Latest News
Jul
River Heights Chamber of Commerce Announces New Leadership and Welcomes Visit Inver Grove Heights as a Chamber Division
rhc-update-person 0 comments Press Release
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn.( July 20, 2026) — The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce important leadership and organizational changes that position the Chamber for continued growth and expanded service to the regional business community.
Lilly Miller Named Chamber President
Lilly Miller has been appointed President of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. Miller will continue serving as Executive Director of Visit Inver Grove Heights while assuming leadership of the Chamber.
Many members already know Miller through her leadership at Visit Inver Grove Heights, her service as a Chamber Ambassador, and as the recipient of the Chamber’s 2025 Rising Star Award.
Lilly brings valuable experience in leadership, strategic planning, marketing, operations, and community collaboration. Her passion for supporting local businesses and building meaningful partnerships positions her to lead the Chamber into its next chapter while continuing to strengthen the business community throughout the River Heights area.
Bob Ruhland Transitions to Membership Director
As part of the leadership transition, longtime Chamber President Bob Ruhland will assume the role of Membership Director.
In his new position, Ruhland will focus on welcoming new members, strengthening relationships with existing businesses, and ensuring members receive the resources and support they need to succeed. His extensive experience, community relationships, and commitment to local businesses will continue to be invaluable assets to the Chamber.
The new role also provides Ruhland with greater flexibility to spend more time traveling and with his family while remaining actively involved in the Chamber’s mission.
The Chamber is grateful that members will continue to benefit from Ruhland’s knowledge, dedication, and passion for serving the River Heights business community.
Miller and Ruhland will work closely together to ensure a seamless leadership transition while maintaining the high level of service, advocacy, networking, and programming Chamber members have come to expect.
Visit Inver Grove Heights Becomes a Division of the Chamber
The Chamber is also proud to announce a significant organizational milestone.
For many years, the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and the City of Inver Grove Heights have partnered to support Visit Inver Grove Heights, the community’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). On March 9, 2026, the Inver Grove Heights City Council approved an agreement officially designating the River Heights Chamber of Commerce as the managing organization for the tourism bureau.
Effective June 1, 2026, Visit Inver Grove Heights officially became a division of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
This transition strengthens an already successful partnership by bringing business development and tourism promotion under one organization. By aligning these efforts, the Chamber will be better positioned to showcase the region, attract visitors, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for economic growth throughout the River Heights area.
The Chamber extends its appreciation to the City of Inver Grove Heights staff, the Visit Inver Grove Heights CVB Board of Advisors, and the River Heights Chamber Board of Directors for their collaboration, guidance, and support throughout the transition process.
“We are excited about this new chapter for the Chamber and our communities,” said Miller. “Bringing tourism and business development together creates tremendous opportunities to promote our region, strengthen our local economy, and deliver even greater value to our members and partners.”
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce thanks its members and community partners for their continued support and looks forward to building an even stronger future together.
For more information about these announcements, please contact the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
About the River Heights Chamber of Commerce
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce is committed to its mission, “To aggressively promote the interests of the business community,” through Advocacy, Partnerships, Member Services, and Networking Events. The Chamber serves businesses throughout the River Heights area by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, supporting economic growth, and creating opportunities that help businesses and communities thrive.
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Supporting Documents:
Contact:
River Heights Chamber of Commerce
651-451-2266
info@riverheights.com
www.riverheights.com
Jul
Progress Plus ED Foundation Partners with City of Inver Grove Heights to Plant Your Business Here
River Heights Chamber 0 comments Business Ideas, Editorials, Marketing
The City of Inver Grove Heights is looking to attract new businesses to the area and Progress Plus is here to lend a helping hand.
There’s a place that’s not too far from Minnesota’s metro core. It’s at the heart of where the pulse of business beats strong.
It’s a place where good business and healthy living come together to make more than good sense for anyone looking to start or relocate a business.
This place called River Heights is where opportunity and the spirit of business soar to new heights; bringing prosperity and a higher quality of life to those who come this way.
Why Inver Grove Heights?
Move to a Receptive Climate for Business
Inver Grove Heights is a beautiful community rising gently from the banks of the Mississippi. It has good soil, rolling hills and dense groves of hardwood trees. It holds the promise of being a good place to grow.
Our community is one that suits itself well to fostering a high quality of life. That’s why college, secondary and primary schools, parks, playgrounds and open spaces are a big part of our developing community.
And, like our environment, we value and do all that we can to
care for our community businesses. We have business assistance programs that can help with site selection, financial assistance and local contractors. People and companies reach new heights of success in a receptive climate that’s open for business.
IGH City Services
Community Development:
651-450-2546
The Community Development Department works to provide Inver Grove Heights with a high-quality living environment and a diverse economic and social base.
Planning & Zoning:
651-450-2545
- Reviews zoning and site design
- Helps navigate land use application and environmental review process
Assists to ensure development plans are complete, concise and concurrent with city codes and policy
Building Inspections:
651-450-2550
The building inspections division is responsible for plan reviews and inspection of all building and remodeling projects to ensure that they comply with state building, plumbing and mechanical codes.
Fire Permits & Inspections:
651-450-3492
The Inver Grove Heights Fire Marshall reviews plans, inspects and tests fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, storage tanks and dispensing systems.
Here are some other local partners businesses you can tap into:
Dakota Scott County Workforce Center
Their workforce and business development representatives can help you find the right workers, publicize jobs and access workforce data. (651) 554-5622
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Economy. Industry. Workforce. Incentives. See why Minnesota is the best place for your business expansion or relocation. DEED.CustomerService@state.mn.us (952) 259-7114
South Metro Chapter of SCORE
Provides free and confidential business counseling whether starting a new business, buying or selling a business or managing an existing business. www.southmetro.score.org (952) 890-7020
For questions, or if you would like more information on doing business in Inver Grove Heights, please contact Progress Plus Economic Development at 651.451.2266 or visit us online at www.progressplus.org.
Apr
River Heights Chamber of Commerce Hires New Director of Tourism
River Heights Chamber 0 comments Editorials
The River Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Inver Grove Heights Convention and Visitor’s Bureau welcome Tracy Shimek as the new Tourism Director.
“We are excited to have Tracy become part of our team on April 11, 2016,” says Jennifer Gale, President of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce.
With over 10 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Tracy brings a great breadth of experience, knowledge and established relationships to the position. She has vast experience in creating and implementing marketing material to engage and communicate to current and future clients including direct mail, email, and sales sheet profiles, as well as engaging customer outreach by exhibiting at trade shows and conferences.
In her previous experience with Padelford Riverboats and as a board member for Tour Minnesota Association, she has developed a strong understanding of marketing within the tourism community of the Twin Cities and has experience leveraging relationships to collaboratively promote the region.
Tracy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College St. Peter, MN where she graduated magna cum laude in June, 2003. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
You can reach Tracy at tracy@visitigh.com.


