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Local businesses report rising costs and mixed views on paid sick time in Grow Minnesota survey
Summary
Presenters at the East Grand Forks City Council work session summarized a Grow Minnesota survey showing rising business costs and supply-price pressure; presenters said 100% of surveyed firms plan to keep operating and roughly one-third are considering expansion, while reactions to an earned sick time mandate were mixed.
Presenters introduced at the start of the meeting summarized findings from a 2025 Grow Minnesota outreach that included visits to about 12 local firms and participation in a statewide state-chamber program.
The most consistent concern reported was higher business costs and rising supply prices. One presenter said the businesses they visited were “frustrated that the cost of business is going up” and explained that many firms are passing some of those costs to customers to remain viable, not as “gouging” but as a necessity to cover wages, insurance and supplier increases. The presenters reported that 100% of the businesses they surveyed plan to continue operations and that roughly one-third are looking to expand or add staff.
On workforce, presenters said many employers that do not require specialized trades continue to find applicants (including younger workers), but technical roles pose a risk: if a single highly skilled employee is absent, companies worry about maintaining operations. Presenters tied that concern to the incoming earned sick time mandate, reporting a split in attitudes: some firms feared potential abuse and added cost burdens, while others called the benefit a recruiting advantage with limited impact on their bottom line.
The presenters compared year-to-year indicators, saying the share of firms projecting growth rose from about 42% last year to about 59% this year but noted market uncertainty—tariffs, fees and fines—had made some businesses hesitant to take on large projects. They also reported that significant growth rates remained similar year over year while some moderate declines reflected internal role changes or increased technology adoption.
Council members thanked the presenters and one councilor praised a recent land transaction (the SIMPLOT property trade) as a promising economic-development outcome. Presenters closed by saying staff had included a sales-tax breakdown and department contact information in the meeting packet to help businesses understand permit requirements and available supports.
What's next: The presenters did not ask the council for immediate action; the presentation served to inform council discussion about local economic conditions and to provide materials and contacts for affected businesses.
