Growing Destinations

We explore Valleyfair Amusement Park'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.

Valleyfair
Experience Rochester, MN

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.

KTTC-TV
Experience Rochester, MN

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. 

Rochester Area Pickleball Association
Inside Out Pickleball Podcast
To Pickleball and Beyond
Rochester Pickleball Classic - October 14, 2023
Experience Rochester, MN

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.
 
Mall of America
 So Much More, A Mall of America Podcast
Experience Rochester, MN

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 Classic Car Roll-in event 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.

Henderson Classic Car Roll In
Experience Rochester, MN

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 in Minneapolis. Now in retirement, Moon, a Marconi award winner and Minnesota Broadcast 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.

Larry Moon Thompson - Minnesota Broadcast Hall of Fame
Experience Rochester, MN

We pull back the curtain on the dynamic world of commercial real estate in Southeast Minnesota with our guests, 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., 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.

Realty Growth
Real Growth Podcast
Experience Rochester, MN

Rochester, Minnesota award-winning author Teresa Wilhelm 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. Packed with personal anecdotes, Harley's story is as much about scientific breakthroughs, as it is about the power of the human spirit. 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.

Teresa Waldof
Experience Rochester, MN

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.

Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild
Experience Rochester, MN

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 Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, 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 Expo 2027.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Rochester Mayor Kim Norton
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
Experience Rochester, MN