In July 2025, Governor Tim Walz announced that he would lead a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany later that year. The delegation will travel to the European business hubs of Zürich, Düsseldorf and Berlin to showcase Minnesota as a destination for investment and to expand the state’s exports. Germany was Minnesota’s eighth‑largest export market in 2024, with goods valued at $649 million, while Switzerland ranked 22nd at $232 million. Officials noted that Switzerland offers a valuable gateway to European markets and that Germany remains Europe’s biggest economy. The mission’s itinerary includes MEDICA, one of the world’s largest medical‑technology fairs in Düsseldorf, and opportunities for businesses in manufacturing, agriculture and higher education. Governor Walz stressed that, amid global trade disruptions, Minnesota is strengthening relationships to protect jobs at home. The mission is scheduled for November 15–21, 2025.

A milestone for climate action and renewable energy

paleBLUEdot is honored to be part of the delegation representing Minnesota on this trade mission. Founded in 2014, paleBLUEdot’s mission is to hasten the transition to an authentically sustainable, no‑carbon economy. The firm provides comprehensive services—from climate mitigation and resilience planning to sustainability consulting and renewable‑energy strategy—and has supported local governments and organizations in 22 states, including more than 55 Minnesota communities. paleBLUEdot’s greenhouse‑gas inventories for businesses and institutions span the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and The Netherlands. The firm serves as a national solar‑PV technical advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy and is projected to help cut emissions by more than 64 million metric tons by 2030. paleBLUEdot is also certified as a State Targeted Group Business, Metropolitan Council MCUB and Minnesota CERT S/WBE/ESBE business, illustrating its commitment to equitable economic growth.

Why this mission matters

Germany and Switzerland are among Europe’s most innovative economies. Germany’s mature manufacturing and renewable‑energy sectors and Switzerland’s role as a test market for emerging technologies offer valuable opportunities for Minnesota’s climate‑focused enterprises. By participating in the mission, paleBLUEdot will:

Showcase Minnesota’s climate leadership. The delegation’s visits to Berlin, Düsseldorf and Zürich will highlight how local governments in Minnesota are cutting emissions through climate‑action plans and renewable‑energy adoption. paleBLUEdot will share success stories from communities that are moving toward net‑zero emissions and attracting clean‑tech investment.
Explore partnerships in technology, agriculture and education. Governor Walz noted that Germany and Switzerland present excellent opportunities for collaborations in technology, agriculture and education. paleBLUEdot’s experience working with municipalities, universities and businesses aligns with these sectors and can help forge partnerships that accelerate decarbonization.
Support small businesses and equitable growth. The mission seeks to represent companies from across sectors, and as a Targeted Group Business and S/WBE/ESBE, paleBLUEdot will advocate for equitable participation in the global energy transition.

Looking ahead

By accompanying Governor Walz on this trade mission, paleBLUEdot will help position Minnesota as a leader in climate action and renewable energy on an international stage. The firm plans to engage with European partners, share best practices in sustainability, and learn from Germany’s and Switzerland’s innovations. As global markets pivot toward clean energy and resilient economies, this mission underscores Minnesota’s commitment to economic growth that benefits people and the planet. paleBLUEdot is proud to represent Minnesota’s climate ambitions and looks forward to building partnerships that hasten the transition to a no‑carbon economy.

The paleBLUEdot team provides a wide range of expert consultant services supporting community resilience, including Sustainability and Resilience Planning, Sustainability Consulting, and Renewable Energy Planning. Learn more about paleBLUEdot's Sustainability and Resilience Planning services here.