DEED Commissioner to convene roundtables with local leaders statewide in support of Minnesota businesses.



Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Press Release


*For Immediate Release*




Alicia Cordes

[email protected]




May 8, 2026

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DEED Launches “Choose Minnesota” Initiative  

*St. Paul, Minn.* — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced the launch of the “Choose Minnesota” initiative, a statewide effort to encourage ongoing support for local businesses and to strengthen Minnesota’s economy.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and this year many have faced unprecedented challenges. It’s more important than ever for Minnesotans to show up and support the businesses that help our communities thrive,” said *DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek*. “The way Minnesotans came together to support their neighbors has inspired people across the country over the past few months. We show up for each other, and Choose Minnesota is about encouraging people to continue this kind of community building to support local businesses and strengthen our economy.”

As part of the initiative, DEED will partner with business owners and other leaders to host a series of roundtables – all of which are open to credentialed members of the press – in communities across the state this summer. These conversations will highlight the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and identify ways Minnesotans can support local businesses that power local economies. The first roundtable will take place in St. Cloud next Monday, May 11, with additional roundtables being planned in communities statewide in the months ahead. The roundtables will also provide an opportunity for business owners to share their experiences and connect with partners and leaders working to support economic resilience in communities across Minnesota.

The Choose Minnesota initiative focuses on the impact of supporting local businesses — from shopping and dining to products, services and experiences — not only as an economic driver, but also as a way to strengthen connections and foster shared pride across the state. By encouraging Minnesotans to support local and neighborhood businesses, the initiative aims to increase foot traffic, boost visibility for small enterprises and reinforce collective investment in local success.

The initiative will also feature online resources [ [link removed] ] and social media engagement designed to help Minnesotans support local businesses, share their experiences and encourage others to take part.

Choose Minnesota serves as a reminder that everyday decisions — like where to shop, dine or do business — have meaningful impacts on local economies. DEED and its partners encourage residents, organizations and businesses to take part in supporting Minnesota’s small businesses year-round.

For more information about the Choose Minnesota initiative, visit mn.gov/deed/choosemn [ [link removed] ]. To RSVP and obtain details for the roundtable in St. Cloud on Monday, May 11, please contact Sammy at [email protected].

"DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting the_ _""_DEED website [ [link removed] ], Do Business [ [link removed] ], _""_CareerForce.MN.gov [ [link removed] ]_"", or by following us on social media [ [link removed] ]. "

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"Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161."





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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development · Great Northern Building, 180 E 5th St Suite 1200, St. Paul, MN 55101 · (800) 657-3858 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]