lunch take | Minnesota's Fortune 500 Plateau + Minneapolis Precincts that Sunk Change Campaign
12.1.25
She’s been pivotal in influencing civic leadership in Minnesota – shaping it for decades to come. Congratulations to Ballinger | Leafblad co-founder Marcia Ballenger on her retirement.
Snow emergencies continue in Minneapolis and St. Paul. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/44Id44b
The data reflected in the most-recent Drought Monitor was collected before our snowy holiday weekend – next one comes out Thursday. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
Over in Wisconsin, a guy is two months into a year of foraging his own food. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3Mh5APf
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pIs7TH
Sunday Take on WCCO Radio this week was a recap of Thanksgiving week and previews what to watch this holiday season and into 2026. And a replay the recent interview he had with the new Saint Paul Mayor - elect Kaohly Her. The take focuses on how to revitalize our urban neighborhoods – especially St. Paul. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4pa02oi
Blois
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Fluence Advisory hosted a cannabis forum on the “State of Cannabis in Minnesota including an interview with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management Eric Taubel.
FIRST: A snub from WalletHub:
Not only are none of the most fun cities in Minnesota, they’re not even in any neighboring states. FULL LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4pjnVtW
But then there’s this from Realtor.com: “In the heart of the Midwest is a metro that stands as the nation’s most approachable, and perhaps surprising, luxury market: Minneapolis.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4os1LV2
TO THE NEWS…
THIS MORNING: Attorney Chris Madel is announced his bid for governor. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4iBkcp0
MORE: Via release from the Madel campaign, VERBATIM: “Madel—who grew up in Waseca, Minnesota—is a prominent trial attorney in Minnesota who specializes in high-profile investigations and litigation. Notable clients include Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan, Liz Collin, Alpha News, and the Special Litigation Committee of the Fiesta Bowl. Madel announced his campaign in a press conference at his law firm’s office, detailing Tim Walz’s failed leadership and previewing Madel’s vision for Minnesota. During the press conference, Madel explained he will focus on fighting crime, supporting law enforcement, making Minnesota more affordable, revitalizing Minnesota’s economy, and ensuring educational excellence.”
41A: Via news release from the Birkeland campaign, VERBATIM: “Civil rights attorney Cole Birkeland of Lake Elmo on Monday announced his campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent district 41A. The district includes northern Cottage Grove, Afton, Lake Elmo, the townships of Baytown, West Lakeland and Denmark, and a portion of Grant. In announcing his run for the seat currently held by Republican Wayne Johnson, Birkeland cited the need to move from the extreme partisanship Johnson’s voting record represents.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M6sfOp
52A: Via news release from the Jensen campaign, VERBATIM: “Assistant Ramsey County Attorney and long-time Dakota County resident, Christos Jensen announces his campaign for the Minnesota House Seat in District 52A. The seat is currently occupied by Liz Reyer, who is now seeking the Senate seat in District 52, which includes parts of Eagan and Burnsville.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4p95Q1f
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Reformer, VERBATIM: “Minnesota on Jan. 1 will become the 13th state to launch its own state-run paid family and medical leave program. Paid leave grants Minnesota workers up to 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave per year, capped at 20 weeks in a single year. Employers and workers will pay into a fund through a payroll tax, and wages are determined by a wage-based formula — the maximum a person on leave can receive is $1,423 per week.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3M7JPBz
MORE: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has information and resources for employers – including a clock counting down to the program’s implementation. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/3Xo3FLj The state has resources for employers and employees HERE: https://fluence-media.co/48qrB5L
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Chamber is a Fluence sponsor)
THIS WEEK: Via Minnesota House, VERBATIM: “On Thursday, December 4, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Representative Kristi Pursell (DFL-Northfield) and DFL members of the House Health Committee will host a listening session focused on rural healthcare affordability in Red Wing, Minnesota. Rep. Pursell and House Health committee members will hold a series of listening sessions in rural Minnesota through the end of the year to hear directly from residents about how rural clinic closures and the crisis of rural health care affordability and accessibility are impacting them.”
BROADBAND: Comcast is rewriting the broadband playbook in the Twin Cities. From neighborhood networks to next-gen tech, we’re delivering community-first internet connectivity with no contracts, no surprises. The new Xfinity package means unlimited data, blazing-fast, reliable speeds and a 5-year price guarantee, plus free mobile for a year. It’s not the old Comcast — it’s a bold new era of connection. Let’s power the future, together. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/Comcast2025-1 (SPONSORED: Comcast)
BUSINESS BIG AND SMALL
THE LIST: Via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minnesota has long boasted one of the most robust Fortune 500 economies in the nation, but the state’s representation of 15 to 20 corporations hasn’t changed much in the past 20 years. Why it matters: Minnesota’s economic success has typically come through hometown companies growing big versus luring in existing ones from other places. It could use some more of that, with signs of slowing economic growth and struggles at the state’s biggest employers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4penOQa
RETAIL: Among the “winners” in Retail Dive’s wrap up of Black Friday: Target. VERBATIM: “With many retailers offering similar discounts on similar products, differentiation for consumers is harder to come by. Companies who offered exclusive gifts and freebies in store may have succeeded at giving shoppers a reason to make the trek to their stores versus others. ‘What we saw [Friday] was the only stores that were really busy early in the morning, was basically Target,’ Circana’s Cohen said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pC8bBJ
POP-UPS: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “The Local long made do with standard holiday decor, but this year it’s hung Christmas trees from the ceiling like chandeliers . . . The Local has joined at least 20 Twin Cities restaurants and bars this year in outfitting its space for immersive festivities, which must involve over-the-top decor and tend to include kitschy cocktails and seasonal menu items—along with, in this case, sing-alongs. Moreover, these experiences appear to be in high demand.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/43YYPru
HELIUM: Via Mesabi Tribune, VERBATIM: “An international helium exploration company has finished drilling a fourth appraisal well and is beginning to drill a fifth well at its project site near Babbitt. Pulsar Helium Inc., said its fourth well at the site, Jetstream #4, has reached a total depth of 3,000 feet with promising results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iv1AGQ
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: Via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability—providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
AROUND THE CITIES
MINNEAPOLIS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “In mid-September, three mayoral candidates – Omar Fateh, Rev. DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton – formed an alliance in the mayoral election in what they called the ‘Slate for Change.’ They urged voters to rank all three candidates in hopes of unseating the incumbent, Mayor Jacob Frey. But city election data from the Nov. 4 mayoral race show that their strategy fell short. The city published the detailed voter records, which show the ranking combination of every single ballot cast in the mayoral election and the precinct where the ballot was cast. Sahan Journal analyzed the data to find out the effectiveness of the ‘Slate of Change’ campaign.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4rvDL5S
DEER: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Thousands of Minnesotans hit a deer with their vehicle every year, and November is peak time for such crashes. According to AAA Insurance, the average deer-related crash claim is more than $5,000. Three Rivers Park District is trying to make a dent into the number of car-deer crashes. A recent archery hunt at Elm Creek Park Reserve had hunters setting their sights set on curbing collisions.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3M8fEu2
THE WRITTEN WORD
MEDIA: Via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Today marks the beginning of a new era at Minnesota’s only local business magazine. Longtime local journalist and current executive editor Adam Platt has been promoted to editor of Twin Cities Business and will lead its efforts to chronicle the people and companies moving our economy forward. In addition, Twin Cities Business has hired Charlie Rybak in the role of editorial director, focusing on cross-platform storytelling elevating the presence of TCB across its channels to meet audiences wherever they receive their news.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3KqL9if
HORROR: Via MplsStPaul, the writings of a reporter on the way to interview an author and what inspired the journey. VERBATIM: “Two weeks before, I received a press release about Percy’s new book. ‘Minnesota Novelist and Comic Writer Benjamin Percy Teams Up With Stephen King and Bad Hand Books on New Project The End Times.’ Even if you looked past the aggressive capitalization, and the Stephen King team-up, it was 300 percent more intriguing than the typical local book release announcement, primarily because Percy’s new book isn’t really a book.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pGpDoD
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: About the Pine Bend refinery. (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery)
BIG, BASIC NEEDS
HOUSING: Via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The recent turmoil renews attention on a long-simmering debate over how to end homelessness. In one camp are ‘housing first’ proponents who believe that permanent supportive housing is a life-saving resource for more than 3,600 qualified Minnesota households who would otherwise be at high risk of living on the streets. Housing is the essential first step, they say, to solving problems like chronic illness or substance use disorder, and the government should fund more of it, not less. In another camp are largely right-of-center thinkers who say spending on permanent supportive housing hasn’t come with long-promised results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oD1gHS
CHILD CARE: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Blue Earth County is experiencing a shortage of over 300 child care slots. It forces parents to travel farther away for their child care needs as they need to be able to work and drives families to move away from smaller communities. Keesee currently has to travel 18 miles from Mapleton to Mankato for day care. But when she heard about Tiny Roots opening in town–only a short walk a few blocks from her house—Keesee immediately reached out to get a spot . . . Tiny Roots is a residential one-bedroom and one bathroom house that’s designed for in-home child care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/48JSQcI
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
MORE NEWS
AIR: Via KARE-TV, VERBATIM: “Hennepin Healthcare officials are warning residents about a dangerous rise in carbon monoxide poisonings as winter sets in, calling renewed attention to a gas often described as the ‘silent killer.’ Carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, can build up quickly in enclosed spaces and, if not treated promptly, can cause serious damage to the heart and brain or even be fatal.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/49OnfI3
SNOW: Via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Several inches of snow fell across Lakeland country on Tuesday night, and workers were busy removing it Wednesday morning. For Brainerd, deciding how to contract snow removal services has changed. At last week’s Brainerd City Council meeting, the council voted to alter their existing snow removal policy that previously only allowed for the contracting of an outside company.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4rsrjUu
MAPLE GROVE: Via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “A plan is taking shape for new affordable senior housing in Maple Grove, an idea that has been in the works for several years. The Maple Grove Planning Commission reviewed plans by PGMA Development Partners and Ebenezer Senior Living for age 55-plus senior housing at a city-owned site at 9331 Fernbrook Ln. N. at its Nov. 24 meeting.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pcXVjK
BREAD: Via Eater, VERBATIM: “Along 46th Street between Kingfield and Tangletown lies a Parisian escape by way of patisserie. From quiche lorraine and macarons to bread, bread, and more bread, it’s confections capable of snagging a baking bronze medal that keep Minneapolis’s eponymous Patisserie 46 bustlin’ and bumpin’.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iBbR4I
WHAT’S NEXT?
THURSDAY: Via news release from Minneapolis-based Donaldson, VERBATIM: “Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, will webcast its first quarter 2026 earnings conference call on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hMU8qu
DEC 15: Chicago mystery writer Tracy Clark will participate in Minnesota Mystery Night at Lucky 13’s Pub. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4iOJVdL
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
WHILE WE WERE AWAY… Minnesota Monthly celebrated National Cake Day with a cringe-inducing headline. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/48q5KLz
BDAYS: Blue Green Alliance’s Eric Steen, mortgage pro Laura Miron
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
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