Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce president stepping down
Sarah McKenzie / [email protected]
Updated: January 22, 2016 - 12:30 pm
Todd Klingel, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC), announced Friday his will retire June 30 for health reasons.
He will remain in his role through March 31 and will then transition to a part-time role until his planned retirement so he can focus on his cancer treatment.
Klingel, 63, has been head of the MRCC since 2003 and previously served as executive vice president of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.
"I've always said that if I cannot give the Chamber 100 percent, then I shouldn't continue in the role, so it's time for me to retire and allow someone else the opportunity to step in and lead this great organization," Klingel said in a statement. "It is important that I continue to focus on my cancer treatment and enjoy time with my family. I will remain active through the end of March and work closely with the interim president through the end of June to facilitate a smooth transition."
Laura McCarten, the chamber's board chair, said the organization's board of directors will select an interim president in the next week.
Klingel is credited with developing a more regional outlook for the chamber and forging greater ties with the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and other metro area organizations. He's also been a strong champion of transit projects, workforce development and Minneapolis schools.
"Todd has created a powerful and respected Minneapolis Chamber during his 13 years of leadership," McCarten said. "He has helped shape a financially strong and dynamic Chamber that has worked with other organizations in our region to advocate for the benefit of our members on a wide variety of topics and issues. While we respect Todd's decision to retire and focus on his health, we will miss his tireless efforts to promote the Minneapolis Chamber and the greater region."
While at the Downtown Council, Klingel was involved in creating Holidazzle and merging the Minneapolis Aquatennial into the Downtown Council's annual programming.
The MRCC has more than 1,000 members throughout the 13-county metro area.
Hope to-go on for small business
Lyndale, Whittier, Cedar-Isles-Dean see highest COVID-19 case rates in Southwest