Friday Five: Minnesota Chamber recognized with COSMA Impact Award

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

I'm coming to you this week from Colorado Springs, where I'm participating in the national program of the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations, better known as COSMA, where we've been meeting here in Colorado Springs over the weekend. This is my peer set. These are the other organization leaders that head up manufacturing associations across the country. In the case of the Minnesota Chamber, we're not just the Chamber, we're the state’s manufacturing association as well. And I’m very pleased to be here learning and connecting with and sharing our work in Minnesota with our peers across the country.

And I'm really thrilled to share that COSMA this week recognized the Minnesota Chamber for our work in bringing the business community together and providing leadership, resources and solutions to manufacturers navigating some of the most pressing cost, regulatory and workforce challenges we've seen.

I'm incredibly proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the manufacturers and business leaders who I have the privilege of working with every day, the Chamber team is so honored to receive this recognition.

The ingenuity of business leaders and manufacturers – that hard work and commitment within their communities – play an enormous role in Minnesota's economy. You know, manufacturing is Minnesota's second largest business sector, supporting roughly 320,000 jobs and generating about 12% of our state's GDP on an annual basis. There are businesses that anchor communities across Minnesota, providing good jobs and opportunities for families through manufacturing.

This Impact Award reflects on our entire team, from our policy and research efforts to programs to help manufacturers navigate regulations, improve efficiency, strengthen their workforce and grow their businesses in Minnesota.

Now, one example that we used when we presented this to our peers across the country was how we in Minnesota use data to make the case for policies that strengthen manufacturing and the broader business economy in the state.

Our research on environmental permitting, for example, helped demonstrate the need for reforms that can make it easier for businesses to invest and grow in Minnesota. And that data turned into bipartisan legislation during the 2025 legislative session that became law. And now we at the Chamber are monitoring that work and bringing forward additional solutions to improve the business climate in our state.

Bringing data forward to produce meaningful bipartisan results at the Capitol is our approach.

We're very proud of the programs also at the Minnesota Chamber that help manufacturers, like Grow Minnesota!, Waste Wise and Energy Smart programs, as well as our business education network. These programs provide practical support to manufacturers and help address issues ranging from business expansion and efficiency to workforce development.

Programs like the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota – this contest gives us an opportunity to tell the story of what manufacturers are doing to create new products right here in our state.

The contest has generated tremendous public interest and helps showcase the innovation happening in communities all across Minnesota.

Speaking of the Coolest Thing Made, remember that nominations are now open until August 14th, so make sure to nominate your product. If you're making something in Minnesota and you think it's cool (of course you do), go to coolestthingmn.com to nominate your product today.

Ultimately, this award and recognition is recognition of what can happen when the business community comes together with a clearer voice. I'm grateful to COSMA and the National Association of Manufacturers for this recognition. I'm proud to represent Minnesota's manufacturers and the many business leaders who continue to make our state a great place to live, work and build a business.

Thanks for being with us. I look forward to seeing you back in the state next week, and please have an enjoyable and safe weekend. We will catch up on the next episode of the Minnesota Business Podcast.