Four Duluth business professionals have been selected to join the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Minnesota Class of 2025–26, a statewide program that brings together emerging leaders shaping the state’s economy.
Representing the Northland are Arik Forsman, Manager of Strategic Accounts at Minnesota Power/ALLETE; Alina Heydt, Vice President, Project Principal and Senior Environmental Consultant at Barr Engineering Corp.; Mickey Pearson, Business Recruiter at APEX; and Dante Tomassoni, Director of Corporate Affairs at Cirrus Aircraft.
“We’re thrilled to have Arik, Alina, Mickey and Dante take part in this year’s Leadership Minnesota class,” said Minnesota Chamber President and CEO Doug Loon. “The program gives participants an up-close look at the industries and communities that power our economy — and helps them bring that knowledge back to their workplaces and regions.”
Now in its 25th year, Leadership Minnesota offers participants a behind-the-scenes view of the industries driving the state’s economy — including manufacturing, energy, technology, natural resources and public policy. Over six months, the program’s immersive sessions (running September 2025 through February 2026) connect leaders from across Minnesota to explore the challenges and opportunities facing employers and communities.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce represents more than 6,300 businesses employing over half a million Minnesotans. Recently named the nation’s top state chamber, it advocates for policies that foster business growth and innovation, provides one-on-one services to its members, and works to strengthen the economic foundation of Minnesota for future generations.
