Today marks one year since the death of George Floyd, and we know the pain is still being felt today. As The Chamber stated last August, we remain steadfast in our support of diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities for all and against discrimination of any kind. Every individual should have equal opportunity and access, and we believe the organizations and communities that embrace diverse experiences and backgrounds will succeed over those that do not. We continue to be committed to:

• Creating environments in which we can lead meaningful discussions
• Offering education and information to all community members and employers
• Introducing new programs to help employers foster and create inclusive workplaces
• Looking for opportunities to listen and learn
• Continuing to educate ourselves on these issues as a Chamber
• Seeking partnerships to create sustainable strategies and solutions to drive growth and prosperity for all

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Moorhead, Minn. (August 18, 2020) – Last week, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approved a continued commitment to diversity & inclusion, and issued the following statement.

The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce supports diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities for all, and is against discrimination of any kind. We believe that every individual should have equal opportunity and access. We believe differences should be celebrated and that teams with diverse experiences and backgrounds will succeed.

As a nation, we are grappling with complex, centuries-old issues that won’t be solved overnight. To move the needle on making real progress, we must look at ourselves and work together to make our region a better, more inclusive place, not only for business, but all facets of our lives.

The Chamber accepts this responsibility. While we have demonstrated our commitment to diversity and inclusion in recent years through efforts such as the development of the Professionals of Color program, we realize this is not enough. We must play an active role in advocating for all in our businesses and communities. This work is ongoing, and education and conversations must continue. Because of that, we have opened new dialogue and begun plans to do more.

The Chamber will…

• Create environments in which we can lead meaningful discussions
• Offer education and information to all community members and employers
• Introduce new programs to help employers foster and create inclusive workplaces
• Look for opportunities to listen and learn
• Continue to educate ourselves on these issues as a Chamber
• Seek partnerships to create sustainable strategies and solutions to drive growth and prosperity for all

The strength of our region is on us all. Together, we can create a better future.

Our challenge to you
The Chamber encourages all area businesses to get involved in this work. We ask you to increase awareness and opportunity in your own workplaces, and begin dialogue with staff, board members and volunteers. We ask that you share with us and the community the work you’re doing. We want to hear your successes and support your efforts.

We are also excited to announce a new education series, Building Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces, free for all businesses and individuals beginning this September. Throughout six sessions focused on inclusive workplace practices, employers will learn to build cultures where all individuals are welcome and invested in. More information on this opportunity can be found at fmwfchamber.com.

About The Chamber
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce is a bi-state, regional federation of more than 2,000 private, public and non-profit member firms representing more than 109,000 people. The largest local chamber in North Dakota and Minnesota, The Chamber advocates for a strong metropolitan community and supports the interests of its members, which are located in Cass and Clay Counties and beyond.