A primary goal of The North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce is to increase business activity in our community. The Chamber does a number of things to make this happen. For example, we provide networking opportunities for our members so that they can become more familiar with the services that the other member businesses can provide. We also offer membership services that help to promote member businesses as well as give our members ideas on how to run their businesses as effectively as possible. Third, we host community events that bring people into our community and further promote our member businesses.

Networking Opportunities

The North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce holds luncheon meetings the second Tuesday of each month. All Chamber members are welcome to attend. The luncheons give Chamber members the opportunity to meet with other chamber members. Chamber members can also request to be a featured business of the month. As a featured business, they have an opportunity to speak in front of the group during the luncheon and share information about their company. The Chamber also provides a guest speaker for the luncheons. The guest speakers discuss issues that can have an impact on member businesses and/or our community.

Another networking opportunity is the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The tournament is held every summer and is open to Chamber members and their guests. It provides a fun way for area business people to get to know each other and to build relationships that will continue off of the golf course.

Membership Services

Many of the services that the Chamber provides its members are meant to increase their visibility and distribute information. The Chamber publishes a monthly newsletter that is sent to 285 businesses and community leaders. The newsletter is also published in the Star newspaper. Chamber members have the opportunity to submit articles about their businesses or to advertise in the newsletter.

Member businesses are also listed in a Community Guide that is distributed to homes and businesses in the community. Businesses are divided into categories that make it easy for people who use the Community Guide to find a business that can supply the goods or services that they need.

The North Branch Chamber Area of Commerce also hosts business round table discussions and business seminars. An example of a past topic is how to hire and train good employees.

New Chamber members are welcomed into the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce with a press release in the Post Review, Star, and Chisago County Press. They are also given a sign and decal to display in their business showing that they are a member of the Chamber.

Community Services

The North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce hosts many activities that bring people into our community and showcase the member businesses that help to sponsor the events. These events include the Winter Festival, Fall Harvest Festival, Community Connection Expo, Midsummer Family BBQ, Concerts in the Park, and many others. These events have become an important part of our community. The Fall Harvest Festival, for example, brings thousands of people into North Branch to see what we have to offer. For a complete listing of Chamber sponsored events and activities, please look at our community calendar.