Minnsights Blog

Finding skilled workers is one of the toughest challenges facing our members today. The Business Education Network is an employer-led initiative of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation designed to address Minnesota's workforce shortages. Earlier this spring, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Career Exploration Day. Their career expo is not your average career fair.

Coming to you as we are near the end of the 2026 legislative session. I want to give you an update regarding what is happening at the Capitol but also share a little personal news today.

When Waste Wise visited Bellmont Partners during the summer of 2025, they found an employer encouraging sustainable practices. Their environmental initiatives have even been recognized by the City of Edina’s Green Business Recognition Program. The Bellmont Partners office features well-labeled trash, recycling and organic bins throughout the space. They have reusable plates, cups and utensils in the kitchen to cut down on single-use items. All of these are best practices for reuse and recycling.

Coming to you as we are near the end of the 2026 legislative session. I want to give you an update regarding what is happening at the Capitol but also share a little personal news today.

It’s been another busy week at the Chamber, but first I want to highlight the Leadership Minnesota program brought to you by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce for business support and professional development of our membership leaders. We recently visited the Flint Hills Pine Bend Refinery for a tour and briefing, where we discussed the state of Minnesota’s economy and the role of the business community. It was a great group and a terrific experience. Thank you to our friends at Flint Hills for inviting us in and sharing their story, which is important to our state’s economic future.