Formerly Foes, Minneapolis and Bloomington Chambers Join Forces

MINNEAPOLIS-Although they once fought bitterly over the development of the Mall of America nearly a decade ago, the chambers of commerce in Bloomington and Minneapolis have agreed to form a metropolitan alliance. “There is strength in numbers,” said Rod Marien, president of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, who argues the expanded network will create a “stronger voice” in the Minnesota legislature.

Among their mutual interests are transportation, job creation and otherpolicy issues, according to Rich Forschler, chairman of the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. A decade ago, Minneapolis officials protested that the Mall of America would severely hurt its downtownretail sector.