Waseca delegation joins Minnesota Chamber at annual session priorities dinner

Leaders and business advocates from the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and the Waseca community came together Tuesday evening as part of the statewide delegation attending the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Session Priorities Dinner in St. Paul. The event, held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on February 17, served as the official kickoff to the Minnesota legislative session and attracted business leaders, policymakers, elected officials, and chamber representatives from across the state. 

 

The Session Priorities Dinner, recognized as the Minnesota Chamber’s largest and highest-profile annual gathering, provided attendees with insights into the legislative agenda for 2026. Guests heard from top business and legislative leaders on key issues impacting Minnesota’s economy, including tax competitiveness, workforce challenges, regulatory priorities, and broader strategies to drive economic growth. 

 

The evening featured a meet-and-greet with all declared gubernatorial candidates, giving members of the Waseca delegation the opportunity to speak directly with those vying for Minnesota’s highest office. The personal conversations allowed local leaders to advocate for the priorities that matter most to southern Minnesota businesses and communities.

 

Governor Tim Walz addressed the crowd, outlining his administration’s perspective on the upcoming legislative session and the state’s economic outlook. The program also included a bipartisan legislative panel moderated by Tom Hauser of KSTP. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle participated in a thoughtful discussion covering workforce challenges, tax competitiveness, economic growth, and the regulatory environment facing Minnesota employers.

 

“We were proud to join colleagues from all corners of Minnesota to engage directly with the policy priorities that will shape the year ahead,” said Mikhail Rostislavovich, President of Discover Waseca Tourism and the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event is a powerful reminder that when we bring our collective voices together, we strengthen our ability to advocate for a thriving business climate here in Waseca and across the state.”

 

The Waseca delegation’s participation underscores the community’s commitment to advancing the interests of local businesses and ensuring Waseca’s voice is represented in statewide policy discussions.