The Voice of Business
The Chamber serves as the voice of business at all levels of government. Through our advocacy efforts, the Chamber ensures that the interests of the business community are represented throughout the policymaking process.
Elected officials make decisions that have an immense impact on local businesses and the economy. As the business community’s non-partisan voice, the Chamber engages with elected officials on the local, state, and federal level to advocate for policies that enhance the quality of life in our community and region.
Chamber Advocacy Team
Jonathon Krull, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Leadership Development
Olivia Kloster, Policy & Communications Director
Ryan Parsons, President
Legislative Agenda
To communicate the Chamber’s policy stances, we develop a yearly legislative agenda derived from insight from our member businesses. The legislative agenda communicates a clear set of priorities to legislators and members alike.
Key Legislative Priorities for 2025
InfrastructureÂ
Support bonding efforts encouraging development and sustainability to enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community.
Workforce
Support legislative efforts to create new and enhance existing talent attraction, retention, and training programs that meet the robust workforce needs of employers in the Rochester region.
Additional Legislative Priorities for 2025
Advocacy Communications
The Advocate Email Newsletter
The Advocate shares information on the advocacy efforts of the Chamber and informs members of relevant news stories on the local, state, and federal levels. It is sent biweekly during the legislative session (January - May) and monthly outside of the session. During the session, we highlight a few key bills we are tracking and the impact of the bill on business.Â
Sign up to receive The Advocate and other Chamber email newsletters.Â
Advantage Magazine
Each year, Advantage magazine publishes features focused on advocacy both before and after the legislative session. These articles include insights from Rochester-area Senators and Representatives, who share their priorities heading into the session and key takeaways afterward. They address key issues affecting businesses, challenges faced, and notable highlights.
During major election years, the Advantage magazine features local candidate profiles in October.
View the Advantage magazine issues here.
Advocacy Events
Eggs & Issues
Two-part series covering relevant topics to the business community
Legislative Update
Updates from legislators on the legislative session and expected outcomes
Local Government Connect
Updates from the city, county, schools, and parks as well as expected business impacts
Economic Summit
Regional economic snapshot with an economic outlook keynote
Day at the Capitol
Sharing the issues impacting business operations with decision makers in St. Paul
Connecting with Candidates
Discussions between candidates and businesses on impacts of policy
Information Sessions
Varying topics of interest, past topics include earned sick and safe time, legalization of marijuana, upcoming road construction, paid family medical leave
Candidate Training
Equips those considering to run for local office with the needed resources and information to run a successful campaign