Full List of 60+ Minnesota CEOs Who Finally Spoke Out on Violence — Target, 3M, Best Buy Included

When the leaders of Target, 3M, and UnitedHealth Group all sign the same letter on the same day, it signals a significant shift in corporate America.

On Sunday, more than 60 chief executives from Minnesota-based companies published an open letter through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, calling for an 'immediate de-escalation of tensions' following two fatal shootings by federal agents in the state, according to the Chamber's official release.

This coordinated statement marks a dramatic departure from weeks of corporate silence, arriving as a lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the Twin Cities revealed some businesses have reported sales drops of up to 80%, according to PBS NewsHour.

Behind the Scenes Before Going Public

The letter discloses that corporate leaders had been working privately with government officials before making their public stance.

'For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota's business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions,' the letter states. 'These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President and local mayors.'

Until now, most of Minnesota's largest companies had refrained from issuing any public statements regarding the enforcement operations and the unrest they have triggered.

The Complete List of Signatories

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has published the full list of executives who signed the letter. Here is a breakdown by sector:

Major Corporations

• 3M (William Brown, Chairman and CEO)
• Target (Michael Fiddelke, Incoming CEO)
• Best Buy (Corie Barry, CEO)
• UnitedHealth Group (Stephen J. Hemsley, CEO)
• General Mills (Jeff Harmening, Chairman and CEO)
• Cargill (Brian Sikes, Board Chair and CEO)
• Medtronic (Geoff Martha, CEO and Chairman)
• US Bancorp (Gunjan Kedia, CEO)
• Xcel Energy (Bob Frenzel, Chairman, President, and CEO),
• Land O'Lakes (Beth Ford, President and CEO)

Healthcare

• Mayo Clinic (Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., President and CEO)
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Dana Erickson, President and CEO)
• Allina (Lisa Shannon, President and CEO)
• HealthPartners (Andrea Walsh, President and CEO)
• Medica (Lisa Erickson, President and CEO)
• Children's Minnesota (Emily Chapman, M.D., CEO)
• Essentia Health (Dr. David Herman, CEO)
• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (Dr. Joseph Lee, President and CEO)

Financial Services

• Ameriprise Financial (James Cracchiolo, Chairman and CEO)
• Piper Sandler (Chad Abraham, Chairman and CEO)
• Securian Financial Group (Chris Hilger, Chairman, President, and CEO)
• Thrivent (Teresa Rasmussen, President and CEO)
• Delta Dental of Minnesota (Rodney Young, CEO)

Professional Sports:

• Minnesota Vikings
• Minnesota Twins
• Minnesota Wild
• Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx
• Minnesota United FC (Shari Ballard, CEO)

Consumer and Industrial

• Hormel (Jeff Ettinger, Interim CEO)
• C.H. Robinson (Dave Bozeman, President and CEO)
• Ecolab (Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO)
• Andersen Corporation (Chris Galvin, Chairman and CEO)
• Sleep Number (Linda Findley, President and CEO)
• Red Wing Shoes (Allison Gettings, President and CEO)
• The Toro Company (Rick Olson, Chairman and CEO)
• Donaldson Company (Tod Carpenter, Chairman, President, and CEO)

Economic Toll Mounts for Local Businesses

The lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the Twin Cities this month cites 'devastating economic impacts' from the federal enforcement operations.

Over recent weeks, some stores found themselves in the spotlight after individuals protested for more action. Target, based in Minneapolis, became a focal point. Workers at a Richfield location were detained by immigration agents while on duty, despite both being US citizens.

Target's Incoming CEO Breaks His Silence

Michael Fiddelke, who will assume the role of Target's CEO on 1 February, addressed employees privately in a video message on Monday, according to Fortune.

'The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful,' Fiddelke said in the video, with a transcript published by CNBC. 'I know it's weighing heavily on many of you across the country, as it is with me.'

Fiddelke, currently serving as Target's chief operating officer, did not specify the individuals killed by federal agents or mention particular policy changes, according to Fortune. He emphasised prioritising 'the safety of our team and guests.'

What This Means for Consumers and Workers

The joint letter concludes with an appeal that extends beyond corporate interests: 'In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume their work and build a bright and prosperous future.'

Only time will tell if this unusual alliance among business leaders will influence new norms. Nonetheless, for employees across Minnesota's stores, clinics, and factories, it signals a collective effort by companies to finally step forward and seek solutions.