Minnsights Blog

Recently, the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation celebrated it's 30th anniversary by united current and former team members, board members and community partners. Since its inception in 1994, starting with the 'It’s in the Bag' program and a focus on blue wrap in healthcare, the industry has evolved significantly. 

Located in Owatonna, Bushel Boy Farms is growing tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers year-round. Yes, right here in Minnesota! With 32 acres of indoor greenhouses, there is a blend of natural and mechanical lighting used to nurture plant health and fruit flavor. Bushel Boy Farms opted to upgrade from the high intensity discharge lighting family of high-pressure sodium lamps at 840 watts per bulb to more efficient LED lamps.   

Despite the many changes that Minnesota’s economy experienced over the past two years, its labor market has remained remarkably stable. Minnesota ended December 2023 with a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9%. The December before that in 2022, the state’s unemployment rate was also 2.9%. And the December before that in 2021, it was nearly identical at 3.0%. At the core of this stable job market lies two factors: one positive and one negative. 

Gruber Pallets Inc. (GPI) was looking for ways to reduce their energy bills and brighten their dark production area when they connected with Energy Smart. GPI is a family-owned business in Lake Elmo, Minnesota that builds, repairs and supplies pallets.  

Recently, Whitney Harvey, Senior Director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation conducted a staff training and DEI assessment for Chamber member Intek Plastics. Watch this short video into how Intek is implementing actionable DEI practices in their workplace including free ESL classes and utilizing fellow Chamber member INGCO International for on-demand translation services for employees.