👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 39,358 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 nVent Expands Data Center Capabilities With $1.75B Acquisition

👀 Business owners in the Twin Cities squeezed as costs rise, profits fall

📈 Twin Cities organizations that need storage solutions, UPS systems, branded promotional items, accounting and auditing services, digital marketing, and more

❤️ Preparing workers for an uncertain AI future

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community

• nVent Expands Data Center Capabilities With $1.75B Acquisition (Read)

• Business owners squeezed as costs rise, profits fall, Minneapolis Fed survey finds (Read)

• Ninth District businesses continue to grapple with high costs (Read)

• Feeding our Future fraudster heading to prison for turning child nutrition funds into personal business (Read)

• Minneapolis City Council unanimously passes dress code ordinance (Read)

• Minneapolis developer plans nearly 200 apartments in Cincinnati suburb (Read)

• ‘This is not over’: As Lake Street cash mobs wrap up, immigrant businesses still face headwinds (Read)

• Minneapolis business committee approves Reign liquor license after mass shooting (Read)

• Minneapolis landlord fined $750 a day after skipping court, breaking repair promises (Read)

• Continuing to bet on the Minneapolis-area industrial market (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads for Twin Cities professionals

• The University of Minnesota needs a PGC-Object Storage Solution (Link)

• MSP needs the personnel, labor, transportation, truck, tools & equipment to provide maintenance on MAC’s UPS Systems at the MSP Campus (Link)

• The University of MN is seeking proposals for branded promotional items to engage prospective students and the public at various events (Link)

• The Metropolitan Council is seeking qualified vendors to provide on-call accounting and auditing services (Link)

• Northrop seeks a digital marketing partner to provide services in support of driving event ticket sales, fundraising, and engagement for Northrop’s programming and space rental, lead generation and overall brand awareness (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Connect with tech, capital, and innovation in the Twin Cities

• Preparing workers for an uncertain AI future (More)

• Bernick Family Foundation Opens $300K Grant Round (More)

• Yardstik Raises $30M in Series B to Tackle the Post-Hire Blind Spots and Workforce Fraud (More)

• MPHA approves $6 million for Heritage Park (More)

• Outdoor Retailer Drives Industry Reset in Minneapolis, Igniting Focus on Emerging Brands and Creator Reach (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow

🤝 8/28 Minneapolis AI Tech & Finance Networking Event (Register)

🤝 8/28 Minneapolis Healthcare, Pharma & Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 9/5 SOMALI NETWORKING NIGHT 2026 — Inspire, Connect, Transform (Register)

🤝 9/9 FlexibleHires: FlexibleConnect – Thrive in Flexible Work & Network Globally - Minneapolis (Register)

🤝 9/11 Minneapolis Law, Real Estate & Construction Networking Event (Register)

🤝 9/15 Minneapolis Speed Networking | NetworkNite | Business Professionals Event (Register)

🤝 9/17 Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 10/15 U of M ISyE Alumni Networking at Minneapolis Cider Company (Register)

🤝 11/20 DIVERSIFY - HIGH VALUE EVENT FOR ECOMMERCE & BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS 2026 (Register)

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 38,976 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 Twin Cities still attractive to big business and career employees

👀 Downtown Minneapolis building values are dropping, and homeowners could pay the price

📈 Twin Cities organizations that need qualified consultants, digital production printers, environmental assessment, design and construction services, and more

❤️ Andersen Corporate Foundation Commits to $1.2 Million in Spring 2026 Grants, Bush Foundation grant to Our Streets leader shows willingness to invest in the long-term future, and more

💼 Discover top jobs and talent around the Twin Cities

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community

• Twin Cities still attractive to big business and career employees, but concerns emerging (Read)

• Downtown Minneapolis building values dropping, homeowners could pay the price (Read)

• Minnesota hospitality businesses are wary about the summer season (Read)

• Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business (Read)

• Business owner said City of Minneapolis has neglected businesses at George Floyd Square (Read)

• Why MnDOT fully shuts down some Minnesota highways during construction (Read)

• Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain (Read)

• Why Star Tribune layoffs matter beyond the newsroom (Read)

• Minneapolis man charged in May string of business burglaries (Read)

• Opus Group Sells Minneapolis Office Building (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads for Twin Cities professionals

• MAC is seeking the professional services of qualified consultants to provide Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Technology continuing consulting services (Link)

• The University of Minnesota Printing Services Department needs a vendor to furnish, deliver, and install four (4) new digital production printers (Link)

• The Metropolitan Council needs to establish an Environmental Assessment and Abatement, Master Contract (Link)

• A University is requesting Proposals to provide Construction Manager Services for the renovation of Eddy Hall, located on the east bank of the Twin Cities campus (Link)

• 390 Robert Street Design and Construction Administrative Services (Contracting - with Small Business Goal) (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Connect with tech, capital, and innovation in the Twin Cities

• Andersen Corporate Foundation Commits to $1.2 Million in Spring 2026 Grants (More)

• Bush Foundation grant to Our Streets leader shows willingness to invest in the long-term future (More)

• Black Men Teach celebrates fellows, calls for investment in Black male educators (More)

• Investor group plans to turn former Wells Fargo campus into $250M multiuse complex (More)

• Recently renovated office building in Twin Cities area trades for $18.55M (More)

💼 CAREERS

Hiring & Talent

Discover top jobs and talent around the Minneapolis - St Paul region

🔥 A Senior Director of Business Development is needed in Minneapolis, MN. Compensation is $200K–350K yr (Apply)

👀 Maaz Khan, a Software Engineer, is looking for work (Profile)

🔥 A Regional Business Development Executive is wanted in Minneapolis, MN. Compensation is $155K–180K yr (Apply)

👀 Bradley Stoll, a Quality Assurance Tester, is looking for work (Profile)

🔥 AVP, Business Development of Hospice is sought in Minneapolis, MN. Compensation is $120K–140K yr (Apply)

👀 Muhammed Camara, an IT Support Specialist, is looking for work (Profile)

👀 Manisha Mishra, an HR Assistant, is looking for Human Resource work (Profile)

🔥 B2B Sales Representative is needed in Minneapolis. Pay is $115K–135K yr (Apply)

👀 Meghan McManus, a Production Administrative Assistant, is seeking new opportunities (Profile)

🔥 A Field Sales Executive is needed in Minneapolis. Pay is $115K–135K yr (Apply)

👀 Craig Hynek, an ERP Service Lead, is seeking new opportunities (Profile)

🔥 A Lead Business Development in Healthcare Consultative Sales is needed in Minneapolis, MN. Pay is $180K–220K yr (Apply)

🔥 A Consultative Sales, Seasoned Executive-Extensive Travel is wanted in Minneapolis, MN. Pay is $105K–525K yr (Apply)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow

🤝 6/23 Event Industry OPEN HOUSE Venue Showcase - Business Social and Networking (Register)

🤝 6/23 2026 Business in Bloom Market at US Bank Plaza Building (Register)

🤝 6/25 Speed Networking in Minneapolis | NetworkNite | Business Professionals (Register)

🤝 7/3 Minneapolis Law, Real Estate & Construction Networking Event (Register)

🤝 7/3 Minneapolis, MN Business Show (Register)

🤝 7/14 Effective Business Presentation Skills Training–Minneapolis, MN|1Day (Register)

🤝 7/16 FEATURED: Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 7/21 North Central Minority Supplier Development Council- Business Growth Summit (Register)

🤝 7/23 Strategic Business Succession Planning Training – Minneapolis, MN|1Day (Register)

🤝 7/24 Minneapolis AI Tech & Finance Networking Event (Register)

🤝 7/24 Zion Sol Haus presents Flavors and Foundations networking event (Register)

🤝 7/29 Boonkies Business Partners (Register)

🤝 7/30 Twin Cities Professionals of Color Networking June Happy Hour @ Fogo (Register)

🤝 7/31 Minneapolis Healthcare, Pharma & Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 9/5 SOMALI NETWORKING NIGHT (A Night to Connect Collaborate Celebrate) (Register)

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 38,496 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👀 The 50 largest public companies in Minnesota

👍 Best Sports Business Cities: No. 5: Minneapolis-St. Paul

📈 Twin Cities organizations that need staffing analysis, landscape installation & maintenance services, engineering design, manage automated retail, and more

❤️ 34 Minneapolis groups to split $1M in Metro Surge Recovery grants

💼 Discover top jobs and talent around the Twin Cities

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community

• The 50 largest public companies in Minnesota (Read)

• Best Sports Business Cities: No. 5: Minneapolis-St. Paul (Read)

• Data centers in downtown Minneapolis show promise, not peril (Read)

• Minnesota manufacturers cash in on the AI construction boom (Read)

• What to know about Minnesota’s ban on ‘addictive’ social media that awaits Walz’s signature (Read)

• DOJ to announce “major law enforcement action involving fraud” in Minnesota on Thursday (Read)

• Minneapolis police believe string of business burglaries across the metro are connected (Read)

• 76 Twin Cities Lakes, Rivers Named In Latest Polluted Waters List (Read)

• Aimee Bock faces sentencing in Feeding Our Future fraud case (Read)

• Craig Leipold, Local Businesses Buy Saint Paul Hotel (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads for Twin Cities professionals

• A Public Safety Staffing Analysis is needed at the City of Golden Valley (Link)

• Landscape Installation & Maintenance Services needed in Hennepin County (Link)

• The Metropolitan Airports Commission is seeking a company to operate and manage automated retail and/ or food and beverage concessions (vending) at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Link)

• Prairie restoration project in Pioneer Creek. This project requires prevailing wage and submission of certified payroll in LCP Tracker (Link)

• Current Engineering Project at City of Golden Valley (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Connect with tech, capital, and innovation in the Twin Cities

• 34 Minneapolis groups to split $1M in Metro Surge Recovery grants (More)

• Minnesota Fastbreak Foundation Announces Two Additional Community Response Grants - Grants fulfill remaining commitment from $200,000 pledge and continue support for urgent needs across the Twin Cities (More)

• Gov. Tim Walz visits embattled HCMC hospital to tout hundreds of millions in state funding (More)

• AI Entertainment Startup Mythik Raises $5M at $50M Valuation (More)

• What Ed Tech Startups are Learning—and Teaching (More)

💼 CAREERS

Hiring & Talent

Discover top jobs and talent around the Minneapolis - St Paul region

🔥 A Business Development Director is wanted in the Twin Cities. Pay is $100K–$175K yr (Apply)

👀 Ray Walker, an experienced IT Services Manager, is seeking a new job (Profile)

🔥 A Remote Business Growth Lead in Rental Markets is sought inMinneapolis, MN. Compensation is $110K–$135K yr (Apply)

👀 Anthony Larson, an Administrative Assistant, is seeking a Senior Office Administrator position (Profile)

👀 Madetha Philavanh, an Associate Technical Support Engineer, is open to employment (Profile)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow

🤝 5/21 Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 5/29 Minneapolis Law, Real Estate & Construction Networking Event (Register

🤝 6/2 MNO Networking Mixer (Register)

🤝 6/6 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals (Register)

🤝 6/10 Elevate Her Network, Morning Coffee Break- Edina Chapter (Register)

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 37,854 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 Minneapolis mall businesses seek financial relief after Operation Metro Surge

👀 ‘Phantom billing’ fraud targets Medicare recipients and Minnesota taxpayers

📈 Twin Cities organizations that are seeking Insurance broker services, Engineering design services, Janitorial services, and more

❤️ Minneapolis to invest more than $320 million in infrastructure this summer

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

💼 Discover top jobs and talent around the Twin Cities

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community

• Minneapolis mall businesses seek financial relief after Operation Metro Surge (Read)

• ‘Phantom billing’ fraud targets Medicare recipients and Minnesota taxpayers (Read)

• The Business of Billing: Dozens of people own, operate multiple companies billing Minnesota Medicaid (Read)

• Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers (Read)

• The Lowry in Uptown closing after 13 years; owners blame construction, costs (Read)

• Hennepin County official outlines operations of trash-burning plant amid calls for its closure (Read)

• Crypto Is Getting Popular in St. Cloud. One of the City’s Credit Unions Noticed. (Read)

• ‘Lifestyle analysis’ uncovers tax crimes of Minnesota business owner (Read)

• 7 Minnesota Hospitals Face Closure Risk After Sweeping Federal Medicaid Cuts (Read)

• ICE surge costs: Business seek relief (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads for Twin Cities professionals

• Insurance broker services needed in Hennepin County (Link)

• Engineering design services needed for CSAH 10 Reconstruction Project (Link)

• The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owners and operators of Reliever Airports, are extending an invitation to qualified firms to submit a proposal (RFP) for janitorial services at the Saint Paul Downtown Airport location for a 3-year period with an option for two 1-year extensions (Link)

• Terminal 1 renovation of the West Mezzanine area of the Main Mall. Work consists of selective demolition, plumbing removal, hazardous material abatement, curtainwall removal and replacement, new restrooms, plumbing and electrical, new wayfinding signs and associated electrical work, creation of office spaces, and employee break room with dining and lounge space, removal of existing air handling unit and installation of new, stair removal and structural infill, aluminum storefront systems, and new finishes and furnishings. Work will be completed in phases and will also require coordination with food and beverage tenants (Link)

• Current Engineering Project at City of Golden Valley (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Connect with tech, capital, and innovation in the Twin Cities

• Minneapolis to invest more than $320 million in infrastructure this summer (More)

• Ramsey County $140M riverfront dream (More)

• U of M researchers launch startup aiming to reduce AI energy consumption (More)

• St. Paul parks ban TikTok star who gives to homeless people (More)

• Minnesota Promise grants gave millions to small businesses. Here’s what happened when we vetted the recipients (More)

• Minneapolis Foundation offers $4M in small business grants (More)

• Walz backs $10M aid package for Minnesota small businesses hurt by ICE surge (More)

• Minneapolis City Council to debate $5M fund shift to support local businesses (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

💼 CAREERS

Hiring & Talent

Discover top jobs and talent around the Minneapolis - St Paul region

🔥 A Business Development Consultant is needed in Eden Prairie, MN. Compensation is $80K–$200K yr. (Apply)

👀 Hunter Kemnitz, a Commercial Sales Development Representative, is open to work (Profile)

🔥A Staff Business Development Representative is sought in Plymouth, MN. Compensation is $169K–$254K yr. (Apply)

👀 David Lindstrom, a Project Associate, is seeking new opportunities (Profile)

🔥 A Business Development Consultant is wanted in Minneapolis, MN. Pay is $150K–$200K yr. (Apply)

👀 Ray Walker, an Experienced IT Services Manager, is currently seeking a job (Profile)

🔥 Associate Director, Business Development, Minneapolis, MN, $100K–$125K yr. (Apply)

🔥 A Regional VP of Business Development Clinical Outreach is needed in Roseville, MN. Compensation is $180K–$205K yr. (Apply)

👀 Harish M, a Sr Business Analyst, is looking for a Business Analyst position (Profile)

🔥 Director of Regional Sales Operations is needed in Minneapolis, MN. Compensation is $175K–$200K yr. (Apply)

👀 Brian Hansen, a Branch Manager, is looking for new opportunities (Profile)

🔥 A Sales Manager in Training is sought in Minneapolis, MN. Pay is $125K–$250K yr. (Apply)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow

🤝 4/16 Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 4/17 Strengthening the Fabric of Academic-Community Networks in North Mpls (Register)

🤝 4/19 Minneapolis Speed Networking | NetworkNite | Business Professionals Event (Register)

🤝 4/23 Twin Cities Professionals of Color Networking Happy Hour @ Klassics (Register)

🤝 5/11 Elevate Her Network, Morning Coffee Break- Edina Chapter (Register)

🤝 5/16 Christian Business Women’s Brunch Minneapolis (Register)

🤝 5/20 Networking Hangout: Casual Networking for Local Businesses (Register)

🤝 6/6 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 35,798 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 How AI Is Powering Minnesota’s Small Business Growth

👀 Paid Family Leave Act strains Minnesota businesses, Chamber says

💰 How Main Street Businesses In MN Could Recoup Tariff Costs

📈 Twin Cities organizations that are seeking managed print services, current engineering project, medical/pharmacy/stop loss plan administration, labor negotiation services, and more

❤️ Minnesota Promise grants gave millions to small businesses. Here’s what happened when we vetted the recipients.

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Twin Cities Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community.

• How AI Is Powering Minnesota’s Small Business Growth (Read)

• Paid Family Leave Act strains Minnesota businesses, Chamber says (Read)

• How Main Street Businesses In MN Could Recoup Tariff Costs (Read)

• Minneapolis grappling with over $200 million Metro Surge impact that could fall on taxpayers (Read)

• Minneapolis business, nonprofit aiding residents struggling after ICE surge (Read)

• Boycott over Target’s diversity pullback ends, activists say (Read)

• Minnesota State Fair history up for bidding at memorabilia, surplus equipment auction (Read)

• Inflation holds steady as Minnesota lawmakers introduce plans to address affordability (Read)

• Minnesota Power Generates Future Plans Despite Controversy (Read)

• Third government shutdown in six months leaves TSA agents scrambling once again (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads and exclusive offers for Twin Cities businesses.

• Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is seeking bids on comprehensive managed print services (Link)

• Current Engineering Project at City of Golden Valley (Link)

• The MAC is soliciting proposals for medical/pharmacy/stop loss plan administration (Link)

• Labor Negotiation Services needed at City of Golden Valley (Link)

• MAC is seeking the professional services of qualified consultants to provide property valuations, appraisals, brokerage and research. All consulting services (Link)

• Project to provide for the installation of taxiway edge lighting and signage, circuitry, pavement removals, and turf restoration to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Technology, funding, and connections that power growth in the Twin Cities.

• Minnesota Promise grants gave millions to small businesses. Here’s what happened when we vetted the recipients (More)

• Minneapolis Foundation offers $4M in small business grants (More)

• Walz backs $10M aid package for Minnesota small businesses hurt by ICE surge (More)

• Minneapolis City Council to debate $5M fund shift to support local businesses (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow.

🤝 3/12 Network with NIA Elite Members for More Effective Business-Building (Register)

🤝 3/18 Women in Networking (WIN) — March 18, Twin Cities, MN (Register)

🤝 3/18 Nonprofit and Socially-Purposed Business Networking Night (Register)

🤝 3/19 Morning Star Business Networking (Register)

🤝 3/19 AGC Talks: Ignite Your Network, Elevate Your Business St Paul event (Register)

🤝 3/24 Small Business Connect - A Bespoke Networking Event for Small Business (Register)

🤝 3/30 Portkey Professional Speed Networking For all Business Owners/Professionals (Register)

🤝 4/1 FREE Monthly Young Professional Networking Meeting (Register)

🤝 4/04 Minneapolis AI Tech & Finance Networking Event (Register)

🤝 4/9 Portkey’s Professional Speed Networking for Business Owners/Professionals! (Register)

🤝 6/26 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

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Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 33,117 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 South Minneapolis businesses bounce back after ICE protests

👀 MN Launches Website To Fight Misinformation About Medicaid Fraud Claims

📈 Twin Cities organizations that are looking for temporary staffing services, qualified consultants to provide property valuations, appraisals, brokerage and research, janitorial services, and more

❤️ Minneapolis Foundation offers $4M in small business grants, Walz backs $10M aid package for Minnesota small businesses hurt by ICE surge, Minneapolis City Council to debate $5M fund shift to support local businesses, and more

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Twin Cities Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community.

• Small business owners address ICE economic impact (Read)

• MN Launches Website To Fight Misinformation About Medicaid Fraud Claims (Read)

• South Minneapolis businesses bounce back after ICE protests (Read)

• Bill to fund construction projects across Minnesota will have to clear some political hurdles (Read)

• What it’s like to be a restaurant owner in Minneapolis right now (Read)

• Minneapolis small business says speaking out on ICE outweighs risk of losing customers (Read)

• Operation Metro Surge hits Twin Cities hospitality and tourism industry with millions in lost revenue (Read)

• Minneapolis Losing Up To $20M A Week As Immigration Enforcement Keeps Shoppers, Workers Home (Read)

• St. Paul cracking down on parking meter cheaters (Read)

• Aid on the way for small businesses (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads and exclusive offers for Twin Cities businesses.

• Janitorial Services for Anoka County/Blaine and Crystal Reliever Airports (Link)

• MAC is seeking the professional services of qualified consultants to provide property valuations, appraisals, brokerage and research. All consulting services (Link)

• Temporary Staffing Agencies that provide temporary staffing services needed at the City of Minneapolis (Link)

• The Metropolitan Council is seeking qualified engineering design firms to provide engineering design services on an as-needed basis, for the design and assessment of the mechanical systems throughout Metro Transit (Link)

• Project to provide for the installation of taxiway edge lighting and signage, circuitry, pavement removals, and turf restoration to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Technology, funding, and connections that power growth in the Twin Cities.

• Minneapolis Foundation offers $4M in small business grants (More)

• Walz backs $10M aid package for Minnesota small businesses hurt by ICE surge (More)

• Minneapolis City Council to debate $5M fund shift to support local businesses (More)

• ‘We could use a hand’: Campaign launched to support struggling Eat Street businesses (More)

• Minneapolis music venue will donate ticket sales from every concert in February (More)

• Minneapolis business owners create ‘community of kindness’ (More)

• Minnesota PROMISE Act Grants Offer Free Funding Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where Twin Cities professionals go to learn, connect, and grow.

🤝 2/19 FEATURED: Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 2/25 FEATURED: Twin Cities Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 2/12 NIAX Networking - Build Relationships That Refuel Growth (Register)

🤝 2/13 Brewing Success: Business & Bagels Networking Mixer (Reagister)

🤝 2/17 Join a Stellar Group of Networking Professionals in Eden Prairie | Feb 17 (Register)

🤝 2/18 Graduates: Elevate Your Future with GradNetworking (Register)

🤝 2/19 Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers Networking Happy Hour (Register)

🤝 2/19 NIA Twin Cities Happy Hour & Networking (Reagister)

🤝 2/19 AGC Talks: Ignite Your Network, Elevate Your Business St Paul event (Register)

🤝 2/25 General Business Networking - Minneapolis (Register)

🤝 2/25 Networking Hangout: Casual Networking for Local Businesses (Register)

🤝 3/18 Nonprofit and Socially-Purposed Business Networking Night (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

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Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 32,205 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍IonQ to Buy Bloomington-based Company for $1.8B

👀 Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress

📈 Twin Cities organizations looking for Janitorial Services, Lighting Infrastructure Technology, Engineering Design Services, and more

❤️ Minneapolis Foundation Activates $3.5M for Small Businesses Amid ICE Surge, Minneapolis business owners create ‘community of kindness’, and more

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Twin Cities Business Buzz

A look inside the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community.

• IonQ to Buy Bloomington-based Company for $1.8B (Read)

• Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress (Read)

• Fairview to Invest $1B in Medical Facilities in Deal with U of M and M Physicians (Read)

• ICE presence threatens small business in Minneapolis and Minnesota, some owners say: ‘I can hardly do my normal job’ (Read)

• Local Restaurants Face an Extinction Event (Read)

• Brian Cornell’s up-and-down tenure as Target CEO (Read)

• Minnesota businesses close in solidarity with anti-ICE protestors, but keep working to feed them (Read)

• Minnesota, US see ‘extremely concerning’ rise in threats to lawmakers (Read)

• At Midtown Global Market, businesses are closed or barely hanging on (Read)

• 10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Minnesota (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Sales leads and exclusive offers for Twin Cities businesses.

• Janitorial Services for the St. Paul Downtown Reliever Airport (Link)

• Lighting Infrastructure Technology and Equipment (LITE) needed at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

• The Metropolitan Council is seeking qualified engineering design firms to provide engineering design services on an as-needed basis, for the design and assessment of the mechanical systems throughout Metro Transit (Link)

• Project to provide for the installation of taxiway edge lighting and signage, circuitry, pavement removals, and turf restoration to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

• The City of Saint Paul, Minnesota is seeking proposals from qualified providers for a 1- to 2- year consulting engagement to serve as a municipal property advisor to the City (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Technology, funding, and connections that power growth in the Twin Cities.

• Minneapolis Foundation Activates $3.5M for Small Businesses Amid ICE Surge (More)

• Minneapolis business owners create ‘community of kindness’ (More)

• Seattle restaurants show support to Minneapolis businesses amid protests and unrest (More)

• List of Twin Cities restaurants donating proceeds to community organizations (More)

• Minnesota PROMISE Act Grants Offer Free Funding Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where you go to learn, connect, and grow with Twin Cities professionals.

🤝 2/04 FREE Bi-weekly Young Professional Networking Meeting (Register)

🤝 2/05 North Star Network: Smarter Work Starts Here (Register)

🤝 2/05 Morning Star Business Networking (Register)

🤝 2/06 Pricing and Profit Management Networking Tour Winter ‘26 (Register)

🤝 2/12 Elevate Her Network, Morning Coffee Break- Edina Chapter (Register)

🤝 2/18 Graduates: Elevate Your Future with GradNetworking! - Minneapolis Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 2/19 Minneapolis Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 2/25 Networking Hangout - Micro Networking for Local Businesses (Register)

🤝 2/25 Twin Cities Business Networking Event (Register)

🤝 2/25 Blockchain and Business Networking | Elevating Your Potential - Minneapolis (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Happy New Year! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 31,385 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍St. Paul businesses welcome Grand Avenue reopening after months of roadwork

👀 ICE surge hits Twin Cities businesses, 50-80% revenue loss reported

📈 Twin Cities organizations looking for Marketing Support, Engineering design services, Marketing & Advertising Services, HVAC maintenance, installation, & repair services, and more

❤️ List of Twin Cities restaurants donating proceeds to community organizations

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Twin Cities Business Buzz

A snapshot of what’s happening in the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community.

• St. Paul businesses welcome Grand Avenue reopening after months of roadwork (Read)

• ICE surge hits Twin Cities businesses, 50-80% revenue loss reported (Read)

• Temp agencies flooded with requests as workers file for Minnesota’s new paid leave (Read)

• Small Business Administration leader plans to move Minneapolis district office (Read)

• Minnesota “Shark Tank” entrepreneur risks $48K tariff hit as Supreme Court decision looms (Read)

• USDA freeze of $129 million in grants to Minnesota renews focus on state’s lawsuit against Brooke Rollins (Read)

• Treasury announces audits, investigations in Minnesota fraud scandal (Read)

• Latin businesses report revenue losses in Twin Cities (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Your source for sales leads, discounts, and promotions across the Twin Cities.

• M State’s WDS division needs Marketing Support (Link)

• Engineering design services for the County State Aid Highway (Link)

• FY27 Marketing & Advertising Services needed at Minnesota State (Link)

• HVAC maintenance, installation, & repair services needed in Hennepin County (Link)

• The City of Saint Paul, Minnesota is seeking proposals from qualified providers for a 1- to 2- year consulting engagement to serve as a municipal property advisor to the City (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Find the tools, websites, and grants that power your growth in the Twin Cities.

• List of Twin Cities restaurants donating proceeds to community organizations (More)

• Minnesota PROMISE Act Grants Offer Free Funding Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where you go to learn, connect, and grow with Twin Cities professionals.

🤝 1/15 Notable Leaders: Networking Event (Register)

🤝 1/16 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals Event | Minnetonka, MN (Register)

🤝 1/18 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Eagan, MN (Register)

🤝 1/21 Speed Networking in Minneapolis | NetworkNite (Register)

🤝 1/22 Twin Cities Professionals of Color January 2026 Networking Happy Hour Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 2/18 Graduates: Elevate Your Future with GradNetworking! - Minneapolis Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 29,586 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍Twin Cities Business Person of the Year

👀 Trump’s policies are hurting Minneapolis small businesses, owners say

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for building repair and renovation services, technical assistance, ticketing solution, municipal property advisor, and more

❤️ Minnesota PROMISE Act Grants Offer Free Funding Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

🍇 GRAPEVINE

Twin Cities Business Buzz

A snapshot of what’s happening in the Minneapolis-St. Paul business community.

• Twin Cities Business Person of the Year (Read)

• Trump’s immigration policies are hurting Minneapolis small businesses, owners say (Read)

• St. Paul’s Empire Building Sells for $745K to Downtown Development Corporation (Read)

• The price MSP travelers pay for Delta’s dominance (Read)

• Amid fears of ICE raids, Minneapolis businesses say some customers are scared and staying home (Read)

• Uncertainty and increased competition impact construction firms (Read)

• More than half of Twin Cities homes having falling home values (Read)

• Walz says his administration must strike a better balance between generosity and preventing fraud (Read)

• After weeks of debate, Minneapolis City Council approves $2B budget (Read)

• Minnesota settles with Hyundai and Kia over stolen car epidemic (Read)

📈 PIPELINE

Sales & Marketing

Your source for sales leads, discounts, and promotions across the Twin Cities.

• St. Cloud State University is requesting proposals for a cloud or vendor-hosted ticketing solution that can handle varied and large scale ticketing activities that includes Athletics and Student Life (Link)

• The City of Saint Paul, Minnesota is seeking proposals from qualified providers for a 1- to 2- year consulting engagement to serve as a municipal property advisor to the City (Link)

• The City of Golden Valley is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to provide technical assistance in updating the City’s ROW Code and related materials (Link)

• Building repair and renovation services at various Downtown Hennepin County Facilities (Link)

• EMC Life Safety Infrastructure Program at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

• Gull Lake Self-Contained Flush Vault Restroom needed in St Paul, MN (Link)

• Twin Cities organization needs replacement of courtesy phones includes removal and replacement of signage, telephones, and lights throughout Terminals 1 and 2, with all associated electrical and architectural finish material repairs. (Link)

❤️ BOOSTS

Resources & Support

Find the tools, websites, and grants that power your growth in the Twin Cities.

• Minnesota PROMISE Act Grants Offer Free Funding Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants (More)

• $6 million going to water projects in southeast Minnesota (More)

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

📅 EVENTS

Business & Networking

Where you go to learn, connect, and grow with Twin Cities professionals.

🤝 12/16 Join a Stellar Group of Networking Professionals in Eden Prairie | Eden Prairie, MN (Register)

🤝 12/16 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals Event | Minnetonka, MN (Register)

🤝 12/18 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Eagan, MN (Register)

🤝 01/22 Twin Cities Professionals of Color January 2026 Networking Happy Hour Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 02/18 Graduates: Elevate Your Future with GradNetworking! - Minneapolis Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 28,795 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👀 The best Cyber Monday deals at Twin Cities businesses in 2025

⭐ Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for Preventive Maintenance Agreement, EMC Life Safety Infrastructure Program, Self-Contained Flush Vault Restroom, and more

❤️ $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs, McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants to help Minnesotans, and more

🔎 What are the most effective ways to uncover high-quality business leads in the Twin Cities?

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St. Paul

• The best Cyber Monday deals at Twin Cities businesses in 2025 (Read)

• Imprint Engine Unveils Strategic Leadership Split to Drive $100M Revenue and AI Platform Acceleration (Read)

• Autism center with little on-site activity received $2 million in taxpayer funds (Read)

• Piper Sandler Launches Private Markets Trading with Three Key Hires (Read)

• Target plans another $1 billion investment to jumpstart sagging sales (Read)

• U.S. Bank Expands In The Southeast To Support Growing Small Business Market (Read)

• Online Holiday Guide Spotlights 140 Small Minnesota Businesses (Read)

• Rental Company With Units in Rochester Ordered to Pay $7 Million As Part of Price-Fixing Lawsuit (Read)

• New Minnesota Orchestra CEO on the Business of Running a Symphony (Read)

• Like Uber without the driver: Waymo to launch in Minneapolis (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

Why AI Could Outperform You at Networking

Will AI replace professional networkers? The answer may surprise you.

During a recent virtual networking session on Zoom, three unexpected “attendees” appeared in my waiting room:

• Otter Notetaker

• Bob’s Notetaking Service

• AI Meeting Assistant

Yes… at a networking event!

Nice to meet you, Otter, Bob, and AI Meeting Assistant.

How can I help you today?

I guess networking isn’t just for humans anymore …

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul

The job market in the Twin Cities remains relatively stable the region continues to add jobs and maintain a low unemployment rate.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Business Development Manager - West Region at WEG
  💵 $115K/yr–$125K/yr | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Director, Business Development - Minneapolis at Metropolis

  💵 $145K/yr–$165K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Enterprise Business Development Representative at Fenergo

  💵 $100K/yr–$160K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Leslie Morris, Certified Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant

  👉 Job Seeking |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Guillermo Flores, Site Supervisor, Security Supervisor

  👉 Actively looking for new challenges |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Leah Toillion, Technical Support Specialist, Provider Contract Coordinator

  👉 Seeking new opportunities |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

Who’s Buying in the Twin Cities Right Now?

• Preventive Maintenance Agreement for the Minneapolis VA Health Care (Link)

• EMC Life Safety Infrastructure Program at the Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

• The City of Minneapolis needs help with Nicollet Avenue Bridge over Minnehaha Creek (Link)

• Gull Lake Self-Contained Flush Vault Restroom needed in St Paul, MN (Link)

• Twin Cities organization needs replacement of courtesy phones includes removal and replacement of signage, telephones, and lights throughout Terminals 1 and 2, with all associated electrical and architectural finish material repairs. (Link)

SUPPORT

❤️ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• A $120,000 Fellowships Available for Twin Cities Entrepreneurs (More)

• McKnight Foundation deploys $1 million in grants to help Minnesotans (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Business Assistance Partnership Funding (More)

• Rooted Philanthropic 2025 East Side Saint Paul Small Business Cohort (More)

• Great Streets Business District Support Grant Program City of Minneapolis (More)

KNOWLEDGE

🔎 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

What are the most effective ways to uncover high-quality business leads in the Twin Cities?

1. Leverage Chamber Memberships – Using the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and St. Paul Area Chamber provides access to searchable member directories, industry segments, and networking events where key decision-makers gather.

2. Attend Twin Cities Trade Shows & Summits – Local expos, summits, and business meetups (eCommerce Summit, Small Business Expo, TCB events) offer concentrated access to qualified buyers and partners, making them ideal for collecting leads and securing follow-up meetings.

3. Strengthen Local SEO & Google Business Profile – Optimizing your GBP, localized landing pages, and citations ensures visibility for high-intent Twin Cities searches, helping procurement teams and local managers discover your services.

More>>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 12/04 Ignite Your Career with CyberConnect Networking | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

💻 12/05 Business Incubation + Networking: Leadership Event | Zoom (Register)

💻 12/06 Virtual Fashion Networking Event | Zoom (Register)

🤝 12/09 HOA Leadership Network Eagan Chapter Event | Eagan, MN (Register)

🤝 12/11 FR8MVMT Twin Cities December Networking Hour Event | Fridley, MN (Register)

🤝 12/16 Join a Stellar Group of Networking Professionals in Eden Prairie | Eden Prairie, MN (Register)

🤝 12/16 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals Event | Minnetonka, MN (Register)

🤝 12/18 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Eagan, MN (Register)

🤝 01/22 Twin Cities Professionals of Color January 2026 Networking Happy Hour Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 02/06 Pricing and Profit Management Networking Tour Winter ‘26 – Minneapolis Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 02/18 Graduates: Elevate Your Future with GradNetworking! - Minneapolis Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 26,249 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👀 Twin Cities drivers lose 73 hours in traffic

⭐ How a 60-Minute Netwinar Sparked 523 Referrals That Changed Lives

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for Manager’s Conference Room Remodel Project, Managed Print Services, Administrative Office Space Lease, and more…

✅ Metropolitan Council awards $15.75 million in Livable Communities and TOD grants to 15 projects

🔎 What are the top challenges of doing business in the Twin Cities?

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Twin Cities drivers lose 73 hours in traffic (Read)

• Two groups suing northern Minnesota city for data center proposal (Read)

• Top Twin Cities real estate agent charged with failing to pay nearly $400,000 in taxes (Read)

• Target Layoffs Appear to Signal New Direction for the Economy (Read)

• Local business owner who benefitted from the MN Promise Act tells others, “apply now!” (Read)

• Clearfield’s ClearPass Connector Cleaning Dust Cap Surpasses 2 Million Worldwide (Read)

• Ecolab Expands Partnership with The Home Depot to Launch Exclusive Product Line in Canada (Read)

• The B Suite hosts Black-owned businesses at the marketplace (Read)

• U. S. Steel Powers Minnesota Economy with Jobs, Local Investment, and Community Impact (Read)

• CHS Foundation and CoBank Partner to Donate $2 Million to Feeding America Amid Rising Needs at Rural Food Banks (Read)

• Minnesota Rusco files for bankruptcy with at least $100M in debt (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

How a 60-Minute Netwinar Sparked 523 Referrals That Changed Lives

It might not end up in the Guinness Book of Records (then again, who knows?), but I was thrilled to lead an event that delivered results unlike anything I’d ever seen before.

As the number of participants poured into my Netwinar on Zoom, I became increasingly nervous.

The Zoom waiting room kept ticking up… 37, 45, 56. My excitement suddenly turned to panic. Soon, sixty people were ready to log into my netwinar, and I knew Zoom only allowed 50 Advanced Polls.

This wasn’t your typical Zoom webinar with hundreds of attendees. This was a netwinar (“net winner” = part webinar + part networking) where every participant needed time to speak, connect, and complete their polls for each other.

Needless to say, I was in trouble …

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul

Although the region’s overall unemployment remains relatively low, recent layoff notices and warnings show that more than 3,500 jobs have been cut at major employers so far in 2025, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Business Development Specialist at ICS
  💵 $100K/yr–$150K/yr | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Business Developer, Education & Workforce Innovation at Dunwoody College Of Technology

  💵 $115K/yr–$135K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Sr. New Business Development, Insurance Property & Casualty at Longevity Holdings, Inc.
  💵 $100K/yr–$115K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Jomari Curtis, Laser Operator, Uber Driver

  👉 Actively looking for Work |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Viddy Gerard, Human Resource & Talent Acquisition

  👉 Currently seeking for entry-level HR position |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• David Olson, Inside Sales Representative, Relocation

  👉 Looking for employment |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

• The City of Golden Valley is soliciting quotes for the Manager’s Conference Room Remodel Project (Link)

• Managed Print Services needed at Minnesota State University (Link)

• Document Destruction, Disposal, and Recycling for the White Earth Health Center (Link)

• Seeking Competitive Lease Proposals at the Administrative Office Space in support of Law Enforcement Operations, Ft. Snelling, MN (Link)

• Blue Lake Water Resource Recovery Facility in St. Paul, MN needs to remove and dewater sludge and debris from a digester tank (Link)

• Master Contracts for Wastewater System Planning Services Contracting with Small Business Goal (Link)

• 280 Sanitary Sewer Crossing Replacement Project, Construction Services, Heavy (Link)

• Pipe-in-Pipe Rehabilitation (Contracting - with Small Business Goal) (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Metropolitan Council awards $15.75 million in Livable Communities and TOD grants to 15 projects (More)

• City of Minneapolis “Vibrant Storefronts” Program (More)

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) “PROMISE Act Grant Program” (More)

• Grant RFP for the Minnesota Small Business Development Center (MnSBDC) Network (More)

• Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) (More)

KNOWLEDGE

🔎 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

What are the top challenges of doing business in the Twin Cities?

1. Rising costs & shrinking demand - Many businesses in the region report higher input costs (labor, materials, insurance, utilities), which are squeezing profit margins.

2. Workforce/talent challenges - Even though the acute “hiring frenzy” of the pandemic has moderated, many firms still say finding qualified workers remains a key obstacle.

3. Regulatory & business‑climate hurdles - Local reports highlight that businesses view regulation and policy uncertainty as a major concern. In the Twin Cities region, “government regulations” was the top challenge cited in one manufacturing‑focused survey.

More >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 11/14 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/18 HOA Leadership Network Bloomington Chapter November 18 | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/19 Twin Cities Business Networking Event | Arden Hills, MN (Register)

💻 11/19 Embrace Change Structured Networking for Women of Color Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/19 Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Networking Reception Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/20 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/23 Youth Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/24 Log Off and Link Up - A Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 12/09 Caffeinate Your Business When You Network with NIA Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 12/10 Network with an Amazing Collection of Members to Grow Your Business! Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 12/11 Network with NIA Elite Members for More Effective Business-Building Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 25,942 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👀 Minnesota’s Affordable Care Act marketplace is about to become unaffordable. What happened?

⭐ 3 Bold Predictions Shaping the Future of Networking

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for Executive Search Consulting Services, Predesign Services, Campus Building Rehab Program, and more…

✅ Minnesota First-Time Home Buyer | Assistance Programs 2025

🔎 The top tips for doing business in the Twin Cities

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Minnesota’s Affordable Care Act marketplace is about to become unaffordable. What happened? (Read)

• Ex-president of Minneapolis Regional Chamber embezzled more than $200,000 (Read)

• Target cutting 800 jobs across Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, raising concerns about broader economic slowdown (Read)

• Top Twin Cities real estate agent charged with failing to pay nearly $400,000 in taxes (Read)

• The Atlantic Group, Managing More Than $1.6 Billion in Client Assets, Joins Ameriprise Financial (Read)

• Apple device-management firm Jamf to be bought by Francisco Partners for $2.2B (Read)

• Wolters Kluwer launches Expert AI capabilities in CCH Axcess™ Audit Suite (Read)

• Pausing all payments to catch fraud on the front end - Governor Walz announces third-party billing audit for 13 high-risk Medicaid programs (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

3 Bold Predictions Shaping the Future of Networking

What will be the next big shift in how we connect? Three experts share their perspectives on why professional networking won’t look the same in the years ahead.

Predicting how networking will evolve isn’t easy, but the past gives us clues for those who pay attention.

Today, we’ll explore some expert predictions on the evolution of professional networking. What’s clear is that emerging networking trends will balance tech innovation with personal connection.

The question is … how exactly will that play out?

Three experts share their predictions ...

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul

Here’s a short update on the job market in the Twin Cities region: Job growth remains positive but modest, with the metro adding non-farm payrolls at about a 0.8% year-over-year rate, slightly below the national average. Meanwhile, openings are slipping: in Minnesota overall, the job-openings rate fell to 4.9% in June from 5.6% in May, suggesting demand may be softening.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Director, Business Development at Padagis LLC
  💵 $140K/yr - $180K/yr | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• VP of GSSP Service Creation Sales at Ericsson

  💵 $196K/yr–$301K/yr. | 📍 St Paul, MN (Apply)

• Senior Business Development Director, Americas at Circle
  💵 $230K/yr–$285K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Rachel Richards, Sales Associate, Logistics Processor - Fulfillment

  👉 Seeking for new Opportunities |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Stephanie Raygor, Community Specialist, Customer Support Specialist

  👉 Looking for remote work |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Kayla Sawchak, LA Student Technician, President, ACVP

  👉 Seeking for new Opportunities |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

• City of Golden Valley needs Executive Search Consulting Services (Link)

• Predesign Services for PW Facility needed at Medina Public Works Facility (Link)

• Anesthesiologist physician on-call services for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (Link)

• Campus Building Rehab Program needed at Metropolitan Airports Commission (Link)

• Design Services for fire alarm system upgrades at the Como Student Community Cooperative (Link)

• Climbing Wall for the Minneapolis Recreation and Wellness Center (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Local organization helping Hurricane Melissa response (More)

• Minnesota First-Time Home Buyer | Assistance Programs 2025 (More)

• Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) (More)

• Energy-/Efficiency Grants & Cost-Shares for Metro Businesses (More)

• Grants & Loans via Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for business environmental improvements (More)

KNOWLEDGE

🔎 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

What are the top tips for doing business in the Twin Cities?

1. Leverage the Local Network and Community

2. Understand the Regional Economy and Key Industries

3. Prioritize Talent and Workforce Development

4. Adapt to the Local Culture and Values

5. Be Prepared for Seasonal Challenges

More >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

💻 10/30 She Connects: A Free Monthly Networking Call for Women Entrepreneurs Event | Zoom (Register)

🤝 11/01 Sister Spokesman - Best of Black Businesses Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

💻 11/04 Virtual Networking for Women Entrepreneurs Ready to GROW! Event | Zoom (Register)

🤝 11/04 Starting a Food Business 101 Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/06 Small Business Owner Networking- Biz to Biz Guest Day Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/12 Minneapolis Networking Event for Professional Women Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/13 Elevate Her Network, Morning Coffee Break- Edina Chapter Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/14 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/20 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/13 Twin Cities Professionals of Color November Networking Happy Hour Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving 24,564 professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 MN Cup Founders to Lead Birthing of Giants Cohort in Minnesota

⭐ Why Netwinars Beat Webinars Every Time

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for Executive Search Consulting Services, Enterprise Contract for CRM Solution, and more…

✅ $94 million in MN PROMISE Act funds for qualifying businesses

🔎 Who are the top networkers in the Twin Cities?

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And more …

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St. Paul

• MN Cup Founders to Lead Birthing of Giants Cohort in Minnesota (Read)

• Regulators approve disputed $6.2B takeover of Minnesota Power by investment group (Read)

• The Alliance Bank Center Building Is Under New Ownership (Read)

• Big money rallies to Frey allies in Minneapolis races (Read)

• $100 Million in Assets Joins Ameriprise Financial For Enhanced Client Experience (Read)

• Springtime destination “Minneapolis Tulip House” lists for $650,000 (Read)

• Twin Cities’ fastest-growing private companies (Read)

• DUOS Secures $130M Strategic Growth Investment Led by FTV Capital (Read)

• Startup Snapshot: Food for Health (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

Why Netwinars Beat Webinars Every Time

Professionals are ditching standard Zoom calls and virtual networking events for netwinars that spark collective learning, deeper engagement, and meaningful relationships.

Forget webinars, netwinars are the new virtual networking powerhouse.

Just think about it …

How many times have you attended a webinar that turned into one long sales pitch?

Or finished a session without connecting with a single person?

While no one can predict the future of networking, one thing is certain …

It won’t look anything like it does today…

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul

Minnesota — and by extension Minneapolis — added about 5,900 jobs in August 2025, even as the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6 %, highlighting a mixed but relatively resilient job market. Meanwhile, the state experienced a steep decline in job openings (157,000 in June vs. 182,000 in May), which suggests that employer demand may be cooling somewhat.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Senior Director, Business Development, Circle Impact at Circle
  💵 $230K/yr - $285K/yr | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Technology Sales/BDM at Creation Technologies International Inc

  💵 $180K/yr–$200K/yr. | 📍 St Paul, MN (Apply)

• Sales Executive - Enterprise Event Solutions at The Toro Company
  💵 $126K/yr–$160K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Tanner Shellberg, Facility Operations Supervisor, Event Staff Coordinator

  👉 Looking for new Opportunities |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Margaret Perez, Sr. Project Manager, Transit Oriented Development

  👉 Seeking and Inspiring Government Innovation |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

• Josh Wolf, Assistant Property Manager, Customer Liaison Specialist

  👉 Looking for new Opportunities |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

• Executive Search Consulting Services for the Golden Valley Police Department (Link)

• Minnesota State seeks an Enterprise Contract for CRM Solution (Link)

• NESP Mooring Facilities near Lock & Dam 7 (Link)

• Infield Fueling Facility Secondary Containment at Metropolitan Airports (Link)

• Sources Sought - Rental/Lease of Wheeled Loader and Snow Bucket Attachment Supply (Link)

• E River Terrace Sewer Improvement Project (Link)

• Electrical and Ground Power Substation Replacement (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• $94 million in MN PROMISE Act funds for qualifying businesses (More)

• Vibrant Storefronts — $750,000 investment to activate vacant retail spaces (More)

• Metropolitan Council / Livable Communities – Pre-Development grants (More)

• $20 million in Transportation Economic Development Funding (More)

• State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding in Minnesota (More)

• $3.4 Million in Grants to Advance Economic Mobility (More)

KNOWLEDGE

🔎 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

Who are the top networkers in the Twin Cities?

1. Kim Tsoukalas - Founder/Leader, Network in Action – Twin Cities

2. Bonnie Speer McGrath - Chair, Minneapolis Chapter, TIGER 21

3. Lee Anderson - Chairman & Owner, API Group Inc

4. Ben Anderson - CEO, AutoMotion

5. Kim Bartmann - Founder & CEO, Bartmann Group

More >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 10/22 Networking Hangout Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 10/22 Utepils Brewing - Networking Meeting Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 10/22 Twin Cities Business Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 10/25 Networking Connections at Diane’s Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/12 Minneapolis Networking Event for Professional Women | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/13 Twin Cities Professionals of Color November Networking Happy Hour Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/14 Portkey Speed Networking - Open to all Business Owners & Professionals Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 11/18 Professional Speed Networking for Business Owners and Professionals Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 12/03 Engineering and Business Networking Event | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter serving professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍 Returning Workers Add Some Bustle to Downtown Minneapolis

⭐ The Cost of Undervaluing A Community

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

📈Twin Cities organizations looking for Temporary Staffing Services, Loan Portfolio Management and Servicing, printing supplies, Electrical and Ground Power, Design-Build Repair Fire Alarm and Mass Notification, and more…

✅ Wells Fargo Foundation Awards $3.2 Million in Grants to Empower North Minneapolis

🔎 What are some of the successful niche businesses in the Twin Cities?

📅 Register for Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And much more!

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St Paul

• Returning Workers Add Some Bustle to Downtown Minneapolis (Read)

• Xcel wants a big rate hike, but customers say not so fast (Read)

• 90,000 Minnesotans face big health insurance premium hikes without congressional action (Read)

• New business opening in Northeast that combines bowling and football (Read)

• TCB Names Rob Vischer Its 2025 Person of the Year (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

The Cost of Undervaluing A Community

To attract new members, I made a pricing mistake that nearly killed the community I worked so hard to build. I undervalued my community and paid the price.

Before the pandemic, I created a space where people could truly connect.

I built a community that united people and fostered meaningful connections.

The community sparked thousands of sales leads, genuine connections, and personal referrals.

It thrived because members didn’t just participate and connect; they valued it deeply and poured their knowledge and energy back into it…

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St Paul

In August 2025, Minnesota employers added 5,900 jobs, a healthy gain that beats out many national trends, although unemployment ticked up slightly. Despite steady job growth statewide, demand for office-using sectors is lagging, and MN labor indicators point to some cooling and slowing in employer demand.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Senior Sales Manager of Target & Ulta st OLLY PBC
  💵 $116.4K/yr - $174.6K/yr | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• IT Business Development Leader at CGI Group, Inc.
  💵 $141K–247K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Utility Sales Professional at RDO Equipment Co
  💵 $70K–100K/yr. | 📍 Burnsville, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Love Yiel del Puerto Diaz, Pharmacy Technician

  👉 Actively looking for work |📍 St Paul, MN (Profile)

• Kelley Welf, Communications Director

  👉 Strategic communications leader with over 14 years of experience |📍 Andover, MN (Profile)

• Leslie Doolittle, Supply Chain Manager

  👉 Actively seeking employment |📍 Minneapolis, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

Who's Buying in the Twin Cities Right Now?

• Temporary Staffing Services needed in St Paul, MN (Link)

• Metropolitan Airports Commission needs Electrical and Ground Power Substation Replacement (Link

• Design-Build Repair Fire Alarm and Mass Notification needed in Minneapolis, MN (Link)

• Various printing supplies needed at a Minneapolis organization (Link)

• City of Minneapolis needs Loan Portfolio Management and Servicing (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Wells Fargo Foundation Awards $3.2 Million in Grants to Empower North Minneapolis (More)

• Access to Technology Grants for Child Care Businesses in Minnesota (More)

• Strength and Strategy Lab offers help for entrepreneurs (More)

KNOWLEDGE

🔎 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

What are some of the successful niche businesses in the Twin Cities?

1. Tropes & Trifles

2. Sota (Dirty Soda shop)

3. Indeed Brewing (Pistachio Cream Ale)

4. Gatherings Café

5. Cardigan Donuts

More >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 9/24 Twin Cities Business Networking Event | Arden Hills, MN (Register)

🤝 9/26 Business Professionals Event | Speed Networking in Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 10/16 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Edina, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, a local newsletter focused on what matters most to professionals in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

💪 Funding Cuts Test Resiliency of Nonprofits

👍Wait... What Do You Do Again?

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

✅ Twin Cities organizations looking for Website Design and Development, Digital readiness training, forensic investigation services, and more

📅 Register for upcoming Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And much more!

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

The Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St Paul

• Funding Cuts Test Resiliency of Nonprofits (Read)

• Minnesota home insurance premiums near $3K annually (Read)

• Solid quarter at Best Buy overshadowed by outlook grown cloudy with tariffs (Read)

• One Minneapolis-based Software Company Acquires Another (Read)

• Subcontractor, others say Minneapolis roofing company owes them thousands (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

Wait... What Do You Do Again?

Few aspiring professionals or fledgling entrepreneurs can clearly define what they do and how they are different in one sentence. Here’s how to master it and why it matters.

There I was, at a business event in Rochester, NY, seated right next to billionaire Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex and one of the world’s most successful business leaders.

A man who had invested millions into local startups and small businesses.

Since we were both from Rochester, I expected an instant connection.

But it never came.

I froze. I didn’t say a word…

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St Paul

Graco’s decision to close its Northeast Minneapolis campus and relocate around 400 jobs to Rogers or Dayton over the next two years is freeing up 40 acres of prime Mississippi Riverfront land, creating significant redevelopment potential—and potential construction job growth. Meanwhile, in July the Minnesota job market showed signs of cooling: DEED reported a loss of about 4,400 jobs, a rise in unemployment to about 3.5%, and a slight dip in labor force participation—though employment levels remain relatively robust overall.

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Business Development Director (Performance Solutions) at TalentAlly
  💵 $115K–125K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Sr Director Sales at Advantage Solutions
  💵 $137K–214K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• SVP, Medical Device Sales & Marketing at FTS, Inc.
  💵 $250K–275K/yr. | 📍 St Paul, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Daniel Rogers, President, Principal Technology Consultant

  👉 Looking for New Opportunities |📍 St Paul, MN (Profile)

• Doug Rust, Event Coordinator & Management

  👉 Seeking new opportunities |📍 Princeton, MN (Profile)

• Charles Capien, President, Small Business Owner

  👉 Currently seeking opportunities |📍 Burnsville, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

Who's Buying in the Twin Cities Right Now?

• Website Design and Development needed at Minnesota State University (Link)

• Digital readiness training needed in Hennepin County (Link)

• Minnesota State is seeking forensic investigation services under one or more master contract agreements (Link)

• Replacement of Asbestos Flooring for USDA ARS in St. Paul, MN (Link)

• Updating the lighting controls needed at Metropolitan Airports (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Resources (More)

• Startup and Small Business Resources at Minnesota - Star of the North (More)

• The Minneapolis Foundation today announced 50 grants to local organizations that are advancing equity and justice by increasing economic mobility in the Twin Cities (More)

• OHE Awards 80 Minnesota Businesses with Funds to Support Employee Training (More)

KNOWLEDGE

👀 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

“What are five quirky business ideas that could work in The Twin Cities?”

1. Snow-to-Go Service

2. Loon-Themed River Cruises

3. Hotdish Pop-Up Café

4. Bike & Brew Tours

5. Prince-Themed Escape Room

More Details >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 8/29 Business Professionals Event | Speed Networking in Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 9/18 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Edina, MN (Register)

🤝 9/24 Twin Cities Business Networking Event | Arden Hills, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

👋 Good morning, Twin Cities! Welcome to The Twin Cities Networker, the local newsletter that connects professionals to what matters most in the Minneapolis - St. Paul business community.

In today’s issue:

👍Minnesota Is Emerging as a Hub for Microgrid Technology

💪 The secret to real networking? Be kind. Be human.

💼 Top Job Postings and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

✅ Twin Cities organizations that are looking for Ad printing services, roof repair, lighting controls, flooring, and more…

📅 Register for upcoming Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And much more!

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

Business Buzz around Minneapolis-St Paul

• Minnesota Is Emerging as a Hub for Microgrid Technology (Read)

• Minneapolis Painting Contractor's 20-Year Journey Reflects Twin Cities Housing Evolution (Read)

• Pohlads no longer exploring sale of the Minnesota Twins (Read)

• Plymouth man embezzled more than $1 million over 14 years: Charges (Read)

• Off the Mark: What’s Gone Wrong With Target? (Read)

STRATEGY

⭐ Deep Dive

Human Kind. Be Both.

The secret to real networking? Be kind. Be human. Kindness sparks connection. Humanity builds relationships.

After two decades of helping people connect and build relationships, I’ve discovered that one word captures the true heart of networking and human connection.

Humankind.

One word. Two meanings. Both matter.

In the traditional sense, humankind encompasses every person across time and place, bound together by the common threads of experience, emotion, and the human spirit.

It is the story of all people—past, present, and future—woven together by the shared experience of being human.

But it also reflects a way for people to be “human” and “kind” to others, which are two qualities at the heart of genuine networking and real connections.

In networking, “humankind” becomes a powerful catalyst for opportunity, growth, and lasting success.

Let’s take a closer look …

Read the Full Story >>

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities at Work

Workplace Highlights in Greater Minneapolis-St Paul

Slow Economic Growth Threatens Minnesota’s Future Prosperity - Greater MSP coalition lights leadership fuse to spur more innovation and increase investment capital pools. (Read More)

🔥 TOP JOB POSTINGS

• Trade Development Director at Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits
  💵 $101K–167K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• LN Venues, Regional Director of Sales at Live Nation Entertainment
  💵 $95K–120K/yr. | 📍 Minneapolis, MN (Apply)

• Design Sales Consultant at Kohler Co.
  💵 $125K–250K/yr. | 📍 Arden Hills, MN (Apply)

👀 TOP JOB SEEKERS

• Kristine Rose, Field Inspector/Contractor & Analyst

  👉 Currently in transition, working as a caregiver for parents. Seeking a position in reception at a health clinic or call center |📍 St Paul, MN (Profile)

• Kathleen Morrissey, Project Coordinator

  👉 Seeking New Opportunities |📍 St Paul, MN (Profile)

• Joyce Gill, CPPM, Executive Director & Escrow Coordinator/ Processing

  👉 Currently seeking opportunities |📍 St Paul, MN (Profile)

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

Who's Buying in the Twin Cities Right Now?

• Replacement of Asbestos Flooring for USDA ARS in St. Paul, MN (Link)

• St Paul organization needs Exterior Ad Printing Services (Link)

• Kawishiwi Garage roof repair needed in MN (Link)

• Updating the lighting controls needed at Metropolitan Airports (Link)

• Homeowner Repairs Assistance Program (Link)

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

Helpful Tools & Positive Developments in Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Harnessing Innovation in Minnesota (More)

• Governor Walz Announces $33 Million For Small Businesses (More)

• The Central Certification Program, or CERT, helps small, local, and historically disadvantaged businesses, work with the governments of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Hennepin and Ramsey counties (More)

• Governor Walz Announces $12 Million For Workforce Development (More)

KNOWLEDGE

👀 Twin Cities Insights

AI-Powered Business Tips & Trends for Twin Cities professionals

“What are the top 5 organizations to use when raising venture capital in the Twin Cities?”

1. Bread and Butter Ventures - Early-stage leader with a strong regional network.

2. Groove Capital - Great for founders seeking that first legit institutional investment.

3. Arthur Ventures - Broad reach and deep funding — ideal for B2B SaaS companies aiming to scale.

4. Norwest Venture Partners - Best for ambitious startups needing large capital and infrastructure.

5. Gopher Angels - Excellent network if you're early and want both capital and mentorship.

More Details >>

NETWORKING

📅 Twin Cities Events

Top Business & Networking Events in the Twin Cities

🤝 8/15 Sunset Social | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 8/20 AI Connect, networking for AI enthusiasts | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝 8/21 Minneapolis Business Networking Event | Edina, MN (Register)

🤝 8/27 Twin Cities Business Networking Event | Arden Hills, MN (Register)

🤝 8/29 Business Professionals Event | Speed Networking in Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN (Register)

🤝= In Person, 💻 = Virtual

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

👋 Good afternoon, Twin Cities! Mike, here.

Welcome, you’re part of 5,000+ local networkers looking to connect in The Twin Cities!

In today’s issue:

👍2025 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame

💪 How 223 Referrals Were Generated in One Hour.

💼 Top Jobs and Top Job Seekers in the Twin Cities

✅ Twin Cities organizations looking for 24 Hour Technical Support, Audiogram Services, VOIP and Voicemail system, Real Time Video Captioning, and more…

📌 Register for the upcoming Twin Cities networking events

👨‍💻 And much more!

First time reading? Sign up here

COMMUNITY

🍇 The Twin Cities Grapevine

• 2025 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame (Read)

• 17 Minnesota companies make Inc. list of best US workplaces (Read)

• Minneapolis businesses impacted by water main break closing permanently (Read)

• Minneapolis’ Mosaic Event Space Expands (Read)

• Minneapolis is a Happy Place to Live (Read)

Submit a Tip

INSIGHTS

⭐ Deep Dive

223 Referrals in One Hour. Here’s How.

Discover the secret format for generating over 200 referrals for 28 strangers in just 60 minutes during a virtual networking event.

Last week, I was facilitating a virtual networking event that I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate.

I found myself running a Zoom meeting with nearly thirty total strangers.

Should I spend time highlighting the benefits of strategic networking?

Or let everyone dive right into their sales pitches?

Perhaps the simplest approach is to send them into breakout rooms and let the conversations flow naturally.

I had sixty minutes to deliver meaningful insights, spark networking among participants, and somehow tie it all together to kickstart real relationship-building.

Fortunately, I was well-prepared for the event…

Read More

CAREERS

💼 Twin Cities @ Work

New Study Finds Minnesota Has the Most Entry-Level Jobs that Pay a Livable Wage

With the cost of living always on the rise, it can be hard to feel that you have enough money to live a life where you aren't stressed about whether your paycheck can pay for the groceries and mortgage for the month. The cost of, well, everything keeps going up, and most of the time, pay raises don't match the increase in the cost of living.

A recent study, though, has really good news for us Minnesotans... (More)

TOP JOBS

• New Business Development Manager at ServiceMaster Restoration Services in Osseo, MN. $60K–120K/yr. (Link)

• HVAC Sales Manager at Schwab Vollhaber Lubratt, Inc in St Paul, MN. $150K–200K/yr. (Link)

• Inside Sales Development Representative at RFMW in St Paul, MN. $80K–100K/yr. (Link)

Submit a Job

TOP JOB SEEKERS

• David Janke, St Paul, Minnesota

  Sales Leader 10+ Years of consultative and solution-based selling experience with a demonstrated track record of quota-carrying success is looking for new opportunities (Link)

• Lew Schildkraut, St Paul, Minnesota

  Is seeking a board seat position and is passionate about contributing to organizations committed to innovation, integrity, and impact. As a board member, consultant or advisor, he offers a unique combination of strategic vision, financial acumen, and a collaborative approach to leadership (Link)

• Christopher Freeze, MPA, CFRE, St Paul, Minnesota

  Nonprofit leader and development professional looking for new challenges. As a Development Director at Native Governance Center, he leveraged his skills in nonprofit leadership and fundraising to support the organization's mission of empowering indigenous communities. (Link)

Submit a Job Seeker

SALES

📈 Twin Cities Leads

• Organization needs access to 24 Hour Technical Support via Telephone and provide software support, software updates and bug fixes at Fort Snelling, MN (Link)

• Audiogram Services sought in Minneapolis, MN (Link)

• The Bemidji Area Indian Health Service is seeking to purchase Hosted VOIP and Voicemail system in Bemidji , MN (Link)

• Real Time Video Captioning Services needed at City of Minneapolis (Link)

• The Metropolitan Council will be soliciting in the near future proposals for a Customer Issue Reporting and Tracking project (Link)

Submit a Lead

SUPPORT

✅ Twin Cities Resources

• 2025 Meetings & Events Resource Guide (More)

• St. Paul: Grants aim to support Arcade Street businesses during road work (More)

• 8 Minnesota skate parks get $4M in state funding (More)

• Road construction threatened mom-and-pop shops. This St. Paul neighborhood got help (More)

• Affinity Plus Foundation, FHLB Des Moines Award $1 Million in Grants to 41 Minnesota Nonprofit Organizations (More)

MARKETING

📑 Twin Cities List

WEEKLY SPECIAL: A Minneapolis Business List of hard-to-find decision makers in the Twin Cities that approve projects & seek new sources of business. For a limited time, take $200 off (a 40% discount) this week with the coupon LISTS-JULY-2025

Learn More

Are you interested in a custom list? Just let me know your specifications (Contact)

NETWORKING

🤝 Twin Cities Events

• Twin Cities Networking Event in Edina on Thursday morning, July 10th, 2025, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Join us for an exciting in-person business networking event that will focus on strategic networking, connecting professionals, and sharing business opportunities in the Greater Minneapolis region. Corporate Office, 7700 France Ave S, The Edina Room, Edina, MN 55435. FREE. (Register)

• Twin Cities Networking Event in Arden Hills on Wednesday morning, July 23rd, 2025, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Join us for an exciting in-person business networking event that will focus on strategic networking, connecting professionals, and sharing business opportunities in the Greater Minneapolis region. Twin City Underwriters, Inc, 2 Pine Tree Drive, ANC 304 East Conference Room - Main Floor, Arden Hills, MN, 55112. FREE. (Register)

Know of any networking events in the Twin Cities? We'd love to hear about them!

Submit an Event

Thank you for being part of our Twin Cities business community!

POLL

Have a great rest of the week!

- Mike

👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• Substack: https://www.thestrategicnetworker.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/