In the fall of 2023, a Greater Minnesota Working Group was created to consider how the MSBA can increase our value to those members. The group, co-chaired by Samuel Edmunds and Mary Cincotta, included members from throughout the state. The group met several times throughout the bar year and made the following recommendations, which were approved by the MSBA Board of Governors this spring.
1. Programming in greater Minnesota: The MSBA will work with local bar leaders in each district to develop programming that works best for that district.
2. Selection of MSBA officer to represent greater Minnesota: The process used to select the officer will not change, but the group selecting the officer will be advised to continue to alternate between the ring surrounding the Twin Cities and the districts farther away.
3. Consolidation of some district bars: The MSBA will contact some of the smaller, less active districts to gauge interest and offer assistance in consolidating with one or more nearby districts. No districts will be pressured to consolidate.
4. Support for district bars: The MSBA will offer a training for newly elected district bar leaders and provide additional resources on the MSBA website.