WASHINGTON — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman joined a group of Minnesota businesses at the White House on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion on economic policy.

Rybak said the meeting “was a listening session for the White House to hear from the voices of Minnesota business, and the Minnesotans weren’t shy.” Businesses present included firms in areas like banking and healthcare and companies both large (Cargill and General Mills) and small (Surly Brewing).

The roundtable focused on freeing up more capital for businesses, cutting regulations and investing in new infrastructure, Rybak said. Officials from the treasury, commerce and transportation departments were involved in the talks.

The half-day meeting was part of series of economic policy discussions the White House has hosted with officials from states from around the nation.

“I’m very happy that there’s been 24 months of private sector job growth, but it’s probably more important to bring in the people who are creating the jobs out there in Minnesota to give advice,” Rybak said. “I don’t think this is one of those things where something is going to come out tomorrow. It’s really more about having the voices of Minnesota business influencing the White House over the next few months and, hopefully the next couple years, whoever is here.”

Rybak and Coleman were also involved in League of Cities meetings, the Minneapolis mayor said. Rybak, a vice chairman for the Democratic National Committee and a major national surrogate for Obama’s re-election effort, said his trip to Washington was focused on policy, not politics.

Devin Henry can be reached at dhenry@minnpost.com. Follow him on Twitter: @dhenry