In an interview, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek spoke at length about how ICE is affecting businesses and making the job of growing the state’s economy more difficult.
More from MN Fortune 500
Polaris to close Wisconsin plant, lay off 200 workers
The sale of the Indian Motorcycle business led to the Minnesota company’s decision to close the Osceola plant.
January 22, 2026
Firm with no revenue was Minnesota's 2025 best-performing stock
Celcuity, a clinical-stage company developing a cancer drug, had promising clinical trials. Among Minnesota’s public companies, half saw their stock increase this year.
January 1, 2026
Eden Prairie’s C.H. Robinson, a logistics stalwart, disrupting industry with AI
The company uses AI agents for more than 3 million shipping tasks, from extracting orders out of emails to sending price quotes.
December 23, 2025
Fastenal’s longtime CEO Dan Florness to retire this summer
The Winona-based company’s President and Chief Sales Officer Jeff Watts will become chief executive July 16.
December 22, 2025
Editor's Pick
Caribou Coffee to refocus on cozy cafes instead of drive-thru speed
The Minnesota-founded chain’s new CEO is emphasizing “chalet” coffee shops, a departure from the tiny “cabin” storefronts started in 2019.
December 18, 2025
Why Hormel is struggling to profit off America’s protein obsession
The Austin, Minn.-based company has long made a name for itself selling Spam, Jennie-O turkeys, Planters nuts and more, but high costs have eroded its profits.
December 17, 2025
Hormel leaning on cost cuts, price hikes to boost profits next year
The Spam-maker has experienced a string of tough years, including 2025, but analysts predict a stronger year to come.
December 4, 2025
![Hormel headquarters in Austin, MN. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Friday September 11, 2015 Despite woes throughout the food industry, partly due to consumers turning away some from processed foods, Hormel has managed to continue prospering -- even though a good part of its business -- Spam, chili -- is about as processed as you can get. But the company's turkey and pork offerings are riding a hot protein trend. And over the past two years, it's made some of the biggest acquisitions in](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/527MWWMEXAN6BDVVGMMGBOERGU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Associated Bank expands Twin Cities footprint with purchase of American National
The Green Bay, Wis.-based bank is picking up six area branches in the $600 million deal.
December 1, 2025
More tech upgrades bump Best Buy’s sales, but home purchases still lag
The Richfield-based retailer posted its second straight quarter of sales growth, but consumer sentiment and competition keep analysts conservative on stock.
November 25, 2025
Incoming CEO is writing Target’s next chapter, including largest store overhaul in a decade
Analysts are wary Michael Fiddelke’s plan won’t be quick enough to stem the Minneapolis-based retailer’s slide.
November 23, 2025
Key takeaways from Target’s pre-holiday report
As tight consumer budgets continue, Target’s sales and profits both declined. The company also is increasing its investment in stores, merchandise and AI.
November 19, 2025
Target’s corporate archivists preserve a century of Minnesota retail history
From past iterations of shopping carts to a salvaged Target Center “T,” these researchers can trace the Minneapolis-based retailer’s roots back to Dayton’s department store in the early 1900s.
November 11, 2025
