Growing Destinations Podcast (2024)

25/01/2024

30 years ago, Randy Sampson, CEO and Chairman of Canterbury Park, made a gamble to bring back live horse racing in Shakopee, Minnesota. It’s paid off, and now, the racetrack, once surrounded by corn fields, is a mecca of development and entertainment, with a 19,000 seat Amphitheater on the horizon.

In this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, Randy looks back and is bullish about the future. One of his fondest memories over the past 30 years is the election night party of former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, hosted at Canterbury Park. As you can imagine – it was a wild night.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/14364871

11/01/2024

This week on the podcast, Erik Noonan from We Bike Rochester discusses the rising popularity of biking that's becoming more accessible to a diverse range of individuals.

We Bike Rochester is a chapter affiliated with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and is at the forefront of advocating for pedestrians and cyclists. Offering an array of programs and outreach initiatives, the organization conducts classes on safe cycling, adult learn-to-ride programs, and engaging social rides.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/14286029

28/12/2023

This week on the podcast: Taylor Swift brought her Eras tour to Minneapolis this past summer, delivering two sold-out performances at U.S. Bank Stadium. Our guests today have firsthand knowledge of the profound impact the Eras tour had on Minneapolis' economy. Courtney Ries, Senior Vice President of Destination Branding and Strategy for Meet Minneapolis, and Christy Loy, General Manager for Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis, shed light on the significant contribution made by the Eras tour to the economic landscape of Minneapolis.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/14209387

14/12/2023

Ever wonder how a simple passion for coffee can brew into a successful entrepreneurial journey? Join us for a lively discussion with Will Forsman, co-owner of three Café Steam shops and a coffee roasting business in Rochester, Minnesota. From starting as a dishwasher to being honored with the Rochester Mayor's Medal of Honor, Will's story is a rich blend of dedication, community connection, and of course, a love for coffee.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/14141453

30/11/2023

The latest episode of Growing Destinations is a celebration of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and rural economic development, offering valuable insights into the agricultural sector and the sustainable food production process.

Podcast guests include Brett Olson, co-founder of Renewing the Countryside, Dani Dircks, founder of Sailor Mercy and Ben McAvoy, owner of Blue Fruit Farm. They also discuss their roles in the annual FEAST Local Foods Network Marketplace, held annually in Rochester, MN at Mayo Civic Center.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/14057017

09/11/2023

This week on the podcast: Two leaders in Minnesota's tourism scene are optimistic about the future of travel. Bonnie Carlson is President and CEO of the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Amie Burrill is Executive Director of Experience Burnsville, Minnesota. As destination marketers and collaborators, Amie and Bonnie are passionate about the work they do in promoting their cities and the state of Minnesota to potential visitors and business travelers. In their forward-looking approach, they are eagerly exploring cutting-edge technologies, including the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, which has ignited a profound discussion within the tourism industry.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13933262

U.S. Travel Association Destinations International Explore Minnesota Tourism

26/10/2023

Italy is renowned worldwide for its rich culture, historical sites, and mouthwatering cuisine. But beyond the well-known cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, there exists a less explored but equally enchanting side of Italy. This is the focus of the latest Growing Destinations episode, where we delve into the lesser-known cultural regions of Italy with Anna Bonavita and Tom Gabriel, co-founders of the Minnesota non-profit organization, Esperienza Italia. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13837618

12/10/2023

On the latest episode, we explore Valleyfair's transformation and growth that has spanned nearly fifty years. Long time employees Tip Harrison and Tom Suel offer unique insights into the behind-the-scenes hustle during the early years, the change in ownership, and the relentless ambition to keep adding new attractions including the game-changer Wild Thing roller coaster that continues to be a crowd favorite today.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13753237

28/09/2023

Chuck Sibley is a relentless photojournalist whose illustrious 50-year career at KTTC TV in Rochester, Minnesota, has seen him covering everything from the Super Bowl and World Series to poignant local sports, human interest and unforgettable weather stories. He's more than just a photographer; he's a storyteller, capturing the human spirit in every frame.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13667023

14/09/2023

Pickleball is a sport that's easy to learn, fun to play and offers both physical and social benefits. On this episode of Growing Destinations, pickleball enthusiasts, Suzanne Bretto, President of the Rochester Area Pickleball Association, Vino Raj, Co-founder of To Pickleball and Beyond and Blake Held, Co-host of the Inside Out Pickleball podcast detail their pickleball journey and how they are helping others in their communities engage with the sport.

Don't miss the first ever RPC- Rochester Pickleball Classic coming to Mayo Civic Center on October 14, 2023!

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13557233

30/08/2023

On the latest episode of the Growing Destinations podcast: Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jill Renslow, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer for Mall of America. She offers an insider's perspective on the evolution, current state, and future plans of this iconic destination. We also explore its significant role in boosting tourism in Minnesota, the changing dynamics of retail and some delightful moments, like the surprise visit from Ed Sheeran. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13486522

17/08/2023

Welcome to the latest episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast. Our guests, Jeff Steinborn and Denny Graham, from the Historic Henderson Auto Society give us a fascinating look into how their Henderson Classic Car Roll In went from a small gathering of 20 automobile aficionados to a weekly spectacle that attracts 275 cars in Henderson, Minnesota. Through their stories, we learn about the incredible impact this event has had on their small town, both in terms of community bonding and economic impact.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13416150

03/08/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: For 45 years, Larry Moon Thompson has been a fixture as an on-air personality on radio stations throughout the country, including cities like Denver, Las Vegas, Houston and Minneapolis. Moon and his radio partner Staci Matthews were ratings gold for their entire run together on KS95 - St. Paul / Minneapolis. Now in retirement, Moon, a Marconi award winner and Minnesota Broadcasters Assoc. Hall of Famer, reflects on his career, his health and the current state of the industry. And through it all, Moon says trust makes for a successful team on the radio.

Listen wherever you listen to podcasts and online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13308826

20/07/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations podcast, we pull back the curtain on the dynamic world of commercial real estate in Southeast Minnesota with Nick Pompeian and Bucky Beeman.

These Rochester natives share their journey from their early days, growing up in entrepreneurial families to forging a successful partnership in Realty Growth Inc- Commercial Real Estate a business founded by Nick's father. You'll hear first-hand accounts of their innovative strategies, their embrace of tech, and how they've harnessed the power of the internet to revolutionize their approach to commercial real estate.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13240390

06/07/2023

This week on the podcast: Rochester, Minnesota award-winning author Teresa Waldof brings to life the incredible story of her grandfather, Harley Wilhelm, the brilliant yet humble Iowa chemist who played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project. Teresa also shares the fascinating journey of writing 'Wilhelm's Way', where she uncovered her own writing prowess along with her grandfather's impactful legacy.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13165812

22/06/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: Minnesota is home to more than 200 craft breweries. While the craft beer industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's starting to rebound. Bob Galligan is Director of Government and Industry Relations for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, which supports and promotes craft beer all across Minnesota. Bob credits the survival of the industry to its resiliency and spirit of collaboration. And he says to keep the craft beer industry viable, consumers need to keep showing up and supporting their local breweries.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/13074631

09/06/2023

This week on the podcast: How are the downtowns of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester adapting to the post-pandemic landscape? Join us as we engage in an insightful conversation with City of Minneapolis Government Mayor Jacob Frey, City of Saint Paul - Government Mayor Melvin Carter and City of Rochester, MN Government Kim Norton - Serving as Mayor in Rochester, MN who share their visions for revitalizing their cities and addressing challenges in public safety, business development, and reimagining older buildings for a brighter future.

This is a must-listen episode for those who care about the progress and development of Minnesota's cities, as these influential mayors discuss the importance of creating an economic and emotional connection to their downtown areas. The mayors also share their excitement for the prospect of Minnesota hosting Minnesota USA Expo.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/13004825

05/06/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: Avital Rabinowitz is in her second year as Director of Rochester Civic Music, a department of the City of Rochester, MN Government. Its mission is to bring people together by creating fun and memorable live music experiences. Rochester Civic Music produces a variety of programming throughout the community, including the ever-popular Down by the Riverside free public concert series, now in its 31st season. Every Sunday starting in mid-July for five weeks, Mayo Park along the Zumbro River in downtown Rochester turns into an outdoor music venue featuring local, regional and national acts. Avital says events like Down by the Riverside are a fantastic way to build community.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12913403

11/05/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: Barry Zelickson is a leader in the attractions industry. His past accomplishments include the creation of a Halloween Theme Park and Family Entertainment Centers in Minnesota. Now, he has focused his attention on a new venture - Fun Across America, a YouTube channel highlighting entertainment centers around the country. It's a passion project for Barry to share stories and unique experiences, which comes at a needed time when people are seeking new ways to engage with each other.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12822204

27/04/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota is the only facility in the country that has been designated by Congress as a National Eagle Center. Meg Gammage-Tucker, the National Eagle Center's CEO, says the center's recent renovation and expansion provides greater opportunity for storytelling and community outreach about the bald eagle, which is an incredible conservation success story.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12731419

13/04/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations podcast: Nick Novotny is a force in the Rochester, Minnesota music scene. He grew up playing different instruments and was influenced by live music and festivals.

Today, he's the drummer in Clay Fulton & the Lost Forty, he's a partner in a music promotion business called My Town • My Music, and he's the founder of The Rochester Thaw, a community building event, bringing a higher level of music impact to Rochester.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12639745

Rochester Thaw photos by Adam Nantz

30/03/2023

This week on thepodcast: LeeAnn Zubay is a lifelong foodie. Since 1978, she and her husband helped shape the restaurant scene in Rochester, Minnesota. She's taken her passion for food beyond restaurants, including a new venture called Food Union, an online gift box subscription service, which has evolved into a physical storefront in the heart of downtown Rochester. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12542984

16/03/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations Podcast: Lauren Bennett McGinty is one of Minnesota's biggest cheerleaders. It's no surprise, since she heads up Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's official tourism booster. Tourism is big business for Minnesota, with direct impact of more than $13 billion, and leisure and hospitality is the 4th largest industry for employment in the state. With increased competition, Lauren says it's time for Minnesota to up its game. Lauren shares her vision for Minnesota to be a top 10 destination and what it will take to get there. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12449656

02/03/2023

This week on the podcast: Sammi Loo grew up in the restaurant business in Malaysia. When she moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 2004, it didn't take long to turn her passion for food into business opportunities. She currently owns and operates Ootori Sushi and Mezza9 Cafe & Dessert in Rochester. Sammi says navigating the regulatory process can be challenging, but it's not a deterrent. She's planning to open two new Asian-inspired restaurants in downtown Rochester this year.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12357051

16/02/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations podcast: When he was 15 years old, Seamus Kolb got his first part-time job at Carroll's Corn, a popular gourmet popcorn shop in downtown Rochester, MN. Sixteen years later, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he purchased the shop, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Seamus shares more about the growth of Carroll's Corn, the changing dynamic of his customer base and why he's bullish on downtown Rochester's future. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12261688

02/02/2023

This week on the Growing Destinations podcast: In Rochester, Minnesota, the intersection of beer and music can be found at Thesis Beer Project. Adam Fredericksen and his wife opened the microbrewery in 2019. While 2022 proved to be a good year for Thesis, the pandemic was a big challenge for Rochester's newest taproom, but they learned a lot and pivoted to a new business model.
From the beginning, Adam set out for Thesis to be a preferred music venue and a hub for musicians, and the community has enthusiastically responded. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12162695

19/01/2023

The latest episode of the Growing Destinations podcast features an innovative approach to community engagement on public projects. Created in Rochester, it's called Community Co-Design -- a process that encourages, compensates and prioritizes the inclusion of diverse populations throughout the design and development process.

Chao Mwatela, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director for the City of Rochester, MN Government, and Kevin Bright, Director of Housing and Sustainability for the DMC - Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and City of Rochester, were both involved in the formation of Community Co-Design.

In the past two years, 10 local community co-design pilots have been completed. The success of Community Co-Design has caught the eye of Bloomberg Philanthropies, which awarded the City of Rochester a million-dollar grant in the for its work in Community Co-Design.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/12069818

05/01/2023

In this week's episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, leaders from two of Minnesota's largest convention and event centers are seeing positive growth at their facilities. Joe Ward is president of Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center. Dan Hartman is Executive Director of the DECC - Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. They share results from 2022 and a look into the future. While competitors in the meeting space, Joe and Dan acknowledge the important role of collaboration and learning from each other.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1918007/episodes/11979500

Growing Destinations Podcast