Joe Swedberg, who works in Austin, was elected to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2011-12. He is vice president of legislative affairs for Hormel Foods Corp. and will represent past board chairs.

He was among the new officers and board members seated in August. The volunteer board represents businesses of all types and sizes across Minnesota. These business leaders set public policy priorities for the business community, carry the message for the statewide business community to the State Capitol, and develop resources and strategies to ensure businesses in Minnesota can grow and succeed.

Minnesota Chamber officers are: chair Jon Campbell, Wells Fargo & Co., Minneapolis; chair-elect Joe Maher, UPM-Kymmene Blandin Paper Co., Grand Rapids; and secretary-treasurer Jeff DeYoung, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP, Minneapolis.

“The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is recognized as an everyday problem-solver for our members,” Campbell said. “We represent and advance the interests of all sizes and types of businesses across the state.

“Businesses and government alike are challenged by today’s economy. Seeking government efficiency through redesign and restructuring of services remains at the forefront of our efforts. The challenges are steep. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is poised to play a key role on the critical issues facing all Minnesotans.”