Growing Destinations

Clay Fulton is the frontman for the Rochester, Minnesota band, Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty. After selling his family restaurant in 2020, Clay embarked on a musical journey amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. His band tours throughout the Midwest, and last year performed at the coveted SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Drawing inspiration from folk traditions and the timeless craft of songwriting, Clay is currently working on his eagerly-awaited third album.

Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty
Experience Rochester, MN

In college, Steve Lange aspired to become a sailboat designer, but his passion for writing and editing steered him onto a different course. For nearly 25 years, he has served as editor of Rochester Magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication known for its award-winning storytelling in Rochester, Minnesota. The magazine has longevity and is celebrating 25 years in print. Steve proudly guides a dedicated team, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with their audience.

Rochester Magazine
Experience Rochester, MN

Some recent soccer news in Rochester, Minnesota has generated excitement. Rochester Football Club’s (FC) acquisition of Med City FC marks a pivotal moment, enhancing the regional soccer landscape and offering a clearer developmental pathway for players. This strategic move consolidates top-tier soccer within a unified club, promising heightened opportunities for talent growth. In a prior episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, the visionary founders of Rochester FC, Muharem Dedic (Mo) and Midhat Mujic (Mido), shared their inspiring journeys from Bosnia to Rochester and explored the strategic reasoning behind their partnership with the United Soccer League.

Rochester FC
Experience Rochester, MN

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.

Canterbury Park
Experience Rochester

Today we delve into the transformative changes taking place in transportation, particularly in the rising popularity of biking that's becoming more accessible to a diverse range of individuals. Joining Growing Destinations today is Erik Noonan, from We Bike Rochester, a chapter affiliated with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. We Bike Rochester 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. Stay tuned as the Rochester community eagerly anticipates participation in a signature ride event in 2024.

We Bike Rochester
Experience Rochester, MN

There's no denying that Taylor Swift's Eras tour has provided a substantial economic boost to cities where she has performed. According to research conducted by Question Pro, the tour is estimated to have generated nearly $5 billion in consumer spending in the United States alone. This past summer, Taylor Swift brought her Eras tour to Minneapolis, delivering two sold-out performances at US 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 the Canopy by Hilton hotel Minneapolis Mill District, shed light on the significant contribution made by the Eras tour to the economic landscape of Minneapolis.

Meet Minneapolis
Canopy by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis Mill District
Experience Rochester, MN

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 Cafe 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.

Cafe Steam
Colorway Coffee Roasters
Experience Rochester

This podcast episode is a celebration of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and rural economic development, offering valuable insights into the agricultural sector. The dialogue provides a unique perspective on the sustainable food production process and highlights the potential for growth and development in rural economies. 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.

FEAST Marketplace
Renewing the Countryside
Sailor Mercy Elderberry Syrup
Blue Fruit Farm
Experience Rochester, MN

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. 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.

Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Experience Burnsville, MN
Experience Rochester, MN

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 our current Growing Destinations podcast 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.

Esperienza
Experience Rochester, MN