Join the Chamber
Invest in your business, your community: Join the Cook County Chamber of Commerce
It was just ten years ago when the Cook County Chamber of Commerce came into being. We've had a big impact in those years.
We have grown from 40 members to more than 135 and become a powerful presence for good in the Cook County community. Before the Chamber, the community was pulled in many different directions. We pull the community together while respecting different voices.
We make things happen, often as the catalyst, supporter, encourager, convenor behind good ideas that other organizations then develop.
The credit goes to our members. Everything we do depends on their willingness to be dues-paying members and their faith that we will work hard for our community with the resources they provide. Here is a partial list of what we have accomplished in the Chamber's short life, all reasons why civic-minded businesses and individuals should consider joining and becoming part of this powerful movement.
Cook County Chamber of Commerce - Member Benefits
Advocacy & Policy
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Legislative Influence: The Chamber dedicates 1/3 of its resources to represent Cook County at the Minnesota Legislative level, advocating for members' interests and securing state funding. If you have issues with government, we are there to advocate on your behalf, whether your issue is septic regulation, a flooding parking lot or the need for public bathrooms.
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Direct Impact: Chamber efforts have played a key role in securing over $7 million in projects and programming for Cook County businesses and community members.
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Return on Investment: For every $1 invested in Chamber advocacy, an estimated $42.50 is gained in funding.
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Legislative Efforts: Members gain access to our lobbying team to address issues that affect business in Cook County. Our efforts have advanced Cook County’s interests across a broad spectrum of issues, plus helped secure millions in state funding for projects ranging from the Chik Wauk Museum to the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and annual state funding for Cook County Higher Ed. Few communities are as effectively represented in St. Paul as Cook County.
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Chamber Exchange: Members can participate in advocacy and policy-based meetings to discuss and be heard on critical business issues affecting Cook County, including taxes, childcare, workforce, recycling, and government relationships. These typically occur six or fewer times a year and have included topics like "Getting Ready for Summer," "Paid Family Medical Leave," and "Cannabis Regulations".
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Grand Marais Business Coalition (GMBC): Members operating in downtown Grand Marais can participate in monthly GMBC meetings, a sub-committee of the Chamber, to address local business issues. The Chamber ensures its members have a voice at the table when the topic under discussion is an updated county land use plan, updating the city comp plan, writing a comprehensive county trails plan, reconstruction of Highway 61, etc.
Networking & Promotion
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Chamber Connect: A social networking event held 10 times per year at various Chamber member locations throughout Cook County. These events are free for Chamber members to connect, network, and promote their businesses (except in July and August). Sign up to host a Chamber Connect Today!
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The Chamber offers free ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate business milestones like grand openings, new constructions, anniversaries, or new ownership. These events are promoted via News Herald advertisements, social media posts, and website announcements. Sign up today!
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Sponsorship Opportunities: Members can purchase sponsorships at events like the Fall Gala and Legislative Luncheon, opportunities not open to non-members. Sponsors of Chamber Connect gain increased visibility through social media, website promotion, and logo placement on promotional materials.
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Chamber Business Awards: Each fall, we honor an entrepreneur of the year, a business of the year and community business leader of the year. By extension, we seek to recognize the essential contribution every business makes to the life of our community. And we do it at a fall gala celebration that has become THE event of the fall season. Only Chamber members are eligible to receive these awards. Click here to learn more!
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Chamber Highlights: The Chamber celebrates member achievements and posts important announcements and updates on this page. Submit a Highlight today!
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Website Listing: All Chamber Members receive a listing on cookcountychamber.org and can review their website listing to ensure it accurately reflects their business. Changes can be made through the Partner Portal or by contacting the Chamber.
Additional Benefits
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Partner Portal: An extranet platform for members to update business information, contacts, imagery, amenities, view analytics, participate in discussion forums, submit events, order materials, and view performance stats.
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Great Place Project Grant: is dedicated to supporting innovative projects that transcend typical operational budgets, fostering creativity and beautification throughout our local business community. Chamber members are eligible to receive financial assistance ranging from $250 to $1,000 per grant. Applications are due by May 15th. Click here to learn more and apply!
Joining the Chamber of Commerce is not just a decision to grow your business; it's a commitment to becoming a pivotal part of a community that thrives on connection, innovation, and mutual support. Our "Chamber Connects" provide an opportunity for members to engage directly with business community members. Chamber Connects are hosted ten times a year, offering an opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to connect, share, and learn from each other. Each event is planned to ensure participants enjoy a blend of networking, collaboration, and exposure to new ideas that can significantly benefit their business ventures. As a participant, you will have the chance to showcase your business, share news and updates, and engage in meaningful conversations with members of the business community.
Dues Recommendations
Businesses, Non-Profits, Personal, and Other Entities:
*”FTE” means “full time equivalent.” FTE’s is calculated by dividing (i) total hours worked annually by all staff by 2080 hours. Or to get a ballpark estimate, count each full-time staff member and every two part-time staff members as 1 FTE.
Personal (non-business memberships) are described as the Membership Level: Individual
If the dues level indicated for your enterprise appears unaffordable, pledge an amount with which you are comfortable.
Membership Levels
☐ Personal (Non Business) - $150 Personal
☐ Level 1 - $295 1 – 5 FTE
☐ Level 2 - $390 5 – 10 FTE
☐ Level 3 - $600 11 – 20 FTE
☐ Level 4 - $900 20 -29 FTE
☐ Level 5 –$1,500 - $5,000 30+ FTE
☐ Non-Profit 50% off of the FTE Schedule (please indicate how many FTE you have)
Sponsorship Opportunities: host a Chamber Connect, be a Sponsor of the Fall Gala or Chamber Legislative Lunch. Click here to sign up for events and sponsorship inquiries! For more details, contact admin@cookcountychamber.org; 218.264.0713
Check us out on Facebook, click here.
News & Events
Find current events, news, and opportunities to engage with the Cook County Chamber.
About Us
The Cook County Chamber of Commerce serves the business communities located in northeastern Minnesota: Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, the…
Community Resources
Discover the organizations supporting the business and local community in Cook County, Minnesota.
Chamber Members
Find local businesses that support the Cook County Chamber of Commerce and its members.