On November 12, small business owners from across our state gathered in St. Paul for the annual NFIB Minnesota Fall Meeting, where we discussed the impact of the 2024 Election and key issues for the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session.

NFIB members were joined by two fellow small business owners from the Minnesota Legislature: Rep. Dave Baker (Willmar, HD 16B) and Rep. Andrew Myers (Tonka Bay, HD 45A).

Rep. Baker won election to his sixth term and has long focused on improving the tax and regulatory climate for small businesses. He’s been a consistent ally in the fight against expensive and burdensome one-size-fits-all government mandates. Baker brings decades of experience in hospitality and restaurants to the Legislature, and currently runs Green Lake Cruises – where you can find him at the helm – in Spicer.

Rep. Dave Baker speaks with NFIB Members on Nov. 12, 2024

Rep. Myers won election to a second term serving a suburban district that includes most communities around Lake Minnetonka. Despite a hotly contested campaign that attracted hundreds of thousands in spending, Myers was one of the few suburban members in either party to see their margin of victory grow compared to 2022 (10% v. 6%). Myers is also an attorney and sole proprietor of Myers Law Firm PLLC, which specializes in business law, estate planning, compliance, real estate, collections, probate, and general litigation.

Rep. Andrew Myers listens to NFIB Members on Nov. 12, 2024

Our members shared the importance of giving small businesses a break from heavy-handed regulations and unfunded mandates, as well as the need for more responsible state budgeting and tax relief on Main Street.

NFIB MN members also met Jonathan Boesche, the new State Director for NFIB in Minnesota. Jon recently joined NFIB after serving as Director of Government Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors of Minnesota. He brings a deep understanding of public policy issues that impact small businesses from that role and previous experience in legislative research at the Minnesota Senate.

NFIB MN State Director Jon Boesche (center), Region Director Charlie Owens (right) and outgoing state director John Reynolds (left)

NFIB MN’s Fall Meeting is an opportunity for small business owners to connect directly with policymakers and make an impact for Main Street.

Interested in future meetings? Contact Grassroots Manager Ben Abrahamson (Ben.Abrahamson@nfib.org) or State Director Jon Boesche (Jonathan.Boesche@nfib.org)