The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a number of events and programs throughout the year to provide our members the opportunity to learn, grow and network.
Our events and programs categories include business advocacy, community engagement, networking and workforce and professional development.
Advocacy
Our advocacy events offer opportunities for Chamber members to gain information, education and connections to the local, state and federal levels of government.
A few annual advocacy events include:
Economic Summit
The Economic Summit turns a spotlight on the regional economy to provide a current snapshot and a forecast of the year ahead. Featuring business leaders, economic reports, and insightful speakers, this event provides an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to set company strategy and position their business for growth and success.
Legislative Update
This strategic event highlights Minnesota legislative activity impacting business at a time when there is more clarity around likely session outcomes. Featuring area legislators and policy experts, this event connects Chamber members directly with the decision makers in St. Paul for information and productive dialogue.
Local Government Connect
Representatives from city and county government, the school district, and the parks department are brought together to share updates relevant to the business community. With an area as busy and complex as greater Rochester, this annual event focuses in on the key details impacting business and provides an important opportunity for government officials to visit with business leaders and operators.
Community Engagement
Our community engagement events and programs connect Chamber members with different parts of the Rochester community that help them develop leadership skills, learning about our community.
A few community engagement events include:
Lemonade Day
A community-wide program that teaches local youth entrepreneurial and life skills as they learn how to start their very own business, a lemonade stand. They learn how to develop a business and experience all the aspects of maintaining a business, such as creating a product, establishing a budget, designing a marketing plan, and so much more.
Winter Business Showcase
This event brings Chamber members together under one roof to showcase their business or organization to the Rochester community. This showcase is a great way to highlight your business, display your services, and connect with professionals throughout the Rochester region.
Networking
Our networking events are intended to foster member to member connection, help with lead generation, develop greater community engagement and development, and focus on adding important value to Chamber members and sponsors.
A few annual networking events include:
Annual Celebration
This event celebrates the success and growth of the business community in the greater Rochester area. Hundreds of business professionals, civic leaders, and community members attend this premier occasion for networking, great food, and fun.
Annual Golf Outing
One of the Chamber’s premier events with an average attendance of 152 golfers. This outing is comprised of business leaders and owners offering substantial B2B sales opportunities, executive networking, great fun, and fellowship.
Kickball Tournament
A great opportunity for Chamber members and their staff to get out of the office and enjoy a fun day of networking, building relations, and team bonding, all while playing a friendly game of kickball.
Workforce & Professional Development
Our workforce & professional development events emphasize the importance of continuing to develop professional and personal career goals.
A few workforce & professional development events include:
Business Development Exchange (BDX)
The BDX event series is a program with the goal of connecting Chamber members with content experts to share best-practices and resources that address business goals and issues. From HR and cyber security, to workplace design and marketing strategies, this series provides a great opportunity for business owners and experts to share ideas with one another and leave with applicable tactics to try in their own organizations.
STEAM Summit
The Chamber’s STEAM Summit encourages nearly 3,000 middle and high school students in the greater Rochester area to pursue careers in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and design, mathematics) fields. This event helps students draw connections between their studies and real-world jobs. It allows Chamber members to show these young individuals skills that are/will be needed for the jobs of tomorrow.