Growing Destinations

Have you ever wondered how a simple need can ignite a thriving, community-driven business? Meet Rochester, Minnesota entrepreneur Becky Montpetit, the visionary behind Rochester Local , La Crosse Local , and Twin Cities Mom . In this conversation, Becky shares her journey—from launching the Rochester MN Moms Blog to filling a gap in family-friendly resources in Rochester. What began as a passion p...

The Nordic Shop in Rochester, Minnesota, has thrived for 50 years. Join us for an engaging conversation with Walter and Louise Hanson, the duo behind the Nordic Shop’s success. Their journey began with a simple passion for Scandinavian design and blossomed into a community treasure. Discover how the retail landscape has evolved and how the Nordic Shop has stood the test of time.

What if the key to breaking through the relentless "sea of sameness" in advertising lies in the vibrant arts and culture of Minneapolis? Join us as we sit down with Rob Rankin, President and CEO of CCF Advertising , who brings over 35 years of industry experience to the table. Rob unravels how the creative energy of this city fuels innovative advertising strategies. We explore CCF's...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Alison Zelms, City Administrator of Rochester, Minnesota . Discover how Rochester is transforming from a "big little city" to a "little big city," blending global ambitions with its beloved local charm. Learn how strategic partnerships and destination marketing are shaping Rochester's identity as a city where world-class medical...

In this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, we spotlight the legacy and enduring appeal of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres , the nation’s largest professional dinner theatre complex. For over 50 years, Chanhassen has delighted audiences with memorable performances, including its current production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas . Joining us are three key leaders who drive its success: Mich...

Explore Minnesota's dynamic tourism landscape in this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, featuring insights from Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County , Julie Wearn, CEO of Visit Roseville , and Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester . These tourism leaders share how they navigate challenges such as unpredictable weather, the economy and shifting visitor trends w...

Join us on a flavorful journey across Minnesota's culinary landscape with the iconic Sue Zelickson, a luminary in the state's food scene for over fifty years. Discover how Sue's groundbreaking efforts, like founding Women Who Really Cook and the Charlie Awards, have reshaped the Twin Cities culinary scene. From her grandmother's cherished recipes to her son's baking enthus...

Chris Schad is the founder and owner of Rochester, Minnesota-based The Bee Shed , where his passion for bees, science, and the environment come together to make a meaningful impact. Through his story, you'll learn how a hobby can grow into a legacy business, all while championing environmental stewardship and the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. 

What does it take to transform a city into a premier destination for one of sports' biggest events? Join us as we sit down with Brad Toll, President and CEO of Discover Green Bay , and Nick Meisner, Vice President of Digital Marketing and Communications for the organization. Brad and Nick pull back the curtain on the eight-year effort to bring the 2025 NFL Draft to Green Bay. From a crucial t...

In this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, we sit down with Allison Kaplan, editor-in-chief of Twin Cities Business (TCB) and a leading voice in Minnesota’s media landscape. Allison shares insights into her career, the evolution of Minnesota’s business community, and the balance between traditional print and innovative digital content.  We explore how TCB is amplifying its coverage of en...

John Sievers of Rochester, Minnesota is a talented trombonist and a key figure in Rochester's vibrant music scene. He's a front man for several bands and hosts monthly jazz jams. Recently honored with the prestigious Sandy Keith Downtown Impact Award, John has been recognized for his significant contributions to Rochester's cultural landscape. His story is one of creativity, communi...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work behind the scenes in city communications or live entertainment? Join us for a revealing episode where three young professionals, Emma Mehl, Anna Soltau and Cade Roepke, take you through their dynamic internships in Rochester, Minnesota. Discover the ins and outs of drafting press releases, managing social media, engaging with the community, facilitating...

Rochester, Minnesota entrepreneur Nate Nordstrom has combined his adventurous spirit and love for biking to launch a new business venture. Nate owns New Spin Bicycle Shop, with two locations in Rochester. His passion for e-bikes and adaptive bikes is evident as he showcases how these innovations are transforming lives and enhancing family biking adventures.

Curious about the history behind one of Rochester, Minnesota's most iconic landmarks? Discover the Ear of Corn Water Tower, a towering tribute to the region's agricultural roots, standing proudly since 1931. Join us as we chat with Mat Miller, Director of Facilities and Building Operations for Olmsted County, who shares the fascinating backstory of this beloved structure. Learn why prese...

Can a single mural change the essence of a public space? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Greg Wimmer, the talented muralist from Rochester, Minnesota who has turned landscapes into canvases of vibrant art. Greg takes us through the creative and practical challenges of his large-scale projects. Discover how his major mural for KROC Radio in Rochester in 1999 set the stage for a series...

Steve Grove, CEO & Publisher of the StarTribune, brings a fresh perspective on the future of local journalism, drawing from his unique background at Google and as Minnesota's DEED Commissioner. We delve into how his diverse career equips him to modernize a storied newspaper and discuss why expanding coverage beyond the Twin Cities is essential for relevance in today's evolving media...

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats, introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs p...

Meet Wendy Blackshaw, the driving force behind Minnesota Sports and Events as its President and CEO. Wendy has steered Minnesota towards a remarkable era, attracting an unprecedented variety of world-class events. Her leadership has brought renowned events like the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the record-breaking 2023-2024 Big 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament to Minnesota's doorstep. And there...

Food Trucks are not new concepts, but they are growing in popularity and variety. Two culinary professionals share their entrepreneurial journey in the food industry, which has evolved into Food Trucks. Joseph Phillips is owner and operator of Jersey Jo’s, serving authentic cheese steak sandwiches in Rochester, MN and Chandu Valluri is a partner with Pine Island, MN based Infuzn Foods, delivering...

Pat Sexton is Executive Director of the Rochester Area Builder’s Association in Rochester, Minnesota. The Association is focused solely on construction and advocates for the highest level of professionalism in the building industry. As Rochester braces for a decade of transformative growth, with Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative, Pat acknowledges the inevitability of obstacles along...

Fifteen years ago, amidst the challenges of a divorce, Jen Scheffler-Johnson ignited her passion for creativity by founding her jewelry business, Realia by Jen. Despite the disruption of a global pandemic, Jen's business is flourishing. With an eye for innovation, she has sculpted distinctive jewelry lines and captivating art pieces. Jen's unwavering fascination with the dynamic world of...

Clay Fulton is the frontman for the Rochester, Minnesota band, Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty. After selling his family restaurant in 2020, Clay embarked on a musical journey amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. His band tours throughout the Midwest, and last year performed at the coveted SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Drawing inspiration from folk traditions and the timeless craft of so...

In college, Steve Lange aspired to become a sailboat designer, but his passion for writing and editing steered him onto a different course. For nearly 25 years, he has served as editor of Rochester Magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication known for its award-winning storytelling in Rochester, Minnesota. The magazine has longevity and is celebrating 25 years in print. Steve proudly guides a dedica...

Some recent soccer news in Rochester, Minnesota has generated excitement. Rochester Football Club’s (FC) acquisition of Med City FC marks a pivotal moment, enhancing the regional soccer landscape and offering a clearer developmental pathway for players. This strategic move consolidates top-tier soccer within a unified club, promising heightened opportunities for talent growth. In a prior episode o...

30 years ago, Randy Sampson, CEO and Chairman of Canterbury Park, made a gamble to bring back live horse racing in Shakopee, Minnesota.  It’s paid off, and now, the racetrack, once surrounded by corn fields, is a mecca of development and entertainment, with a 19,000 seat Amphitheater on the horizon. In this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, Randy looks back and is bullish about the futu...