Growing Destinations

Charlie Rybak Reflects on Media, Storytelling, Minnesota, and His Last Name

Charlie Rybak has worked across just about every corner of modern media, from traditional journalism to digital strategy to launching hyperlocal news platforms. Today he leads editorial innovation at Twin Cities Business and hosts a YouTube series featuring conversations with business leaders across the region. Charlie shares his career journey, what's actually working in business media right now and how he's thinking about telling the story of a state that's growing well beyond just the Twin Cities.

How A Rochester Brewery Is Building A World Cup Home Base

At Little Thistle Brewing in Rochester, Minnesota, community creativity and a real smart approach to experience-building are all on tap. This isn't just a neighborhood brewery. It's a gathering place, and increasingly, it's becoming something more: a hub for shared experiences that bring people together in ways that go well beyond what's in the glass.  Steve Finnie, Co-Owner of Little Thistle, shares how his Scottish roots and passion for soccer are helping to shape a creative activation leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This conversation goes deeper than that. We'll talk about Steve's journey, the realities of running a brewery in today's environment and how thinking differently about programming, partnerships and place can turn a local business into a destination in its own right.

A Conversation with Chancellor Lori Carrell - University of Minnesota Rochester

On Growing Destinations, we’re joined by Chancellor Lori Carrell of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). Chancellor Carrell received the Rochester Mayor’s Medal of Honor in 2025 for her leadership in higher education and her impact on the city. Under her leadership, UMR has experienced significant enrollment growth and continues to expand its role as a downtown campus preparing the next generation of healthcare and research professionals. We discuss UMR’s unique place within the University of Minnesota system, its innovative approach to learning, and how the university’s growth is shaping the future of Rochester.

Two Worlds of Storytelling: Newsroom and Novel

Caitlin Alexander is an Emmy award-winning anchor and Executive Producer at KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minnesota, and a published children’s author. While many viewers know her from the nightly newscast, Caitlin is also the writer behind the middle-grade paranormal novels She's Still Here and The Forever Bride, as well as the family-centered children's book Baby Celebrates Both: Christmas & Hanukkah. In this conversation, we discuss building a creative life in Rochester, balancing newsroom leadership with novel writing, and why telling brave, age-appropriate spooky stories for kids matters.

Sweet Success: The Huxden Syrups Story with Erik Karow

Erik Karow is founder and owner of Huxden Syrups [https://huxdensyrups.com/]. Erik's passion for flavor and creativity turned a simple idea into a growing business. What started as a creative side project has evolved into a brand known for its small-batch, handcrafted syrups that elevate coffee, cocktails, and culinary creations.  In this episode, Erik shares the story behind launching Huxden Syrups, what it's like being an entrepreneur in today's challenging business climate, and how he's planning to scale and grow while staying true to his craft.