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A Tribute to Todd

The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) was formed in 1881 to foster economic development and to advocate for public policy that supports the growth of business. This is a similar mission to chambers across the country, however, in the case of the MRCC, this mission has been lived out with great vigor, professionalism and collaboration in the form of its president, Todd Klingel. While Todd announced his retirement last week, many of us will be hard-pressed to imagine another leader who will fit as hand in glove as Todd has with his profession and his passion.

During my time at Meet Minneapolis, I have seen Todd create strategies and form teams to address such issues as sports infrastructure development, regional public transportation expansion, workforce development, and economic disparities eradication. He’s used this approach to leadership over more than a quarter century, including his tenure with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and his previous role with the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC).

Todd has worked to expand partnerships with other business associations without seeking any credit or reciprocity. For example, two years ago he invited Meet Minneapolis to join the MRCC in its Good Morning Minneapolis series of breakfast forums that focus on key issues impacting our community. That collaboration now includes the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Todd also served as a leader of the Home Field Advantage consortium that was formed to advocate for much needed sports and entertainment infrastructure. During his tenure, that consortium grew to include the MDC, Meet Minneapolis, and more recently the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater Minneapolis.

One of the crown jewels of his collaboration with other business associations is the annual InterCity Leadership Visit. This event is done in conjunction with the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and is a visit to a peer city during which our region’s business, civic and governmental leaders can discuss key issues and exchange best practices. This year, the InterCity Leadership Visit will mark its 15th year with a visit to Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

While, Todd will soon take his leave from his MRCC post, I've already put Meet Minneapolis' name on the list of organizations for him to consider to help occupy his "retirement."

On many occasions, Todd has had to advocate positions that were unpopular in some camps, but he has always been willing to represent the interests of his stakeholders while being respectful of differing views. Through it all, he is always seeking to do what's right. Period.

The hallways of the State Capitol and of City Hall may no longer echo from sound of his brisk cadence, but we can all agree that Todd’s work in those places and in the community at large has made Minneapolis and the region a better place to live, work and play. Thank you, Todd, for your service.

During my time at Meet Minneapolis, I have seen Todd create strategies and form teams to address such issues as sports infrastructure development, regional public transportation expansion, workforce development, and economic disparities eradication. He’s used this approach to leadership over more than a quarter century, including his tenure with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and his previous role with the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC).

Todd has worked to expand partnerships with other business associations without seeking any credit or reciprocity. For example, two years ago he invited Meet Minneapolis to join the MRCC in its Good Morning Minneapolis series of breakfast forums that focus on key issues impacting our community. That collaboration now includes the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Todd also served as a leader of the Home Field Advantage consortium that was formed to advocate for much needed sports and entertainment infrastructure. During his tenure, that consortium grew to include the MDC, Meet Minneapolis, and more recently the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater Minneapolis.

One of the crown jewels of his collaboration with other business associations is the annual InterCity Leadership Visit. This event is done in conjunction with the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and is a visit to a peer city during which our region’s business, civic and governmental leaders can discuss key issues and exchange best practices. This year, the InterCity Leadership Visit will mark its 15th year with a visit to Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

While, Todd will soon take his leave from his MRCC post, I've already put Meet Minneapolis' name on the list of organizations for him to consider to help occupy his "retirement."

On many occasions, Todd has had to advocate positions that were unpopular in some camps, but he has always been willing to represent the interests of his stakeholders while being respectful of differing views. Through it all, he is always seeking to do what's right. Period.

The hallways of the State Capitol and of City Hall may no longer echo from sound of his brisk cadence, but we can all agree that Todd’s work in those places and in the community at large has made Minneapolis and the region a better place to live, work and play. Thank you, Todd, for your service.