Growing Destinations

This episode takes a closer look at the intersection of business leadership and community engagement with Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, Minnesota. Under Ryan's leadership, the chamber is helping local businesses and entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly changing landscape, one shaped by technology, workforce shifts and new ways of connecting. Ryan also shares about the success of Lemonade Day, a powerful youth entrepreneurship program that's helping inspire the next generation of business leaders.

This episode dives into the ever-evolving world of residential real estate. A market that impacts nearly everyone, whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s going on with home prices, interest rates, and inventory.

Minnesota realtors Kimm and Jesse Pastrana are a husband-and-wife team and the founders of Good Move Realty. As successful real estate professionals and entrepreneurs with decades of experience, they have a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in a shifting housing landscape.

Kimm and Jesse discuss how they got their start in real estate, what’s driven their success, what trends they’re seeing in today’s housing market and advice for new home buyers.

This episode explores the evolving landscape of local broadcasting with Stephanie Hedrick, Vice President and General Manager of KTTC-TV and Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, and Shannon Knoepke, Market President at Townsquare Media and a Board Member of the Association. 

Stephanie leads one of the region's most trusted TV newsrooms, and Shannon oversees a dynamic cluster of radio stations in southern Minnesota. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of local media, the challenges and innovations shaping their industries, and how broadcasters continue to play a vital role in community identity, economic development, and trusted storytelling. 

The Med City Marathon in Rochester, Minnesota is one of the longest running marathons in the state. This race has become a signature event in the region, drawing runners, volunteers and spectators from across the Midwest and beyond. Evin Haukos, the Med City Marathon Race Director, has helped shaped the event's momentum and mission. He shares what inspired him to take on this role, what it takes to organize an event of this magnitude and what's ahead for the Med City Marathon in 2025 and beyond.

Today’s guest on the Growing Destinations podcast brings a thoughtful, research-driven lens to the tourism landscape. Xinyi Qian is Director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, a statewide resource focused on supporting communities through tourism education, research, and strategic planning.

Xinyi’s work sits at the intersection of tourism, economic development, and community vitality. Under her leadership, the Tourism Center is helping destinations across Minnesota adapt to emerging trends, build sustainable strategies, and create meaningful visitor experiences.

Greenspring Media is the team behind Minnesota Monthly, Midwest Design, custom content for destinations and a robust lineup of consumer events across the Twin Cities. Tammy Galvin, Publisher of Greenspring Media, has helped lead Greenspring's transformation into a multi-platform, content and experience company, blending print, digital and live events to engage audiences in meaningful ways. Tammy discusses her journey, how Greenspring keeps its brands fresh and the growing role events play in connecting communities.

Sarah Richardson, of Rochester, Minnesota, never expected to transform corporate gifting. As a graphic designer, she was focused on helping clients build their brands. But when the pandemic hit, a weekend idea to create an e-commerce platform for locally sourced Easter baskets turned into Gift Rochester, raising $6,000 for local businesses in one week. When Mayo Clinic sought employee recognition gifts, the project exploded, growing 12,000% in its first year. Now known as Neighborly Gifts, the company operates in five states, partnering with 200 small businesses to create curated gift boxes for corporate clients.

Join the laughter-filled journey of Miss Shannan Paul, a multi-talented comedian who swapped legal briefs for punchlines, transforming from an aspiring lawyer into a beloved performer and community advocate. From drafting demand letters to discovering her true passion for comedy, Miss Shannan shares an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. In this engaging conversation, she explores how humor fosters connection and sparks meaningful conversations.

Curious about the life of a dedicated naturalist and the fascinating world of Minnesota-native wildlife? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jaide Ryks, a passionate naturalist from Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Southeast Minnesota. Discover how Jaide turned her childhood love of nature into a meaningful career filled with animal care, education, and conservation efforts. Jaide shares her unique journey, from growing up along the Zumbro River to the fulfilling role she plays at the zoo, filled with teaching and engaging with the public about wildlife's wonders.

Have you ever wondered how a simple need can ignite a thriving, community-driven business? Meet Rochester, Minnesota entrepreneur Becky Montpetit, the visionary behind Rochester Local, La Crosse Local, and Twin Cities Mom. In this conversation, Becky shares her journey—from launching the Rochester MN Moms Blog to filling a gap in family-friendly resources in Rochester. What began as a passion project grew into a network of local platforms dedicated to fostering connections and providing accessible community information. She opens up about the challenges, victories, and the driving force behind her mission to make community engagement easier for families and individuals.