairs  that will be hand  decorated by  local artists.   "The purpose of the event is two-fold" said Chamber representative, Mary Hadaway.  "The first is to showcase the business community of Victoria and the second is to provide resources for chamber services."   The Adirondack chairs will be on display starting July 29 in front of the participating Victoria business  .   Patrons are encouraged to not only enjoy these wonderful works of art, but to explore the local businesses to learn more about them and their goods and services.   On August 28^th,  the  chairs will be turned  over to the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce to be auctioned off during the Volksfest & Art Fair. 

"We are thrilled to be hosting this fun event once again this year", said Hadaway, and are grateful to the Victoria businesses for their enthusiastic support as well".

For more information about the Adirondack chair project and auction or the Victoria Volksfest & Art Fair, contact Mary Hadaway at the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce at 952-448-5000 or check the Chamber's website, www.swmetrochamber.com.