The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced Detroit Lakes’ Dennis White, of SJE, as part of its Leadership Minnesota Class of 2024-25 on December 5, 2024. The 40-person group has been selected as part of the premier program after showing tremendous leadership ability in the Minnesota business community and completed their sessions this month.
Minnesota’s economic engine is powered by more than 100,000 businesses, a diverse landscape interconnected in ways not understood by the casual observer. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps attendees understand how public policy crafted at the Capitol impacts the vitality of each and every Minnesota company. By establishing a rich network of Minnesota business leaders, this shared experience makes them more effective leaders at their workplace.
“I am grateful to have participated in the program with this great group of Minnesota business leaders,” said White. “This program helped broaden my perspective on our state’s diverse industries and strengthen my network with talented leaders from various sectors.”
“We are excited to have brought Dennis together with this class and give them a backstage pass to Minnesota industries essential to our economy and see how policy intersects with business,” said Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “We appreciate this year’s leadership class giving their time to learn about our diverse economy so they can continue to provide even stronger leadership in their communities and for this state going forward.”
The program spans five sessions, each focusing on key sectors of Minnesota’s economy, running from September 2024 through February 2025. Participants will explore industries critical to the state’s economic vitality, uncovering opportunities and challenges unique to Minnesota.
- September: Orientation, infrastructure and manufacturing (Mankato)
- October: Timber, mining and energy (Northern Minnesota)
- November: Health care, retail and technology (Twin Cities)
- January: Agriculture and food production (Southern Minnesota)
- February: Role of business in public policy and politics (St. Paul)
