BusinessJanuary 26, 2026

Minnesota Business Leaders Call for Calm

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

signatory/ˈsɪɡnətɔːri/

A person or organization that signs a document.

"The company was a signatory to the letter."

stability/stəˈbɪləti/

A state of calm and steady conditions in society or the economy.

"Businesses want stability so workers feel secure."

protest/ˈproʊtɛst/

A public show of objection or disagreement.

"People held a protest in the city center."

enforcement/ɪnˈfɔːrsmənt/

The act of applying and carrying out laws or rules.

"The enforcement operation led to public debate."

Listening

Minnesota Business Leaders Call for Calm

On January 25, 2026, more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies released an open letter calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions. The full text was published on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website and has been shared widely. Although many firms had avoided public comment while the enforcement operation continued, business leaders said they had been working behind the scenes to find solutions.

The letter lists signatories including Target – Michael Fiddelke, Incoming CEO; General Mills – Jeff Harmening, Chairman and CEO; Cargill – Brian Sikes, Board Chair and CEO; and UnitedHealth Group – Stephen J. Hemsley, CEO. It asks state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions and to restore stability. Since protests and disruptions followed two fatal shootings by federal agents, company leaders said peace is essential for families, employees and the economy.

Some businesses have reported sales drops of up to 80 percent, and several stores temporarily closed during protests. Company representatives have said they have been in close communication with the Governor, the White House and the Vice President while seeking a peaceful outcome.

183 words

Quiz

1. When was the letter released?

2. Which Target leader is listed as a signatory?

3. What did the letter ask officials to do?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you think companies should speak publicly about local conflicts? Why or why not?

Have you ever worked where events in the city affected your job? What changed?

What actions help communities recover after protests or disruptions?

Would you feel safer if business leaders asked for calm in your area?