s the population of the Red River Valley continues to increase, it takes a concerted effort to keep things running smoothly. Much of this work is often done behind the scenes, in committees and organizations dedicated to the ongoing success of the greater F/M area. One of these organizations is the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. Much like the Moorhead Business Association highlighted last week, the Chamber operates under the belief that although the community is widely considered one of the best in the nation, good things can always get better. Although most people are likely aware of the Chamber’s existence, few really understand the steady work that is accomplished. St. Francis of Assisi could have been describing that work when he said, “True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.” It is that persistent progress that has made the greater F/M area that community it is today.

History of Chambers of Commerce:

The concept of various businesses joining together in a mutual effort to increase commerce had its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago. The first use of the term “Chamber of Commerce” dates back to Marseilles, France in 1599. It wasn’t until the late 1800s, however, that similar organizations began to appear in America. The oldest Chamber of Commerce can be found in the New York State Chamber, formed in 1768. By 1870, there were 40 local Chambers of Commerce in the United States; today there are over 5,000. Originally developed as a means to protect and promote commerce, today’s Chambers have expanded their role to include addressing socioeconomic concerns and social needs.

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce:

The FMWF Chamber is a bi-state, regional federation of over 2,100 private, public, and non-profit member firms representing more than 94,000 people. According to Danielle Teigen, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Chamber, the organization is primarily focused on advocacy, education, and engagement. The Chamber operates within four strategic objectives:

1. Through effective public policy, foster an environment of economic growth

2. Grow jobs and attract investment

3. Achieve organization excellence to best serve members

4. Provide bold and visionary leadership throughout the region

It is through those objectives that the Chamber aims to promote economic growth and prosperity for businesses in Cass and Clay County. “We are engaging members at all different levels,” she said. “We are very excited to be a part of this dynamic thriving community.”

Growth and development motivates many of the Chamber’s operations. Whether it is advocating for area businesses in regards to public policy and legislation or conducting business training sessions geared toward the development of business people, the Chamber keeps its eyes firmly pointed toward the future. Craig Whitney, President and CEO of the Chamber commented on the significant growth the F/M area has experienced, especially in the area of technology and manufacturing. “Many technology companies are seeing explosive growth due to an improving national economy and the local oil boom,” he said. “It’s been exciting to see how the different sectors like agriculture, oil, technology, and manufacturing have positively affected the Fargo Moorhead community.” It is that growth and development that the Chamber hopes to continue. They are committed to their members and helping them become successful. “At the end of the day, our members are what are important to us,” Teigen said. “We are acting in the best way possible for them.”

The greater F/M area has seen remarkable growth and success in the past few years. In 2013, Area Development Magazine named the F/M Metro area the second best mid-size city in America. North Dakota as a whole was voted the best run state in the nation by Wall Street and USA Today. The goal of the FMWF Chamber is to ensure that success continued. The organization is well suited for the task, having been a finalist for the 2012 American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Chamber of the Year award. It is not surprising that an award winning Chamber is the anchor for an award winning community. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished,” Teigen said.

The Chamber exists to do together what one cannot do alone. It is that commitment to teamwork that will help the greater F/M area take advantage of future opportunities for growth and development. In the words of Socrates, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Working together, there is no limit to what the F/M community can accomplish.

More information about the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.fmwfchamber.com.