Hard to believe this is only the second work week of 2026. We’ve weathered dark days already this year, especially here in Minnesota. Those who were attempting to get back into a routine and start acting on 2026 objectives probably feel behind already. “Distracted,” “unsettled” is how several people in our business community described their state of mind. And I hate to pile on, but even in “normal” times, most resolutions get broken by the second week of the year.
Rather than dwelling on negatives, let’s focus on things we can control — small actions and connections that just might lift your spirits and, as a result, improve your productivity. I’m delighted to announce the Minnesota Star Tribune’s first North Star Network, an event centered on well-being, efficiency and new connections. On stage we have a great lineup of experts offering practical advice. Sleep Health Specialists CEO Sarah Moe will talk about improving your sleep. Joe Meier, author, nutritionist and personal training leader at Life Time Eden Prairie, will make the case that taking time for physical activity will make you more efficient at work, and he offers advice on setting realistic fitness goals. MJ Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Minneapolis AI consultancy Blank Metal, will help us get over our AI fears to embrace the ways the technology can make our work easier.
And in between these expert lightning rounds, attendees will have time for small-group discussion with table captains who are accomplished business leaders and some of the most in-demand coffee dates in town. The list includes Puris Proteins CEO Tyler Lorenzen, Bold Orange CEO Margaret Murphy, Zeus Jones co-CEO Rocky Novak, General Mills Director of Consumer Loyalty and Rewards Tiffani Daniels, Capsule CEO Aaron Keller, Face Foundrie founder and CEO Michele Henry, Rae Mackenzie Group CEO Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Wilder Group CEO Kymm Martinez (whom you might know from her work with American Cancer Society or University of St. Thomas or General Mills — you get the idea), and two members of the Star Tribune’s board of directors, chair Christine Fruechte, former CEO of Colle McVoy, and Scott Burns, general partner of Mairs & Power Venture Capital.
The event takes place Feb. 5 at Life Time Work Minneapolis. Space is limited, so register now, and take advantage of an exclusive offer for North Star Insider subscribers: $10 off admission with code STRIBINSIDER26.
Innovation
Bim Bam Boo is on a roll. The Minneapolis-based tree-free paper products company, which sells bamboo toilet paper and facial tissue, just closed a $2 million investment from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners that will anchor its seed round. Founder and CEO Zoë Levin, a member of the Houma Nation, which has its roots in Louisiana, said the funding will help to accelerate retail growth for Bim Bam Boo. The brand is sold in more than 2,000 retail locations including Target, Whole Foods, Amazon and specialty stores.
A portion of the funding will also support research and development on bringing the supply chain to the U.S., from fiber sourcing to manufacturing. Tariffs have been a big motivator, Levin said. Launched in 2018, Bim Bam Boo initially manufactured in China and recently shifted to Canada. “We’re getting closer to home, but we’re not quite there yet.”
Last month, the company launched a first-to-market glycerin-infused lotion tissue at Target stores, where, according to consumer data company SPINS, the startup toilet paper brand is growing faster than its legacy competitors. About 85% of toilet paper is purchased through brick-and-mortar stores, said Levin, who believes she can change that by doubling down on ecommerce with subscription services and marketing that highlights sustainability.
“This is a time when people feel like they really want to make a difference in the world,” Levin said. “We want to lead the better-for-you category and look for differentiation in a really boring space.”
