New County Chamber of Commerce gathering draws a crowd

More than 50 local business people and managers turned out for the launch of the new Cook County Chamber of Commerce  Tuesday, Feb. 12th at Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais.

 

The Greater Grand Marais Chamber is handing the reins to leaders of the new countywide Chamber, which is in the late stages of organizing. Grand Marais Chamber President Kim Linnell and Director Bev Wolke wrote in the newsletter that, “A great new beginning is in effect for the Chamber of Commerce. After much discussion and hard work by many, we are pleased to inform you that there is a new and better Chamber awaiting you.

 

“This new Chamber will be the one voice that this county has so long been in need of. We believe this will help strengthen the county’s economic growth and development to help for a brighter future for all of us,” Linnell and Wolke wrote.

 

At the Feb. 12 Sivertson Gallery party, prospective members were briefed on the new Chamber's countywide organizational efforts and its plans for future programming. Those plans include a “Cook County Day” at the Legislature this March at which Chamber members will seek to impress on legislators the importance of issues that matter greatly to Cook County businesses.

 

Speaking at the event was Jennifer Byers  of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.  She spoke briefly about how the new county Chamber and the state Chamber will work together for the benefit of county businesses.

 

Also on hand were Chamber organizers Mark Sandbo, Jan Sivertson, Mike Prom, Bruce Kerfoot, Charles Skinner and Scott Harrison. 

The new Chamber is seeking members and also in the process of hiring an executive director.  For more information, email [email protected], or contact Charles Skinner at [email protected], Bev Wolke at [email protected], or Jim Boyd at [email protected].