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Small businesses are critical to the health of local communities. Perhaps that is especially true in rural areas where many main streets struggle to stay in business. 

MPR News’ Senior Economics Contributor Chris Farrell knows that well. And over the next few months, he'll join us to talk about the small businesses that power Minnesota.

Farrell recently visited Thief River Falls in northwest Minnesota. He was there to spend time at Digi-Key, the five billion dollar global electronics distributor, headquartered in town. But he also wanted to explore those small businesses that keep the downtown alive. 

He took a walk and ducked into a store called Tonnabells and met with owner Kelly Tygersen. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about it. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

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Small businesses are critical to the health of local communities. Perhaps that is especially true in rural areas where many main streets struggle to stay in business. MPR News’ Senior Economics Contributor Chris Farrell knows that well. And over the next few months, he'll join us to talk about the small businesses that power Minnesota.

Minnesota small business report: Thief River Falls

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