Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Eligibility & Benefits

The primary LACC membership territory is within the 55949 zip code. “Neighbors” & Individual memberships extend throughout the wider Root River Valley area, including non-lodging businesses in Fillmore and Houston counties. Applications outside this territory may be reviewed case-by-case by the LACC Board. Annual dues must be paid by the deadline to remain a member in good standing and be included in the Visitor Guide and other promotional benefits. Prices and benefits subject to change, contact the Chamber office for more information. Membership implies agreement with and adherence to the LACC Member Code of Conduct.

⬇️ View Lanesboro & Whalan Membership Packet

⬇️ View Root River Valley Neighbors Membership Packet 

Why should I join the Chamber?

As a valued business member, you’ll unlock a world of opportunity through networking, promotional resources, and impactful advocacy. Your involvement also helps shape the prosperity of our vibrant business community. With full membership privileges, you gain the ability to cast your vote on chamber affairs, run for a board seat, and provide input on chamber initiatives, in addition to gaining all the benefits of membership. Network with peers, leverage business referrals, explore advertising avenues, and stay informed with chamber communications. It’s more than membership—it’s your gateway to the Lanesboro area business community!

How is the Chamber funded?

As a member-based nonprofit 501(c)6 organization, the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce is primarily funded via: Membership dues; 95% of the gross proceeds from lodging tax imposed by city ordinance under Subdivision I of 469.190 Minnesota Statute; Marketing grants from affiliated organizations (such as Explore Minnesota and Dairyland Power); Business sponsorships.

How can I get more involved with the Chamber?

Let’s Connect! Give us a call at 507-467-2696 or email us to start a conversation about your passions and interests.    

Opportunities include:

• Committee Engagement (members): Shape the future by serving on one of our talent team committees. Reserved for individual and business members.
• Board Brilliance (business members): Consider joining our esteemed board to make a lasting impact. Reserved for business members.
• New Business Nurturing: Help us roll out the welcome mat for budding enterprises by being a mentor to new business owners in town.
• Volunteer: Become a visitor center greeter during the busy season and help Lanesboro put it's best foot forward for our visitors! Also, if you have a green thumb, help with beautification efforts around the visitor center.

Your voice matters, and your passion fuels our collective success!

What voting rights come with membership?

As a business member you have the right to voice your opinion on chamber affairs!

Voting rights for business members includes:

• Voting at the annual meeting - select the board of directors, approve the annual budget, and vote on any changes to the bylaws.
• As a board member - attend monthly meetings and vote on any action taken at the board level.

Additionally, we often ask for our members' perspectives on the potential direction of chamber business and economic development opportunities.

Are there expectations of Chamber members?

We encourage you to use your voice, share your perspective, and fully leverage the benefits of LACC membership!

As with anything, chamber membership is what you make it - our staff is here to help you take full advantage of our exclusive membership rights and benefits.

While not mandated under chamber membership, some great ways to be involved are:

• Serve on a committee and/or run for a board seat.
• Vote and participate in chamber surveys when asked.
• Share your perspective and ideas about new opportunities or ways the chamber can better serve its members and promote the community.
• Help educate others about the chamber, its initiatives, the benefits of membership, and our general operations and decisions.
• Let your staff know about your business' membership with the chamber and the goings-on in and around town.

How does the Chamber advocate on my behalf?

While we are a separate entity, and do not receive funding from the city of Lanesboro, we work closely with city administration and the city council in the pursuit of the general prosperity of the community. We stay informed on things happening at the city, county, state, and federal level so we can advocate on behalf of our membership when appropriate. We communicate with our membership about issues at the local, state, and federal levels that may affect them and/or our community and we encourage them to voice their opinions as well. When applicable, we host candidate forums to provide our members and the community the opportunity to ask questions of and hear from candidates for local office.

Our staff regularly attends the meetings of and/or serves on the following boards and commissions:

• Lanesboro City Council
• Whalan City Council
• Fillmore County Commission
• Lanesboro Business Promotion Group
• Lanesboro Economic Development Authority
• Lanesboro Planning & Zoning Commission
• Root River Trail Towns
• Lanesboro Entrepreneurial Action Network
• Southern Minnesota Tourism Association
• and more

How can my business become a member of the Chamber?

• After you've reviewed the member levels and associated benefits, you can visit lanesboro.com/member-application to fill out your membership application!
• We will typically respond within two business days to let you know next steps!
• If you have questions, or would like to apply for membership over the phone, do not hesitate to give us a call at 507-467-2696. Or you can email us.
• We are here to make your membership experience a great investment for you and your business!