Economic Development

Stronger together, we enhance the vibrancy and livability of the East Metro.

Growth in a rapidly changing economy and a time of rebuilding and reimagining requires partnership and collaboration.

By working together, we cast a collective vision of possibilities. Making space for all stakeholders will ensure all voices contribute to create tangible wins for individual employers, employees and the community at large to spur economic growth. ​

The St. Paul Area Chamber believes in the art of the possible and seeks to generate continuous growth and prosperity across the broader East Metro community through:

• Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction:
  We promote and enhance a vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy by growing and retaining our existing employer community, recruiting new businesses and attracting new investment to our region.  
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• Workforce Development:
  We work with regional partners to connect regional talent to employment pathways, helping employers welcome, onboard, and create an environment for success for our workforce, with an emphasis on increasing diversity and equity.

• Business Access and Opportunity:
  We promote our region’s entrepreneurial spirit, by supporting a culture of innovation, recruiting and incubating new employers, and helping existing enterprises grow.

 

• Land Development:
  We create a competitive environment for both residential and commercial investment and seek to maximize our resources by inviting cross-sector representation to address gaps and create space and place for all to thrive.

 

• Economic Inclusion:
  ​We work with the business community to take meaningful and tangible action to create an inclusive economy by developing and sustaining an inclusive supply chain and increasing diverse local business participation in contracts and economic opportunity.

Current Economic
​Development Partnerships:

Be MSP

We are teaming up with our partners at Greater MSP and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber to celebrate the rich diversity of our region's workforce and provide professionals of color information and opportunities to connect with one another and enjoy the great social and professional offerings. Our BE MSP partnership works to better connect professionals of color through professional, social and community engagement opportunities. Stay connected through our monthly newsletter and share with your networks!  Sign up HERE to receive the BeMSP newsletter.

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Full Stack Saint Paul

Full Stack Saint Paul is public/private sector collaboration led by the St. Paul Area Chamber and the City of Saint Paul. Full Stack provides a full range of services to help tech and innovation sector businesses start up and scale up in Saint Paul. From helping a business find the perfect office space, to facilitating connections between business leaders, to aligning start-ups with resources to grow their businesses, to supporting the next generation of tech talent, Saint Paul is a place where businesses can locate and thrive.

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 East Team

This group of East Metro Economic Development collaborators works collaboratively to focus on the vibrancy of our region as a means for attracting investment, supporting business growth, and leveraging our collective resources. The East Team is comprised of economic development representatives from our Chamber, the City of Saint Paul, Saint Paul Port Authority, Ramsey County, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, Greater MSP, Saint Paul College, Visit Saint Paul, Midway Chamber and BOMA as well as other key stakeholders. The East Team is co-chaired by the President/CEO of St. Paul Area Chamber and the Deputy Mayor of the City of Saint Paul.