A version of this article first appeared on blethenberens.com. On July 6, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s new administrative rules interpreting Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law officially took effect. ESST, which became effective on January 1, 2024, requires most
As Mankato employers work to recruit and retain talent in a competitive labor market, one challenge continues to rise to the surface: childcare. For working parents, access to reliable, high-quality childcare isn’t a convenience, it’s what makes going to work possible. For employers, that means
Access to clean and reliable drinking water is a cornerstone of public health and infrastructure in the Mankato community. The municipal water system is designed, operated, and maintained to meet strict regulatory standards established by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of
This article was written by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Affordability, fraud top concerns for state lawmakers The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released today results of a statewide poll showing growing financial stress among Minnesotans, increasing pessimism about the state’s economy and rising concern that taxpayers are
If you’re wondering about the best time to buy a car in Mankato, you’re not alone. Timing can play an important role in your overall experience, from the selection available to how relaxed and enjoyable the process feels. Dealerships work with drivers year-round, and one
Join local businesses like ISG, Ameristar, Wooden Spoon, and the local Coffee Houses that are reducing waste. Why is it so important to reduce waste? Waste in our landfills releases methane when it decomposes in the absence of oxygen. This methane is the third largest
Tariff Refunds—What to Know It’s still early and while we will learn more about the refund process in the days ahead, the U.S. Chamber is providing information to help small businesses identify whether they paid IEEPA based tariffs, understand what types of duties may be eligible for
We’ve all been there, your car starts making a sound it definitely shouldn’t while driving down Highway 169, and your first thought is how much the repair might cost. But when it comes to buying a car, there’s another number that often causes stress: your
This Month’s Indicator: Domestic Migration For the first time since 2018, more people are moving to Minnesota from other states than leaving. After years of net domestic outmigration, this shift marks a meaningful change in direction—and an important signal for business leaders across the state. Between
Greater Mankato Growth joined more than 600 organizations from across the country that signed a letter urging the U.S. Senate to take up permitting reform. The U.S. House of Representatives passed several important permitting reform bills in 2025. The Senate now has the opportunity to