The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce recently launched a new government affairs committee.
According to a news release, the committee is set up to help guide the chamber's work in building relationships with local and state government leaders, educating members and proactively advocating on behalf of lakes area businesses. The committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the chamber's board of directors.
Committee members, each with two-year terms, are currently working on taxation, transportation, workforce and tourism issues in the Brainerd lakes area. They will attend the annual Business Day at the Capitol Tuesday for a day of lobbying and meetings with state legislators.
The following are members of the committee:
• Bart Taylor, RiverWood Bank.
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• Ben Thuringer, Madden's on Gull Lake.
• Brandon Andersen, Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company.
• Bruce Buxton, Widseth Smith Nolting.
• Chris Quisberg, Cub Foods.
• Jim Haakonson, CPA, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
• Jim Kraft, Frandsen Bank and Trust.
• John/Deb Holthaus, Primary Benefit Services, Inc.
• Kristi Westbrock, Consolidated Telecommunications Company.
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• Nate Grotzke, Close-Converse Commercial and Preferred Properties.
"Some of our most important work of the chamber is keeping in touch with government leaders to ensure that our businesses have the best climate in which to succeed," stated Matt Kilian, chamber president, in a news release. "I'm excited to work with this diverse group that represents all facets of our membership."
Kilian encourages businesses to contact him or committee members with concerns or issues. He added that personal stories of how laws impact businesses are the most effective communication. Kilian's contact information is mkilian@explorebrainerdlakes.com or 822-7111.
