Chamber of Commerce names new president

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has a new president.

Doug Loon will begin leading the chamber in early September. He takes on a role long held by Dave Olson, who died last year.

Loon, who serves as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's vice president for regional affairs and advocacy in the Midwest, already is accustomed to Minnesota.

He is married to state Rep. Jenifer Loon, R-Eden Prairie, chair of the House Education Committee.

The Minnesota Chamber is the state's largest business advocacy organization. The group's employees are regulars at the State Capitol and lobby on a variety of issues, from health care and transportation to taxes.

The group also plays an important role during election season, throwing its weight behind candidates that support its slate of issues.