Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce Committees

Committee and Council involvement is a great way to network with other business people.  Any member in good standing can be on a committee.  Committee membership is not limited to the Chamber contact person representing the business, but is open to all employees of the business.  Join a committee or council for the joy of networking!  Committee and council meetings are held monthly.  There are task forces that meet on a more limited basis during planning and coordination for specific events or functions.

Ambassadors 
Plan and implement ongoing new member recruitment and member retention programs.  The Ambassador's Committee coordinates the Chamber's grand openings, ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies and mentors new members.  Meets the first Wednesday of each month 11:30a-1:00p except July.

Chair: Melissa Carlson 
Staff: Kristie Mitchell 

Breakfast Networking
Network over breakfast and hear from various speakers on different topics each month.  Meets the first Thursday of every month 7:30-9:00a.

Carver Business Council
Mission Statement of the Council is to Promote and enrich the vitality of Historic Carver.

Chair: Barb Swanson 
Staff: Deb McMillan

Chanhassen Business Council 
Council members work on issues and opportunities affecting the Chanhassen areas such as parking, signage, revitalization and development affecting the vitality of the business district.  

Chair: Bill Traxler
Staff: Deb McMillan

Chaska Downtown Business Council 
To assist in creating & promoting a thriving downtown business district, reflecting and preserving our small town atmosphere, unique character and values

Chair: Les Dahlberg
Staff: Deb McMillan

Economic Development Committee 
The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Economic Development committee is focused on measuring, advocating and assisting our communities’ economic development activities in support of our vision the “Best Environment” for business in the State of Minnesota. 

Chair: Neil Anderson 
Staff: Deb McMillan 

Education Committee
Provide a leadership role in developing partnerships between area businesses , the community and schools. 

Chair: Nicole Krolikowski
Staff: Deb McMillan

Grow MN!
Grow MN! is a statewide, private sector-led business retention and economic development program.  Committee members meet with area businesses to fill out a questionnaire.  The information is then entered into a database and used to track business trends throughout the state..

Chair:
Staff: Deb McMillan

Member Services 
Focuses on member retention and new member orientations.  Its members serve as official greeter and Chamber events and also make monthly visits to new and existing members acqainting them with the Chamber's programs and services.  Meets the second Wednesday of each month 8:30-10:00a.

Chair: Vicki Franzen 
Staff: Mary Hadaway


Public Policy Committee 
Being a visible advocate for business and influencing public policy as a priority for the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Chair: Chad Dockter
Staff: Deb McMillan 

Victoria Business Council 
Council members work on issues and opportunities affecting the Chanhassen areas such as parking, signage, revitalization and development affecting the vitality of the business district.  

Chair: Jay Swenson
Staff: Mary Hadaway

Women's "BIZ" Business Information Zone 
Network over breakfast and hear from various speakers on different topics each month.  Meets the first Tuesday of every month 8:30-10:00a.

Chair: Lynda Gooch-Hartman and Cheryl Samson
Staff: Mary Hadaway


Task Forces:

Assist in coordinating events including event planning, marketing, programming, arranging speakers and sponsorship programs.

Annual Gala Task Force
Home Expo Task Force
Golf Tournament Task Force
Program Task Force

Events: 

Chaska Area Taste
2009 Date:  May 20, City Square Park, Chaska
Staff:  Kristie Mitchell

SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
The Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce biggest FUNraiser of the year.
2009 Date: June TBD, Location TBD
Co-Chairs: Tim Craig, Westco and Bob Mechtel, Promolink, Inc.
Staff: Kristie Mitchell 

SouthWest Metro Home Improvement & Landscaping EXPO
2009 Dates:  February 28th & March 1, Chapel Hill Academy, Chanhassen
Staff:  Kristie Mitchell

SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce July 3rd Business Expo
2009 Date:  July 3rd, City Center Park, Chanhassen
Staff:  Kristie Mitchell

River City Days
2009 Date:  July 24-26, City Square Park, Chaska
SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce Business & Health Expo July 25
Staff:  Kristie Mitchell

Steamboat Days
2009 Date:  September 11-13, Carver 

Volksfest
2009 Date: TBD, Victoria
Staff:  Mary Hadaway