The Economy - and Operation Metro Surge - By the Numbers

First off, last call for our Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 26! Register by Feb. 18 to ensure you have a spot!

Reviewing 2025’s performance and early indicators for 2026 reveal a mixed but meaningful set of signals—some concerning, some encouraging, all important for Minnesota’s business community to track.

First, the big headline: Canadian tariffs are hitting Minnesota hard. Congressional support for them is waning.

• Minnesota counts Canada as the state’s largest trading partner. In 2024, Minnesota exported $7.5 billion to Canada and imported about $14.7 billion. DEED data from January shows that in the third quarter Minnesota’s exports for farm, mining and manufactured goods were down nearly $1 billion, or 14%, compared with the same time frame in 2024.
• As of Feb 12: exports to Canada from MN continue to fall, now by double digits. And the U.S. House (as of Feb 12) voted to end the tariffs (though not clear if this will make a difference).
• Research from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation released this month showed the effects of the tariffs on the average U.S. household was $1,000 last year.

Across Minnesota, especially here in the Twin Cities - individuals, communities, and businesses continue to feel the effects of the ongoing Operation Metro Surge. With no clear end in sight, we know the human and economic impacts will be long‑lasting. Now more than ever, it’s important that we show up for one another.



We’ve compiled a list of resources to help those affected. Please support where and how it makes sense for you and your organization. Check back often as we continue adding resources.

Young Professionals at the Science Museum of Minnesota



Friday, February 20 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Last call - Register to join us this Friday for our first Young Professionals event of the year! Join other peers at the Science Museum in the evening for a fun night of drinks, treats and science!

MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop



Tuesday, February 24 | 9 AM - 1 PM

The Minnesota Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator provides half-day workshops, offered monthly around the Twin Cities metro area, that will help your company or organization jump start your skills-based practices.

158th Annual Meeting:

Unshakable Leadership

Thursday, February 26 | 5 - 8 PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we bring together more than 700 members, guests, public officials, and community leaders to celebrate the successes shaping our region and the Chamber initiatives driving the St. Paul area forward.

Unshakable: Strength in Every Season

Wednesday, March 11 | 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Come celebrate March Mavericks with the innovators, disruptors, and glass ceiling breakers among us and have a thoughtful dialogue about the limits we've placed on ourselves ... and how we've shattered them. This exceptional, annual event is designed to empower guests from entry-level through C-suite executives through networking, learning from one another, and making authentic connections.  

Chamber Connect: Morning Edition

Thursday, March 19 | 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Join us for a morning of coffee and connection at our upcoming Chamber Connect. These events are low-key networking events aimed at building and strengthening connections, and supporting our member organizations, businesses and venues.

The Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund is a new relief fund — a critical lifeline — created to help preserve the independent gathering places that bring people together and shape local culture.

We invite restaurants — and the people who love these restaurants — across the U.S. to stand with Minnesota on Wednesday, February 18 in a national day of giving to the Salt Cure Fund. We are asking our industry community worldwide to consider donating a portion of their proceeds or to collect donations on this one day of giving to support the restaurants of Minnesota. This day of giving is an act of preservation for the heart of Minnesota’s food culture, serving those that serve our community. Participant sign up form.

Following the 50-block expansion of the Saint Paul Downtown Improvement District (SPDID) in 2025, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance announced 892,275 actions were taken between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2025, to provide a safer, cleaner downtown for everyone. These on-the-ground analytics were tracked monthly by the SPDID and include actions such as trash and waste pickup, hospitality and wayfinding assistance, graffiti removal, and requesting EMS and welfare support. The ambassadors have also enhanced safety in downtown by providing a proactive presence, such as addressing anti-social behavior, encouraging compliance with safety standards, and serving as a frontline resource before police or Metro Transit police involvement is necessary. READ MORE

Applications are being accepted for the 2026 Inclusive Workplaces Cohort!

The Inclusive Workplaces Cohort is an executive leadership learning program designed to help organizations take meaningful steps toward creating inclusive, welcoming workplaces.

Why participate?

• Connect with other business leaders committed to building positive work environments.
• Position your organization as a leader in fostering an inclusive culture.
• Gain practical strategies to strengthen inclusion in your workplace.

The application deadline is Friday, March 6. Visit the Inclusive Workplaces Cohort webpage for additional details and to apply.  

Don't miss out on these upcoming events at the Science Museum of Minnesota:

• Omnifest starts Feb. 26 for a month!
• Museum Nights are on Fridays, and some offer backstage tours!
• Science Celebration gala will be April 30

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has announced Ana Birtzer as Director of Commercial Loan and Deposit Operations. In this role, Birtzer will be responsible for leading the Business Operations Department, overseeing business lending processing, loan servicing, and enterprise-wide business services to ensure efficient, compliant operations. She will also provide strategic direction and system oversight to support organizational goals, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure secure, effective management of business loan platforms. 

Click here to read the full press release on our website 

Great Chefs of Grand Avenue is an upscale culinary experience that brings together the finest restaurants along St. Paul’s historic Grand Avenue. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the avenue’s rich diversity and charm while drawing community members from near and far to savor everything that makes Grand Avenue special.

Beyond the food, the event fuels meaningful impact—proceeds support the Grand Avenue Business Association, beautification initiatives along the avenue, and the nonprofit Women’s Advocates. Bid during the Silent Auction to help raise funds! We are currently taking donations for the Silent Auction. Email info@grandave.com if your business is interested in donating.

Frauenshuh is proud to announce the appointment of Matt Frauenshuh as Chief Executive Officer. David Frauenshuh, the company’s founder, will move from CEO to Chairman, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the firm’s core values. 

Incoming CEO Matt Frauenshuh brings a lifetime of experience within the family-run organization. In addition to his new role, Matt will continue to serve as CEO and Owner of Fourteen Foods, currently the largest operator of Dairy Queen franchises in the United States. His deep knowledge of the organization and strong commitment to Frauenshuh’s clients make him uniquely qualified to lead Frauenshuh into the future.  Find out more about Frauenshuh at www.frauenshuh.com

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation (Foundation) has named Jennifer McHugh Executive Director. In her new role, McHugh will serve as the Foundation’s chief executive, responsible for strategy, grantmaking, programming, governance, and operations. She reports to the RCU Foundation Board of Directors and will serve as the Board’s primary liaison. 

“The Foundation Board is confident that Jennifer’s leadership will help us continue to build strong, trusted relationships with our donors, grant applicants, funding recipients, and community partners,” said John Sackett, RCU Foundation President. “We are excited to partner with her to continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve.” Read the FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

The American Cancer Society - Taste of Hope Twin Cities is an elevated culinary experience benefiting is being held on March 12, 2026 at Orchestra Hall. Designed as an evening of exceptional cuisine and meaningful connection, the event brings together acclaimed chefs, distinguished partners, and a purpose-driven community for a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates resilience, honors those impacted by cancer, and inspires hope. Together, guests transform a night of refined tasting into lasting impact—fueling lifesaving research, patient support, and prevention efforts, and supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Taste with purpose. Leave with hope. Click here to purchase tickets.

Funding Available to Support Healthier Workplaces in Minneapolis 

The Minneapolis Health Department is now accepting applications for a funding opportunity designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations create healthier, more supportive workplaces. 

Through the Healthy Worksites Microgrants Program, eligible organizations can receive up to $3,000, along with hands-on technical assistance, to start or strengthen workplace wellness initiatives that support employees’ physical and mental health.

Applying is simple:

• Visit the City of Minneapolis RFP webpage

• Select Current Opportunities

• Search for HLTH_2026 Healthy Worksites Program Follow the instructions to submit your application

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Take the next step toward a healthier workplace—apply today.

Union Depot welcomes 2026 with a year-long Centennial celebration. Visitors will be able to learn more about the rich history of this iconic Saint Paul landmark, celebrate the anniversary during Train Days and other events, purchase special edition Centennial merchandise, and more throughout the year.

Xfinity Unveils Breakthrough Viewing Experiences for 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Comcast’s Xfinity is bringing customers its most dynamic Olympic Games viewing experience ever for this year’s 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina!  

Anchored by Fan View, Multiview, and RealTime4K – new technologies making their Olympic debuts – Xfinity is delivering customers the fastest, most immersive and personalized viewing experience available anywhere.    

Fan View Puts Viewers in Control With thousands of hours of coverage across NBC, USA Network, CNBC and Peacock, Xfinity’s Fan View is the easiest way to find and watch the action, no matter where it’s airing. 

Never Miss a Moment with Multiview Fans can watch up to four channels of NBCUniversal’s coverage at the same time with Xfinity Multiview - no flipping required. Plus, with the new “Create Your Own Multiview,” fans can customize their multiview experience by choosing the channels they want to watch. 

Spoiler-Free Viewing with RealTime4K Xfinity customers can enjoy USA Network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics with its new RealTime4K technology, delivered to the home just seconds behind the action in Milan Cortina. 

Xfinity is the ultimate destination to watch every moment, medal, and memory of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games! 

Applications are now open for Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) Plan It! and ¡Planéalo! (Spanish Language Version) Spring Entrepreneur Training Cohorts.

This comprehensive four-month program equips entrepreneurs with the essential skills, strategies, and expert guidance needed to turn ideas into an actionable, solid business plan that sets their ventures up for long-term success.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Applications close February 9th. Learn more and apply today at: 

https://www.ndc-mn.org/entrepreneur-training/

Saint Paul's Department of Planning and Economic Development launched a newly revamped Business Resource webpage. The new page is meant to be a "one stop" site to learn about resources across City departments and partners.

Discover how the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more inclusive workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. 

The Women’s Professional Committee is taking time to reimagine how we support and uplift women in our business community. Your voice and experiences matter, and we want to ensure our work truly reflects what you need and value. By responding to this short survey, you’ll help shape our 2026 programs, events, and connection opportunities—so they feel meaningful, relevant, and supportive to women at every stage of their career.

Thank you for taking a moment to share your perspective. It genuinely makes a difference.

DEED’s business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.

Trying to grow your business? Minnesota’s tax credits programs can help. Businesses must meet certain criteria to be eligible for tax credits. Requirements are set by each program.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 and includes $10 billion for state, territory and tribal business finance programs. Minnesota has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for up to $97 million for small business financing support. This is the second SSBCI initiative – Minnesota received $15 million through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Minnesota will receive funds in three disbursements over several years. DEED has received the initial disbursement of approximately $29.5 million. Watch the webinar recording providing information on the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Program Overview.

We are excited to partner with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the 2026 National Civics Bee to our community! This nationally recognized competition promotes civic engagement among students. Middle school students can submit an essay about civics and win prizes. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm Hawaii Time.

Learn more: https://www.nationalcivicsbee.org/