local
The history of Post-it Notes: how 3M scientists and choir practice led to the little yellow paper
By Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 4, 2026
· 2 min read
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History of Post-It Notes
Post-its can be found just about everywhere in an office space, even in the ...
Key takeaway “No one knew they needed Post-it Notes until they were invented,” John Banovetz, Chief Technology Officer at 3M, said.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The humble Post-it Note, a staple in offices and homes across Minneapolis , has a fascinating history rooted in the city's own 3M. The company's scientists, Spencer Silver and Art Fry, played a crucial role in bringing this iconic product to life. Their story is a testament to the innovative spirit that defines the Twin Cities' business community. With 3M's headquarters located in the heart of the metro area, the impact of their research and development is felt locally. The fact that nearly 100 billion Post-it Notes are sold worldwide each year is a remarkable achievement, and a source of pride for the community. As a major employer and driver of economic growth in the region, 3M's success stories like the Post-it Note demonstrate the importance of investing in research and development, and the potential for local innovation to have a global reach.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? @keyframes spin {
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History of Post-It Notes
Post-its can be found just about everywhere in an office space, even in the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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