Friday Five: Summer is in full swing at the Chamber

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

We had a terrific week because we were with our Board of Directors down in Hastings at the Confluence Hotel and Conference Center, where our Board met for its annual planning retreat. It was a very productive and very important meeting as we set the future plans for the organization.

We were entertained as well, so a shout out to our Board for the engaging time together, and a particular nod to our friends at the Confluence Hotel, who take such good care of us when we go down to Hastings and enjoy our time at the hotel and everything downtown Hastings has to offer.

Of course, while we were there, we noticed that summer is in full swing. And that means the Chamber has its annual Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Experience coming up next week.

This is a great opportunity that brings members together for a fun afternoon at Vikings Training Camp on Wednesday, August 12. So, mark your calendar! This exclusive member event gives attendees the chance to watch the Vikings practice up close from the Continental Diamond Club Tent at the Vikings practice facility in Eagan.

In addition to a great view of practice, members have the opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders, enjoy food and beverages and hear directly from Vikings leadership with team updates and conversation.

Events like this are a great reminder that Chamber membership is all about getting together, building connections, creating opportunities to engage with other leaders and bringing Minnesota's business community together. We hope members will join us for this unique summer experience. Space is limited, so be sure to register soon by heading to mnchamber.com.

And, of course, shifting from summer fun, we are also celebrating Minnesota's innovation and innovators. Nominations for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest close in just one week on August 14.

This contest is a great opportunity for manufacturers across the state to showcase the products they design, build and produce right here in Minnesota. Whether it's advanced technology, medical equipment, heavy machinery, consumer products, food products or something people use every day, we want to highlight the incredible variety and innovation happening across Minnesota's manufacturing industry.

After nominations close, Minnesotans will have a chance to vote on the top products as they compete in a bracket style competition beginning August 31.

The winner will be announced at this year's Manufacturers Summit on October 6 at Royalston Square in Minneapolis, where manufacturing leaders from across the state will come together to connect, share insights, and celebrate the strength of Minnesota's manufacturing economy.

If your company has a Minnesota-made product to showcase, now is the time to nominate it and tell your story of the people and businesses driving innovation across our state.

Please go to coolestthingmn.com to nominate your cool product today.

Thanks for being with us. We look forward to catching up with you on next week's episode of Minnesota Business Podcast. Have a great weekend!