Committees & Partnerships The Hibbing Chamber has many committees you may be interested in joining or getting information from. Below you will find details on each committee's purpose and have the option of volunteering for the committee or simply requesting further information. Ambassadors Purpose: To be a visible force demonstrating the vital link between business and community. Chamber Ambassador programs include ribbon cuttings, business visitations, a planning retreat, distribution of promotional materials and special event assistance. Ambassadors work very hard to further the mission of the Chamber through assistance to other committees and by spreading goodwill throughout the membership and community. The Ambassador program has also proven to be a creative resource for the development of future Chamber leaders. Government Affairs Purpose: To serve as a leading organization in advocacy for our members; with our primary focus on keeping members informed and represented at all government levels. Each fall the committee researches upcoming legislative issues and presents them to the Chamber Board for consideration. Chamber positions are published in the Chamber newsletter and presented to our legislators. The committee continues to monitor legislative activity through the Minnesota Chamber and media. It informs and advocates for the membership on emerging issues. On the local level the committee also monitors public issues and advocates and lobbies local government for member and community issues. Membership Enhancement Purpose: To develop and support the Chamber's membership growth and retention through the membership drive and marketing vehicles including the Chamber's newsletter, HPAT program, and other promotions and programs. The committee assists Chamber staff in recruiting and retaining members. It also annually reviews membership policy and dues and reccomends changes if necessary. The committee also works on programs that supplement the membership experience, such as Business After Hours and training programs. Membership materials and services are also updated annually. Membership packets can be acquired through the Chamber office at any time. The Committee encourages all Chamber members to help strengthen the Chamber by recruiting new members. Hibbing Jubilee Purpose: To produce a quality summer festival that will provide a source of community pride, citizen participation and increased business and tourism activity. Special Events Purpose: To continue to provide a series of networking and special events for members and the community in an effort to enhance the business climate, fundraise for Chamber programming and create community goodwill. Starting with the Annual Dinner, The Chamber's events continue on with the Annual Golf Outing, the the Chamber Funspiel, the Fall Raffle and Business After Hours which are popular events for networking and entertainment. Special Membership Luncheons are also put on throughout the year. The Chamber also provides volunteer support to community events if requested and approved. Community and Business Partnerships Business Retention and Expansion/Economic Development Purpose: To improve communication between local governments and Hibbing area businesses & to identify specific solutions to problems and concerns in a swift and effective way. We will work to enhance the economic climate of the Hibbing area to make it attractive for Economic Development efforts. We will also monitor business retention & assist with local business expansion. The committee works on accomplishing joint goals set with the City and other economic development groups. Business and Education Partnership Purpose: To create a local working partnership among business, education and community, which will develop and implement a strategy to assure that our workers have the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes. Projects include: both college and high school Carl Perkins projects and Tech Prep in high school. Range Young Professionals Purpose: A sub organization of the Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce is enticing young, educated, and civic minded individuals to get out of their routine and mingle with their peers. The group is designed as a networking opportunity targeting ages 20-40 and/or the young at heart. The range young professionals are presenting an opportunity for business relationships and personal networking. Retail Recruitment / SWAT Mission: To expand retail business opportunities in Hibbing by researching sales possibilities; and to provide high quality, coordinated marketing materials for team efforts. Projects include: retail recruitment package and Hibbing brochure. Beautification Purpose: To raise funds and coordinate a city-wide beautification project. Downtown Sites Purpose: To explore downtown development opportunities and to advocate pro-downtown policies and decision making. Leadership Purpose: To build, through a well developed program, a network of leaders who will actively engage in Chamber and Community projects. The Chamber has graduated ten leadership classes totaling over 275 people. Students participate in 6 half-day sessions on community leadership, personal and professional development. Students will graduate in June better prepared to tackle the responsibilities of community involvement & professional leadership. Each year a new group will be enrolled in a similar program. Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce 211 E. Howard St. / P.O. Box 727 Hibbing, MN 55746 Phone: 218-262-3895 1-800-4-HIBBING Fax: 218-262-3897 hibbcofc@hibbing.org We'd love to have you join our volunteer forces!