Growing Destinations

Your go-to source for insightful discussions on destination development. The Growing Destinations podcast delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes that drive community growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local and national experts, uncovering universal themes and innovative practices that can be applied to any city or region.

Growing Destinations is a business podcast hosted by Experience Rochester, with 103 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Experience Rochester hosts Growing Destinations, a business show with 103 episodes published.

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  Episode #103

  From Shoe Repair Shop to Classy Dive Bar: The Story of The Shoe

  Sep 24, 202625 min

  Today we're talking about what happens when you take an old building with a lot of history, a little bit of vision, and a willingness to take a chance. Jack Lester and Eric Kramlinger are two of the owners of The Shoe Beverage Bar in Rochester, Minnesota. They took a former shoe repair shop that had been part of the community for decades, and transformed it into what they describe as a classy dive bar: a place for drinks, conversation, live music, and bringing people together. Jack and Eric share their backgrounds, why they decided to get into the bar business, what drew them to this particular building, the importance of preserving some of its history, and what a place like The Shoe Beverage Bar can contribute to Rochester's growing destination.

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  Episode #102

  The World’s Tallest Nutcracker in Luverne, Minnesota

  Aug 18, 202624 min

  When you think about iconic attractions, a giant nutcracker probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But in Luverne, Minnesota, nutcrackers have become much more than a holiday decoration: they've become part of the community's identity and a growing tourism story that's attracting visitors and national attention. This episode offers a look at how one unique idea evolved into a destination brand and what other communities can learn from Luverne's experience. Joining the conversation are Betty Mann, whose remarkable nutcracker collection helped inspire it all; Katie Walgrave, who helped bring the world's tallest nutcracker to life; and Tony Schomacker, who has helped lead Luverne's destination branding efforts.

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  Episode #101

  Building Places People Want to Visit and Live

  Jul 16, 202627 min

  When we talk about destinations, we often focus on attracting visitors, but the strongest destinations are also great places to live: communities where people want to build careers, raise families, start businesses and connect with others. Join Alison Zelms, City Administrator for Rochester, MN, Mike Mornson, City Manager for Hopkins, MN and Sharon Hanson, City Administrator for Marshall, MN as they discuss building places people want to visit and live. This episode was recorded in Rochester, Minnesota during the 2026 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference, where local leaders from communities across the state gathered to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

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  Growing Destinations

  Purple Rain from the Inside with Dr. Fink

  Jul 9, 202632 min

  Matt Fink, known to millions around the world as Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, was the keyboardist for one of the most iconic bands in music history. He helped create music that continues to inspire audiences across generations and around the world. Matt talks about his journey into music, how he met Prince, what it was like to be part of the Revolution during the Purple Rain era, the friendships and experiences that shaped those remarkable years, the lasting legacy of Prince, and why music and culture continue to play such an important role in building strong communities. This special 100th episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

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  Episode #99

  Charlie Rybak Reflects on Media, Storytelling, Minnesota, and His Last Name

  May 21, 202624 minS0

  <p>Charlie Rybak has worked across just about every corner of modern media, from traditional journalism to digital strategy to launching hyperlocal news platforms. Today he leads editorial innovation at Twin Cities Business and hosts a YouTube series featuring conversations with business leaders across the region. Charlie shares his career journey, what's actually working in business media right now and how he's thinking about telling the story of a state that's growing well beyond just the Twin Cities.</p>

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