Great River Energy News

Thursday, May 30, 2019

One important way Great River Energy invests in the communities it serves is through incentive programs that enable business development. A new Business Expansion Loan Program is geared toward large, high-impact projects that bring in significant investments and create quality jobs. The program’s first loan of $500,000 to the Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority was just finalized. The financing will help build the necessary infrastructure for Daikin Applied to build a state-of-the-art production facility near Faribault, Minn. The new facility will be in the Met-Con Business Park north of Faribault and is served by Great River Energy’s member-owner Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric....

Growing demand for refrigerated warehouses to serve Minnesota’s food industry

Thursday, May 30, 2019

The United States remains among the world’s largest markets for refrigerated/frozen warehousing services, with 131 million cubic meters of cold storage warehouse capacity – second only to India – according to the 2018 GCCA Global Cold Storage Capacity Report. Together with China, these three nations account for 60 percent of the global total for cold storage space. And the industry continues to grow. The report showed that global cold storage capacity increased 2.7 percent since 2016, while trend data from the frozen food and pharmaceutical industries suggest this growth will continue for several years to come. Great River Energy’s economic development team...

Minnesota holds potential for mass timber manufacturing

Thursday, May 30, 2019

A recent study highlights northern Minnesota’s strong commercial market, accessibility to supply chain and opportunities for economic impact, suggesting it as a uniquely positioned area to propel development of mass timber manufacturing. “The Economic Feasibility of Mass Timber Manufacturing in Minnesota” – commissioned by the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) and sponsored by Great River Energy, the Blandin Foundation, the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR), among others – also examined the state’s capacity to build a mass timber manufacturing facility in northern Minnesota. “The forest products industry in our region has always been strong,” said Brian Hanson,...

Opportunity Zones: A powerful new investment incentive

Thursday, May 30, 2019

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created a unique economic and community development initiative. The Opportunity Zone program aims to stimulate development in designated low-income urban and rural areas nationwide through a creative and powerful investment incentive. Through the program, private investors who sell property or stocks can defer or reduce their capital gains tax burden — or eliminate it altogether — by investing in a project in an Opportunity Zone. Under the new tax law, the longer the investment, the lower the burden. If a new investment is made by the end of 2019 and is held for...

Projects with electric cooperative ties receive awards

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Two projects that Great River Energy and its member-owner cooperatives played a role in securing financing for, and a city that has found a niche with advanced manufacturing, food production and foreign direct investment, were recently recognized with awards. Minnesota Real Estate Journal, a statewide commercial real estate publication, recently handed out awards to companies, cities and local executives in recognition of their respective successful projectsand initiatives from the last year. Included among the award winners is Crystal Brook Senior Living Community, a 138,000-square-foot, 88-unit facility in Park Rapids, Minn., that was completed in October 2018. The facility was chosen as the...

Wadena among 3 Greater Minnesota cities awarded infrastructure grants

Monday, May 20, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced $1.69 million in infrastructure grants for projects in Greater Minnesota. The funding awarded from DEED's Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program was approved for the cities of North Branch, Spring Valley and Wadena. The three projects were funded during the first quarter of 2019 and are expected to create more than 2,800 full-time jobs. Click here to view the original article from the Brainerd Dispatch.

WorkForce Center in Wadena is now CareerForce

Sunday, May 19, 2019

The WorkForce Center in Wadena has changed its name to CareerForce. Throughout the state, Minnesota's WorkForce Centers are changing their name to CareerForce. Bringing all of Minnesota's workforce system partners under one brand seeks to enhance the services provided to career seekers, employers and communities. Click here to view the original article from the Wadena Pioneer Journal.

Redwood County EDA offering grant funding for local business development

Saturday, May 18, 2019

As 2018 was coming to an end, Briana Mumme, Redwood County economic development coordinator, recognized that there were going to be funds left over in the EDA budget. Mumme began talking with the EDA board to come up with an idea of how to best utilize that funding to enhance economic opportunities in the county. Click here to view the original article from the Redwood Falls Gazette.

EDA, Chamber learn how one city survived construction

Friday, May 17, 2019

"Own it!" That was the simple message St. Peter city administrator Todd Prafke told members of the New Prague Economic Development Authority and the New Prague Chamber of Commerce when the two held a joint meeting in the New Prague City Hall. The meeting was held to discuss ways to assist local businesses that will be affected by the 2020 Main Street Project, which will see a total reconstruction of Main Street next summer. The street will be torn up, underground utilities will be replaced and a new street and sidewalk will be put in place during the project, which will take place...

Spirits in the winery: Chankaska opens Distilled Spirits Room

Thursday, May 16, 2019

KASOTA — Founded on its vineyard and wines, Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery has steadily grown its line of distilled spirits. Chankaska opened the doors to its new Distilled Spirits Room. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

MSU expands engineering program nationwide

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

'Bell Program' to target community college grads across U.S. MANKATO — A year after its Iron Range Engineering program was recognized as one of the world's most innovative, Minnesota State University is preparing to expand the concept to a national audience. "The Bell Program" is aimed at community college students looking to earn a bachelor's of science in engineering from MSU without leaving their home community. The students will be doing their academic work while learning real-world engineering skills in a cooperative arrangement with businesses throughout the United States. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

Locals complete Blandin program

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Twenty-four residents of the Aitkin area returned March 29 from a five-day leadership retreat, the first segment of an intense eight-day training provided by the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The team also will participate in three follow-up workshops. A program of the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, BCLP has provided experiential leadership training for more than 7,000 community leaders from nearly 500 rural Minnesota communities since it began in 1985. This is the seventh time the community has participated in the BCLP leadership program. Click here to view the original article from the Aitkin Independent Age.

Enticing Businesses to Stay

Monday, May 13, 2019

Trying to attract businesses from outside the community or launching startup businesses are key economic development activities. However, economic developers generally agree that the most practical strategy for growth is Business Retention and Expansion, or keeping established businesses in the community. Enticing Businesses to Stay, co-authored by Michael Darger, University of Minnesota Extension, and Cameron Macht, DEED, looks at results from DEED’s Business Employment Dynamics dataset and provides insights and examples from ongoing business retention and expansion projects in Barnesville, near Fargo-Moorhead, and Cottage Grove, metro area. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

DEED Names Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Recently appointed Assistant Commissioner of Economic Opportunity Hamse Warfa has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development here at DEED. In this role, Warfa will continue to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity, and will also take on leadership of Employment and Training Programs, CareerForce, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Warfa’s experience in the philanthropic/nonprofit and private sectors has helped him bring great thinking to DEED’s workforce efforts. After interviewing dozens of candidates for our commissioner-level roles in workforce development, I’m confident that Hamse is the right leader for these efforts. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

PFA Awards Over $28 million in Water Infrastructure projects

Saturday, May 11, 2019

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $28.35 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glencoe, Glenwood and Rice County. “I’m working hard to rebuild infrastructure in every corner of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I’m excited that $28 million dollars will be going directly to these greater Minnesota communities to help improve their water quality. Everyone in Minnesota deserves clean drinking water–regardless of their zip code.” Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

CRYSTAL BROOK NAMED PROGRESS MN HONOREE

Friday, May 10, 2019

Knute Nelson and Innovative Builders Inc. has been selected by Finance & Commerce as a 2019 Progress Minnesota award nominee in the nonprofit organization category for their development of Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, MN. The awards, now in their eighth year, recognize those individuals and companies who are driving business and industrial growth and economic development in Minnesota in unique ways. Click here to view the original article from the Knute Nelson website.

Daikin Applied, Crystal Brook Senior Living projects win MREJ awards

Thursday, May 09, 2019

Construction of the Crystal Brook Senior Living project, a 138,000 sq. ft. 88-unit facility in Park Rapids, Minnesota, was completed October 25, 2018. The facility was constructed by KI Developers, a venture between non-profit Knute Nelson and Innovative Companies, Inc. of Alexandria. Pope Architects also worked on the project. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal.

Grand Marais listed as one of the top 10 Great Active Outdoor Towns

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

In April North Outdoors (northoutdoors.com) announced its 2019 list of 10 Great Active Outdoor Towns in the North, and Grand Marais was on the list. North Outdoors’ annual Top 10 list recognizes towns that embrace and embody the northern outdoors scene. Recognized towns tend to feature an abundance of active pursuits such as hiking, paddling, cycling, and exploring, combined with a community that creates a sense of place with restaurants and retail. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Grand Portage Tribal Council receives grant

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Grand Portage Tribal Council received a $25,000 grant to support intergenerational youth programming in Grand Portage from the Northland Foundation. Between January 1 and March 30, the Northland Foundation awarded two dozen grants totaling nearly a quarter million dollars to nonprofit organizations, schools, and Tribal Nations within the region bounded by Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Twin Cities region leads population growth in Minnesota

Monday, May 06, 2019

Across Minnesota’s regions, the Twin Cities has seen the greatest population growth since 2010. Across Minnesota’s counties, Carver and Scott have posted the greatest percentage growth in population, at more than 13% over the last 8 years. See more data on population change in Minnesota. Click here to view the original article from Minnesota Compass.

Business Energy Retrofit program strengthens region’s agricultural economy

Friday, May 03, 2019

Lutsen-based Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Company utilized a Business Energy Retrofit (BER) grant to help pay for equipment modernization, including a new evaporator, sugar house lighting, and a reverse osmosis room heating system. The enhancements improved maple syrup processing time by 50%, cut fuel consumption in half, reduced fuel emissions, and lessened the environmental impact of daily operations. Click here to view the original newsletter from The Ranger.

City's new Business Development Director will lead economic recovery program

Thursday, May 02, 2019

ST. CLOUD — The city of St. Cloud has hired a Business Development Director after it was granted federal funding to assist in retaining jobs and growing businesses following Electrolux's closure announcement. Jennifer Erickson started her new position and will facilitate a two-year economic recovery coordinator program. Click here to view the original article from the St. Cloud Times.

Home building created nearly 2,000 jobs and a $235 million local impact in 2018

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Residential building in the St. Cloud area created nearly 2,000 jobs worth more than $235 million last year, according to the Central Minnesota Builders Association. A total of 1,067 units were permitted in the St. Cloud area in 2018, up nearly one third compared to the previous year. The 2018 total unit count includes 443 single-family detached units, 42 attached single-family units and 582 multi-family units. Click here to view the original article from the St. Cloud Times.

HVAC Manufacturer Daikin Announces Second Expansion in Six Months

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The company, a subsidiary of Japanese company Daikin Industries, will lease new office space in Plymouth, adding to the 132 new jobs expected to be generated by a planned $40.3 million Faribault facility project. Daikin Applied Americas’ recent growth spurt doesn’t seem to be cooling down. Less than six months after launching a $40.3 million expansion project in Faribault, the air conditioning and heating systems maker is now planning to expand in its headquarters town of Plymouth. A subsidiary of Japanese parent company Daikin Industries Ltd., Daikin Applied is leasing new office space at the Atria building at 3033 Campus Drive. Click here...

Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce honors women leaders

Monday, April 29, 2019

Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced its winners of the ninth annual Women’s Leadership Forum Women of Excellence Awards. Cindy Haas of Gateway Bank, Jennifer Crowder of GR Promotions, and Tami Phillippi of Frame MN are this year’s winners. Click here to view the original article from Sun This Week.

Challenges for Growth - Progress 2019 - A Closer Look

Saturday, April 27, 2019

At the heart of economic development is developing opportunities that meet the challenges of the community,” Aitkin County Growth (ACG) Executive Director Barb Carr explained. Since its establishment more than 30 years ago, the non-profit organization has assisted approximately 100 entrepreneurs in launching business endeavors in the area –a number of which have grown to be successful. Click here to view the original article from the Aitkin Independent Age.

Gaining traction at FLOE - Progress 2019 - A Closer Look

Friday, April 26, 2019

Progress. A company doesn’t thrive for 36 years without it. FLOE International, based out of McGregor, is a prime example. The company was literally built from the ground up by founder and CEO Wayne Floe. He continues to drive the company forward as a visionary entrepreneur who focuses on progress, innovation and operating with efficiency. FLOE International was conceived in 1983 when the 19-year-old Floe envisioned a better way to make boat lifts. Floe designed and marketed his first boat lift, unique in the fact that it allowed a boat to be driven up and out of the water. From there,...

Best & Worst States for Women

Thursday, April 25, 2019

In 2019, women in some parts of America still get the short end of the stick — even as they outnumber men in most states. For instance, women represent nearly two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers in the U.S. Their political representation also suffers, as women make up 51% of the U.S. population but only 25% of the Senate and 23.4% of the House of Representatives. And the prevalence of sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in 2019’s political landscape. In order to determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District...

MSP named best airport in North America for 3rd year in a row

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

It shared the honor this year with Detroit. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport continues to fly high atop the rankings for the best airports in the world. The Twin Cities travel hub was named the best airport in North America for its size for the third year in a row by Airports Council International (ACI). Click here to view the original article from Bring Me The News.

Building up gender diversity

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

If enrollment growth at Dunwoody College of Technology is a good tape measure, women are poised to made big strides in Minnesota’s construction industry. Women currently make up about 18 percent of all students in the school’s popular construction management program, up from just 2 percent a decade ago, said Heather Gay, who has taught at Dunwoody since 2008. Click here to view the original article from Finance & Commerce.

Budget for One Minnesota: Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Monday, April 22, 2019

States and cities that create attractive environments for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative talent are quickly distancing their economies from those who do not. For every one job created in the innovation sector, five more jobs are created in adjacent sectors – the strongest network effect in job growth today. Minnesota must put our economy on the cutting edge of this ecosystem by making strategic investments in our innovation ecosystem. The proposed Minnesota Innovation Collaborative (MIC) contains a series of initiatives focused on growing Minnesota’s innovation economy by accelerating the growth of our startup ecosystem and attracting top technology talent to the state. Comprised...

DEED Names Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Will lead strategic, department-wide efforts to address economic disparities ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Hamse Warfa has been named Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity. This external-facing role will work with stakeholder groups, DEED partners, and local officials and boards across the state to advance economic equity in our State and amplify DEED programs that target under-invested and under-capitalized communities of color. Additionally, the position will work internally with DEED's senior leadership team to bring a lens of equity into the agency and champion department-specific objectives against priorities for economic equity. Click here to view the original...

API Outsourcing expanding its Robotic Process Automation at Two Harbors location

Friday, April 19, 2019

API Outsourcing, Inc. provides its customers with Robotics Process Automation (RPA) technology that offers simple and secure solutions to automate accounts payable and accounts receivable processes. Centreviews, the technology recently developed and branded by API, poises the company for significant growth. The cloud-based application involves software robots and artificial intelligence, and customers can implement it without making capital investments. “RPA is now vital in accounting and other back office departments,” said Gary Halleen, API CEO. “As companies grow, daily operations become more labor-intensive. Our new RPA product helps organizations process and manage invoices, payments and other documents in a secure and...

Minnesota briefs: State ripe for mass timber manufacturer, study finds

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Minnesota has the capacity to launch mass timber manufacturing, according to a new study by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Center for Economic Development at the University of Minnesota’s Duluth campus. The study considered the feasibility of introducing mass timber manufacturing to the state of Minnesota and/or Minnesota’s Arrowhead region, according to the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation. Researchers specifically analyzed the market for cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is a manufactured wood product in wide use in Europe. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) is a big supporter of Cook County

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

For many years, Cook County has benefited from the generous support and partnership of the MN Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR). Since July 2014, Cook County projects have received over $3 million in grants and loans from the IRRR. Projects of the following entities have benefitted from the support of the IRRR. These projects help to diversify the economy, improve the quality of life, create employment opportunities and increase the tax base of Cook County and the IRRR service area. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Arrowhead Cooperative installs electric car chargers

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

It’s not exactly the Flintstones meeting the Jetsons, but Cook County just got a bit more modern with the installation of electric vehicle chargers. Arrowhead Cooperative member owners who own battery powered vehicles, or hybrid vehicles, now have three places they can charge those autos in the county, with more to come in the near future. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Minnesota Exports Jump to Record $23 Billion in 2018

Monday, April 15, 2019

Canada and China lead in export gains ST. PAUL – Minnesota exports of goods grew 10 percent between 2017 and 2018, reaching a record high of $23 billion, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 8 percent during the same period. Minnesota’s solid export performance led to the state’s ranking rising to 20th highest in exports among all states in 2018, up from 23rd last year. Export growth was strong, even within an environment of continued uncertainty created by changing trade policies in the U.S. and trading partners. Click here to view the original...

Greater FF receives Otto Bremer Trust

Friday, April 12, 2019

The Greater Fergus Falls Corporation has recently been awarded $50,000 from the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) to support economic development through new and expanded businesses in Fergus Falls. "We are incredibly grateful to OBT for believing in our mission and awarding this grant," GFFC Executive Chairman Bruce Thom said in a press release. "These funds will expand our efforts in reaching our goal of bringing in 20 new or expanded businesses by 2020. We look forward to the impact this funding will have on our community." Click here to view the original article from the The Daily Journal.

Study: Minnesota is No. 3 in the nation for life expectancy

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

The results are based on average life expectancies over a 6-year period. A person born and raised in Minnesota can expect to live 5.5 years longer on average than someone born in Mississippi. That's according to 24/7 Wall Street, which ranked each state after analyzing life expectancy data between 2010-2015 from the National Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Click here to view the original article from the Bring Me The News.

Three Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Funding will support infrastructure improvements in North Branch, Spring Valley, and Wadena ST. PAUL – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $1.69 million in infrastructure grants for projects in Greater Minnesota. The funding awarded from DEED’s Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) was approved for the cities of North Branch, Spring Valley, and Wadena. The three projects were all funded during the first quarter of 2019 and are expected to create more than 2,800 full-time jobs. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Q & A: New DEED leader talks budget, workforce

Tuesday, April 09, 2019

Minnesota’s new economic point person is bringing a tech executive’s love for innovation to the role. Northfield native Steve Grove, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, has spent the past 12 years as a senior leader at YouTube and Google, most recently leading a team focused on innovations in journalism. A Minnesota native, he moved back to the state in April 2018 with his wife, Mary, a San Diego native (“This is definitely her first Minnesota winter,” Grove says) and 2-year-old twins. Click here to view the original article from Finance & Commerce.

Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Monday, April 08, 2019

The Minnesota Innovation Collaborative will support a series of new initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of startups and innovative companies. Each initiative is uniquely designed to lower the risk required to fund, start, or grow a venture-backed startup in Minnesota. The MIC will bring all of these initiatives together under a new office that acts as a touchstone for the state to support and enhance our visibility and interest in the innovation ecosystem. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Expo Gets Youth to Think About Careers; Employers, the Next-gen Workforce

Monday, April 01, 2019

An HR executive, truck loader, court reporter and physical therapist will be among 25 Minnesota professionals who are blind, DeafBlind, or low-vision networking with blind students at the 2019 Career Expo sponsored by State Services for the Blind. The Expo highlights the diversity of career paths for job seekers who are blind. This free event, focused on high school and undergraduate students, will be held Sat., April 27 at Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Conference Center B. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

MPMA Education Foundation offering scholarships

Monday, April 01, 2019

The MPMA Education Foundation is offering scholarships in amounts ranging from $500 - $1,000 to help motivated students with an interest in manufacturing get the training they need to become successful in the field. Applications must be submitted by April 15, and the form can be filled out online or downloaded on the Education Foundation page at www.mpma.com. Click here to view the original article from the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.

American manufacturing companies have a spring in their step

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Foxconn's latest reversal suggests manufacturing is undergoing a revival, especially among agile smaller firms and those using advanced techniques. When Taiwanese giant Foxconn announced plans to build a massive factory for high-end televisions in 2017, many cheered, including President Donald Trump. Electronics manufacturers had long ago abandoned America for cheaper countries, especially China, so the investment seemed to mark a reversal, albeit one that came with a significant amount of subsidies. But what Foxconn will do in southeastern Wisconsin is now in question. The company has discovered that it is hard to get thousands of Midwesterners to work long hours at stressful...

Walz Budget Plan Includes Restoration of Angel Tax Credit Program

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

The Medical Alley Tech Association lauds the move, noting that the Angel Investment Tax Credit generated at least $108 million in investment in the state’s health tech industry over a five-year period. In Governor Tim Walz’s two-year, nearly $50 billion budget plan, heavy emphasis was placed on funding education, roads, and health care. However, Walz also served up support for the startup community with a proposal to restore the state’s Angel Investment Tax Credit (AITC) program. The tax credit was a state-sponsored rewards program for investors who take high-risk bets on technology-focused products, entrepreneurs or startups. It provided investors or investment funds with...

Tax credits proposed to spur business investments in Minnesota

Friday, March 22, 2019

Gov. Tim Walz, legislators want to reinstate the angel tax credit program. State lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz want to replenish funding for a lapsed program that gave tens of millions in tax breaks to investors who helped start businesses in Minnesota. The state could spend up to $20 million a year on investors who support startups, under a proposal in the Legislature. Walz did not commit to an exact amount but told members of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce that the tax credits will be part of the budget he unveils. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

University of Minnesota launches startup incubator to aid new ventures based on university research

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The University of Minnesota announced the launch of a startup incubator to support companies that are spun out of research undertaken at the university. The "Discovery Launchpad" program was developed by the university's Venture Center to support researchers who want to bring new technology to market. It's currently working with eight startups and plans to graduate eight from the program this fiscal year. Click here to view the original article from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Budget for One Minnesota: Child Care Investment and Integrity

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

For many Minnesota families, child care is a necessity, yet a growing number of Minnesotans can’t access it – it just doesn’t exist. The number of licensed family childcare providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesota since 2005, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Census data from 2014 show that about 310,000 children in Minnesota ages 0-5 have both parents or guardians in the workforce and likely need some form of child care. Lack of affordable, quality child care is a significant barrier to workforce participation that can negatively affect job and wealth creation, business expansion and retention,...

MLEC welcomes Sarah Cron

Monday, March 18, 2019

Sarah Cron replaces Brian Zelenak, who left Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative in mid-November. Cron comes to MLEC from Two Harbors, where she was the marketing manager at Cooperative Light and Power for over 18 years. Cron and her husband love the outdoors and are excited to explore the Aitkin area. According to Board President, Harold Harms, “Sarah brings 19 years of cooperative senior management and sales/marketing experience to us. Sarah is active in the community and the cooperative community as well, having been on the board or committees for Great River Energy, MREA, Touchstone Energy, Leadership Duluth and more. The board...

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development report on the timber industry

Friday, March 15, 2019

It is not surprising that almost half of the state’s remaining employment in Forestry and Logging is located in the seven county Northeast Minnesota region, home to most of the state’s forest land. The Forestry and Logging sector is a vital part of the Forest Product Industry which also includes establishments and employment in two other NAICS codes: Wood Product Manufacturing and Paper Manufacturing. Despite long-term declines, these three sectors still combined for an average of 139 business establishments and 3,078 jobs in 2017 in Northeast Minnesota, accounting for 2.1 percent of total employment in the region. Click here to view the...

'Still a lot more to do' as Minnesota lawmakers push for border-to-border broadband

Thursday, March 14, 2019

ST. PAUL — Minnesota broadband development advocates made their case for keeping a program that provides state dollars to match private investments in building out the infrastructure for high-speed internet. And they asked lawmakers to back a proposal to boost state funding to fill gaps in internet coverage in pockets of rural Minnesota. Click here to view the original article from the Echo Press.

Five Minnesota Businesses Awarded $1.7 Million from Job Creation Fund

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

The state’s award will leverage up to $141.8 million in private investment ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) approved grants totaling more than $1.7 million in funding for five Minnesota businesses. The Minnesota Job Creation Fund awarded funding to Cantel Medical Corp., NAPCO International LLC, QA1 Precision Products, Inc., Up North Plastics Inc., and Vision Ease, LP. The projects are expected to create a total of 549 new jobs. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Lessons about the power of being a 'headquarters economy'

Monday, March 11, 2019

For many who move to the Twin Cities for jobs, cold winters are not the draw -- it's good schools, health care and outdoor recreation. Our governor and legislators might be a little busy now but by next session they should have read a new book called “Headquarters Economy” by business school Prof. Myles Shaver. It’s an easy read, but this isn’t a recommendation for book club. They need to read it because they likely don’t understand Minnesota’s economy as well as they should — and certainly not as well as Shaver does. Click here to view the original article from the Star...

Minnesota’s manufacturers expecting to see stability in 2019

Friday, March 08, 2019

Minnesota manufacturers reported mostly unchanged or improved conditions during 2018, according to an annual joint survey by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The 2018 Minnesota “Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey” also found that respondents had a split outlook on production for 2019 with 47 percent believing production would increase and an equal percentage expecting it to remain the same. Click here to view the original article from the Redwood Falls Gazette

North Mankato has record building permit year

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

NORTH MANKATO — It was a banner year for development in North Mankato with a record dollar amount of building permits issued, some big industrial projects underway and a brisk market in new home construction. "The outlook for North Mankato is very strong," said City Administrator John Harrenstein. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press

Anoka County works to attract businesses with new website, economic development leader

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

The goal, officials said, is to offer a regional tool in an area — economic development — that typically is handled by each city independently. When business comes knocking, Anoka County officials want to be ready. It’s why the county has been working for months on a website that offers an easy look at available properties and commercial real estate ripe for development across the county’s 21 communities. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

$429K state grant sought for Embers redevelopment

Monday, March 04, 2019

Bridge Plaza project includes five-story mixed-use building MANKATO — Old Town has been undergoing a renaissance in recent years with multiple new businesses, the creation of Riverfront Park and the opening of a Minnesota State University satellite office focused on entrepreneurship. Two blocks away, the northeast edge of downtown Mankato is seeing construction of a seven-story office building and a three-story outpatient mental health clinic, along with the renovation of the Ridgely Building into a 160-slot daycare center and the potential remodeling of the Landmark Building into a 62-room boutique hotel. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

Anoka County recognized for economic partnership

Friday, March 01, 2019

The Anoka County Regional Economic Development Partnership was honored with a 2019 Economic Development Association of Minnesota Award during EDAM’s Winter Conference in St. Louis Park. The award was given to the Anoka County Regional Economic Development Partnership — which was formed in 2017 as a collaborative effort between Anoka County, Connexus Energy and the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce — for its Economic Development Roadmap and innovative partnership. Bruce Sayler, principal of community and economic development at Connexus Energy, was nominated for his key role in getting the partnership started, and he accepted the award on behalf of the partnership. Click here to view...

From Bold North to True North—Explore Minnesota Unveils New Campaign

Friday, March 01, 2019

“Find Your True North” ads launch this spring to promote the state’s $15.3 billion tourism industry. Minnesota’s Super Bowl may have been bold, but in 2019, the northern spirit will be marketed as true. “Find Your True North” is Explore Minnesota’s new tourism campaign, unveiled at the annual state tourism conference in St. Paul. It furthers the state’s shifting identity away from the midwest and into the “North,” a moniker that started as a grassroots movement and has grown steadily—right up to the national stage last year when Minneapolis hosted Super Bowl 52 with “Bold North” as its tagline. Click here to view the original...

Anoka County recognized for economic partnership

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Google looking at Becker to build a $600 million data center

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The development would be powered by two dedicated wind farms, according to a regulatory filing by Xcel. Google is looking at building a giant Minnesota data center in Becker that would cost at least $600 million and be powered by two dedicated wind farms. The data center, essentially a big building full of servers, was disclosed in a regulatory filing by Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, which would play a big role in the project. The Google server farm would create about 50 full-time tech jobs and about 2,000 construction jobs over 18 to 24 months. Click here to view the original article from the Star...

Twin Cities metro has second-highest rate of female breadwinners in the country

Monday, February 25, 2019

The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is the second-best in the country for women making more money than their partners, broker service Lendingtree announced. Their rankings were based on the results of the American Community Survey, which is an ongoing project by the U.S. Census Bureau. Lendingtree looked at the 50 largest U.S. cities and their metro areas. Click here to view the original article from Business Journal

These Minnesota companies made Fortune's 'Most Admired' list

Friday, February 22, 2019

Three Minnesota companies landed spots on Fortune magazine's annual ranking of the world's most-admired companies. The list, which is compiled by Fortune with management consulting firm Korn Ferry, ranks the largest 1,000 U.S. companies (along with some big non-U.S. companies from Fortune's Global 500), and solicits impressions of each from 3,750 executives, directors and analysts, using criteria like social responsibility, long-term investment value and the companies' ability to attract talent. Click here to view the original article from Business Journal

Denmark picks Minnesota as its 'bridge' to U.S. med-tech

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

A new $1.3 million economic-development initiative called MedTech Bridge is trying to capitalize on Denmark's strengths. Denmark is widely known for its large health care companies, such as Coloplast and GN ReSound, and impressive bridges like the 5-mile-long Öresund Bridge to Sweden. A new $1.3 million economic-development initiative called MedTech Bridge is trying to capitalize on Denmark’s strengths in medical inventions, and bridge-building, by creating international connections to help Danish companies grasp the vast but bewildering U.S. health care market. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune

These Minnesota companies made Fortune's 'Most Admired' list

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Three Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Friday, February 15, 2019

Funding will support infrastructure improvements in Arlington, Becker and Hendricks ST. PAUL – Grants totaling more than $2 million were approved by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for infrastructure projects in three Greater Minnesota communities. DEED awarded the funding from its Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program for projects in Arlington, Becker and Hendricks. The grants were approved during the fourth quarter of 2018. Click here to view the original article from the MN DEED website.

Report Outlines Early Outcomes of Minnesota Equity Grants

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Grants have helped further develop nearly 1,500 businesses; train almost 50,000 individuals ST. PAUL – Grants focused on programs that assist Minnesotans of color, women, youth and people with disabilities have helped further develop nearly 1,500 businesses and assist almost 50,000 career seekers and youth with employment, education and support services across the state, according to a new report released by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The report outlines the work that resulted from passage of the Equity Article, a one-year, $35 million supplemental package of strategic investments that was passed by the legislature in 2016. In 2017, the legislature continued...

MLEC Revolving Loan Fund supports growth in area

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

American Peat Technology (APT) continues to expand its capacity to meet a growing demand for its reed-sedge peat products. Officials from Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) and APT gathered at the Aitkin production facility to celebrate another milestone in the company’s growth: equipment financing secured through the MLEC revolving loan fund. Using a $132,000 loan approved by the MLEC board of directors at its regular meeting on Nov. 16, APT will invest a total of $165,000 in equipment that will help the company harvest and handle reed-sedge peat, before refining the raw material into products used in agricultural and water treatment applications. “American...

‘Optimistic’ Minnesota manufacturers expect an improving or stable 2019

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Minnesota manufacturers are starting the year with an optimistic outlook, with most saying they expect business conditions to either improve or stay the same in 2019. That was the takeaway from an annual survey released Monday by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Most of the 249 state manufacturers who responded to the survey in November said their business had improved or remained stable in 2018. Click here to view the original article from the Pioneer Press

MLEC Revolving Loan Fund supports growth in area

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Co-ops help secure funding for Park Rapids senior living facility

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

By: Great River Energy staff One of the ways electric cooperatives demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve is by providing loans to businesses looking to start or expand in the rural areas where cooperatives are found. The United States Department of Agriculture has designated a loan program specifically for these types of projects: The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program exists to fund rural projects through local utility organizations. A recent example of this loan in action is Park Rapids, Minn.-based Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Electrical Association (I-M) providing a $1.36 million zero-interest loan to KI Developers to construct the Crystal...

EDAM names Lambrecht ‘Economic Developer of the Year’

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

By: Great River Energy staff Tom Lambrecht, economic development manager at Great River Energy, was recently honored for his leadership in the industry by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM). Lambrecht received the Economic Developer of the Year award last month at EDAM’s annual winter conference where the organization recognizes projects and professionals in the economic development industry who have gone above and beyond or faced significant challenges in the last year. “These awards highlight what is great about Minnesota – innovative people, organizations and projects that continue to make this an exceptional place to live, work and play,” said Matt Brown,...

Growing to meet the energy needs of the craft beer industry

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

By: Great River Energy staff Across the country, small craft breweries are giving new life to old industrial neighborhoods. They are helping revitalize local economies and attract additional investments. This trend is certainly playing out in Minnesota, where craft breweries had an estimated economic impact of more than $2 billion in the state in 2017. While the largest concentration of the state’s nearly 200 breweries is currently in the Twin Cities metro area, more breweries have cropped up throughout Greater Minnesota in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, and Great River Energy and its member-owner cooperatives are prepared to play...

Projects bring $3.3M in value to Great River Energy member systems in 2018

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

By: Great River Energy staff Day in and day out, Great River Energy’s economic development services staff provides a variety of opportunities to the communities it serves. Team members aid in business financing assistance, which can spur job growth for a startup company or an established enterprise looking to expand, ultimately leading to a more prosperous area. And when one cooperative community thrives, the entire system benefits. The staff – made up of manager Tom Lambrecht, economic developer Erin Sparks and economic development lead Jeff Borling – works to promote areas of Minnesota that Great River Energy’s 28 member-owner cooperatives serve as...

Working to expand the state’s advanced manufacturing sector

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

By: Great River Energy staff As an agricultural powerhouse, Minnesota is a state that understands food processing. Yet how many Minnesotans know how food products make their way into the unique and functional packages we find on our grocery store shelves? Between the farmer’s field and the breakfast table, a simple bowl of cereal will travel through a series of complex machines that measure and fill the bags, print and fold the boxes then pack and palletize the product for shipment. The same is true for every packaged food product in your pantry. Thanks to its skilled and highly-educated workforce, Minnesota excels in...

Business, education creating connections to address workforce shortage in the Redwood area

Monday, February 04, 2019

If today’s students were assured of a good-paying job in the region where they have been growing up, 75 percent of them indicated they would want to live and work there. That statistic was offered by Luke Greiner, a regional analyst for southwestern and central Minnesota for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), during a presentation at Daktronics in Redwood Falls. Greiner spoke to the staff of the Redwood Area School District in late November as part of a staff development day coordinated by the school in conjunction with Daktronics in an effort to provide perspective for the...

Mankato prepares to lure investors to 'Opportunity Zones'

Friday, February 01, 2019

MANKATO — The city of Mankato and Greater Mankato Growth are rolling out new marketing plans geared toward investors to develop various projects around the downtown area. City officials and local leaders are hoping investors will take advantage of new federal tax incentives passed in 2017 as part of Congress' tax reform bill to put money toward renovations and even new developments along the Riverfront Drive corridor, as well as nearby areas northeast and southwest of downtown. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press

GMG names talent resources liaison

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

MANKATO — Emmy Forsyth, a Mankato native who has spent eight years working in southern California, will return to serve as Greater Mankato Growth’s first-ever talent resources liaison. She will begin working remotely Jan. 21 and moving here by March 1. In response to an ever-tighter labor pool, the GMG Board decided to fund the position to help attract talent to the region. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press

County awards $8.4M winning bid for Lake Connections

Friday, January 25, 2019

The Lake County Board of Commissioners has awarded the highest bid, $8.4 million, for Lake Connections, the county's municipal broadband project, during a meeting Tuesday in Two Harbors. The highest successful bid was the best and final offer from Pinpoint Holdings Inc. in Cambridge, Neb. The board unanimously accepted the resolution to accept the bid; Commissioner Rick Hogenson was absent. Click here to view the original article from the Lake County News Chronicle

More locals bring home Growler awards

Friday, January 18, 2019

It seems Hutchinson’s new brewery wasn’t the only local establishment to win an award last weekend at The Growler magazine Kind-of-a-Big-Deal 2018 Readers’ Choice awards ceremony. Crow River Winery earned a silver medal for Best Winery, finishing second behind Cannon River Winery. Liquor Hutch, Hutchinson’s municipal liquor store, also earned a bronze medal for Best Liquor Store in greater Minnesota. Casanova Liquor in Hudson and Mount Royal Bottle Shoppe in Duluth were first and second, respectively. Click here to view the original article from the Hutchinson Leader

Tapping homegrown talent

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Many Greater Minnesota students say they would prefer to remain in their hometowns after graduation, but perceptions about employment opportunities sometimes get in the way. Using survey data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s participation in the Southwest Minnesota Career Expo in October 2017, we can gain valuable insight into the perceptions of the next generation of workers. It’s likely the views and influencers of the students in southwestern Minnesota are the same for students across Minnesota. Roughly 2,000 10th-grade students in the southwestern region took the survey. Click here to view the original article from the Hutchinson Leader

Broadband: Now and into the future

Monday, January 14, 2019

As part of the ongoing Iron Range Blandin Broadband Communities, Aitkin County held a community broadband visioning meeting 4 at Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC). The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) is a state agency that serves the area based on school district boundaries where there was a mine or a power sourcing facility that served that mine. Grant-funded Broadband Community projects must be within Aitkin County, with a majority of the projects benefitting the service area. Click here to view the original article from the Aitkin Age.

Magazine Highlights Minnesota as a Top Spot for Business

Friday, January 11, 2019

The new edition of Minnesota: Thriving in the North spells out the benefits of doing business here. It highlights the state’s inviting business climate, innovative atmosphere and world-class workforce. The publication, available in both print and digital versions, is part of DEED’s ongoing work to promote the state’s advantages for business investment and expansion, as well as its culture of innovation and quality of life. Click here to view the original article from DEED Developments Blog

Crystal Brook celebrates grand opening

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Crystal Brook Senior Living Community literally rolls out a red carpet for its new residents. Hundreds toured the 138,000-square-foot facility Wednesday during its grand opening. "We're thankful to be a partner in Park Rapids to offer this senior housing," said Knute Nelson CEO Mark R. Anderson in his opening remarks. Click here to view the original article from the Park Rapids Enterprise

Cattle producer sees market potential in China

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

The potential for American beef sales in China is good, said Ashley Kohls, the executive director of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association. Kohls was the featured speaker at the West Central Cattlemen's Association's meeting in Morris. Kohls was part of a recent beef promotion tour in China and Japan. Producers from Minnesota, Nebraska and other states visited the two countries to promote beef as a food source. Click here to view the original article from The Stevens County Times

Craft cideries cultivate apples, taste buds

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Local orchards sell in fall only To the trees at Sweetland Orchard, 2012 was the year of the false spring, an unmitigated disaster, but Gretchen Perbix would later come to see opportunity there, as well. On St. Patrick’s Day that March, temperatures hit a record high 78, leading the apple trees at her orchard, just east of New Prague, to blossom early. Well into April, the weather did a characteristic about-face, and nightly temperatures plunged into the teens. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press

Lake Connections receives 4 bids

Monday, December 24, 2018

The Lake County Board of Commissioners learned four entities submitted bids for Lake Connections, the county's municipal broadband project. The initial bidding period ended Nov. 2 with Lake Partners, Hanson Communications, Mediacom Communications Corp. and Cooperative Light and Power (CLP) in Two Harbors submitting bids, along with a $100,000 deposit, for the network. They will have the opportunity to submit a "best and final offer," according to the terms of the sale set by the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Click here to view the original article from the Lake County News Chronicle

Country chic meets rustic charm at Fiddler's Green

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Thinking about a romantic farm wedding, marriage vows under a willow tree surrounded by acres of rolling green fields and dancing the night away in an enchanted barn? Fiddler’s Green near Litchfield can make this dream come true. Fiddler’s Green, at 63054 County State Aid Highway 11, opened in June as a performance and event venue. Home to what its owners call “fairytale weddings and epic events,” the venue is situated on 15 acres just northeast of Litchfield on County State Aid Highway 11. Click here to view the original article from the Hutchinson Leader

Potential improvements down the road

Friday, December 21, 2018

As plans for future expansion in McGrath are underway, American Peat Technology (APT) and Aitkin County are in discussion about potential road improvements on a four-mile segment of Hwy. 26 near the proposed new peat processing facility. APT Vice President Peggy Jones and representative Courtney Bot gave an update during the Nov. 13 Board of Commissioners meeting. The current APT location in Aitkin, in operation since 2003, harvests reed-sedge peat to produce value-added granular peat products for several industries. The Aitkin location will remain in operation, but it has reached capacity due to a high global demand for APT’s products, necessitating...

Incentives to invest in Opportunity Zones

Thursday, December 20, 2018

A new opportunity for funding development in Aitkin County was mentioned during the Economic Development Committee meeting on Nov. 14. Aitkin County Growth Executive Director Barb Carr said the county has received Opportunity Zone designation in areas including Aitkin and McGregor, and Tamarack down to the southern county boarder. An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Opportunity Zones were created by the federal government as a way to spur private investment in distressed areas by allowing investors holding unrealized gains in stocks or mutual funds to invest in...

Meet R2DMoo, the Robot Cowboy on Duty at Cargill’s Beef Plants

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Cargill’s beef plant in Schuyler, Nebraska recently welcomed a new co-worker: a remote-controlled, two-armed, bag-waving robot cowboy some are calling R2DMoo. The silly-sounding robot serves a serious purpose: keeping employees safe. The average bovine that moves through Cargill’s beef plant can weigh up to three quarters of a ton, and the plant processes more than 5,000 each day. There are a lot of safety risks attached to these gentle-looking giants. Click here to view the original article from the MINNEINNO

Facts

3rd

2nd

1st

MN Is Best

3rd

The Best

MN Ranks 1st

#1