Thank you to @LisaDemuthMN and @amyklobuchar for joining us today and sharing their perspectives on the issues that matter most to Minnesota's business community. And thank you to @thauserkstp for moderating, and to Madden’s on Gull Lake for hosting today's forum.

Spirited discussion between both candidates on issues important to Minnesota's economy: growth, taxes, regulations, AI, fraud and more.

Good morning from Madden’s on Gull Lake where we're set to host a gubernatorial forum featuring @LisaDemuthMN and @amyklobuchar. Follow along at 9:30 a.m. with the livestream via @KSTP : kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/…

However, the report also identifies several challenges. A central concern is that Minnesota continues to trail regional peers in business expansion project activity. The state ranked 10th among 12 Midwestern states in site selection projects per million residents from 2019 to 2025, with the same ranking in 2025. mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

Minnesota has seen positive momentum in industries including aerospace, pharmaceutical and medical goods, industrial machinery, data centers and semiconductor manufacturing, R&D and digital technologies. These represent areas of strength across both mature and emerging industries that could be further leveraged. mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

In this week’s Minnesota Business Podcast, the Chamber Foundation’s Sean O'Neil discusses the new report on the state of business retention and expansion in Minnesota. The report shows that while several advanced industries are experiencing notable investment and job growth, Minnesota continues to lag regional peers in expansion project activity. PODCAST: open.spotify.com/episode/3Pg… REPORT: mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

MEDIA ADVISORY: Planning to cover Monday’s Minnesota gubernatorial forum? To request access, email [email protected] by Friday, October 16, with your outlet name, reporter’s name and day-of contact information. Media credentials are required and subject to Minnesota Chamber approval.

But the challenges can’t be overlooked as Minnesota continues to trail regional peers in business expansion project activity. The state ranked 10th among 12 Midwestern states in site selection projects per million residents from 2019 to 2025, with the same ranking in 2025. mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

Areas where the report finds Minnesota is doing well include elevated business expansion counts and how employers are investing in workforce training and upskilling. mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

Are Minnesota businesses expanding here? How do we compare to our neighboring states? A new report from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s Grow Minnesota! program finds some encouraging signs of growth, alongside challenges that could impact Minnesota’s long-term competitiveness. Read more in the 2026 State of Business Retention and Expansion in Minnesota: mnchamber.com/2026-state-bus…

And now the moment we've all been waiting for. The winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota is... Bair Hugger Warming System by Solventum! Congratulations to the team at Solventum and thank you for making this very cool product right here in Minnesota! Thank you to BMO for their sponsorship of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota!

🏆 We’re announcing the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota in just a couple hours! Stay tuned to hear who takes home the title!

TODAY is the day! We're announcing the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota LIVE at the 2026 Manufacturers' Summit. Watch this short video to meet this year's finalists and learn about their incredible Minnesota-made products. #CoolestThingMN | BMO

The clock is ticking: just hours left to vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota! Head to CoolestThingMN.com to cast your vote for the winner! | BMO

And finally, the Vistabule Teardrop Trailer, handcrafted in St. Paul. CoolestThingMN.com Compact yet spacious, the Vistabule is designed to make getting outside simple and comfortable. It features a panoramic front window, a queen-size sleeping area and a fully equipped galley kitchen, all in a compact package that is easy to tow. With a range of customization options, the Vistabule combines thoughtful design with modern comfort, whether it’s headed out for a weekend getaway or an off-grid adventure.

Our third finalist takes Minnesota innovation into the skies. The Fire Boss aerial firefighting system from Wipaire in South St. Paul is the original amphibious aerial firefighting system designed exclusively for the AT-802 aircraft. CoolestThingMN.com Built right here in Minnesota, Fire Boss aircraft can scoop water directly from lakes and other water sources before returning to the fire zone to drop it on wildfires. More than 200 Fire Boss aircraft are operating around the world, helping protect communities, homes and property from wildfires. And that impact is right here in Minnesota, too, with Fire Boss aircraft recently deployed on firefighting missions near Ely. It’s a powerful example of Minnesota manufacturing solving a problem that reaches far beyond our borders.

Next is the Bair Hugger Warming System from Solventum. CoolestThingMN.com Used throughout the surgical journey, the Bair Hugger system helps maintain a patient’s normal body temperature during surgery and supports positive patient experiences and clinical outcomes. By helping reduce the risk of complications associated with unintended hypothermia, this Minnesota-made innovation plays an important role in patient care, helping medical teams keep patients warm when it matters most.

There’s still time to vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota at CoolestThingMN.com! Since we’re announcing the winner on Tuesday, October 6, we thought it’d be a good time to learn more about our four incredible finalists. First up is the Trackchair from ATZ Manufacturing in Marshall. This all-terrain wheelchair is designed to help people with mobility challenges experience the outdoors with greater freedom. Its patented track system allows it to navigate terrain that traditional wheelchairs simply can’t, including sand, mud, snow and even water. With adjustable seating, intuitive joystick controls and a range of models and accessories, the Trackchair opens the door to new adventures and makes the great outdoors more accessible.

WATCH: The Minnesota Chamber's Elizabeth Sherry has all the details you need to vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota at CoolestThingMN.com AND How to register for the 2026 Manufacturers' Summit + Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota Awards: member.mnchamber.com/events/… BMO

Just 8 products left and you get to pick the FOUR Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota finalists! Vote now before the Sunday, 11:59 p.m. deadline! CoolestThingMN.com | BMO