2025 Minnesota Main Streets State Conference: Crafting Something Great… with Ice Cream 

Another successful Minnesota Main Streets State Conference is now in the books. With program directors, board members, community leaders, and others from across the state (and a few from Wisconsin, too) dedicated to revitalizing and celebrating the heart of their towns and cities.  

This year’s conference was held in the Lincoln Park neighborhood aka the Craft District in Duluth, featuring Keynote speakers Urban Strategist Michele Reeves from Civilis Consulting and Minnesota State Director Cathy McLeer from AARP as well as a conference welcome from State Auditor Julie Blaha. Breakout sessions with topics covering the Main Street Four Points™ (Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion) and tours of the district rounded out the event. Celebratory and networking opportunities were woven throughout the conference with an ice cream break on Thursday afternoon receiving high marks from all.  

Appreciation to Our Sponsors 

The success of the 2025 Minnesota Main Streets State Conference would not be possible without the generosity and support of our sponsors. Their commitment to Minnesota’s communities ensures that we can continue to deliver impactful programming and valuable resources to our Main Streets. Many thanks go to our sponsors at North Shore Federal Credit Union, Maurices, Love Creamery, Display Sales, Bent Paddle Brewing, Duluth Grill, Ursa Minor Brewing, Caddy Shack, and the All American Club as well as swag bag and drawing contributors at Duluth Pottery, North Shore Federal Credit Union, Dovetail Café, Ursa Minor Brewing, Caddy Shack, Liila Boutique, Love Creamery, LNPK, Brick & Mortar, All American Club, Bent Paddle Brewing, Kern and Kompany, Aerostich, Frost River, and Oasis Del Norte.  

We extend our deepest gratitude to each of our sponsors for investing in the vision of thriving, connected, and prosperous towns and cities. Your contributions play an integral role in making this conference a meaningful experience for all attendees. Thank you for sharing in our mission to strengthen the heart of Minnesota. 

Together, we are building brighter futures for our Main Streets.