Government Affairs Meeting 11/18/2026

Government Affairs: State & Federal Election Recap

What do the 2026 election results mean for Minnesota businesses?
Join the St. Cloud Area Chamber for a conversation with Brian Cook of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and John Kirchner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They’ll break down the state and federal election results and share their perspectives on what businesses can expect heading into 2027.

Brian will lead off with Minnesota’s election results and the outlook for the state Legislature. John will follow with a national recap, including the balance of power in Congress and potential implications for federal policy. Together, they’ll explore how the results could influence the issues that matter to employers.

The program will include time for questions and discussion with both speakers.

Meet the Speakers:

Brian Cook
Director, Tax, Fiscal and Elections Policy
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Brian Cook represents the Minnesota Chamber on tax, fiscal and elections issues before the Legislature and state agencies. He works to advance policies that support Minnesota employers and strengthen the state’s business climate.

John Kirchner
Vice President, Midwest Regional Office
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
John Kirchner represents the U.S. Chamber in six Midwestern states, including Minnesota. He works closely with state and local chambers and members of Congress to advance federal business priorities and leads the Chamber’s grassroots, legislative, and political activities in the region.

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The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs programming connects members with elected officials, policymakers, and timely information on issues affecting business at the local, state, and federal levels. Through advocacy, education, and conversation, we bring the business perspective to public policy discussions and help members stay informed and engaged.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:30–9 a.m., featuring a variety of guest speakers and topics. All Chamber members are welcome to attend, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
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Your Registration Matters
Many St. Cloud Area Chamber events and programs are offered at no cost to our members, but they still require planning, staffing, food and beverage, materials, and other resources based on the number of registered attendees. When you register for a free Chamber event, you are reserving a place and making a commitment to attend. If you are unable to attend, please let us know at least 24 hours before the event so we can adjust our planning and, when applicable, offer your place to someone else. A $25 no-show fee will be charged to the attendee’s business or organization for no-shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event. Exceptions may be made for emergencies or extenuating circumstances. Thank you for respecting the commitment that comes with registration and helping us make the most of these opportunities for our members.