Hello from Melbourne. Today, we're headed home after Minnesota's first-ever trade mission to Australia, full of optimism about the future of the relationship between our companies, workers and communities.

During this trip we had so many unique and productive opportunities to promote Minnesota as a place for Australia to invest, and to make connections between Minnesota companies and potential Australian customers. This mission was about opening doors, making connections and establishing relationships between Minnesota and Australia. After a whirlwind of meetings this week, I'm certain we're coming home with many leads for trade growth and business development in the months and years ahead.

We had one last day of events on Friday. First, we met with U.S. Consul General Kathleen Lively to provide a recap of our trip. We're excited to continue working with her team and our partners in Victoria to continue growing trade and investment opportunities for Minnesota in Australia.

Next, we met with Seer Medical, a company that embodies the economic partnership we've highlighted throughout this mission. Seer, which researches and manufactures medical diagnostic devices, established its first U.S. office in Rochester, Minn. in 2021 with two employees. Now, half its 17 U.S.-based staff are in Minnesota, and it has plans to expand. Last year, Seer won a Governor's International Trade Award for excellence in foreign direct investment in Minnesota.

We toured Seer's facility, celebrated its success in Minnesota and offered to help as they expand. Our delegation also heard from Seer leaders about their experience doing business in Minnesota as an Australian business – important insight that will help us support further business expansion in Minnesota.

Friday evening, we gathered with the delegation of Minnesota leaders who joined us on this trip – officials from Minnesota companies, business development groups and higher education institutions looking to help our state grow and succeed. We shared our takeaways from this mission and committed to working together to make sure we succeed in bringing Minnesota's MedTech, CleanTech, Agriculture and Higher Education sectors to the world.

I'm proud to have represented DEED, the State of Minnesota and all our businesses and workers on this historic trade mission. As we return home, I'm excited to continue the important work of building a Minnesota economy that works, for everyone.