Minnsights Blog

Here we are at the end of 2024, and we want to wish all of you an enjoyable holiday season and a happy new year! Right around the corner, we also have the start of the 2025 legislative session. On January 14, the Legislature will be sworn in, and the next evening, January 15, the Chamber will host our largest event of the year, Session Priorities. This program will feature legislative leaders and the governor, and we expect a robust discussion around business policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

When we bought our house in 2011, it came with something I had never had before—a barn that was built at the turn of the twentieth century. Not a big red barn, but what is known as a carriage barn. With a little hayloft, decent sized room for equipment on the main floor and in the walk-out basement with two horse stalls, two cow stanchions and a cold room hanging meat. Needless to say, none of these amenities will be used for their intended use while we own the house.

Rather than my usual commentary, I’m thrilled to share that I have a guest with me today: Whitney-Lehr Koening, President and Publisher of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She’s joining me here in the office in St. Paul to share a little about the work of the publication and her leadership role there.

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.   

It's been an important week with some noteworthy headlines, and I want to highlight the recently released economic forecast. This forecast offers a snapshot of where our state's budget stands and our economic performance. Released earlier this week, it includes critical data that deserves attention.