Growing Destinations

The Modern Chamber's Essential Role in Business Success with Ryan Parsons

• Experience Rochester • Episode 84

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This episode takes a closer look at the intersection of business leadership and community engagement with Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, Minnesota. Under Ryan's leadership, the chamber is helping local businesses and entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly changing landscape, one shaped by technology, workforce shifts and new ways of connecting. Ryan also shares about the success of Lemonade Day, a powerful youth entrepreneurship program that's helping inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Bill Von Bank:

The Growing Destinations podcast is brought to you by Experience Rochester. Learn more about Minnesota's third largest city, which is home to Mayo Clinic and features wonderful recreational and entertainment opportunities, by visiting experiencerochestermncom.

Ryan Parsons:

What we see in the feedback that we get from employers is one thing that's lacking at times with some incoming workforce is soft skills and just the ability to sit down and work a plan, have a conversation, go through these different details. That's something we're just being in person, be able to talk through things, get to know somebody that can't be replaced.

Bill Von Bank:

Welcome to the Growing Destinations podcast, where we take a deep dive into destination development and focus on a wide range of topics from tourism and entertainment to economic development and entrepreneurism and much more. I'm your host, bill Vaughn Bank. Today, we're taking a closer look at how business leadership and community engagement intersect. My guest is Ryan Parsons, president of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, minnesota. Under Ryan's leadership, the Chamber is helping local businesses and entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly changing landscape, one shaped by technology, workforce shifts and new ways of connecting. We'll also talk about Lemonade Day, a powerful youth entrepreneurship program that's helping inspire the next generation of business leaders. Ryan Parsons, welcome to the Growing Destinations podcast. Excellent Thanks.

Ryan Parsons:

Bill, thanks for having me.

Bill Von Bank:

Well, we've been talking about having you on, so here you are, I think, to get started. Tell us about your career journey.

Ryan Parsons:

I grew up in Bismarck Mandan, north Dakota, so not too far from here, no stranger to the winters, grew up there, went away for college in Minnesota and then I made the move back right around 2007,. Give or take. So in 2008, I joined up with the Bismarck Mandan Chamber of Commerce and really had an opportunity to go through all the different roles and just gain a lot of experience in different details of life in a chamber of commerce. That was really helpful because I really got to learn the groundwork of what can make a successful chamber organization, and when I mean successful I mean what can have the greatest impact in a community. So that's largely, you know, work in advocacy, business advocacy, workforce strategies, and then the fun stuff that people tend to think of first with the chamber, like networking, engagement, events, things like that. So using that experience and have an opportunity to kind of really grow through the ranks. Then, as we were looking for a new opportunity, rochester came up and here we are.

Bill Von Bank:

You came to Rochester during the pandemic, as I recall we did. How did that impact your life? Tough times for sure.

Ryan Parsons:

There's no doubt about that. The one thing with that is, as an organization, in my previous location, we were on top of it in terms of COVID, covid, preparation, precautions, just how to operate as an organization in that environment. So now, coming to a new community, obviously being the home of healthcare and what have you here in Rochester, that aspect was different. But in terms of how to operate as an organization, as an employer, I was ready to go and there was even some things that I looked forward to taking on with that walk that path. And then here we are today and we can look back on some lessons learned here.

Bill Von Bank:

What drew you to chamber leadership and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

Ryan Parsons:

Being able to make a big impact. That's really important as we look to the work of a chamber of commerce, and that's really unique for a chamber, because you can really bring together a lot of different players. Focus on some strategies to really help drive change in a community, whether that be in terms of workforce, business advocacy or just bringing together employers and how can they improve themselves.

Bill Von Bank:

For listeners who might not be familiar with the full scope of what a chamber does, how would you describe the role the Rochester Chamber plays in supporting local business?

Ryan Parsons:

For us we really go down to four core functions, four core pillars. Tim likes to give me a hard time on that, but it's a great way to really organize the work that we do and know. And that work includes business advocacy. So that's how are we representing businesses on the local, the state and the federal level? And obviously here in Minnesota we have a lot of work to do on the state level. There's no doubt about that.

Ryan Parsons:

We're very appreciative of the partnerships that we have with legislators, the business community, all with the idea of how can we work together to help drive some of that change and benefit not only the employers but also the teams and the talent that make them up. So advocacy is very important. Growing for us at the Rochester Chamber is really our space and workforce. A lot of our work right now revolves around career exploration, early career pathway work. With that it's all about how can you start to get that spark of future career interest in students much earlier, and we have some excellent programs in which we're bringing teachers into industry, students into industry, as well as some of our larger initiatives in that, like our STEAM Summit. So workforce is very much a growing piece for us. And then resources communication. We're very blessed to have 1,232 members.

Bill Von Bank:

That's big.

Ryan Parsons:

Yeah, yeah, we're the second largest chamber in Minnesota.

Ryan Parsons:

Now, if you count the state chamber, we're the third, but let's just count the local ones, so we're the second largest in Minnesota, which is a big responsibility and something that we take very serious and we welcome the challenge.

Ryan Parsons:

When you have that many businesses and so many different businesses whether we're talking industry size, location, because we do represent Byron and Stewardville as well as the Rochester region how do you keep them on the same page? That's why the communications are so important. Our team at the chamber does an outstanding job with that, and that's never more important than when we get to things like legislative session or local changes or even federal. And then the fourth. That really is the thing that I think some people look at the chamber first for, but we want to change that. We want to make sure that they understand all the work going on in terms of advocacy and workforce, but networking member engagement that's a popular thing that we do put forward. Big kudos to the team for everything that we do produce, because it really is a steady stream of events that are, we hope, produced in a high quality fashion and people find enjoyable.

Bill Von Bank:

I am impressed by the number.

Ryan Parsons:

It's a lot of work and it never really ends. There's no slow season for us in any way, shape or form, and that really speaks to the idea that you know back to having you know the amount of members that we're lucky to have. Everybody's interest is different. Not everybody is in the chamber for the same reason. Some really appreciate, you know, the different networking opportunities, things like that to connect Great, we love that. But there are a lot of members that are with us to support what we do in terms of business advocacy, whether it be local, state, federal, you name it. So for us it's just a constant maneuvering of how do we make sure that what we're doing as an organization can meet employers where they're at?

Bill Von Bank:

What are some flagship programs or events the chamber offers that help drive business engagement and economic vitality?

Ryan Parsons:

Well, if we're talking economic vitality, the one I would focus in on that would be our economic summit. So our economic summit really has a couple of different factors to it. You have the core event itself, which is great. We're hearing from entrepreneurs and small business industry leaders. We have a keynote that speaks to the economic picture on the international and breaks it down to what that means on the local level. But the other piece within that is what we do with our business outlook survey. That's what we produce each October and that's really just getting a gauge with the business community on okay, where are your priorities? What's impacting you, not only in the year, that is, but what are you seeing for the year ahead? And that's been very valuable to us because that helps really direct where we go in terms of initiatives, programming, advocacy, efforts. That's presented at the Economic Summit and we're able to then use that information and that partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension to be able to really share with employers and the business community on what others are going through and let's start talking about what some solutions can be in that space.

Ryan Parsons:

So, in terms of economic vitality, economic summit that's very important for us. We have ones that really bring together those that are closely tied to what's going on in terms of advocacy policy. The one I would highlight there is obviously legislative update. It's a very popular one for us. It's right there in the name, you know. We're bringing together the legislators, talk about some of those policy impacts that are coming up and, most importantly in all that, communicating. Okay, this is what the impact is to businesses. That's why this is important. This is really where we're at on it. So that covers the state side. That's only half the discussion, though. You have what's happening on the local level, too, which is where we have local government connect. We're bringing together city, county parks, schools to talk about priorities and where are those opportunities for progress.

Bill Von Bank:

There's one program that is so impressive that I've experienced. I have some team members who've gone through the program. It's Leadership, greater Rochester. Can you tell us more about that program?

Ryan Parsons:

Yeah, leadership Greater Rochester, we call it LGR.

Ryan Parsons:

If you're in a hurry, that one is just really important to us as we look at how can we best prepare that next generation of talent to move into leadership roles and when I say leadership roles, I'm not just talking within, where they work, I'm talking within the community, whether that be at the county, the city, state, you name it.

Ryan Parsons:

And LGR does a great job of that, because what we're doing there is we're bringing a class of about 34 or 36, and we're putting them through a series of 10 different sessions in which they're really able to experience everything from economic development to public safety, all the different aspects that go on in a community. But now, a really important part of that, especially when we think about what it means to develop as a leader, is the Community Impact Project. So you got the sessions, the Community Impact Project, so you got the sessions. But the Community Impact Project is a great way for those within LGR to learn how do we walk that path of creating an idea and working together with others, even though we might have some different viewpoints on things, and working that plan to reach an ultimate goal that can have an impact in the community. That's been really encouraging to see how that's been received and how it's grown.

Bill Von Bank:

And this is a year-long project.

Ryan Parsons:

Ten months.

Bill Von Bank:

Ten months.

Ryan Parsons:

So there's really no downtime from a chamber standpoint, but from a cohort, from a class side of things ten months.

Bill Von Bank:

What unique opportunities and challenges do you see for a chamber operating in a city like Rochester, especially with the presence of Mayo Clinic and the Destination Medical Center initiative?

Ryan Parsons:

You know, when you think about that, and for a community, all the great potential that's ahead of Rochester, it's really amazing. And Mayo Clinic is a massive, massive part of that. So for a chamber of commerce, we're really lucky to be in a community that is home to the nation, the world's number one health care system, so that's outstanding. And with all the excitement on deck, with Bolt Ford Unbound in Rochester and so on, for a chamber, what that means for us is how can we support, how can we help support, mayo Clinic and, in addition to that, all the needs of the businesses that are going to come along with this significant development too, and that includes other industries.

Ryan Parsons:

A regional look at it. How can we not only support Mayo Clinic but support those partners around and those businesses and talent around? Now DMC is honestly an excellent economic development tool to have in our toolbox. Not many communities have something like that For us to be able to say that we have this tool at our use and some great partners within that. That's outstanding and that's something that can really be used to push this potential even further along. And then I think, looking at it, it's exciting times for Rochester ahead. We're not going to do it alone. We're going to need, obviously, rochester as a whole, but then our surrounding neighbors and our communities. They're going to be important in this path too, and it's how can we all work together in that aspect?

Bill Von Bank:

too, and they'll see growth.

Ryan Parsons:

Oh, no doubt about it. I mean, you just think about some of the projections for Stewardville and Byron and what that means for them too. Just as it means a lot to everybody in our region, it means a lot to them too.

Bill Von Bank:

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Rochester's business community today, and how is the chamber responding?

Ryan Parsons:

That goes right back to that business outlook survey that I mentioned. For about the last three years. With that business outlook survey, every year what's came back is workforce challenges. So when I say that, to be more specific, the top three, they're always kind of rotating depending on the year. You have talent attraction, you have hiring talent, which goes into the idea of being competitive in terms of how you pay and compensate and so on, and then also retaining talent. So in some shape, way or form those are always rotating in the top three.

Ryan Parsons:

So workforce is number one and that's why for us, especially in recent years here, we've started to put even more focus on workforce initiatives. Yes, on the policy side, but, like I shared earlier, we're looking at it from a long game. It's not just about something instant. It's how can we start some of this career work and encourage student success early on, because student success is going to be employer success. Let's be real about it. So we can encourage that early on. We're going to hopefully be able to see those returns later on, not only positive for employers, but we're going to have some outstanding talent that's really prepared to contribute right off the bat.

Bill Von Bank:

We've seen technology transform how professionals connect with platforms like LinkedIn, playing a growing role. How is the chamber adapting to the digital shift in networking and information sharing?

Ryan Parsons:

With that, I think it's just making sure that we're ready for it. So, with that, our communications team does an outstanding job with that, especially making sure that we have a significant presence. Online social media you name it. But I think the part I'd focus on with that is that, yes, with the social media, the online opportunities all growing, that never makes the in-person opportunities that we provide more important. I mean, they're more important now than ever to create those in-person connections and start to put a face to the name and develop those relationships in person instead of everything being done via social media.

Ryan Parsons:

I know that might make me sound like a guy just kind of grumbling on and on about stuff. Just kind of grumbling on and on about stuff, but it's true, because what we see in the feedback that we get from employers is one thing that's lacking at times with some incoming workforce is soft skills and just the ability to sit down and work a plan, have a conversation, go through these different details. That's something we're just being in person, be able to talk through things, get to know somebody. That can't be replaced. So we take advantage of the opportunity social media presents. There's no doubt about that, especially in terms of marketing and highlighting the Rochester region, but when it comes to development and creating connections, you can't beat in person.

Bill Von Bank:

How do you determine the kinds of programming or resources your members need most?

Ryan Parsons:

Listening to members, that's number one. Listening to the business community when are the things that are impacting them? And that's why that business outlook survey is so important to us. It really kind of gives us that inside look into what is impacting employers. We can then make our shifts from there on where we need to maybe put a little more emphasis or make some adjustments. So that's really important. But then we have a really talented team and they do a great job of making sure that they're always listening. But then we have a really talented team and they do a great job of making sure that they're always listening. They're aware, as they're going through contacts with members county officials, city officials, state, you name it of what's on their minds and plan. I think every organization should have one. You need one. That's our blueprint, that's what guides us on where we go, and you mix that with the feedback we receive in real time and that's how we make our plans year to year.

Bill Von Bank:

How has member feedback influenced perhaps new initiatives or changes at the Chamber?

Ryan Parsons:

The career pathways piece that I mentioned earlier. That's a perfect example of that pathways piece that I mentioned earlier. That's a perfect example of that. So that's something as we went through discussions and with some of our partners in K-12, as well as higher ed and then industry. There's all these great opportunities, but if we don't start working towards that now, it's going to be a missed opportunity. So that's a great example of, as we listen to employers, where were the gaps in the community, what was not happening or where was our opportunity to have further impact? That's where we just left the chance to be a part of that and we got some great programs that we have within that umbrella, which I'm happy to share about another time, and we're going to grow it because it's not going to go away. Workforce is going to be a challenge throughout the years ahead.

Bill Von Bank:

You just spoke about LGR as one of your key programs. Another program that's really exciting and I'm glad we get some time to talk about it is Lemonade Day. It's a great initiative and, for those who don't know what it is, tell us about it and why it's important to the chamber.

Ryan Parsons:

Lemonade Day. That's something that we brought about four years ago. That's a program I had an opportunity to work with prior and it does a really great job of encouraging financial literacy, promoting youth entrepreneurship, bringing about soft skills in youth, and so we brought that here about four years ago and it's growing each and every year and it really hits the mark on all those points that I mentioned there. That's important for us because as we look to that future, talent growth in the area and business growth, having that awareness and that familiarity in that very young age, that's important. And to see how excited the youth gets with a program like Lemonade Day and the creativity that they bring forth, that's been outstanding to see and especially how it's growing each and every year.

Bill Von Bank:

As the name implies it's. Lemonade Stands in the community.

Ryan Parsons:

Yeah, lemonade Stands. Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to bring forward their business. They get all the resources that they need. They get a workbook to create their business plan, their budget, their marketing strategy. Then they need to come up, obviously, with what their recipe is and what else they want to sell, and just the level of creativity that comes through in all of this is just outstanding. I mean, yeah, you could just be there and sell lemonade, that's great. But you see, some get so creative with what they do, like they're developing bracelets and stuff to sell, and they just get really creative with it. I always appreciate that and I appreciate the support throughout the community too to bring something like that forward because it's growing. First year in, we had, I want to say, around 250 registered. This year at our fourth year, we have 500-plus registered. We've expanded our reach to Byron and Stewardville as well as the Rochester region.

Bill Von Bank:

And, yeah, this past Saturday, it was just really exciting to see everybody out and about. As you think about the role of chambers in communities and you look about the future of the Rochester Chamber, or maybe your colleagues around the country, what does the future look like for chambers, or successful chambers?

Ryan Parsons:

More important than ever. I'll get that out right off the bat, especially in Minnesota. You know you need a business organization that can represent the employer and the business community and the talent within, so that's critical. So chamber is never more important than today, especially in Minnesota. And I think what can lead to success for a chamber is, number one, listening to your members.

Ryan Parsons:

How can you best impact the community that you're within and the state that you're within? And I think a lot of that comes down to the idea of where is a chamber of space within advocacy. You know, where can a chamber, even if you are a two-person operation or a one-person operation, because that's a real deal, there's a lot of chambers throughout Minnesota that are one-person shops. How can you still have an impact on that side? And really the space for impact in that is leaning on your partners throughout the state. Minnesota Chamber does an outstanding job on the state and even to the federal level, and you have the US Chamber on the federal level and then you have organizations like the Rochester Chamber and Mankato who do great work on the local side and the state side. So it's really leaning into your partners as maybe smaller chambers, on how you can bring forward impact. But now to your question of what means a successful chamber. Yeah, it's that idea of how do you find that balance to meet member needs and impact your community and advocacy is at the fore.

Bill Von Bank:

Ryan Parsons, we appreciate your time today and all of the great work you're doing with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for being our guest on the Growing Destinations podcast.

Ryan Parsons:

Thank you, thanks for having me.

Bill Von Bank:

Thank you for tuning in to the Growing Destinations podcast and don't forget to subscribe. This podcast is brought to you by Experience Rochester. Find out more about Rochester, minnesota, and its growing arts and culture scene, its international culinary flavors and award winning craft beer.

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