All board members are active chamber members elected for three-year terms.
Our purpose is to “lead a thriving, sustainable economic community through leadership and advocacy, strategic partnerships, career development of its workforce, and business diversity and leadership.” The Ely Chamber of Commerce serves Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Embarrass, Isabella, Tower, Soudan, Lake Vermillion, and associated unincorporated areas as a chamber of commerce and visitor-information center. Thousands of visitors stop in at the Chamber of Commerce office for information on area attractions, businesses, and events.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce’s operating budget is funded through voluntary investment by its members. We value our members’ investment in the Chamber and work hard to maximize each membership dollar. Membership dues are used for operational costs, training opportunities, advertising, and new business initiatives. The Ely Chamber of Commerce also receives funding for a full-time equivalent and seasonal visitor center staff through the Joint Powers: Lodging Tax Board.
How the Memberships work
We offer three different levels of membership depending on the business, organization, or individual applying. Our full members are businesses within our service area of Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Tower, Soudan, Lake Vermilion, Isabella, and Embarrass. We offer sponsoring memberships for businesses outside of our service area but within the state of Minnesota. We also support clubs and organizations…
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE ELY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?
Our purpose is to “lead a thriving, sustainable economic community through leadership and advocacy, strategic partnerships, career development of its workforce, and business diversity and leadership.”
SERVING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
The Ely Chamber of Commerce serves Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Tower, Soudan, Lake Vermilion, Embarrass, Isabella, and associated unincorporated areas as a chamber of commerce and visitor-information center. Thousands of visitors visit the Chamber of Commerce office for information on area attractions, businesses, and events.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce’s operating budget is funded through voluntary investment by its members. We receive funding for a full-time (48-hour equivalent) and a seasonal (mid-May-August) visitor center staff through lodging tax dollars. through the City of Ely, the Ely Tourism Bureau, or other tax dollars. We value our members’ investment in the Chamber and work hard to maximize each membership dollar. Membership dues are used for operational costs, training opportunities, advertising, and new business initiatives.
Our Events & Promotions Committee is a very active and creative part of the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This hard-working group of business owners and managers oversees the Blueberry/Art and Harvest Moon Festivals, and other Chamber events and promotions. Both of our festivals generate funds used for our promotions, sponsorships, and new events. No membership monies are used to support the Events & Promotions Committee activities.
We offer three membership levels, depending on whether the applicant is a business, organization, or individual. Our full members are businesses within our service area of Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Isabella, and Embarrass. We offer sponsoring memberships for businesses outside of our service area but within the state of Minnesota. We also support clubs and organizations within our service area through our sponsoring memberships. Finally, we offer individual or family memberships. Individual memberships are a way for those who enjoy or live in our area to support our business community. Our organization operates year-round with a seven-member board of directors, three full-time staff, and approximately 250 members.
The Chamber’s calendar year is from July 1st through June 30th; however, membership applications are accepted year-round. Your support and membership in Ely’s Chamber of Commerce will help us accomplish the goal of sustaining a strong and vibrant business community. If you have any questions about membership or the ways the Chamber supports the business community, please call 218-365-6123. We also have a FAQ sheet available with some of the most common questions.
- Chamber Work: Overview 2019-2021
- Chamber Work: Overview 2021-2022
- Chamber Work: Overview 2022-2023
- Chamber Work: Overview 2023-2024
- Chamber Work: Overview 2024-2025
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK:
- Serves as a Chamber of Commerce and Visitor-Information Center
- Supports and promotes the Ely and surrounding area businesses and community
- Provides information to prospective new business owners
- Business Incubator Networking-Information sessions
- Business Networking Breakfasts & After-Hours events
- Prints and distributes 25,000 Ely Area Business & Visitor Guides
- Provides assistance to those seeking a shopping, vacation/getaway, or other North Woods experience
- Maintains www.ely.org and provides free premier business listings to our members
- Hosts the central community calendar at www.ely.org
- Is designated as an “Explore Minnesota Affiliate Travel Information Center” by Explore Minnesota
- Staffs the Chamber office year-round with three full-time staff
- Organizes the two largest art & craft festivals in the area, and the WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
- Maintains a close working relationship with a variety of business-related, government, tourism, and recreation agencies
- Provides event planning guidance, free of charge, to area businesses, clubs, and organizations
HISTORY:
The activities of the Ely Chamber of Commerce actually began with the formation of the Business Men’s Association in 1908. Concerns at that time focused on retail trade, industrial development, taxes, roads, and public health. A standing tourist committee was appointed in 1911, and the Ely Commercial Club was developed in 1916. The Chamber of Commerce’s present Articles of Incorporation were adopted in 2023, and its bylaws were adopted in 2022. The organization is a Chamber and a foundation of 503(b) nonprofit business association.
How the Memberships work
Criteria: A business within the Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Isabella, Tower, Soudan, or Embarrass area.
*An Active or full membership includes Chamber member sign for the business, premier website listing with direct link, an invitation to all Chamber events, subscription to all Chamber member correspondence, an invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs, an opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide, business listing in Vacation Guide, business referrals, social media interactions, and promotions, option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program, chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance.
As a diverse business community, we represent a wide range of products and services within our membership. Each Tier represents a level of business ownership.
TIER I: Sole proprietor retail, wholesale, or home-based business, single guide, a single cabin, or single vacation home rental $225
TIER II: Retail, wholesale, or home-based business with employees, two guides, two cabins, two vacation home rentals, transportation service, or floatplane service $375
TIER III: Guide business, bed & breakfast, 3-4 cabins, or 3-4 vacation home rentals $475
TIER IV: Outfitting service, campground, 5-8 cabins, or 5-8 vacation home rentals $575
TIER V: Motel, hotel, nine or more cabins, or nine or more vacation home rentals $675
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Each additional business membership will receive the same benefits as the primary membership. The primary business will be the highest membership fee for all businesses under consideration. The cost for each additional business is $225. Please complete the additional business form on the last page for each paid business.
MEMBER PRIVILEGES
As a Chamber member, you automatically receive all of the following privileges, no effort required.
PROMOTE: Business/Visitor Referral Service refers members first and foremost. Each year, the Chamber receives thousands of calls, emails, and walk-ins from individuals seeking products and services. The Chamber connects customers with area businesses.
WEBSITE: The Ely.org website is a joint effort representing the tourism and chamber. It is a powerful marketing tool used by hundreds of thousands of people each year seeking business, vacation, and event information. Active members automatically receive a direct web link along with their web listing. The website also has an Ely Community Calendar and Featured Events page.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY: Each year, the Ely Chamber of Commerce publishes the Ely Vacation Guide. We ship 25,000 copies of the guide to locations across the US, including the Mall of America, Minneapolis Airport, other chambers, and visitor centers across Minnesota, and numerous prospective visitors. Each active member will receive a free listing in the business directory portion of the guide. Those who pay for additional businesses will also receive a listing. We also offer an e-guide on Ely.org.
EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS: We serve as an information hub, receiving a wide range of information from government agencies, law enforcement, and other entities. Emails containing information affecting the business community are shared with our members. We also share Chamber news, events, and other Chamber-related news via email.
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS: Your business will have priority for Chamber-owned events.
RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY: Whether a new business owner, new location, or remodel, the Chamber would like to help your business celebrate. We arrange for representatives from the Chamber and city or township officials to be present. We also provide the ribbon scissors and information on how to plan your special event.
VISITOR CENTER BROCHURE DISTRIBUTION: Each paid membership will receive a spot in our display racks for your brochure or business card. Our visitor center has nearly 8,000 people pass through its doors each year.
BUSINESS NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: The Chamber hosts numerous business events and offers opportunities for businesses to collaborate through various promotional initiatives. We believe by working together we can create a strong, successful business environment.
Memberships
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Each additional business membership will receive the same benefits as the primary membership. The primary business will be the highest membership fee for all businesses under consideration. The cost for each additional business is $225. Please complete the additional business form on the last page for each paid business.
Tier I
Sole proprietor retail, wholesale, or home-based business, single guide, a single cabin, or single vacation home rental
$
225
-
Chamber member sign for the business
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Premier website listing with direct link
-
Invitation to all Chamber events
-
Subscription to all Chamber member correspondence
-
Invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs
-
Opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide
-
Business listing in Vacation Guide
-
Business referrals
-
Social media interactions, and promotions
-
Option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program
-
Chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance
Tier II
Retail, wholesale, or home-based business with employees, two guides, two cabins, two vacation home rentals, transportation service, or floatplane service
$
375
-
Chamber member sign for the business
-
Premier website listing with direct link
-
Invitation to all Chamber events
-
Subscription to all Chamber member correspondence
-
Invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs
-
Opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide
-
Business listing in Vacation Guide
-
Business referrals
-
Social media interactions, and promotions
-
Option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program
-
Chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance
Tier III
Guide business, bed & breakfast, 3-4 cabins, or 3-4 vacation home rentals
$
475
-
Chamber member sign for the business
-
Premier website listing with direct link
-
Invitation to all Chamber events
-
Subscription to all Chamber member correspondence
-
Invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs
-
Opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide
-
Business listing in Vacation Guide
-
Business referrals
-
Social media interactions, and promotions
-
Option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program
-
Chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance
Tier IV
Outfitting service, campground, 5-8 cabins, or 5-8 vacation home rentals
$
575
-
Chamber member sign for the business
-
Premier website listing with direct link
-
Invitation to all Chamber events
-
Subscription to all Chamber member correspondence
-
Invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs
-
Opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide
-
Business listing in Vacation Guide
-
Business referrals
-
Social media interactions, and promotions
-
Option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program
-
Chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance
Tier V
Motel, hotel, nine or more cabins, or nine or more vacation home rentals
$
675
-
Chamber member sign for the business
-
Premier website listing with direct link
-
Invitation to all Chamber events
-
Subscription to all Chamber member correspondence
-
Invitation to all Chamber workshop and training series programs
-
Opportunity to purchase advertising in Ely Vacation Guide
-
Business listing in Vacation Guide
-
Business referrals
-
Social media interactions, and promotions
-
Option to participate in the Chamber Bucks program
-
Chance to host Business After Hours events and ribbon-cutting ceremony assistance
Memberships Addons
Slide to the right to view all memberships addons.
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
President’s Circle Business Signage
Level denoted in membership ads, on website listing, and at the Business Networking Dinner Event
Opportunity to add events/programs to the Chamber online calendar
Member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
One free ticket to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
One set of mailing labels ($20 value)
Date preference for after-hours business networking events
Second member-to-member email promotion ($100 value)
Second free admission to the Business Networking Dinner event ($30 value)
Facebook boost ($50 value)
Second Facebook boost ($50 value)
Prospect List ($350 value)
Business Package promotion ($125 value)
Third Business Networking Dinner event ticket ($30 value)
Three-month featured business in Visitor Center ($200.00 value)
CONNECTELY
Everyone is an Elyite! Join our growing Elyite community and experience the best Ely has to offer.
$
25
individual or family / annual
-
Receive our monthly ConnectEly email newsletter filled with events, business promotions, special packages and area news.
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Your name appears in the newsletter with your initial membership and each year with renewal.
SOCIAL
Our social membership is for individuals who desire a connection to our business community.
$
25
individual or family / annual
-
Receive invitations to business workshops, Business after Hours events, and other special activities
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Receive our Chamber business newsletter
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ConnectEly Perks
Sponsor A Memberships
A Sponsoring Member is a non-voting membership. Sponsoring members receive a premier business listing on our website, an invitation to all Chamber events, a subscription to all Chamber member correspondence, an invitation to all Chamber workshop and development series programs, Chamber of Commerce business sign, an invitation to all business networking opportunities, and brochures/fliers on display at the Chamber visitor center. Sponsoring members are not eligible to receive For Fee Services, President’s Circle benefits, or participate in the Chamber Bucks program.
SPONSOR A BUSINESS
$
325
individual or family / annual
-
Criteria: Any business located outside of the Ely, Babbitt, Winton, Isabella, or Embarrass, MN areas, yet within Minnesota.
SPONSOR A CLUB/ORGANIZATION
$
125
individual or family / annual
-
Criteria: Any club or organization located within our service area of the Ely, Babbitt, Winton, Isabella, or Embarrass, MN areas, yet within Minnesota.
Chamber Bucks Certificate Program
TYPES OF CERTIFICATES
Both the public and businesses can purchase certificates for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, employee recognition, and other special occasions. Certificates are available for purchase at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. These certificates do not have an expiration date. Certificates are available in $5, $10 & $20 denominations.
CERTIFICATE REDEMPTION
Certificates can be redeemed at any participating Chamber member business. A list of the participating Chamber businesses is provided with each certificate. Certificates work as cash, so please reimburse the customer as if they had provided regular currency. An in-store credit may also be issued for any balance remaining.
BUSINESS REIMBURSEMENT
Businesses can turn in redeemed certificates to the Chamber for their full face value.
BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
If you would like to be listed as a participant in the Chamber Buck Certificate Program, please initial the front page of the application. There is no cost, and you will receive full reimbursement for every certificate you accept.
Board of Directors
The Ely Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors consists of representatives from across our area business community. Meet our 2025-2026 directors:
Tanner Spicer, Director, Voyageur North Outfitters
Jodi Martin, 1st Vice President, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital
Kris Winkelman, 2nd Vice President & Secretary, Arrowhead Outdoors
Shauna Vega, Treasurer, Canoe On Inn
Molly Morter, Director, Tibet Bay Lodge and Houseboats
Spencer Peter, Director, North American Bear Center
Denise Myers, Director, Echo Trail Outfitters
FAQ's
Why should join/maintain a Chamber Membership?
As a chamber member, you can develop yourself through networking, education and advocacy and directly impact the success of the business community. Full membership enables you to vote on the direction of business and economic development opportunities, participate in those opportunities, enjoy business referrals and advertising opportunities, receive aggregate news and much more.
What are the expectations of me as a chamber member?
We encourage you to share your voice and fully leverage the membership benefits highlighted in question eleven below. Our most engaged members are those who show a passion to the advancement of the Ely business and economic community as modeled by the following:
● Voice: Serve on a committee and/or the board, vote whenever asked and/or, simply share your perspective about an opportunity for you or the chamber to make a difference. Demonstrate a positive leadership shadow by educating others about chamber decisions, operations, and events.
● Participate: Take advantage of the member and economic development opportunities.
● Endorse/Invest: Get behind the decisions of the chamber by actively endorsing chamber sponsored member and economic development opportunities and/or the three seasonal festivals. Educate your staff about chamber sponsored events; their lack of awareness of an event reflects your engagement and detracts visitor participation/awareness. Help make Ely events more inviting by acknowledging the activity(ies) and/or asking customers about their awareness regardless of your participation in the event(s).
What can I expect from other chamber members?
Openness to share best practices and networking, often promotional savings for your business, referrals, and participation in business celebrations such as new business ribbon cutting, anniversaries. In addition, you can expect other members to demonstrate a positive leadership shadow and an active voice in chamber/business news.
Why is the chamber responsible for the visitor center?
The Ely Chamber of Commerce has long served as both a chamber and visitor center, an approach that has been adopted by approximately 1/3 of chambers across the United States. Combining these functions enables us to connect people with products and services. We serve as an information hub, which supports the Ely ecosystem—all businesses, residents, and visitors. Providing information through one location is both efficient and fiscally responsible for a community of our size.
How is the chamber funded?
The chamber is funded through its membership dues and funds raised through the three chamber-sponsored events (WolfTrack Classic, Blueberry Art Festival, and Harvest Moon Festival). Lodging, Forest Service, City, or other tax dollars are not used to operate or pay staff.
What do the membership dues support?
The membership dues support the following: a combined chamber of commerce, visitor/information center, building operation/maintenance, three full-time salary equivalents, business development workshops, Ely.org and social media pages, resources for new businesses including ribbon-cutting ceremonies, facilitation of business ideas and networking events/promotions that support businesses and the greater Ely area community, including the three seasonal events (WolfTrack Classic, Blueberry Fest and Harvest Moon Festival) and some smaller activities geared toward driving retail traffic (see question16).
What is the relationship between the tourism bureau and chamber?
As of 2019, the Ely Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are separate entities with separate boards and no shared funds.
Does the Ely Tourism Bureau contribute to the visitor information center?
The Ely Tourism Burau does not contribute funding for the operation or staffing of the chamber or visitor/information center.
May join a chamber board meeting?
All members are invited to attend meetings—if you are interested in doing so, simply contact Eva Sebesta, Executive Director at Director@ely.org. The board does reserve the right to excuse members in attendance if sensitive topics will be discussed and/or voted on. Also, know that minutes are distributed following every board meeting.
What does my membership include?
There are three different types of memberships: Full, Associate and Sustaining. Full and Associate membership is available to any Ely business while non-Ely in surrounding areas are invited to join as a Sustaining member.
Full membership includes the following privileges:
- Voice. Vote on board members, chamber By-laws and Articles of Incorporation as well as some of the potential direction of chamber business and economic development opportunities, e.g. educational series, direction of Northwoods Medallion Hunt.
- Promotion. Enjoy business referrals from the chamber, visibility on Ely.org and public events, inclusion in visitor center brochure/flier display as well as the annual Ely Passport Savings Coupon Book, the chamber Membership Directory and an advertising opportunity in the annual Ely Vacation Guide and social media interactions and promotions and, priority in event sponsorships.
- News & Resources. Receive relevant, triaged news and resources from a variety of government/county agencies, law enforcement and other entities in addition to Chamber and community news.
- Personal Growth. Enjoy access to leadership and networking opportunities, e.g. education, networking forums.
- Economic Development. Participate and/or endorse chamber sponsored opportunities that drive traffic and/or support new business, e.g. Ely
Associate and Sustaining members receive a basic website listing (business name, address and phone number) on Ely.org and within the annual membership director, an invitation to all Chamber opportunities, e.g. networking and workshops, a subscription to all Chamber member news correspondence and inclusion in the brochure/flier display at the Chamber visitor center.
How can I get more involved with the chamber?
Call us at 218-365-6123 to discuss your interests—we’d love to have you join us! There’s always an opportunity to share your voice and/or passion, e.g. serve on a committee, event, or board, help us welcome and onboard new businesses, sponsor an event, etc.
I see that the membership has a right to vote. What can I expect in this regard?
In addition to voting on board members, chamber By-laws and Articles of Incorporation, we often ask for the member perspective on the potential direction of chamber business and economic development opportunities.
How does the Chamber advocate on my local business(es) behalf?
We support and actively pursue federal, state, and local issues that may influence our area’s business environment in partnership with State and Federal representatives, local officials, and area organizations. Examples include COVID-19 pandemic, economic development, small business development, education. These initiatives expand opportunities for both area residents and visitors, while improving our overall quality of life.
I understand that chamber oversees the Blueberry Fest, the Harvest Moon Festival, and the Wolf Track Classic. What other consumer events is the chamber responsible?
In addition to these three seasonal events, the Chamber’s Events & Promotions Committee uses some of the funding generated from the three seasonal events to oversee smaller initiatives geared at driving local traffic and sales. Most recent activities include the following and rely on chamber member participation/endorsement: City Wide Rummage, Business Crazy Day and Used Gear & Watercraft Sale, Shine Bright Ely, Small Town Christmas Shopping, Mrs. Claus Party, Trunk or Treat, Operation Blueberry, and Harvest Days. Check with us at 218-365-3123 for a current listing and/or, to discuss a potential idea.
There are several other events that are promoted on the Chamber and/or other calendar-of-events – who manages those?
The following events are managed by non-profit organizations: The Snowmobile FunRun, Ely Winter Festival, KCPro Youth Snowmobile Racing, All-Night Graduation Party, Peter Mitchell Days, Washington Elementary PTO, Nordic Ski Club and more!
What can you tell me about Chambers’ Board of Directors?
Live in Ely!
Are you seeking an escape to the North Woods? Imagine yourself in a quaint town amongst a wilderness setting and a high quality of life. The Ely area is nestled within the Superior National Forest and is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Imagine leaving work, driving through a Historic Downtown and within minutes sliding your canoe into the water for an evening paddle or come winter, slipping on a pair of cross-country skis for a trek around an area lake.
The Ely area has a strong business foundation with room for expanding goods and services and endless opportunities to pursue the passion that drives you. Elyites (Elyite – (EE-lee) -ites are artists, crafters, makers, and adventurers. Entrepreneurship and innovation are two of the most prevalent threads within the fabric of our business community.
Our healthcare workers and systems are second to none. This includes a regional hospital, clinic, behavioral health network, assisted living facility, and nursing home. We have several school districts in the Ely, Babbitt, and Winton area, a strong population of homeschoolers, and the highly respected Vermilion Community College. Ely’s Independent School District is in the top 50 percentile rating for Minnesota K-12 schools and welcomes new students throughout the year.
The community has over 100 clubs and organizations ranging from arts to sports, gardening to amateur radio. With that being said, volunteer opportunities abound and are a sure way to meet your new neighbors. No matter what phase of life you or your family are at, Ely is the perfect place to Live, Work & Play.
Ready to make the next step? Check out area Job Postings and contact any of the following qualified Ely Area Realtors. We look forward to welcoming you home to Ely, Minnesota!

Social Memberships
Social memberships provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to stay connected to all things Ely. Both are sponsoring memberships (non-voting) and receive an invitation to our Business Networking Dinner business networking vent. No web listing or brochure/business card distribution is available with either social membership. These special memberships are open to everyone regardless of geographic location and support our Ely area business community.