WASHINGTON COUNTY COALITION OF CHAMBERS ANNOUNCEMENT

May, 2022. The Washington County Coalition of Chambers (Coalition) was formed during the COVID-19 crisis in spring of 2020, to bring together Chambers (with paid staff Executive Directors/ Presidents,) the County’s Community Development Agency (CDA), and the County Workforce Development Division to work collaboratively to share ideas and resources to address the COVID-19 crisis. During that year, the Coalition worked hard to leverage Federal, state, and local resources to assist the businesses and bring enhanced communications to our business communities. Now in year two the coalition continues to meet twice a month to do even more.

The mission is to be a coalition that is future focused and provides a collective partnership to innovatively share resources that creates strong businesses and communities.

Core Values:
Credibility
Commitment
Dedication
Chamber Longevity  
Abundance Mindset
Collaboration
Forward Thinking 

Coalition members include the CDA Economic Development Director, the County Workforce Director, and the Chamber Executive Director’s/Presidents from the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Washington County is unique with having 86% businesses with fewer than 20 employees; 95% businesses with fewer than 50 employees; and only nine businesses having over 500 employees. Therefore, the needs and efforts are somewhat different than other counties in the metropolitan area. This coalition is continuing to work together for a healthy business community which includes resources and services for education, technical assistance, promotions and advocacy, workforce development and assistance, communications, and futuristic opportunities to support and promote our business communities. Businesses should continue to look for joint offerings soon including training, programs, and connection events.