Washington Retail Insight

Minnesota Retailers Choose Governor’s Aide as New President

By J. Craig Shearman
Washington Retail Insight
September 2, 2010

The Minnesota Retailers Association has chosen a top aide to Governor Tim Pawlenty as the organization’s new president.

Brian Steinhoff, who served as senior policy advisor on public policy issues facing Minnesota’s business community, will succeed current President Bruce “Buzz” Anderson effective September 15. Anderson announced in June that he was stepping down after more than 10 years of service.

“Brian Steinhoff brings a unique and critical skill set to manage and grow our statewide association including public policy experience in state legislative and executive branches of government as well as private sector management experience,” said MnRA Board Chairman Jeff Lindoo, executive vice president of Thrifty White Pharmacies. “Brian will effectively manage advocacy and other benefits for our members.”

“I am eager to lead MnRA as its next president and continue to grow the organization and represent the retail industry in Minnesota,” Steinhoff said. “It is a critical time for Main Street and it’s never been more important for MnRA to promote the interests of retailers so they are able to succeed in the marketplace as well as sustain and grow jobs throughout Minnesota.”

Before working for Pawlenty, Steinhoff served as committee administrator for the Minnesota House Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee. He was also director of former Michigan Governor John Engler’s northern Michigan office, and general manager of three radio stations in Michigan. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Northern Michigan University.

MnRA represents more than 1,500 retail establishments across the state, ranging from independent local companies to national chains.

© 2010 National Retail Federation