non-partisan voice of business
Government Affairs
Voice of Business
From City Hall to Capitol Hill, we’re proud to serve as your non-partisan voice of business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. While you’re running your business, we’re at the table advocating for less burdensome taxes and regulations, connecting with elected leaders, and championing community projects. These activities are led by our Government Affairs Committee with support from the Business Champion sponsors below.
Minnesota Chamber Federation
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber is part of the Minnesota Chamber Federation, a statewide coalition of more than 50 chambers that advance a common set of legislative priorities each year. During election years, we turn our attention to helping local voters make educated choices at the polls.
Photo Gallery
Government Affairs Events & Activities
Minnesota Chamber Session Priorities Event (January/February)
Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast (March/April)
Washington, DC Fly-In (June)
Business Voting Guide (semi-annual)
Candidate forums & debates (September/October)
Legislative meetings and listening sessions
Business feedback on area transportation projects
Educational workshops and webinars
Welcoming dignitaries to the Brainerd Lakes Area
Government Affairs Committee
Jim Haakonson
CLA 
Deb Holthaus
Benefit Innovations 
Ginny Knudson
BSKK Law 
David Liedl
Woods to Water Real Estate 
Chris Quisberg
Cub Foods and Supervalu 
Tim Ramerth
Widseth 
Matt Seymour
Extreme Machine Inc. 
Tim Swanson
Initiative Foundation 
Bart Taylor
National Bank of Commerce 
Angel Zierden
Zierden Investments 
Business Leadership Sponsors
- Bremer Bank
- Central Choice Financial
- CLA
- Crow Wing Power
- Essentia Health
- Greater Lakes Association of Realtors
- Madden's on Gull Lake
- Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
- Mid-Minnesota Builders Association
- Navigate North Group
- North Central Medical Supply & Equipment
- Woods To Water Real Estate
Business Champion Sponsors
- American Peat Company
- Anderson Brothers
- Benefit Innovations
- Central Lakes College
- Clow Stamping Company
- CTC
- Cub Foods
- Deerwood Bank
- Frandsen Bank and Trust
- Holden Electric Co.
- Hy-Tec Construction
- J. Hanson Real Estate Group
- Just For Kix
- Kavanaugh's Resort
- Lighthouse Beginnings
- LINDAR Corporation
- Magnum Research
- National Bank of Commerce
- National Loon Center
- Nor-Son Construction
- Party Time Rental
- Randall State Bank
- Revolv Manufacturing
- Safari North Wildlife Park
- West Shore Marketing
- Widseth
- WonderTrek Children's Museum
Contact Matt Kilian
For more info or to request help with an issue, contact Chamber President Matt Kilian.