In this episode, we’re diving into the Top Five Hair Salons in Austin, Minnesota, highlighting the best-rated salons based on customer reviews and ratings. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, color, or a relaxing spa experience, we've got you covered. We also spotlight Austin Area Chamber of Commerce members, providing insights into what makes these salons stand out in the community. Tune in to discover the best places to get your hair done in Austin, and find your next favorite stylist today!

Minnesota Nice is more than just politeness—it’s a mix of kindness, passive-aggression, and unspoken judgment. But what if we moved beyond that to something better? In this episode, we explore the truth behind Minnesota Nice and contrast it with the power of genuine kindness in business and life. Inspired by John Sterling’s insights, we discuss how being truly kind—not just “nice”—can build stronger relationships, create a thriving work environment, and even drive success. It’s time to start a Nice Nice revolution!

Have you ever noticed an old Facebook post suddenly getting a wave of unexpected likes and shares? We sure have at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, and after a little digging, we discovered that some of this new “engagement” isn’t coming from people at all—it’s coming from AI-generated accounts.

In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes with AI engagement on social media. From our 2022 rainy Independence Day Parade video to the 2024 Ladies Night Out post that’s still getting “Wow” reactions from profiles that don’t seem real, we’re seeing a rise in AI interaction—and it’s not just us.

Why is this happening? We explore insights from Forbes and NPR, including how platforms like Meta are deploying AI profiles, how rights holders may use AI bots to drive up engagement (and ad revenue) on videos featuring their music, and why AI-generated accounts try to “put on a human skin” by sharing high-energy content.

And, of course, we end with a simple truth: AI bots might be able to like your post, but they won’t show up to volunteer at the Independence Day Parade.

Join us for this fascinating discussion, and let’s keep our online spaces genuinely human!

Interested in LADIES NIGHT OUT 2025? CHECK IT OUT!

🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts: Have you noticed AI profiles engaging with your posts?

Ever wondered what a Chamber of Commerce actually does? In this episode ofHeart of Austin Minnesota, we break it down. 🎙️

Join us as we bust common myths—No, the Chamber isn’t part of the government!—and explore how theAustin Area Chamber helps businesses grow throughnetworking, advocacy, and digital promotion. Plus, we’ll highlight unique Chamber initiatives like oursocial media spotlights, the Go! Austin Minnesota App, and The Heart of Austin Podcast itself.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just curious about how the Chamber strengthens our local economy, this episode is for you!

🔗Learn more about theAustin Area Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we dive into the hot topic on every homeowner and potential buyer’s mind—the rising home prices in Austin, MN.

We got some great info from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce to get us started. Whether you’re curious about the market trends or considering buying or selling, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions.

Join us as we break down:

• The latest stats on Austin's median home prices from trusted sources like Redfin, Rocket Homes, and Zillow.

• The key factors driving the price increases, from limited housing supply and strong demand to local economic growth.

• What these trends mean for buyers and sellers in the Austin area.

We’re also joined by Tom Mork of Edina Realty, who shares his expertise on navigating this competitive market. Thinking about selling your home? Tom offers free home valuation to help you understand your property’s value in today’s market.

Tune in to get the inside scoop on Austin’s housing market and learn how Tom can help you make the most of these rising prices!

Listen now and stay ahead in the Austin real estate game!

Minnesota businesses are gearing up for significant changes in 2025, with new laws and regulations set to increase compliance burdens and operational costs. In this episode of Heart of Austin Minnesota, we break down the key policies—from gas tax hikes to salary transparency requirements—and explore their potential impacts on employers across the state.

We also highlight an upcoming opportunity for business leaders to share their challenges and feedback at the Southern Minnesota Listening Session on February 7, 2025.

Tune in to learn how these changes might affect your business and discover ways to make your voice heard in shaping future policy.

RESOURCE: Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Article

🎧 Listen now and stay informed!

Join us on this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast as we dive into the highlights from one year of the Go! Austin Minnesota App, based on the blog post by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce!

We’re sharing the top trends, most-clicked features, and favorite businesses as discovered through the App. From the hottest local events to the most popular restaurants and services, find out what makes Austin, MN such a vibrant community. Plus, we’ll talk about how local businesses can maximize their presence on the App. Tune in and celebrate a year of connecting residents and visitors to the best of Austin! GET THE APP!

In this episode of the Heart of Austin podcast, we dive into the growing issue of Facebook Business Page hacks and how you can safeguard your online presence. From real-life stories of businesses losing access to their accounts to expert tips on securing your page, we cover everything you need to know to protect your brand. Learn how to claim ownership, set up Meta Business Suite, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid common pitfalls that hackers exploit. Don’t wait until it’s too late—tune in for actionable steps to keep your business safe online.

Based on the article "Hacked & Locked Out" by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.