Minnsights Blog

Manufacturing plays a vital role in Minnesota’s economy, yet the sector faces a combination of facts that make it among the most expensive and complex industries in which to operate.

Coming to you this week from the Cohasset area near Grand Rapids — we’re at Sugar Lake Lodge, a fantastic Chamber member and a place we frequently use for conferences and gatherings. It’s a beautiful week up here in northern Minnesota, and I’m here with the Minnesota of Commerce Chamber Executives Association. This is a professional development organization designed for local chambers of commerce, and the Minnesota Chamber partners with them to help support the chamber infrastructure across the state.

Coming to you from the road this week, as we’ve been traveling across Minnesota with our Leadership Minnesota session one. About 40 business leaders gathered earlier in the week at Clow Stamping in Merrifield, near the Brainerd area, for a tour of that fantastic facility. A big thank-you to the team at Clow Stamping for opening their doors and for all their support of their community and the Chamber.

It’s been an exciting week as public voting kicked off Tuesday for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest. We began with 64 incredible products, and that number will shrink to 32 on Monday. Head to coolestthingmn.com to cast your vote today and the weeks that follow – matchups include everything from chocolate bars and fireplace inserts to RVs and massive laser cutters. All of which are proudly made right here in Minnesota!

It’s been a great week. I spent much of it in Northern Minnesota meeting with chamber members and other business leaders to talk about our state’s economic direction and the political outlook heading into next year’s elections. With all constitutional offices, the full Senate, and the House on the ballot, we’re closely monitoring developments and engaging on behalf of the Chamber to ensure balance at the Legislature and a strong foundation for Minnesota’s economic future.