Rochester Hosts 2026 Economic Summit for Business Leaders

The annual event brought together companies from across southeast Minnesota to discuss economic outlook and challenges.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Economic Summit at the Mayo Civic Center, where business leaders from across southeast Minnesota came together to share insights, discuss challenges, and take a closer look at the local, regional, and national economy. According to the Chamber, 33% of businesses reported a 5% to 25% increase in sales in 2025, and 42% are expected to see similar increases in 2026.

Why it matters

The annual economic summit provides an important platform for the region's business community to collaborate, identify trends, and strategize for the year ahead. As the economy continues to evolve, these types of convenings help companies stay informed and coordinate efforts to drive growth.

The details

The 2026 Economic Summit featured presentations and panel discussions covering a range of topics relevant to the local business climate, including workforce development, supply chain issues, and emerging technologies. Attendees had the opportunity to network, share best practices, and gain insights from industry experts and policymakers.

  • The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Economic Summit on February 4, 2026.
  • In 2025, 33% of businesses reported a 5% to 25% increase in sales.

The players

Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

The leading business organization in Rochester, Minnesota, representing companies across various industries and advocating for the region's economic interests.

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What’s next

The Chamber plans to release a comprehensive report summarizing the key takeaways and action items from the 2026 Economic Summit in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The 2026 Economic Summit demonstrates the importance of regional collaboration and information-sharing among businesses, as they work together to navigate the evolving economic landscape and identify opportunities for growth in the year ahead.