And a Good Time Was Had By All
(Those of you who attended the MRCC's Annual Meeting, yesterday, may want to skip this letter)
We promised the audience we would do three things yesterday; Engage, Entertain and Educate and I can tell you with confidence, we delivered on all three.
As was the case last year, we created an interactive game that had each table buzzing with competitive juices. We asked questions about exciting happenings last year across the region and then revealed the answers in a series of videos. The game was made more enticing because more than 40 members donated prizes. Thanks to their collective generosity, we were able to award attendees an astounding 50 prize packages. Not to mention those that picked up $20 during our Let's Make A Deal segment.
Lt. Governor Smith did an outstanding job of sharing the State's highlights from last year and some perspective on the upcoming session. She complimented the Chamber for its long held and steadfast efforts to fund transportation (roads, bridges and transit) and is hopeful we can reach a solution in the coming legislative session. She also honored me and the Chamber by presenting a proclamation from the Governor declaring it Todd Klingel Day. A wonderful honor, but I bet it won't get me out of any chores on the home front.
Kudos as well to our multi-hat wearing Board Chair, Laura McCarten and incoming Chair, Ted Johnson. He was clearly channeling Bob Barker.
Once again, I must credit your Chamber staff. With Christine Levens as the conductor, the team again rose above the bar to deliver a product of which you all would have been very proud. One Board member commented afterward that they cannot believe how much our small team can accomplish.
Knowing that I am stepping down in just over a month, this event only reminded me of what great hands the Chamber is in from both the volunteer leadership and staff perspective. As the hands on guy you all know me to be, that fact is wonderfully comforting and should be very reassuring to you..
Todd Klingel
President & CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce