Minnsights Blog

Shaw-Lundquist looks forward to its 50ᵗʰ anniversary in 2024, and celebratory plans are already taking shape. It was in 1974 when Fred Shaw co-founded the construction firm in downtown Minneapolis, a humble beginning to a remarkable story of the growth and development of one of the largest and most successful Minority Business Enterprises in the country. 

Minnesota business leaders are struggling with workforce challenges, making the engagement of underrepresented demographics in the workforce an economic imperative. Hear from a Minnesota business leader on the workforce barriers they’ve identified and the community partnerships and innovative solutions they’ve developed to attract, support and retain immigrants.

Small businesses are a critical driver of Minnesota’s economy. The state has over 500,000 small businesses that together employ over 1.3 million Minnesotans. 

The gap between available jobs and available talent in Minnesota is growing. While Minnesota’s negative migration trends have widened this gap, the primary driving force is a reality we share with the rest of the country. An ageing population has caused the number of workers leaving the workforce to significantly outpace the number entering. 

At the Minnesota Chamber's recent Chamber Day at the Capitol, key legislators discussed many of the policy issues facing the business community, including tax increases, paid leave mandates and the cost of doing business.