FEBRUARY 2026
A ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION
CEO Profile: Joe Briese, Briese Iron Works, Inc.
Meet the Member: Escape Challenge
TABLE OF CONTENTS
February 2026 Advantage Magazine
What’s Inside
4
FEATURE 2025 Year in Review
4 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Reflecting on a year of growth
CEO PROFILE Joe Briese, Briese Iron Works, Inc.
14
16
MEET THE MEMBER Escape Challenge
18 UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
14 CEO PROFILE Joe Briese, Briese Iron Works, Inc.
18
CHAMBER NEWS • Events • Applications for Leadership Greater Rochester Open in February • RYT Network: Where Young Talent Connects • Chamber's 2026 Legislative Agenda COMMUNITY NEWS • Merchants Bank Announces Major Gift to Possabilities Achievement Hub • Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson Announces Retirement • Get to Know United Airlines: 10 Things to Know Before United Takes Off at RST • Minnesota Jobs Numbers Show Faster Growth Than U.S. • $2.04 Million Grant Recommended for Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
including Golf Outing registration opening in February
16 MEET THE MEMBER Escape Challenge
34
COMMERICAL INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION
Located in:
(320) 252-1658 ST CLOUD HUTCHINSON PLAINVIEW (320) 587-3030 (507) 534-2165
37
NEWSREEL New Roles and Celebrations
RIBBON CUTTINGS Grand Openings, Anniversaries, New Members, and Other Celebrations
40
WWW.DESIGNELECT.COM
44
NEW MEMBERS Welcome to the Chamber
2 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
CHAMBER STAFF & BOARD
February 2026 Advantage Magazine
Chamber Staff
CHAMBER PRESIDENT, Ryan Parsons | 507-288-1122
MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Kali Aldrich
EVENTS & PROGRAMS DIRECTOR Shannon Gowen
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Tim Shea
WORKFORCE INITIATIVES & RYT NETWORK DIRECTOR Claire Henneman
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brady Strickland SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & DESIGN Sophia van Oss
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR Emma Esteb
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS Michaela Freyler
SENIOR DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Jonathon Krull
Chamber Board Officers
CHAIR OF THE BOARD Gwen Stevens People's Energy Cooperative
AT LARGE Scott Eggert Broadway Plaza
TREASURER Kelsey Vaszily Kraus-Anderson Construction
VICE CHAIR Jarett Jones Merchants Bank
SECRETARY Heather Donovan Sterling State Bank
Chamber Board Members
SANTHI ARUNACHALAM Xylo Technologies Inc.
DOUG HOLTAN Mayo Clinic
JENNA OBERNOLTE Short Elliott Hendrickson
DR. JEFFREY BOYD Rochester Community and Technical College
BEN KING Dunlap & Seeger
SYLWIA BUJAK OLIVER 125 LIVE
CHAD LAUNDERVILLE Hy-Vee
DR. ALLISA SONG Nanodropper
ADAM DICKINSON IBM
TOM LEIMER Knutson Construction
KRISTY SUTTON Olmsted Medical Center
WADE FENSKE Kreofsky Building Supplies
OMAR NUR Somali American Social Services Association
ULISES GONZALEZ Baser Freight
Rochester-area businesses are empowered to succeed in a diverse and collaborative climate. VISION
The Chamber promotes business success which supports a thriving community. MISSION
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact Emma Esteb at eesteb@rochestermnchamber.com
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 3
Reflecting on 2025, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce looks back on a year defined by growth, engagement, and meaningful opportunities to support the businesses, organizations, and workforce of the Rochester region. The Year in Review highlights member engagement, workforce and professional development, advocacy, and key initiatives, showcasing the Chamber’s impact across these essential areas. YEAR IN REVIEW 2025 HIGHLIGHTS & PROGRESS
Economic Summit
EduTech Outlook
Annual Celebration
Local Government Connect
Kickball Tournament
540 YOUTH REGISTERED FOR LEMONADE DAY growing nearly 30% from 2024
Lemonade Day
Business Development Exchange (BDX): Media Best Practices
Chamber Champions League
Women's Roundtable
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YEAR IN REVIEW
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Communication is Key Keeping members informed was a top priority for the Chamber in 2025. Through consistent, multi-channel communications, the Chamber informed, connected, and promoted the local business community using weekly emails, social media, publications, and educational programming. “The Chamber’s communications help members stay informed about opportunities, resources, and events while amplifying visibility for local businesses,” says Sophia van Oss, senior director of communications & design. The Weekly Update reached more than 6,500 contacts each week, an increase of over 800 subscribers, and featured timely news, upcoming events, and member announcements. The Resource Connect email series also delivered 13 targeted editions covering policy updates, workshops, grant opportunities, and government initiatives. Across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, the Chamber connected with more than 13,700 followers, growing its audience by more than 1,000 in 2025. Social media highlighted ribbon cuttings, member milestones, legislative updates, and event recaps. Print communications remained strong, with six issues of Advantage magazine distributed to more than 7,700 readers. The 2025 Community Guide expanded to include transportation resources, and Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester. It also debuted its first illustrated cover by local artist CHOOCHOO-ca-CHEW, with 2,500 guides distributed. The Shop Local – Holiday Gift Guide celebrated its fourth year, featuring 52 Chamber members—an increase of 18 from the previous year—and was promoted across email, social media, print, and broadcast channels.
Member Engagement
The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of opportunities for members and the broader community to connect, learn, and engage throughout the year. One of the Chamber’s most visible community initiatives is Lemonade Day , an entrepreneurial program that teaches youth essential business and financial literacy skills. Participants create business plans, manage budgets, and learn about customer service, marketing, and giving back—all while gaining confidence and real-world experience. In 2025, Lemonade Day expanded with eight community pop-up events, including a season kickoff, a Best Tasting Contest, and the first-ever Lemon U Workshop, hosted by Altra Federal Credit Union. The program supported 90 lemonade stands across Southeast Minnesota and engaged 540 participants, including 180 from the Summer of Service Community Education Program, which used the Lemonade Day curriculum to raise money for the local homeless shelter. Nearly 30 percent more participants joined compared to 2024, and more than 15 sponsors, along with two local media partners, supported the initiative. The Lemon U Workshop helped returning participants strengthen their money management, marketing, and customer service skills. Other pop-up events included support from Bricks and Minifigs, guiding participants to design and build their dream lemonade stands out of LEGOs, and the Rochester Athletic Club, which hosted the Best Tasting Contest with judges providing feedback on recipes, stand design, and overall business models. “The team at Lemonade Day National recently launched ‘Junior Market,’ which encourages returning participants to expand their businesses and try new products and strategies,” says Shannon Gowen, the Chamber’s events and program director and city director of Lemonade Day. “The Rochester area is looking to introduce this program to expand Lemonade Day’s impact in the years to come.” When it comes to golf, the Rochester region is filled with golf aficionados eager to hit the links. This was especially evident at the Chamber’s 45th Annual Golf Outing, which sold out within an hour of registration going live.
YEAR IN REVIEW
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To accommodate the 100+ person waitlist and to offer members something different, the Chamber Cup golf tournament was born. Modeled after the infamous ‘Ryder Cup’ format, golfers were able to compete in a variety of team-based matches and challenges throughout the day, fostering friendly competition, camaraderie, and an elevated tournament experience. The Chamber also hosted the first-ever RYT Network Mini Golf Mixer , bringing together young professionals and supporters for playful competition and meaningful networking. Sponsors had the opportunity to engage with participants directly by building custom obstacles on the putting greens.
Mini Golf Mixer
Chamber Cup
114 GOLFERS WAITLISTED FOR THE GOLF OUTING prompting the creation of the Chamber Cup
In addition, the RYT Network offered members behind- the-scenes industry tours at organizations including KTTC, University of Minnesota Rochester, Mayo Civic Center, and the Steamfitters and Plumbers #6 Union. Members learned about each organization,
"We want people to see that there is more than just the sign on a building when you drive by, but instead an entire team of people making things happen for our community"
interacted with employees, and gained insight into diverse industries across the region. “We want people to see that there is more than just the sign on a building when you drive by, but instead an entire team of people making things happen for our community,” says Claire Henneman, workforce initiatives and RYT Network director. Building on this approach, Linking Leaders & Industry , an evolution of Connecting Candidates & Commerce, provided businesses with opportunities to meet local, state, and federal representatives throughout the year. Participants discussed policy impacts, operational goals, and business challenges while touring facilities and building meaningful relationships with elected officials and candidates. Together, these efforts demonstrate the Chamber’s commitment to engaging members through diverse experiences that foster connection, learning, and collaboration across the Rochester region.
Linking Leaders & Industry at RCTC
1,401 AMBASSADOR INTERACTIONS with members
Ribbon Cutting
RYT Network Industry Tour at KTTC
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2025 By The Numbers
161 NEW MEMBERS in 2025 for a total of 1,226 members
MEMBERSHIP
918 SMALL BUSINESS MEMBERS making up 75% of our members
100 RIBBON CUTTINGS celebrating new members, grand openings, and other important milestones
EVENTS
103 EVENTS in 2025, including 3 new events
10,642 ATTENDEES in 2025, across all events
84 E-NEWSLETTERS with 19 The Advocate's, 13 Resource Connect and 52 Weekly Update emails sent to 6,528 subscribers
MEMBER CONNECTIONS
13,765 FOLLOWERS throughout our social media channels
7,701 COPIES of the Advantage magazine
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
YEAR IN REVIEW
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Workforce & Professional Development The Chamber offers comprehensive workforce and professional development programs that act as a bridge between the business community and members to develop local talent, address skill gaps and ensure a robust future workforce.
RYT Summit Workshop on Transparent Communication
RYT Summit Workshop on Lean Strategies
Social at Mill Valley Kitchen
140 ACTIVE RYT NETWORK MEMBERS
The Chamber’s RYT Network open to Chamber members ages 21 to 39, was developed with a clear goal in mind: helping young professionals build
"The (RYT Network) program is building roots in Rochester due to the members who show up for each other"
meaningful connections so they are more likely to stay in Rochester and grow their careers locally. For employers, the program serves as a valuable business tool of supporting employee development while also acting as a long- term talent retention strategy. Over time, the RYT Network has evolved into a community of young professionals who support one another both professionally and personally. As Henneman explains, during the social events participants hear conversations about life beyond the office walls and how members can offer their support. “The program is building roots in Rochester due to the members who show up for each other,” Henneman says. In 2025, the Chamber’s RYT Network held seven community and industry engagement events, five professional development events, and 12 networking events. From industry tours of area businesses to socials over lunches or a hockey game, the Chamber offered members a wealth of opportunities for connecting with others.
RYT Network CEO Connections with Dianna Robinson, Associated Bank and Mike Malugani, CohnReznick
100 EXHIBITORS AT STEAM SUMMIT & over 2,400 students in attendance
STEAM Summit
LGR Class of 2025
“Member favorites included our wine and food pairing class, volunteering with Ronald McDonald
8 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE
STEAM Summit
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Leadership Greater Rochester Since 1987, the Chamber’s Leadership Greater Rochester (LGR) program inspired and equipped community leaders to connect, grow, and make a lasting impact. With over 1,000 alumni serving in civic, community, and business leadership roles, LGR’s influence spans nearly every sector across the Greater Rochester region. Each year, this premier 10-month program immerses 38 area professionals in sessions focused on topics such as economic development, workforce challenges, government engagement, sustainability, public safety, and the arts. “From its August launch to its May graduation, LGR offers a transformative experience, building lifelong relationships, and empowering leaders that will shape the Rochester region's future,” says Jonathon Krull, Chamber senior director of public affairs and leadership development. The LGR Class of 2025 completed two Community Impact Projects: Elevate Wellness, which promotes year-round physical activity through interactive indoor pathways, and the Youth Connections Sports Trailer, which provides free, mobile sports equipment to parks, schools, and neighborhoods across Rochester. “We look forward to the graduation of the LGR Class of 2026 in May and seeing their completed projects this summer,” Krull says. Applications for the LGR Class of 2027 (August 2026 start) will open in February.
House and Family Service Rochester, our new Mini Golf Mixer signature event, and our CEO Connection series,” Henneman says. “For 2026, we are looking forward to providing members with more of their favorite programming, along with seeing the return of our Mini Golf Mixer and RYT Summit signature events.” New workshops were also held as part of the RYT Summit . The workshops bring the RYT Summit to life, allowing attendees to choose from three options that interest them the most. Topics range from time management and delegating to goal and career planning. The summit also included a panel and keynote speaker, followed by a social downtown. “Seeing the growth of the RYT Summit in just its second year makes us excited for 2026 and what is next,” Henneman says. In November, the Chamber held STEAM Summit at the Rochester Community and Technical College’s Regional Sports Center, which encourages middle and high school students to pursue STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) careers by connecting them to businesses and higher educational institutions which offer STEAM courses in a highly interactive, hands-on format. In addition to welcoming more than 2,400 students, the day-long event brought together 100 businesses, higher education institutions, and local government entities to connect with students and inspire them to pursue the education and skills needed for their future careers.
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FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 9
19 THE ADVOCATE EMAILS SENT informing members of important advocacy updates including PFML
Advocacy
2025 marked the re-launch of the Rochester Area Chamber Day at the Capitol . This event was developed as a result of member input during the planning process for the Chamber’s current strategic plan. As the third largest city in Minnesota, it was important that the regional business community had an opportunity to share their voice with decision makers at the capitol. This year will include speakers from leadership – Governor Walz’ Chief of Staff Chris Schmitter, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, members of the Rochester area delegation, and more. The Chamber will continue to grow and expand the event in 2026. “Although select priorities of the Chamber, such as the passage of a bonding bill and modifications to paid family medical leave did not progress, there was still much to celebrate,” Krull says. The Chamber also forged new relationships with key legislators and had numerous discussions on paid family medical leave and how to lessen the impact on businesses. “Despite the challenges of the session, the launch of the Day at the Capitol, the fostering of new relationships, and enhancing existing relationships with legislators were key successes for our advocacy efforts,” Krull says. With changes on the federal level, the Chamber also increased its advocacy efforts on behalf of the business community. Select changes to healthcare research funding resulted in the Chamber joining the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition, a national coalition of Chambers of Commerce that advocates for maintaining and increasing research funding in the federal budget and beyond. In addition, when the Rochester Boys & Girls Club was at risk of losing 21st Century Community Learning Center funding , the Chamber supported the club and advocated for the continuance of the funds. This funding plays a critical role in supporting hundreds of local families and youth through academic support, after school programming, mentorship, and enrichment opportunities for those who need it most. As a result of the advocacy efforts in the community, their funding was continued for the current year.
Day at the Capitol
270 ENGAGEMENTS WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS
Day at the Capitol: Meeting with Rep. Andy Smith
175 ATTENDEES
a new record for Eggs & Issues, up 57 over 2024
Day at the Capitol: Meeting with Sen. Carla Nelson
The past year saw the Chamber host a number of info sessions , including topics such as road construction,
Eggs & Issues: From D.C. To Rochester
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To close out 2025, the Chamber, a leading advocate for the voter-approved renewal of the local sales tax, we played a decisive role in keeping the Regional Sports and Recreation Complex (RSRC) on track. When opposition
new developments, and paid family medical leave. In addition, Eggs & Issues is a long-standing series presented by the Chamber that provides opportunities for members
to discuss issues that impact their businesses and the community. In 2025, the Chamber held two iterations of Eggs and Issues . “Our spring event explored the power and energy providers fueling our region and provided insights into this rapidly evolving industry,” Krull says.
"Despite the challenges of the session, the launch of the Day at the Capitol, the fostering of new relationships, and enhancing existing relationships with legislators were key successes for our advocacy efforts"
threatened to delay or derail the project, the Chamber mobilized, strategically coordinating business and community leaders to share testimony at City Council while engaging directly with elected officials to reinforce the RSRC’s economic and regional value. The Chamber consistently made the case that the RSRC strengthens
The August iteration of Eggs and Issues was a return of the
Rochester’s position as a regional hub, drives tourism through sports tournament activity, and generates new spending that supports local hotels, restaurants, and hospitality industry jobs. With the project now moving forward as originally intended, the Chamber looks ahead to continued progress in 2026 and the long-term economic and community benefits the RSRC will deliver.
Chamber’s “From D.C. To Rochester, Congressman Finstad and the U.S. Chamber.” The event featured Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) along with John Kirchner, vice president, Midwest Region of the U.S. Chamber. During the event, Congressman Finstad shared insight into his work at the Capitol and the U.S. Chamber provided updates on relevant legislation to the business community. This session drew a record-setting attendance of 175 participants, up from 118 in 2024.
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 11
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Key Initiatives
Educator Industry Experience at Tuohy Furniture Corporation
Now in its second year, the Chamber’s Educator Industry Experience continued to expand into more industries and additional school districts. The program provides educators with firsthand exposure to local career pathways through business tours, Q&A with industry professionals, and job shadowing opportunities. Hosts included Benike Construction, Tuohy Furniture Corporation, KTTC, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester International Airport, and Great Planes Aviation.
Educator Industry Experience at Great Planes Aviation
“Both teachers and industry hosts have found this program to be an important part of developing a talent pipeline that is long term for the community,” Henneman says. The Student Job Shadow is another opportunity for high school students to experience the day-to-day activities of a
"Both teachers and industry hosts have
found this program to be an important part of developing a talent pipeline that is long term for the community"
Educator Industry Experience at Benike Construction
career they are interested in. Launched in 2025, the program placed 30 students across six local employers, where participants spent three days exploring career fields such as marketing, sales, hospitality, and engineering. During the experience, students toured offices and job sites, spent one-on-one time with industry professionals, learned about operations and emerging trends, observed daily responsibilities, and practiced essential networking skills. By offering early, hands-on career exposure, the program helps build a strong local talent pipeline while ensuring future candidates are informed, prepared, and confident as they enter the workforce. As Rochester and the surrounding communities continue to grow, the Student Job Shadow program plays an important role in the Chamber’s broader workforce initiatives. “Our members appreciated the opportunity to showcase what their industries entail, while also getting the chance to engage directly with the future workforce,” Henneman says. “We are opening doors for businesses to connect directly with talent in our career pathway programming, and we are excited to see that grow in the future.” In addition to workforce development efforts, the Chamber remained actively engaged in advocacy on issues impacting local employers, including Paid Family Medical Leave. Since the policy was passed during the 2023 legislative session, the Chamber has collected member feedback and concerns on the program. This year, before the session began, the Chamber surveyed members and partnered with
New Staff
30 TEACHERS & 6 EMPLOYERS participated in Educator Industry Experience
Paid Family Medical Leave Info Session with Dunlap & Seeger
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YEAR IN REVIEW
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the local SHRM Chapter on a coalition letter calling for modifications and a delay. The effort resulted in a record number of more than 180 signatories. “The involvement of our area business community is vital to our advocacy work, ensuring the voice of area businesses is heard on the local, state, and federal levels,” says Ryan Parsons, president of the Chamber. However, with the program set to go into effect on January 1, 2026 there was a limited appetite from legislators to modify or delay implementation. As a result, the Chamber pivoted towards ensuring member businesses and organizations were prepared for the program and compliant. This included sharing a number of resources and hosting information sessions. An initial session, held in partnership with Dunlap & Seeger, drew more than 100 attendees. Continued demand led to a second session with neighboring Chambers in Byron and Stewartville, featuring the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and drawing more than 200 attendees.
Educator Industry Experience at KTTC
180 BUSINESS COALITION SIGNEES for PFML legislative change
The Chamber continued to grow in 2025, both in membership and engagement from area employers across advocacy and workforce initiatives. As programming expanded, so did the Chamber team , with the addition of staff focused on business community engagement and communications.
"As we continue to grow and engage
our members, we will expand our work to impact the future of the Rochester area"
“We are grateful for the investment of our members. The expansion of our team provides the capacity to expand our work to help businesses thrive,” Parsons says. “As we continue to grow and engage our members, we will expand our work to impact the future of the Rochester area.”
Paid Family Medical Leave Info Session with DEED and neighboring Chambers
Thank You The Chamber team is proud to serve the region’s business community and talented workforce. With diverse industries, strong partnerships, and continued growth, the Rochester area offers exceptional opportunities. Thank you to our members for your ongoing support. Together, we will continue advancing initiatives that strengthen the business community and the region as a whole.
300+ PFML INFO SESSION ATTENDEES in 2025
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 13
JOE BRIESE, BRIESE IRON WORKS, INC.
CEO Profile
CEO Profile: Joe Briese Taking an in-depth look at Briese's career path, progression, and achievements
What experiences have had a significant impact in shaping you as a leader? In 2021, I experienced a particularly difficult period of depression that had a lasting impact on how I approach leadership. During that time, my ability to connect and relate with others was greatly limited, which reinforced for me just how essential human connection is. I believe meaningful relationships are essential to success at work and in life. One of my primary goals as a leader is to help our people succeed. Everyone faces difficult days or personal challenges at some point, and being aware of where people are—and supporting them through both the good and the difficult moments—is something I take very seriously. This is a people industry, and people matter. What changes in trends and needs within the steel fabrication industry have you seen? In recent years, the industry has experienced a significant wave of retirements among welders and shop personnel, and this trend is only going to continue. As a result, recruiting, training, and retaining talented people has become increasingly critical. At the same time, we are seeing continued advancement in automated welding and fabrication technology. Machines are now capable of performing tasks that were once entirely manual. For example, we have equipment that can bevel plate for CJP welds, plasma cut slots in tubes,
Tell us about your career path to becoming President of Briese Iron Works, Inc. Briese Iron Works has been part of my life and family for as long as I can remember. Our roots trace back to 1948, when my great-grandfather, Erwin Briese, was serving as secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce. At that time, a representative for a Quonset hut manufacturer was looking to establish a dealership in southern Minnesota. Erwin took the opportunity and founded Briese Steel and Building Materials Company. From that company, my grandfather, Elliott Briese, established Briese Iron Works in 1974. Following his passing in 1991, my father, John Briese, assumed leadership of the business. I grew up in Rochester and attended St. John’s University, where I graduated in 2007. Following college, I spent a year teaching English in China, which was a formative experience both personally and professionally. In 2009, I joined Briese Iron Works as an estimator and later worked in project management and human resources. I was promoted to General Manager in 2018 and became President in 2022. In addition to learning from my father, I was fortunate to be mentored early in my career by several individuals my grandfather hired and relied on—Dave Hackbarth, Marty Heins, and Al Gotmer. I am grateful every day to work alongside such kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and hardworking people throughout our organization.
14 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
JOE BRIESE, BRIESE IRON WORKS, INC.
CEO Profile
and perform automated welding. These machines allow our skilled fabricators to focus on work that cannot be automated. A common concern we hear is, “The robot is going to take my job.” In our experience, every piece of equipment we’ve added has freed our people to do higher-value work. Machines don’t eliminate jobs—they expand what we’re able to produce and evolve the work our people do. How has Briese Iron Works evolved since it started over 30 years ago to meet those changes to the industry? We are growing! Two years ago, most of our work consisted of light structural steel, stairs, and railings within a five- state region. Today, we operate coast-to-coast and have added a sales office in Salina, Kansas. We have doubled the size of our shop to 60,000 square feet, added a shot blaster to improve paint quality and efficiency, and built a new truss bay with 30-ton lifting capacity—up from 10 tons in our previous facility. We are now fabricating three-plate crane girders and metal building sections, which represents a new level of complexity for our operation. In short, the work is heavier, more complex, and further away.
As you look ahead to the future, what do you see as the outlook for the steel fabrication industry as well as for Briese Iron Works? I am incredibly proud of our team at Briese Iron Works. The operational changes we’ve made have been substantial, and the complexity of our work has increased significantly. Our people have consistently risen to every challenge, and it has been rewarding to see individuals step up, grow, and develop new capabilities. We are now positioned to offer more comprehensive services than many fabricators in the industry. Our eight- person, in-house detailing department produces all of our shop drawings, while many fabricators rely on third-party detailing firms overseas. This allows us to maintain high quality standards and respond to questions and issues much more quickly. Additionally, our shop is capable of fabricating light structural steel, three-plate members, trusses, stairs, railings, and miscellaneous steel simultaneously. This level of capability is uncommon in the industry and allows us to control quality and schedule internally so we can be sure we are taking care of our customers.
To read more about Briese Iron Works, Inc., visit https://brieseiron.com
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 15
ESCAPE CHALLENGE
Meet the Member
Meet the Member: Escape Challenge Each month, we learn from a Chamber member about their offerings, history, a unique fact, and their business outlook
Our guests include families, friends, corporate teams, schools, and community organizations. At its core, Escape Challenge is about shared experiences—bringing people together to communicate, collaborate, and have fun in a way that’s very different from traditional entertainment. More information about our experiences can be found at www.theescapechallenge.com. Q: How did it start for Escape Challenge? A: Escape Challenge began in 2015 with a simple idea: bring something new and interactive to Rochester that didn’t exist at the time. We were inspired by the emerging escape room industry and saw an opportunity to build something creative, locally owned, and community- focused. What started as a small operation grew quickly as word spread. Over the years, we’ve continually evolved our rooms, invested in storytelling and technology, and refined the guest experience—always with a focus on originality, quality, and customer experience.
Bringing people together through creativity, collaboration, and a little friendly pressure, Escape Challenge has been a destination for immersive entertainment in the Rochester region for more than a decade. Locally owned and operated, the company designs fully original, story-driven escape room experiences that challenge groups to think critically, communicate, and work as a team. From families and friends to corporate teams and community organizations, Escape Challenge offers a shared experience that goes beyond traditional entertainment. We spoke with Nathan Schroeder, Owner, to learn more about their story, growth, and what’s next for this one-of-a-kind business. Q: Tell us about Escape Challenge. What does your organization offer to the Rochester region? A : Escape Challenge is a locally owned escape room entertainment company that has been serving the Rochester region for over a decade. We design and operate immersive, story-driven escape room experiences that challenge groups to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work together under pressure.
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ESCAPE CHALLENGE
Meet the Member
Escape Challenge is expanding into a new facility currently under construction in Byron!
We also place a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, designing experiences that work well for a wide range of ages, group types, and experience levels. Q: What is the outlook for your organization and industry? A: The outlook is very strong. People continue to seek out experiences that are interactive, social, and memorable, and escape rooms continue to meet that demand— especially for group outings and team-building. Escape Challenge is entering an exciting new phase as we expand into a new facility currently under construction in Byron, Minnesota. The new location will combine Escape Challenge escape rooms with Next Level Sports and Fun, a youth sports and family entertainment facility. Together, the businesses will create a destination that blends recreation, competition, and entertainment under one roof while continuing to serve families, schools, and organizations from across the region.
Q: Escape Challenge has been a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce for ten years. What do you find valuable in your membership? A: The Chamber has played an important role in helping us stay connected to the broader business community. As a small business, relationships matter, and the Chamber provides opportunities to build those relationships while learning from other business owners across industries. We also value the Chamber’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in the region. Being part of an organization that actively advocates for local businesses has been meaningful to our long-term growth. Q: What is a unique fact people should know about Escape Challenge? A: Every escape room we operate is designed entirely in-house. From the storyline and puzzles to the physical set design and technology, nothing is off-the-shelf. This allows us to continually refresh our offerings and create experiences that are truly one of a kind.
To learn more about The Escape Challenge visit www.theescapechallenge.com
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 17
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
AM Espresso is a monthly morning structured networking event. Come expand your network, promote your business, and enjoy a delicious breakfast and refreshments. This monthly event represents an excellent opportunity to reach business professionals in a variety of sectors.
FEBRUARY HOSTS
MARCH HOST
In February, join us at Hanger Clinic with EA Therapeutic Health! Hanger Clinic has more than 900 locations across the country! They create customized solutions for people of all ages, including state-of-the-art prostheses, braces, cranial helmets, and other devices designed to increase the mobility and function of each person they serve. EA Therapeutic Health provides community-based physical rehabilitation and therapeutic wellness services for people of all ages and abilities, rooted in neuroscience and powered by compassion!
In March, join us at the Hope Lodge! The Hope Lodge Rochester, MN is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. They are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Hope Lodge, 411 2nd St. NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Hanger Clinic,
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4amvTxC
121 23rd Ave SW, STE 101, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4j4tREx
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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Join us for Business After Hours, a monthly event to network and build valuable business relationships. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while connecting with a variety of businesses operating in the greater Rochester area. This event is a great opportunity to increase your organization’s visibility and generate productive business leads.
FEBRUARY HOST
MARCH HOST
In February, join us at Rochester Golf and Country Club! Rochester Golf & Country Club is a private, 18-hole golf course designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1916. It has been acclaimed by Golf Digest and the Golf Course Architects of America as one of the finest courses of its kind. Multiple indoor event spaces, including private meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art ballroom, make Rochester Golf & Country Club the ideal location for events, large or small. An outdoor multi-use site is great options for any occasion, wedding ceremony or event.
In March, join us at 125 LIVE! 125 LIVE is a social and fitness facility for anyone 18 years and older. They provide a wide variety of physical, social, and intellectual opportunities to engage our community’s minds and bodies. Through extensive programming, fitness amenities, gathering spaces, and personal health resources, 125 LIVE provides opportunities for all adults to embark on their journey to “aging successfully.” Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: 125 LIVE, 125 Elton Hills Dr. NW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/3KHalBz
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: Rochester Golf and Country Club, 3100 Country Club Rd SW, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/48P7rUx
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 19
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Workplace Safety & Best Practices
Develop relationships within this supportive group of women leaders who meet the third Friday morning of each month. The Women’s Roundtable provides a small, safe environment for women to: practice and refine skills, discuss challenges specific to women in positions of leadership, learn together and empower each other to take risks. Join us for a fun, engaging program driven by the needs of the group. FEBRUARY HOST
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, February 25 for a session on Workplace Safety and Best Practices. This BDX will highlight the importance of workplace safety while providing an overview of new OSHA regulations and their impact on daily operations. Participants will explore how strong leaders play a vital role in creating and sustaining a safe work environment across all industries. Attendees will also hear from the Rochester Fire Department on how to navigate effective response strategies to protect employees and ensure business continuity.
SPEAKERS • Paul Baer, Schwickert's Tecta America • Emily Christie, Tonna Mechanical • Brett Knapp, Rochester Fire Department
Dates: Friday, February 20, 2026 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Cornerstone Management, 3520 E River Rd NE, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm Location: 125 LIVE Community Room, 125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester Admission: Free for members, $10 for general admission, registration required Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/49nxDVk
Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4qHRvcM
MARCH HOST
Event Sponsors
SERIES SPONSORS
Dates: Thursday, March 19, 2026 Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm Location: MOKA, 18 First Street SW, Peace Plaza, Rochester Admission: Free, registration requested Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/45rQmxE
20 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
A Roaring Night to Remember Step into the glamour of the jazz age at the Chamber’s biggest celebration of the year
You are cordially invited to a dazzling evening of glitz, glamour, and good company at the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration, taking place Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Mayo Civic Center Ballroom. Join us for a night that captures the spirit of the roaring twenties, celebrating the success and growth of the Rochester area business community. Enjoy lively conversation, exquisite dining, and entertainment that will keep the energy high all evening long. Our members are the cat’s pajamas. Thank you for being part of this annual gathering as we raise a glass to the future of our region together.
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 Time: 5:30pm-8:45pm Location: Mayo Civic Center - Ballroom 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester
Admission: $95 for members, $115 for general admission, $900 for a table of eight plus company name in promotion of the event, registration required by Friday, February 20 Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/46xipg2 MAKE IT A TEAM OUTING A night out at Annual Celebration is the perfect way to recognize your team's standout year, connect outside of the office, and enjoy a memorable night together. Plus, with your table reservation, your company name will be featured in event promotions and in the program, shining a spotlight on your business. Contact Shannon Gowen at sgowen@rochestermnchamber. com today to reserve your spot and make it a night your team will remember! THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS View the full list of event sponsors for Annual Celebration on page 22.
AGENDA • 5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking and Introduction • 6:15pm: Program, Dinner and Entertainment • 8:00pm: Networking
LIVE MUSIC Bluewater Kings Band is a premier band whose talented musicians have performed with artists including Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Miranda Lambert, and Prince. They have entertained audiences for 3M, Coca-Cola, The Walt-Disney Company, and more!
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 21
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
Join Rochester representatives from the City, the County, the Parks Department, and the Public Schools to learn about their upcoming 2026 initiatives, challenges, and priorities during Local Government Connect! This event is a great opportunity to connect with Rochester leadership for insight into the initiatives impacting our local business community.
The Day at the Capitol brings together business and community leaders to share the voice of business in the Rochester region. Featuring legislators from both the Rochester delegation and throughout the state, Chamber members can share the issues impacting their business directly with those making the decisions in St. Paul.
AGENDA (subject to change) • Legislative Leadership Remarks • Local Delegation Welcome • Legislator Meetings • Social
AGENDA • Olmsted County Update • Rochester Public Schools Update • City of Rochester Parks Department Update • City of Rochester Update • Panel Discussion
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 Time: 11:30am-7:30pm
Meetings Location: L'Etoile du Nord Vault Room B15 Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul Admission: $65 for members, $110 for general admission, registration is required by Wednesday, March 24 and space is limited Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4ju5pwG
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Time: 7:30am-10:00am
Location: Chateau Theatre, 311 S Broadway, Rochester Admission: $45 for members, $55 for general admission, registration is required Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/3Yp2VWQ Event Sponsors
Event Sponsors
PRESENTING
GOLD
GOLD
Architecture Engineering Planning
SILVER
TABLE
Dunlap & Seeger, P.A.
24 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Chamber News
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The annual Legislative Update highlights the current Minnesota legislative session and the issues that are impacting area businesses and organizations. This event connects Chamber members directly with the decision makers in St. Paul for information and discussion on the legislative session. We are excited to bring back our “Covering the Capitol” segment, which brings together journalists who cover the legislative session. This discussion will offer an inside look at the dynamics shaping policy decisions, the challenges of covering state government, and perspectives on bipartisan collaboration at the Capitol.
Event Sponsors PRESENTING
GOLD
AGENDA • Legislative Panel Discussion • Covering the Capitol Panel
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026 Time: 8:00am-9:30am Location: The Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, 10 E Center St., Rochester Admission: $50 for members, $65 for general admission, $400 for a reserved table of eight, registration required by Thursday, March 26 Register by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/4ppkf94
TM PHARMACEUTICAL SPECIALTIES, INC.
SILVER
TABLE Hawkins Ash CPAs PossAbilities Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester Motor Cars
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 25
A Hole-in-One Day The Chamber's un-fore-gettable Annual Golf Outing registration opens February 4
The Annual Chamber Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 17 at the beautiful Willow Creek Golf Course! Gather your team of four and register for this premier event. The day will be filled with great networking, good food and exciting golf. The team with the lowest score will be awarded the President’s Cup.
AGENDA • Registration: 9:30am - 11:00am • Shotgun Start: 11:00am • Dinner and Awards: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Date: Monday, June 17, 2026 Time: 9:30am-7:00pm Location: Willow Creek Golf Course, 1700 48th St SW, Rochester
Admission: Registration is required and opens Wednesday, February 4 at 9am. Space is limited, and teams often sell out quickly, so don’t forget to mark your calendars! Team Golf Rate: $875 $845 for early birds registered by Friday, February 27 Individual Golf Rate: $240 $220 for early birds registered by Friday, February 27 Learn more by scanning or visiting: https://bit.ly/GolfOuting2026
Interested in learning more? Contact Shannon Gowen at sgowen@rochestermnchamber.com
26 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
Event Sponsors
PRESENTING
EAGLE
Development & Investments
BIRDIE
CART
DRINK CART
DRIVING RANGE
LUNCH & DINNER
HAZARD
PUTTING GREEN
TEE PRIZE
WELCOME
HOLE
Altra Federal Credit Union AP Construction CLA Custom Alarm DBS Group, LLC
Eagle Rock Bank F & M Community Bank GPC Beverages KNXR - Minnesota 97.5 LaCrosse Sign Group
North Rock Hospitality Group Olmsted Medical Center Premier Bank Minnesota Reagan Outdoor Advertising SERVPRO of Rochester
St. James Hotel Think Bank Thrivent Emerald Financial Group
FEBRUARY 2026 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 27
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