GREETINGS
From Board Chair
Welcome to 2026, Cottage Grove, Newport, and St. Paul Park— let’ s do this!
If there’ s one thing I believe wholeheartedly, it’ s that strong communities don’ t happen by accident— they’ re built through connection, collaboration, and people who genuinely care. I’ m honored( and excited!) to step into the role of Board Chair for the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and to help carry that momentum forward in a way that feels intentional, inclusive, and yes, even a little fun.
At its core, the Chamber is about people— business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, volunteers, and residents— all working toward a stronger, more connected community. This year, my focus is less about doing more and more about doing things with purpose. That means strengthening relationships, creating clearer pathways for engagement, and leaning into initiatives that support longterm sustainability for our businesses and our community as a whole.
One area I’ m especially passionate about diving deeper into this year is our nonprofit partnerships. Our nonprofits are doing incredible, often unseen work, and the Chamber has a unique opportunity to help amplify their impact while connecting businesses to meaningful ways to give back. Alongside that, I’ m excited to continue growing conversations and education around programs like BizRecycling, which support both environmental responsibility and operational efficiency for our local businesses. These efforts align with a broader goal of helping businesses thrive while also being good stewards of our community.
You’ ll also see continued energy around connection— from Women in Business programming and leadership conversations to more intentional opportunities for members to engage with the Board and Chamber leadership. Whether it’ s through events, volunteering, education, or simply showing up for one another, those connections are what make this Chamber special.
I am incredibly grateful for the leadership of our President & CEO, Laurie Levine, as the dedicated Chamber staff who brings the mission to life every day. Her commitment, along with the passion of our Board and volunteers, makes it possible to turn ideas into action.
To our members: thank you for investing in this Chamber and in each other.
To our residents: thank you for supporting local businesses and nonprofits— it truly makes a difference.
And to everyone who contributes time, talent, and heart to this community: your impact is felt more than you know.
As we move through the year ahead, my hope is that the Chamber continues to be a place where ideas grow, connections deepen, and meaningful progress happens— together.
Here’ s to a year of purpose, partnership, and possibility.
Warmly, Tarah Beyer
Dapper Dog Marketing & Design™ Co-Host of Royally Unhinged THE Podcast
Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
8617 West Point Douglas Road | Suite 150 Cottage Grove, MN 55016 www. cottagegrovechamber. org phone:( 651) 458-8334 Laurie @ cottagegrovechamber. org
Cover – designed by Tarah Beyer, Dapper Dog Marketing & Design™
Pictures provided by Added Element, Marie Elizabeth Photography & Monda Goette Photography
Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce / 2026 CONNECT / 7