Minnsights Blog

It’s been an exciting week as public voting kicked off Tuesday for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest. We began with 64 incredible products, and that number will shrink to 32 on Monday. Head to coolestthingmn.com to cast your vote today and the weeks that follow – matchups include everything from chocolate bars and fireplace inserts to RVs and massive laser cutters. All of which are proudly made right here in Minnesota!

It’s been a great week. I spent much of it in Northern Minnesota meeting with chamber members and other business leaders to talk about our state’s economic direction and the political outlook heading into next year’s elections. With all constitutional offices, the full Senate, and the House on the ballot, we’re closely monitoring developments and engaging on behalf of the Chamber to ensure balance at the Legislature and a strong foundation for Minnesota’s economic future.

It’s been a busy week as I traveled to participate in the Annual Meeting of the National Association of State Chambers, where about 150 state chamber professionals from across the country gathered to discuss best practices for ensuring state chambers remain strong advocates for their members and drivers of state economic performance.

Minnesota’s manufacturing sector plays an outsized role in the state’s economy. It is the state’s second largest sector and has a disproportionate impact on other industries. When manufacturing grows, it spurs activity in construction, real estate, professional services, utilities and other industries that supply the needs of local manufacturers.

The kickoff of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota started, and you can nominate your favorite Minnesota product today. You can do that through August 15, so you’ve got a couple of weeks. We’ll announce the first bracket of voting of those most favorite things right here in Minnesota that you nominate.