The Minnesota Business Podcast

Nominations are open for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest. The state provides a 6- month update on its paid leave program. Later, Chamber President Doug Loon sits down with Ecolab's Christophe Beck to discuss the future of Minnesota's economy.

Minnesota Power breaks ground on a modernization project in northeastern Minnesota. 3M signs a long-term supply agreement with Airbus, strengthening its role in the aerospace supply chain. Later, Minnesota Chamber President and CEO Doug Loon reflects on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The University of Minnesota renames Williams Arena. The Special Olympics commence in the Twin Cities. Later, who has the most cash on hand in the race for Minnesota governor?

Mesabi Metallics begins to hire nearly 200 new employees. Ecolab is expanding aggressively into the data center and AI infrastructure space. Later, Chamber President and CEO, Doug Loon, covers the organization's trip to the nation's capital this week.

The Minnesota Vikings select a new General Manager, Minnesota's August primary races take shape, with several competitive contests on the ballot. Later, some welcome relief at the gas pump.

Cargill announces a revolutionary chocolate alternative. The race for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat heats up. Later, retail rents in the Twin Cities are rising faster than the national average.

Target reports its strongest sales growth in four years. The Minnesota Vikings are selected to host the 2028 NFL Draft. Later, what passed this legislative session, what didn't and what it means for your business.

The Chamber Foundation release its Minnesota's economic imperative: A blueprint for growth report. The Legislature finalizes several bills as the 2026 Session nears adjournment. Later, President and CEO Doug Loon shares an update on the Minnesota Chamber.

A statewide poll shows that taxes and affordability remain top concerns for Minnesotans. Minnesota lawmakers are moving quickly on anti-fraud legislation. Later, what caused U.S. stocks to reach record highs this week?

Target requires more workers to return to its downtown Minneapolis office. Governor Tim Walz delivers his final State of the State address. Later, Chamber President and CEO, Doug Loon, lays out the business priorities still in play at the Legislature.

Best Buy names a new CEO. Minnesota lawmakers are moving closer to advancing a statewide Inspector General proposal. Later, a new program helping businesses recover costs due to tariffs.

3M provides its Peltor headsets to astronauts aboard Artemis II. Minnesota is set to get its first virtual power plant. Later, Axios Political Reporter Torey Van Oot provides a sneak peek into the 2026 election cycle.

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation releases its 2026 permitting scorecard update. U.S. Bank enters a multi-year partnership with the National Football League. Later, Meghan Hughes, Head of Workforce Development, Arts and Heritage at Bank of America, explains why skills-based hiring is key to building and retaining Minnesota's workforce.

U.S. Bank is partnering with Amazon to launch two new credit cards designed for small-business owners. The Minnesota Legislature is facing a gridlock with few major bills advancing. Later, Chamber President Doug Loon lays out the three major tax provisions that will make Minnesota more competitive.

The Minnesota Vikings launch a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft. Governor Walz and the Legislature work to combat fraud. Later, stick around to hear a special segment on two Minnesota powerhouses, DigiKey and Arctic Cat.

Niron Magnetics plans a massive expansion. Governor Tim Walz announces his 2026 supplemental budget proposal. Later, the Chamber's Lauryn Schothorst shares key findings from a recent PFML survey conducted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Target is reducing prices on thousands of items. Ecolab unveils its largest expansion in the company's history. Later, legislation banning surveillance pricing threatens to disrupt retailers in Minnesota. 

Google is behind a proposed data center in Hermantown. The February budget forecast highlights the need for policies to boost economic growth. Later, the war in Iran's economic impact on U.S. soil.

Xcel Energy will power a new Google data center in Pine Island. Cirrus continues to lead the U.S. general aviation industry. Later, Chamber President Doug Loon lays out how last month's CEO letter came to be.

The Minnesota Chamber hosts its annual Session Priorities event and lays out the business community's policy priorities. A coalition of major Minnesota companies band together to fight metastatic cancer. Later, a lightning round featuring all four legislative leaders.

The surge of federal agents in Minnesota is expected to come to an end. Mayo Clinic receives a $100 million gift from the Marriot Foundation. Later, Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave program sees some fraudulent applications.

A group of Minnesota companies contribute funding for small businesses affected by immigration enforcement. A frontrunner emerges in the GOP race for governor following precinct caucuses. Later, what factors are leading to a cooling job market?

More than 60 Minnesota CEOs sign an open letter calling for resolve following recent immigration enforcement. Mortenson and Greiner Construction are selected to lead general contracting work on the planned Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame. Later, Senator Amy Klobuchar enters the race for Minnesota Governor.

Increased immigration enforcement creates uncertainty in the state's construction sector. Michele Tafoya announces her bid for U.S. Senate. Later, hear how one Minnesota manufacturer is navigating workforce challenges in the state.

Federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities is taking a toll on local businesses. Sun Country Airlines and Allegiant propose a $1.5 billion merger. Later, what sector is leading job growth in Minnesota?