Thank you to those who have taken the time to fill out the survey related to our strategic planning effort. If you did not participate in a focus group, please take the time to fill out the survey as we will be completing the strategic framework at the end of September during our retreat and your feedback is critical. Click here to take the survey. Survey closes Friday, September 23 at 4:00pm.

Chamber Launches 501(c)(3) Foundation

As a board and staff, we are very excited to launch a new initiative, which will give us an opportunity to deepen our impact on our members, community, and economy: the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Many Chambers, especially large ones such as ours, operate with a Foundation. Over the past year, we were intentional in our research on Chamber Foundations and even involved third party entities from outside our organization such as a strategic planning consultant, an HR consultant, and attorneys in employment and business law. Further, we consulted with accounting and finance professionals to ensure best fiduciary practices would be in place. This diligence only affirmed our realization that with a Foundation, we can do more in service to our members, businesses, and community.

Chamber Hires Daniel Fanning to Lead Policy and Foundation Efforts

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we write to formally share that Daniel Fanning has joined the Chamber team as our Vice President of Strategy & Policy and the Executive Director of the Duluth Area Chamber Foundation.

Daniel will oversee policy and advocacy efforts at the Chamber as we look to continue to grow our influence and impact to further support our members and local business community.

His experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, public relations, and building relationships, coupled with a formal education in leadership, makes Daniel the ideal fit to grow our influence at City Hall, the State Capitol and beyond. In addition, Daniel joins us with proven skills in fundraising and nonprofit leadership that will help establish and grow the Duluth Chamber Foundation. Daniel holds a Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership from UMD, is a combat veteran with several years of military experience and decorated leadership, and has over 20 years of experience in government relations at the local, state, and federal level having worked for the City of Duluth, the State of Minnesota and the United States Senate. Further, he has over 5 years of proven executive experience leading a foundation to historic success.

Save the date for Tuesday, November 8, where we will tell you more about the mission and vision of the Duluth Area Chamber Foundation at the upcoming Let’s Do Lunch Duluth event.