Chamber to organize downtown business council

By: Mollee Francisco 

One of Les Dahlberg’s first questions when taking over Wally’s Sports and becoming a chamber member in Chaska was whether or not there was a downtown business council. He was surprised to learn that there wasn’t.

“Don’t you think we should have one?” he asked the Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce.

Two years later, that idea is finally seeing the light of day. Chaska’s downtown business district will be the focus of a new group created by the chamber.

“It’s proactive,” said Dahlberg, who will serve as interim chair of the council. “We’re going to develop a strategic business plan, a vision for the downtown area.”

According to Jacqi Hellendrung, executive director for the chamber, help for the downtown business district became an urgent issue at a chamber board retreat back in November.

“It was in the top 3,” said Hellendrung.

Now, the chamber is busy gathering interested parties to sit on a downtown business council.

“Downtown is going through the throws of a lot of changes,” said Hellendrung. “We need an advocate for downtown businesses.”

The council will be charged with looking at revitalization efforts as well as the expansion and retention of downtown businesses.

“We’re going to work closely with the Chaska Historical Society to make sure things are done right,” said Dahlberg.

Hellendrung said that they are hoping to get 6-8 people on the council who are chamber members and downtown business people. They are looking at the first meeting occurring in late March or April.

“Downtown is such a vital area for Chaska,” said Dahlberg.

The chamber will hold an informational meeting for interested parties on Thursday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Chestnuts Restaurant.

Downtown business council informational meeting

Thursday, March 8

11:30 a.m.

Chestnuts Restaurant, 207 Chestnut Street

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