Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Happy National #SmallBusinessWeek! Did you know? 7,946 identified Minnesota firms exported goods worth $23.7 billion in 2023? 85% of Minnesota exporters were small businesses. Exports by small firms totaled $6.1 billion!

NEW: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released today results of a statewide poll showing growing financial stress among Minnesotans, increasing pessimism about the state’s economy and rising concern that taxpayers are not getting the same value for what they pay in state taxes and costs that they have in recent years. mnchamber.com/blog/poll-minn… Follow along for key takeaways.

Despite these economic concerns, Minnesotans continue to see opportunities in the state and express strong confidence in the private sector to lead future growth. • A strong majority of Minnesotans – 73% – say Minnesota is a good place to work. • 63% have confidence in small businesses to do what is best for the state’s economy, with 51% saying they have confidence in business leaders across the state. mnchamber.com/blog/poll-minn…

Minnesotans are looking to state leaders to address affordability challenges, reduce costs and improve accountability in how public funds are managed. Concerns about high state taxes and confidence in government handling of the economy remain significant. • 67% say that state taxes are too high. • 51% say increasing affordability should be the top priority for elected officials, followed by 44% who say reducing taxes. • They name misuse or management of state funds as the biggest issue facing Minnesota. mnchamber.com/blog/poll-minn…

Happy National #SmallBusinessWeek! Did you know: 99.5% of businesses in Minnesota are small organizations, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration? Those businesses employ 45.8% of all employees statewide. While small individually, these businesses have a massive impact.

We know from the 2026 Business Benchmarks that Minnesota ranks 39th in job growth. While state-level factors continue to prohibit job growth, employers like Traci Tapani of Wyoming Machine Inc. are among those trying to reverse that trend by offering high wages, tailored benefits and a work/life balance for their valued employees. Hear from Traci in this segment from Minnesota Live: kstp.com/special-covera…

When you think of Women in Business Minnesota events, THIS is what you should think of. Let’s run through yesterday’s incredible event. Our attendees: • Heard from inspiring, dynamic speakers like Samantha Metcalf of @CLAconnect and Wendy Charon Unglaub of @GeneralMills • Enjoyed the beautiful CLA Connection Center space (patio weather, anyone?) • Spent an afternoon networking with professionals from different industries around the state Many thanks to CLA for hosting the event and to our attendees for their high-level engagement, energy and discussions. But if you missed this event, don’t worry, we’re happy to announce the 2026 Women in Business Minnesota Conference: POWER PLAY on July 22! Join us at Target Field to hear from some of the leading women voices in Minnesota sports! member.mnchamber.com/events/2026-Wo…

The clock is ticking on the 2026 #mnleg session, but there's still time to make meaningful changes that benefit the state's economy. From today's @duluthnews editorial: Minnesota's paid-leave law needs immediate fixes duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/editor…

Elections, elections, elections. With the governor's office, Constitutional officers and all 201 legislators on the ballot in November, @axios Twin Cities' @toreyvanoot shares her insights on Minnesota's political landscape during an election year. #mnleg

Next up, Rep. @Paul_Torkelson speaks to key issues dominating this #mnleg session, including affordability, state spending, taxes, fraud and more. Great insights from a long-time legislator who will be missed as he retires following this session.

Packed house is an understatement. Tons of energy in the room to share Minnesota's business story with legislators for 2026 Chamber Day! #mnleg

The Minnesota Manufacturers' Council meeting closes with a timely discussion on PFAs reporting with @MnPCA Katrina Kessler and Assistant Commissioner Kirk Koudelka. A critical cost and compliance issue facing the state's manufacturers. #mnleg

Starting 2026 Chamber Day with a meeting of the Minnesota Manufacturers' Council. @MCC_DLoon and Council Chair-elect Chad Randick of Hormel Foods kick things off.

📸 Picture-perfect morning to start 2026 Chamber Day at the Capitol!

NEW: The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released its 2026 update on environmental permitting today, tracking progress in reducing timelines, addressing backlogs and improving transparency in Minnesota’s review processes. Be among the first to read the latest scorecard: mnchamber.com/minnesota-cham… #mnleg

Join us in welcoming our 2026 class of Leaders Lab! Via the Grand Rapids Herald-Review: New cohort of emerging leaders to engage on Minnesota’s policy and economic future grandrapidsmn.com/news/new-cohor…