Ambassador Committee

The Ambassadors are the "eyes and ears" of the Chamber.  They meet monthly in fun settings, to create teamwork, enthusiasm and esprit de corps before visiting chamber members at their businesses.  This committee is the key to membership retention and feedback on issues.  A great number of Ambassadors go on to serve in other key strategic roles such as joining the Board, heading other committees and even joining local government commissions. If leaders are born on committees, then it is with the Ambassadors where they grow and are educated on what matters to businesses.  The Ambassadors are limited to 15 people, in order to be an effective and agile team.  Any member may apply or place their name on a waiting list to join.

Convention & Visitors Bureau Committee (CVB)

The CVB is part of the Chamber of Commerce in Apple Valley and is critical to tourism.  Apple Valley, home of the Minnesota Zoo receives over 1,400,000 visitors per year.  The Chamber fulfills visitor requests which we generate through national and regional advertising.  The committee plans the creation of brochures, visitor maps, billboards, advertising strategies and creating an Apple Valley Visitors Brochure.  The Chamber chooses to partner with Explore Minnesota, the State Tourism Office.

The Chamber President, Edward Kearney has also served as Chairman of the Twin Cities Metro Tourism Coalition, comprised of all the Convention & Visitor Bureaus in the Twin Cities region. He also serves on the Minnesota Zoo's Legislative Coalition.

Economic Growth Partnership Committee

This unique committee's work is one of the main reasons the Chamber and the City are such effective partners.  Meeting quarterly, this committee has intense discussions about development issues and make tough hard decisions. The intent is to make certain that the City and the business community are on the same page with business related economic growth issues. 

This committee is by board assignment and city council assignment only.  Committee members includes the Mayor, City Council, City Department Directors, Planning Commission, the Chamber President, the Chamber Chairman of the Board and a board selected representative that is submitted to City Council.  A Chamber representative Chairs this committee to keep it focused on business.

During 2008 and 2009, the Chamber became a fully engaged leader in leading a grass-roots group called "Save Downtown Apple Valley." This was comprised of nearly 60 businesses who banded together with the Chamber to get results in protecting their access and property values from a "freeway" through Apple Valley, overpasses and blocked access on side streets into their businesses. The Chamber chose "Not" to use this Economic Growth Committee since more drastic measures were called for without elected officials being part of the business coalition. It has been over 90% successful. We will continue with the growth committee on future less urgent issues.

POLITICAL ACTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Last year, the Chamber Board of Directors decided to name a task force that would make recommendations to the Chamber on the timeline of forming a PAC (political action committee)-- who would be appointed to serve on it, the scope of its mission (deciding if to support or go against  candidates for local, county, judges, school district or legislative races).   

It was decided by the board to wait for this transition since we currently enjoy "open doors" with elected officials almost daily. The Chamber however has become more issues based than ever before (something you do not need a PAC for).  Each year, the Board's PAC Task Force will make their recommendations to the board.  If the board still decides to file for and form a PAC with the State Election Board, we would proceed at that time.  Members are encouraged to state their views on this matter to the Board Chair, Vice-Chair or President prior to the annual Board Retreat.

BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Chamber's by-laws have a check and balances provision in them that prevents board members from selecting future board members.  The by-laws state that the Chamber President at any July Board meeting, will name a slate of five members he or she selects, that the board will approve or disapprove with an up or down vote.  That nominating committee then meets with the President and considers ALL members to be asked to serve a three year term on the board.  Those selected by the nominating committee, are automatically on the board upon their acceptance of being nominated as a candidate.  The Chamber  pulicizes the final selection whereby members have 10 days to petition other candidates if they do not like the candidates chosen, something rarely ever done, but still possible.

Chamber Golf Classic Committee

This committee has shown tremendous leadership the last few years by quadrupling net profits that nearly rivals the Grand Cabaret Committee's.  The Golf Classic is held the Thursday after Labor Day each September.  This group forms in May each year and coordinates planning and selling sponsorships for every hole, securing food and beverage (complimentary) on every hole, gathering prizes and making the event fun and memorable.  Hard work and tons of fun!

Chamber Home/Garden Expo

This event draws 3,000 people every April and brings "real" leads and business to our members.  This packed event only happens because of the dedication of the volunteers on this committee.  They must plan, jury, price and actually work the event itself, insuring its success.  Creative people can really make an impact on this highly visible event with the public, your customers.

Grand Cabaret Committee

The Chamber receives 34% of it's operating revenue from dues.  The rest must be generated.  The Grand Cabaret Committee is the Chamber's largest fundraiser.  Forming in January and disbanding in May, these volunteers work very hard creating packages and ideas for live and silent auction items, the entire program for the evening and actually working this elegant event.

Government Affairs
Ken Johnson
MN-CE.com

Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jeff Andrews

AmericInn Hotel & Suites

Ambassadors
Mike Maguire

Kwik Kopy Business Center

Grand Cabaret
Christine Casselius
Severson, Sheldon, Dougherty & Molenda

Golf Classic Fundraiser
Adam Berry
Apple Valley Medical Center

Home & Garden Expo
James Madsen
James Barton Design Build