06.17.25
Advocating for Our Region in the Nation’s Capital
By Cale Dunwoody, Vice President of Public Policy, FMWF Chamber
Business leaders engage in discussion during the Washington, D.C., Fly-In (May 2025).
Last month, 41 business and community leaders from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo region traveled to our nation's capital to meet face-to-face with federal decision-makers. At our annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In, participants brought local priorities to the national spotlight.
Who we met
Over three packed days, D.C. Fly-In participants engaged with some of Minnesota and North Dakota’s most influential members of our congressional delegations, as well as leaders across federal departments and national organizations.
Key meetings included:
- Neil Bradley, executive vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Maj. Gen. Bryony Terrell, special assistant to the director, Air National Guard
- Luke Sandlin, legislative assistant, Office of Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06)
- Sec. Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security
- Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND)
- Sec. Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior
- Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07)
- Sen. Tina Smith (MN)
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN)
- Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01)
- Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND-At Large)
- Sen. John Hoeven (ND)
- Peter Beard, senior vice president, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Matt Wagner, director of state and district partnerships, College Board
- Nick Moore, deputy assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Education
- Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02)
- Alex Albrecht, senior counsel, House Committee on Small Business
What we discussed
Business leaders brought bold, solutions-focused advocacy to the table, tackling critical issues shaping the future of our region and nation:
- Workforce development and immigration reform: Addressing talent shortages with innovative policies and pathways that attract, train and retain skilled workers.
- Energy reliability and innovation: Championing a resilient, forward-thinking energy landscape that powers growth while embracing new technologies.
- Agriculture and rural economic vitality: Supporting cutting-edge agtech, future-focused practices and investments that keep rural communities thriving.
- Military and defense: Ensuring strong support for our military installations and veterans, safeguarding national security and local economies.
- Infrastructure and transportation: Calling for strategic investments to modernize critical infrastructure and improve regional connectivity.
- Tax policy and economic competitiveness: Advocating for tax reform that fuels innovation, encourages investment and levels the playing field for businesses.
These conversations were not just high-level conversations. They were strategic, targeted and centered around finding solutions.
Why it matters
This trip is strategic, coordinated to ensure our region’s challenges, successes and opportunities are heard at the highest levels. Engaging with decision-makers help our local voices shape policies that support local businesses, strengthen our economy and enhance quality of life across our metro.
Thank you
We’re grateful to all the business leaders who took time away from their work to lend their voice and presence in D.C. Their leadership strengthens our collective advocacy and drives meaningful progress for our community.
Maintaining Momentum
Our advocacy work doesn’t end in D.C. We’ll continue these conversations in the future and invite you to join upcoming public policy events, stay informed through our newsletters and connect with our team to get involved.
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