Meet 'Channel Cat,' the Chamber's 'Face for the St. Croix River Crossing Project'

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new face for the St. Croix Crossing project at this week’s bridge construction open house for area businesses.

“Channel Cat,” a friendly St. Croix River catfish, hopes to become the area’s smiling personality for the five-year construction project.

The Chamber created Channel Cat while working with MnDOT and WisDOT officials on communication strategies for businesses affected by the construction activities that are set to begin next spring, a news release from the Chamber states.

As the project’s primary contracting agency, MnDOT utilizes its own project logo that is the official project image.

“We feel it’s important for the local community to have its own identity for the project,” Vanessa Levingston, MnDOT Business Liaison said in the release. “The Chamber’s Channel Cat personality offers a positive image for the project while reflecting care and concern for the St. Croix River Valley’s ecological resources.”

The Channel Cat will become a colorful character as it changes clothing and accessories to represent the wide variety of local industries., Chamber Executive Director Todd Streeter said.

“We wanted the Channel Cat’s personality to directly personify the different area businesses connected to this important project,” he said. “As a chef, doctor, construction worker or bellhop, the Channel Cat will represent our local businesses throughout the duration of the project.”

Used in conjunction with local communication efforts by the Chamber, Channel Cat may also be available for use by Chamber member businesses and other organizations.

With the support of area businesses, the Chamber hopes to develop a mascot that would then visit schools, hospitals and other activities and events, Streeter said. “MnDOT is extremely supportive of educational opportunities, and we feel Channel Cat can help in those efforts.”