David's Blog

People change. Organizations, relationships and roles concurrently change. A change has occurred within the Chamber in recent years. I hope you have noticed it. We are advocating for collaboration and avoiding needless confrontation. Our Chamber believes the most effective way to move the Duluth area business community forward is to partner for success.

Over 80 events are hosted annually by the Duluth Area Chamber, achieving our goal to "facilitate interaction among business, government, education, labor and the greater community," as indicated in our vision statement. Additional objectives include optimistic phrases such as: "coalition building," "advocating for the community," and "support community initiatives lead by other organizations."
 The annual Duluth & St. Louis County at the Capitol event, along with the monthly FORVMs both demonstrate our strong advocacy for our region.

In addition to our 80+ events, the Chamber has consistently and successfully reached out to others in a sincere effort to uplift those who work and live within this beloved community we call Duluth. The Chamber is committed to advocating for and championing ideas, beliefs and causes that will strengthen our community one business and one job at a time. Our annual Leadership Duluth program immerses emerging leaders into community-building organizations, familiarizing them with our area's needs.

We are also for thoughtful economic development that will enhance our community. This includes nurturing economic environment wherein persons can offer and earn attractive wages and benefits. Likewise, we promote efforts within our community that will make Duluth a more attractive home for existing residents and a more compelling destination for future employers and residents. For example, Fuse Duluth, the Chamber's young professionals organization, connects young professionals to our community through networking, education, and discussion on issues that matter to the demographic. Our Chamber also greatly supports Mayor Don Ness' "90 by 20" initiative, aiming at increasing Duluth's population from 86,000 residents to 90,000 residents by the year 2020.

 Thankfully, a new day is dawning in Duluth wherein an increasing number of community members recognize and applaud any individual and any organization that is willing to adapt to the emerging environment. We are encouraged by the positive response generated by our community building efforts. Our Chamber membership base continues to expand. Volunteerism within the Chamber is at a record high. We are together building coalitions that strengthen our relationships with others and, in doing so, strengthen our community.

 I am abundantly optimistic regarding our Shining City Upon the Hill. It is an ideal time to be a Duluthian. More of us are internalizing that we are the ones our predecessors have been waiting for. Now is the time to make our collective voice heard in support of positive change.

 In support,
David