Episode 104: The 2026 Business Benchmarks report shows the state trailing in several key indicators

The 2026 Business Benchmarks report shows the state trailing in several key indicators. Hormel hands out thousands of free turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. Later, the risks of paid family and medical leave ahead of its January 1 launch date.

Episode 103: What small businesses need to know as Paid Family and Medical Leave rapidly approaches

Xcel Energy files plans to expand its clean-energy projects in Minnesota. Home affordability in the Twin Cities continues to decline. Later, what small businesses need to know as Paid Family and Medical Leave rapidly approaches.

Episode 102: Control of the Minnesota State Senate has been decided

Delta Air Lines unveils new uniforms. Control of the Minnesota State Senate has been decided. And later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of its "economic imperative for growth initiative" and invites you to the upcoming Economic Summit.

Episode 101: What you need to know about Minnesota's fluorescent light ban taking effect in 2026

U.S. Bank is set to become the NFL's official bank. What factors are changing the way Minnesota consumers spend their money? And later, what you need to know about Minnesota's fluorescent light ban taking effect in 2026.

Episode 100: Anxiety grows for employers about the Paid Family and Medical Leave program

Anxiety grows for employers about the Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Enrollment is rising at Minnesota colleges. Later, why are Republicans struggling to find a strong candidate for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat?

Episode 99: What changes are CEOs making in hiring plans in the next year?

The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal names its 2026 Executive of the Year. Director of Paid Family and Medical Leave at DEED, Greg Norfleet, discusses the upcoming program with Chamber President and CEO, Doug Loon. Later, what changes are CEOs making in hiring plans in the next year?

Episode 98: And the ‘Coolest Thing’ made in Minnesota is..?

The 2025 winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest is revealed. Minnesota Power breaks ground on a new project. Later, what factors are boosting economic activity in downtown St. Paul?

Episode 97: What factors make manufacturing one of the most expensive and complex industries to operate?

The Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest is narrowed down to four finalists. Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber, discusses the upcoming Paid Family and Medical Leave program with Senator Nick Frentz. Later, what factors make manufacturing one of the most expensive and complex industries to operate?

Episode 96: A conversation with Representative Dave Baker on the upcoming Paid Family and Medical Leave program

Delta hopes to develop a hybrid electric jet. Tim Walz has questionable approval of his third campaign for governor. Later, a conversation with Representative Dave Baker on the upcoming Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Episode 95: Governor Tim Walz announces he is seeking a third term

The “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest is down to its top 16 products. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is again ranked the top “mega” airport in North America. Later, Governor Tim Walz announces he is seeking a third term.

Episode 94: The job-scam text targeting Gen-Z job seekers

The “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest heats up. Minnesota House Democrats choose a new caucus leader. Later, the job-scam text targeting Gen-Z job seekers.

Episode 93: Public voting is now open for the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest

Public voting is now open for the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest. Vice President J.D. Vance visits the families of the Annunciation tragedy in Minneapolis. Later, what jobs have the biggest growth potential over the next decade?

Episode 92: Community rallies around the victims of a Minneapolis school and church shooting

Community rallies around the victims of a Minneapolis school and church shooting. Google is committing $1 billion to expand artificial intelligence training at U.S. colleges. Later, the results of the Minnesota Senate special election primary are in.

Episode 91: The Great Minnesota Get-Together is officially underway

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is officially underway. Representative Kristin Robbins joins the race for Minnesota Governor. Later, Workers are increasingly job hugging or clinging to their current roles instead of seeking new opportunities.

Episode 90: Why manufacturing matters for Minnesota’s economy

The Pohlad family is keeping the Minnesota Twins. The race is ramping up for late-Representative Melissa Hortman’s seat. Later, a conversation on why manufacturing matters to Minnesota’s economy.

Episode 89: Security changes take effect at the Minnesota State Capitol

Two Minnesota-based CEOs are named to Fortune’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Security changes take effect at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Episode 88: St. Paul responds to a massive cyber-attack

The Vikings kick off their 2025 training camp. St. Paul responds to a massive cyber-attack. Later, consumer sentiment declines in the Twin Cities.

Episode 87: Senator Tina Smith is hospitalized in Washington

Three Minnesota-based companies are named among the nation’s top sales organizations. Senator Tina Smith is hospitalized in Washington. Later, AI-fueled layoffs are seeing a unique fallout. What industries are being hit the hardest?

Episode 86: Nominations are now open for the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest

Nominations are now open for the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest. The Minnesota Vikings pledge to donate $500,000 following the devastating flooding in Texas. Later, Senator John Hoffman and his wife are released from the hospital following an attack in June.

Episode 85: Minnesota Chamber and Consulate General of Canada discuss growing trade ties

Mesabi Metallics plans to open its long-delayed taconite mine in early 2026. The Federal Reserve hints at future rate cuts. And later, Minnesota Chamber President Doug Loon and Canadian Consul General in Minneapolis Beth Richardson discuss the growing trade ties between Minnesota and Canada.

Episode 84: Minnesota lawmakers victims of targeted attacks

Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband are murdered, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife severely injured following brazen attack. Xcel Energy announces its new executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, provides a message of unity following a rise in political violence.

Episode 83: What did and did not pass for business in the 2025 legislative session

Delta Air Lines is reviving two long-dormant routes from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Small business optimism increases in May. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, lays out what did, and did not pass for business in the 2025 legislative session.

Episode 82: The Federal Reserve has lifted its asset cap on Wells Fargo

The Federal Reserve has lifted its asset cap on Wells Fargo. Amazon is expanding in the Northland. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, gives the latest update as to what is happening at the Legislature.

Episode 81: Grow Minnesota!® releases its latest State of business retention and expansion report

Grow Minnesota!® releases its latest State of business retention and expansion report. A proposed $14.9 billion partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel has received approval. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, lays out the progress being made at the Capitol and previews the Chamber’s Statewide Policy Tour.

Episode 80: The 2025 legislative session adjourns with little progress

Medtronic will spin off its massive diabetes business. The regular legislative session has adjourned with little progress. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, joins the Chamber’s Senior Director of Economic Research to discuss the Foundation’s new report on productivity and innovation.

Episode 79: Action needed as the 2025 legislative session wraps up

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation releases a report on productivity and innovation in the state. Arctic Cat’s new ownership says it will rehire most of the nearly 500 employees at its Thief River Falls plant. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the need for action as the 2025 legislative session wraps up.

Episode 78: The Minnesota Senate passes earned sick and safe time modifications

The Minnesota Senate passes earned sick and safe time modifications. Medtronic launches an initiative aimed at guiding low-income students into health care technology careers. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the looming Paid Family and Medical Leave mandate with Brooke Lee, CEO of Anchor Paper Company.

Episode 77: Target is holding prices steady despite steep tariffs on Chinese imports

Target is holding prices steady despite steep tariffs on Chinese imports. The Mankato Regional Airport is moving forward with long-anticipated upgrades. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the looming Paid Family and Medical Leave mandate with a Minnesota business leader.

Episode 76: Amazon is expanding its footprint in southern Minnesota

Amazon is expanding its footprint in southern Minnesota. Minnesota lawmakers returned from spring break with less than a month to finalize the state’s two-year budget. Later, Doug Loon and Lauryn Schothorst of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce discuss the looming Paid Family and Medical Leave mandate and its potential impact on business.

Episode 75: The Xcel Energy Center is getting a new name

The Xcel Energy Center is getting a new name. Tariffs continue to throw a wrench in the U.S. economy. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the need for bipartisanship as the Legislature enters its final month.

Episode 74: Minnesota’s trade outlook following a chaotic week with tariffs

Americans’ eating habits are shaking up the food industry. St. Paul’s rent control ordinance is back on the table. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the state’s trade outlook following a chaotic week with tariffs.

Episode 73: Delta Air Lines introduces new perks for corporate travelers

Delta Air Lines introduces new perks for corporate travelers. Sweeping tariffs grip the nation. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the current political landscape in St. Paul from Chamber Day at the Capitol.

Episode 72: The Minnesota Chamber Foundation releases its Permitting Efficiency Scorecard

HealthPartners is moving forward with plans for a new $400 million Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater. Governor Walz orders all state employees back to the office starting in June. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses the permitting efficiency scorecard that was recently released by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation.

Episode 71: Xcel Energy to launch a voluntary time-of-use pricing program

Xcel Energy is launching a voluntary time-of-use pricing program. Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a new bill to legalize sports betting. Later, Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, discusses how Minnesota can remain competitive with neighboring economies.