Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Establishes Chamber of Commerce Board

At its October meeting, the Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. (GMG) Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce Board, a new leadership body designed to strengthen focus on chamber programs, enhance member value, and support the continued growth of our regional business community. Learn more from the letter to our members.

Dear Greater Mankato Growth Members,

Greater Mankato Growth Inc. (GMG) was established to promote the economic growth of Greater Mankato and our region. As our region has evolved, so have we—expanding into four business units: Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, Visit Mankato, GreenSeam, and the Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato. While GMG and the Chamber are legally one and the same, this broader family of business units has been a powerful force for more than 15 years, creating new opportunities for business development, tourism, and regional vitality.

As Greater Mankato Growth has broadened its scope, we remain committed to ensuring that the Chamber of Commerce programs continue to thrive and deliver strong value to our members. To that end, we are excited to announce the creation of a Chamber of Commerce Board, which will be modeled after our other successful business unit boards and will have dedicated leadership and a clear focus on chamber priorities. It will ensure:

  • Stronger representation – a broader range of voices representing our entire business community.

  • Clear member value – laser focus on programs and services that deliver tangible return on member investment.

  • Greater agility – the ability to quickly adapt and respond to the evolving needs and opportunities of local business.

The GMG, Inc. Board of Directors will continue to serve as the governing body for all business units: Visit Mankato, Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato, GreenSeam, and the Chamber of Commerce. The GMG, Inc. Board will retain fiduciary, legal, and organizational oversight responsibilities. The new Chamber Board will provide focused leadership to Chamber-specific programs and initiatives. Together, these bodies will strengthen our ability to serve members and the region.

This step honors the proud legacy of our Chamber, founded in 1868, building on that strong foundation while positioning it to thrive well into the future. It also aligns with the broader mission of Greater Mankato Growth and the Transforming Tomorrow Together 2040 regional plan, ensuring the Chamber remains a vital driver of growth and prosperity across our region.

On December 2 at Noon at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, GMG will host an informational session where you can learn more about the Chamber of Commerce Board, ask questions, and explore opportunities for involvement. Following that session, we will open an application process for members interested in being considered for service on the new Board.

We look forward to engaging you in this exciting next chapter of Chamber leadership.

With appreciation for your continued partnership,

Della D. Schmidt, President & CEO
Wesley Otto, Chair, GMG Inc. Board of Directors

Chamber of Commerce Board: Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Chamber of Commerce Board?
The Chamber of Commerce Board is a new leadership body within GMG created to provide dedicated focus on chamber programs and services, guiding priorities, and ensuring strong member return on investment.

Why has GMG created this additional Board?
As GMG’s business units—GreenSeam, Visit Mankato, and the Downtown Partnership—have grown, the Chamber Board ensures that chamber-specific initiatives such as advocacy, networking, professional development, and business services receive the dedicated leadership they deserve.

How does this affect the GMG, Inc. Board of Directors?
The GMG, Inc. Board will continue to serve as the governing body for the organization, providing fiduciary, legal, and strategic oversight. The new Chamber Board complements this work by focusing specifically on chamber programs.

Is GMG still my Chamber of Commerce?
Yes. GMG remains legally and functionally your Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Board enhances this by creating a chamber-focused body of business leaders ensuring strong and relevant member programming.

Who will serve on the Chamber Board?
The eleven-member board will include leaders from across the business community. Members will be selected through an application process, reviewed by a Nominating Committee, and approved by the GMG, Inc. Board.

How do I get involved?
Attend the informational session on December 2, 12:00–1:00 pm at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz (Ward Collective). Applications will open immediately following the session and remain open until January 9, 2026.

Timeline

Contact

Greater Mankato Growth Organizational Structure:

Below is the current organizational structure of Greater Mankato Growth, Inc., reflecting the addition of the Chamber of Commerce Board:

  • Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. Board of Directors

    • Oversees all business units and retains fiduciary and legal responsibility

    Business Units:

    • Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Organization

      • Chamber Board (New)

      • Executive Vice President and staff

    • Visit Mankato, LLC – Destination Management Organization

    • Downtown Partnership of Mankato/North Mankato, LLC – Downtown Development Organization

    • GreenSeam, LLC – Agribusiness Epicenter

    • Regional Economic Development Alliance – Regional collaboration for economic growth

 

Announcement Letter
FAQ
GMG, Inc. Overview

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