Minnsights Blog

Last week marked the 100th episode of the Minnesota Business Podcast — and I’m so grateful to everyone who tunes in each week to stay informed and engaged in what’s happening across Minnesota’s business community. In this episode, I cover two important updates: the state’s new phase-out of fluorescent light bulbs (and how our Energy Smart program can help you make the switch) and a reminder that the Paid Family and Medical Leave program is right around the corner.

Last week, we hosted our 2025 Workplace Compliance Conference, designed to help businesses better understand and prepare for the sweeping changes to Minnesota’s workplace regulations that have been rolling out since 2024. We now stand at the doorstep of the largest of those new mandates — the Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026. Now’s the time for businesses and employees alike to prepare for this new reality.

Each Allina Green Team started when a few motivated employees came forward with an idea. As the Environmental Sustainability Manager for more than 100 Allina Health locations, Suzanne Hansen is responsible for supporting these motivated employees in creating their Green Teams, assisting them with setting and measuring goals, and communicating their successes to the wider organization and public.

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program launches in January 2026 – and employers are already preparing for what’s ahead. I sat down with Greg Norfleet from DEED on the Minnesota Business Podcast to talk about how the program is being built, what’s next for businesses and how the Chamber is helping members navigate compliance.

It was an exciting moment to announce this year’s winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest during our 2025 Manufacturers’ Summit. From aerospace innovation to rugged defense vehicles, this year’s finalists showcased the best of Minnesota’s manufacturing talent and creativity. After tens of thousands of votes poured in from across the state, I was proud to crown Polaris and their MRZR Alpha as this year’s winner – a product built in Roseau that helps protect and serve allied forces around the world.