Fluence Forum

The Twin West Legislative Breakfast

The latest Fluence Forum in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is a relaunch of the Twin West legislative breakfast.  It included Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL) , Sen. Mark Johnson (R) Rep. Jamie Long (DFL) and Rep. Harry Niska (R) discussing key legislative issues.

Bridging the Gap: Higher Education and Minnesota's Workforce

Welcome back to the Fluence Forum, hosted by Fluence Advisory! In this episode, we continue our coverage from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Workforce Summit, recorded live on March 4, 2026. Following our discussions on state labor force data and skills-based hiring, we turn our focus to the critical role of higher education in shaping the future of work. This panel of leaders from our colleges and universities explores how educational institutions are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the state's economy. If you are looking to understand the intersection of academic development and talent retention, this conversation is essential listening. To hear more insights from the summit, visit fluence-advisory.com or subscribe to the Fluence Forum in your favorite podcast app!

Unpacking Minnesota's Workforce & Migration Patterns with Sean O'Neil

Welcome to the latest Fluence Forum, hosted by Fluence Advisory! In this episode, we dive deep into the economic realities and demographic shifts facing Minnesota today. Recorded live at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's annual Workforce Summit on March 4, 2026, this episode features a data-driven presentation by Sean O'Neil, Senior Director of Economic Development and Research at the Minnesota Chamber. Sean unpacks the critical numbers behind Minnesota's labor force, exploring why the state's economic growth is decelerating despite having strong foundational assets and high business survival rates. From the "Economic Imperative for Growth" initiative to the complex realities of domestic and international migration, this conversation is a must-listen for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of the North Star State. Key Takeaways: * The Growth Challenge: While Minnesota boasts a high quality of life and a diverse industry base, its economic and labor force growth has recently lagged behind the national average. * Labor Force Dynamics: Overall labor force growth has remained essentially flat at 0.2% annually over the first half of the decade. However, labor force participation among populations of color has surged by 12 percentage points since 2011, and participation among adults with disabilities has also seen significant gains. * The Migration Equation: The state is currently facing net negative domestic migration, particularly losing college-aged youth and recent high school graduates to neighboring states and the Sunbelt. Conversely, international migration remains a crucial net positive for the state's population and workforce. * Strategies for the Future: Sean discusses actionable levers for growth, including boosting business productivity, investing in automation, and scaling up talent retention and attraction strategies at the state and local levels. To dive deeper into these topics, visit fluence-advisory.com or search for Fluence Forum in your favorite podcast app!

Strategies for Employers: Skills-Based Hiring with Meghan Hughes

Welcome back to the Fluence Forum, hosted by Fluence Advisory! In this episode, we continue our coverage from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Workforce Summit, recorded live on March 4, 2026. Following up on our previous deep dive into the state's labor force data, we are joined by Meghan Hughes, Head of Workforce Development, Art and Heritage at Bank of America. Meghan unpacks critical strategies for employers, focusing on the importance of skills-based hiring to build talent and retain your workforce. As businesses navigate ongoing labor trends, rethinking how we attract and keep talent is more important than ever. If you are looking for actionable solutions to widen your candidate pool and support your team, this conversation is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: * The Power of Skills-Based Hiring: Why shifting the focus to skills-based hiring is an essential strategy for employers today. * Building Talent: How companies can actively build and cultivate the talent they need to succeed. * Retaining Your Workforce: The importance of retention strategies in maintaining a strong, capable team for the long haul. To hear more insights from the summit, visit fluence-advisory.com or subscribe to the Fluence Forum in your favorite podcast app!

The Legislative Leaders: Diverging Paths to a Common Goal

In the final session of the forum, Laura Bordelon (Minnesota Chamber of Commerce) moderates a candid and often sharp dialogue between two of the state's most influential energy legislators: Senator Nick Frentz (DFL), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee, and Representative Chris Swedzinski (R), Co-Chair of the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee. The conversation highlights the stark contrast in philosophy between the two parties. While Senator Frentz emphasizes that the transition to clean energy is now driven by economics—stating that "wind unsubsidized is now the lowest cost"—Representative Swedzinski argues that Minnesota is "skating to where the puck has been" rather than where it is going, warning that the state is ignoring the massive energy demands of the coming digital industrial revolution. The legislators debate the future of data centers, with Rep. Swedzinski questioning the wisdom of exporting electrons rather than importing jobs, and Senator Frentz calling for a "data center friendly state" that still protects ratepayers. They also spar over the Renewable Development Account (RDA), the path to lifting the nuclear moratorium, and the "Not In My Backyard" challenges of building new transmission lines.