Great River Energy News

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

Three Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Friday, December 14, 2018

Funding will support infrastructure improvements in Jackson, St. Joseph, and Faribault ST. PAUL – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded just over $2.35 million in grants to infrastructure projects in the Greater Minnesota area. The funding awarded from DEED’s Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program(BDPI) was approved for the cities of Jackson, St. Joseph and Faribault. It is expected to create an additional 166 full-time jobs and prepare these cities for future growth. Click here to view the original article from MN Employment and Economic Development

DEED Launches Tool to Measure, Report Broadband Access

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Check Speed Minnesota will give insight into consumer experience, inform policymakers ST PAUL - The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, located within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), today launched a new tool that will allow Minnesotans to test, map and report various broadband internet speeds across the state. CheckSpeedMinnesota.com is a benchmarking tool designed to gather information about the high-speed internet consumer experience in Minnesota. By answering a few questions and running a speed test, the input captured will help create a better overall picture of broadband in the state. Click here to view the original article from MN Employment...

Sun Country Airlines partners with Minnesota State in Mankato for new pilots

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Sun Country Airlines on Thursday unveiled a partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, to offer commercial aviation students full-time employment prior to graduation through a new initiative, the Sun Country Bridge Program. Students in the aviation program at Minnesota State can apply for the program their freshman year, said Jessica Wheeler, spokesperson for Sun Country. Applicants will be chosen on "technical requirements, professionalism, and commitment to their profession," she said Upon completion of the program and the required flight hours, members of the program enter Sun Country's three-month pilot training program for full-time employment. Click here to view the original article from the Minneapolis/St....

Sparks receives designation of Certified Economic Developer

Monday, December 10, 2018

Erin Sparks, economic developer at Great River Energy, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. This designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgement in the following key areas of economic development: Business retention and expansion Finance and credit analysis Marketing and attraction Strategic planning Entrepreneurial and small...

Uncovering the issues surrounding rural housing

Monday, December 10, 2018

Opening the door to welcome solutions and ideas for the area Each of the nine articles in the “Rural Housing Series” investigated an aspect of the the multi-dimensional issues surrounding the shortage of available and affordable housing in the area. The goal of the series is to connect people with ideas to find solutions to this dilemma. In conclusion, the Age shares its findings related to the complex issue with a breakdown of each topic covered. Workforce housing “Lack of adequate rural housing hinders workforce” (June 13) explored the topic of hiring and housing from the perspectives of human resource staff from six of...

Minnesota's ACT scores remain steady, among best in the U.S.

Sunday, December 09, 2018

Minnesota's average declined slightly but not enough to alter its best-of-the-nation standing. Minnesota students’ scores on the ACT college entrance exam dipped slightly this year but were still higher than those of any other state where nearly all students take the test. Graduating seniors in the class of 2018 earned an average composite score of 21.3 out of a possible 36, according to test results released Wednesday. That’s down from last year’s state average of 21.5, but still above the national average of 20.8 for the test that measures students’ college readiness in math, reading, science and English. It was also enough to...

How Minnesota became the Land of 10,000 Startups

Friday, December 07, 2018

Minnesota is no stranger to big business. It’s home to such names as Target, Best Buy, General Mills, and Ecolab — all of which have made their homes in Minnesota for generations and have become a source of pride. But a new industry — technology — is taking Minnesota by storm, boosting the local economy and putting the state on the global map once again. Minnesota has long been known for its high standard of living, agriculture industry, and flourishing community of performing arts. But over the past decade the Twin Cities area has made great strides to become a forward-thinking...

The University of Minnesota’s craziest, most interesting innovations

Thursday, December 06, 2018

The University of Minnesota is a research giant. Sure, most colleges and universities have an active team of researchers, but few institutions churn out inventions at the same rate as the U. Last year, the U was named by the National Science Foundation as one of the nation’s top 10 research institutions. A report released by the university in late 2017 estimates that it has had an $8.6 billion impact on Minnesota, and that its inventions generated more than $320 million for the state between 2009 and 2015. Simply put, the University of Minnesota is, and always has been, at the heart of the state’s...

An Enterprise of Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Entrepreneurs, makers and artists networked with DEED representatives from the Offices of Small Business Assistance, Business Finance, Business Development, Small Business Development Centers, Minnesota Trade Office and Unemployment Insurance to learn about technical support and financing programs DEED offers that help get startups up and running. DEED’s Startup open house, held Oct. 9 at the First National Bank Building in St. Paul, competed with some major Startup Week events taking place that morning, such as Manova Global Summit and specialized tracks in FinTech and Food Ag Ideas. Startup Week program attendees had twice as many events to choose from this year, compared to...

Innovations in Minnesota’s indoor ag sector

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

An increasing number of consumers are demanding high quality, local and organic produce. A recent study showed that millennials eat 52 percent more vegetables than previous generations. The National Organic Standards Board recently declared that indoor hydroponic operations can be certified organic under USDA regulations, which should help drive market growth and opportunity. As more Minnesota companies work to innovate in fresh food production, Great River Energy is taking a proactive approach. Last spring, the economic development team participated in the Indoor Ag-Con event in Las Vegas to learn more about the burgeoning indoor ag sector and strategize about facilitating its growth. For...

Million-dollar partnership to spur business growth

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

A partnership formed between Great River Energy and The Entrepreneur Fund will benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs in the two organizations’ shared service areas with a $1 million program loan provided by Great River Energy. An event held Thursday, Aug. 16, at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth, Minn., celebrated this venture with a check presentation. “It is so important to continue to support entrepreneurship and growth in our region,” said Shawn Wellnitz, Entrepreneur Fund CEO. “This funding from Great River Energy – some of the largest we’ve received so far in 2018 – will be beneficial in many different facets.” For more than...

Three Greater Minnesota cities awarded infrastructure grants funding will support improvements in Jackson, St. Joseph and Faribault

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

ST. PAUL – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded just over $2.35 million in grants to infrastructure projects in the Greater Minnesota area. The funding awarded from DEED’s Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program(BDPI) was approved for the cities of Jackson, St. Joseph and Faribault. It is expected to create an additional 166 full-time jobs and prepare these cities for future growth. “These grants demonstrate how state government and the private sector can collaborate to create greater opportunity and continued economic growth throughout Minnesota,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Working together these business expansions will support vibrant communities and create...

DEED launches tool to measure, report broadband access

Monday, December 03, 2018

Check Speed Minnesota will give insight into consumer experience, inform policymakers ST PAUL - The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, located within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), today launched a new tool that will allow Minnesotans to test, map and report various broadband internet speeds across the state. CheckSpeedMinnesota.com is a benchmarking tool designed to gather information about the high-speed internet consumer experience in Minnesota. By answering a few questions and running a speed test, the input captured will help create a better overall picture of broadband in the state. “The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development is charged by law...

Faribault is a global businesses hotspot. Can other Minnesota cities learn from its success?

Friday, November 30, 2018

When some people think of Faribault, they may think of Shattuck St. Mary’s boarding school (and its elite hockey program), or the processing plant for Jennie-O meat, or the fancy-blanket purveyors at Faribault Woolen Mill Co. Others may think of the cultural and racial tensions in the town as its Somali population has grown in the last decade. But when some state officials think of Faribault, they think of it as a success story. That’s because despite a population of fewer than 25,000 people, Faribault has four major employers owned by companies outside of the U.S., an abundance of foreign investment that experts...

Growing Minnesota’s natural foods industry

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Consumers are concerned about what they’re eating and where it comes from. In the case of processed foods, more people today are reading the ingredients list. Current studies show that shoppers are purchasing natural foods at significantly increasing rates. Minnesota is a known innovator in food production. As local companies begin to take advantage of the market demand for natural foods, Great River Energy is exploring this opportunity and the ways it might assist its member-owner cooperatives in meeting the needs of companies in their service territories. Great River Energy attended California’s Natural Products Expo West earlier this year with the Minnesota...

Surprise! Some area land values seem to be rising

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

WEST FARGO, N.D. — Brent Qualey realizes that what he's about to say will surprise many in Upper Midwest agriculture. Despite poor crop prices and tough-to-achieve farm profitability, overall area land values have, in his experience, inched upward from a year ago, said Qualey, a veteran area real estate salesman and appraiser. "Land prices are steadying up a little bit. That surprises a lot of people," Qualey said. Qualey spoke Sept. 11 at the 38th annual Big Iron farm show in West Fargo. The three-day event ended Sept. 13. The show focused on the biggest, newest types of farm equipment, as well as agricultural...

Program gives Mankato students a head start in manufacturing careers

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

MANKATO — At MTU Onsite Energy, East High School senior Ethan Dempster is mounting control panels, installing radiators and trying almost every other job on the assembly line. His favorite job is testing the generators after they are assembled. “You get to see everything come together,” he said. Dempster is earning both a paycheck and school credit while he works at the Mankato manufacturing company. He's one of a dozen participants in the Mankato Area Public Schools Youth Employment Acceleration Program. School district officials and business partners promoted the manufacturing apprenticeship program to business supporters from across the state. They presented at the Minnesota Chamber...

Minnesota's oldest co-op the 'heart' of Finland

Monday, November 19, 2018

For more than a century, the Finland Cooperative General Store on County Road 1, in its namesake unincorporated community, has reflected the diversity of its residents and culture with a vast array of inventory that makes it more than just a grocery store. It is the oldest continuously operating co-op in Minnesota and is one of the oldest in the U.S. What makes it really stand out, however, isn’t its age. It’s a true general store in the tradition of generations of settlers throughout the nation’s history. If someone needs an American flag for the Fourth of July — or maybe the St....

Cost share program makes organic certification more affordable

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Minnesota organic farmers and processors can apply for a rebate of up to 75 percent of the cost of their organic certification. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Minnesota Organic Cost Share Program from now until Wednesday, Oct. 31. Organic certification is a third-party verification system. It assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow National Organic Standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year. “The yearly cost of certification can range from a few hundred to several...

Happiest states: MN ranks third, ND fourth

Friday, November 16, 2018

FARGO — Minnesota ranked third and North Dakota fourth in WalletHub's 2018 Happiest States in America report. To determine where Americans are happiest, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 31 indicators. The data set includes emotional health, job satisfaction, income growth and safety. The top 10 happiest states are Hawaii Utah Minnesota North Dakota California Idaho Maryland Iowa South Dakota Nebraska The five least happy states are West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alaska and Oklahoma. North Dakota ranked first for lowest long-term unemployment rate and highest income growth. Minnesota came in as third safest, had the third-highest volunteer rate and fifth-highest sports participation rate. Both were in the top five for lowest divorce rate. Continue to...

Realty check: Broadband sells

Thursday, November 15, 2018

A common theme among realtors within the area is lost sales due to a lack of adequate broadband, Economic Development Coordinator Ross Wagner told Aitkin County commissioners during its meeting on Sept. 11. Wagner said, “The straw that broke the camel’s back was finding out that we are losing potential residents due to the lack of broadband in the area.” The county was recently awarded an IRRRB matching grant, enabling it to award both SCI Broadband Inc and Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative an Aitkin County Broadband Development Grant of $150,000 each. With this award, a total of 738 homes and two businesses...

Rochester, Twin Cities ranked among most innovative on earth

Monday, November 12, 2018

ROCHESTER, MN — Innovation isn't easy. Case in point, your kids have heard of Netflix and Facebook, but will give you a blank look if you talk about Blockbuster or MySpace, two companies routinely listed among the biggest to fail specifically because they didn't innovate. So when we say three Minnesota cities were just ranked among the most innovative on Earth, it's — with apologies to Ron Burgundy and the movie "Anchorman" — kind of a big deal. The Australian data research company 2thinknow, which crunches numbers from cities across the globe, released its 11th annual Innovation Cities Index rankings of the...

How are we doing? Minnesota near top of 'best economy' states

Friday, November 09, 2018

A ranking of state economies using metrics like poverty rate, home ownership, job growth and education puts Minnesota ahead of California (and, more important, Wisconsin). USA Today reports on the listing, compiled by financial site 24/7 Wall Street. Minnesota comes in No. 7 overall, just behind Hawaii. The state scored points for its low unemployment rate (3.1 percent at the time of the survey), GDP annual growth rate of 1.7 percent (the 14th best in the list) and an especially high home ownership rate of 71.3 percent. The top-ranked states overall were Colorado, Utah and Massachusetts. Louisiana, Alaska and West Virginia came in last. Continue...

Innovation Voucher Award Program

Friday, November 09, 2018

Financial Awards Give Small Businesses Access to Technical Assistance The Innovation Voucher Award Program provides $5,000 to $25,000 awards to help small businesses purchase technical assistance and services necessary to advance research, development or commercialization of new or innovative products and services. Qualifying businesses receive awards – which the recipient must match on a 50 percent basis – to reimburse for expenses incurred for assistance and services rendered by public universities, colleges, technical schools and non-profits in Minnesota. Reimbursable expenses include purchased technical assistance and services in research, technical development, product development, commercialization, market development, technology exploration, and improved business practices, including strategies to...

Aitkin Action Alliance: Strategy for success

Thursday, November 08, 2018

Last year, the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee partnered with APEX to form the Aitkin Action Alliance. A strategic plan was formed, and a business outreach program began. Local areas of opportunity and strength were identified and built upon to drive investment in the region. During the committee’s meeting on Sept. 12, APEX Business Developer Tamara Lowney gave an update on the strategic plan. Target areas addressed by the strategic plan are: workforce, support existing businesses, brand and marketing plan, beyond the status quo, industrial park, training-entrepreneur, recreation-hospitality, attraction, housing and legislative. “The success of the plan is heavily...

HC Event Center opens in classic style

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

Many area residents know of HC Photography in Milaca, but they may not know that as of this summer, owners Christine and Russ Hugg took a big leap of expansion and opened a one-of-a-kind event center on property near their rural-Milaca home, about 6 miles north of the city. “I built it for weddings,” Christine said, but she will market it for other events, such as corporate events, anniversary parties and funerals. Continue to full article

Crystal Cabinets completes expansion, enters second phase of work

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc., of Princeton, a family owned manufacturer of premium and affordable custom cabinets, announces the completion of its building expansion that accommodates a large automation project. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for employees in June to commemorate finishing the 22,500-square-foot addition on the northeast corner of the plant, which sits on the south end of Rum River Drive. The project required more than 400 yards of cement. It began in August of 2016 at the annual International Woodworking Fair (IWF) show, which that year was held in Atlanta. The show features the latest technology in wood working, and...

Local brand is best in the land

Monday, November 05, 2018

Prairie Organic Spirits was recently named the No. 1 craft vodka distillery in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards for 2018. The award is a testament to the product line’s organic and sustainable practices, as well as the distilling process they employ. The brand is one of the many under the 106-year-old Phillips Distilling Co. label out of Princeton and was developed in 2007, with its first vodka product available to consumers in 2008. Continue to full article

Electric charging stations coming to Grand Marais

Thursday, November 01, 2018

Grand Marais is one step closer to joining Minnesota’s electric vehicle charging corridor, which runs from the Twin Cities to Thunder Bay. In late August, city council voted in favor of the PCU granting a license to allow Zeff to place two electric vehicle charging stations in the City Hall parking lot. The city’s license is good for seven years, with the understanding that if the building use changes, then the city will find an alternate location for the stations. Starting from the Twin Cities, heading north on Interstate 35W, there are currently 60 charging stations. According to plugshare.com, a few are...

Lutsen lodge under new ownership

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Lutsen Resort on the North Shore is off the market. The North Shore Resort Company, part of the family-owned Campbell Hospitality Group in Ontario, purchased the historic resort, which includes the lakeside lodge, townhomes and condos, on Aug. 15 after the property was put up for sale last year. "It's neat to be the next generation carrying on that legacy," said Bryce Campbell, who co-owns the company with his mother Sheila Campbell. "It'd be nice for people to come up the shore, even if it's a day trip, come and have dinner and see the changes we make throughout the future and...

More Minnesotans are working past 65

Monday, October 29, 2018

NUMBER PROJECTED TO INCREASE WITH FUTURE GENERATIONS DULUTH — Sixty-five came and went, and Marcia Gurno didn’t bat an eye. “As long as I feel like I’m still making a contribution, and as long as my mind is sharp and I’m still willing to learn and be open to new ideas, and my body holds out — that’s my order for how I look at retirement.” The St. Louis County social worker turns 67 in November and has no plans to stop punching the clock anytime soon. “People expect me to show up and perform, and it keeps me going.” She’s not alone — both...

MnDOT announces availability of competitive grants for community transportation projects

Friday, October 26, 2018

Minnesota communities, schools and their partners are invited to apply for funding on local projects that enhance transportation goals, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. For the 2018-19 application cycle, MnDOT is conducting a joint solicitation for the Transportation Alternatives and Safe Routes to School State Infrastructure programs. Applicants submit a single letter of intent to be considered for both programs. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a funded project. Applicants will then submit a full grant application. A total of $6.5 million is available in federal funding through...

Minnesota Manufacturing Week

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed Oct. 1-7, 2018 as Minnesota Manufacturing Week. Because manufacturing is a vital part of Minnesota’s economic health. One in nine jobs in Minnesota is in manufacturing – and these tend to be high-quality jobs that pay well. The average manufacturing job paid $65,728 in 2017. That’s over $9,500 – about 17 percent – higher than the typical job in Minnesota. “Manufacturing plays a critical role in the growth of Minnesota’s economy, providing access to high-quality, high-wages jobs,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. Manufacturing contributed $49.2 billion to the state’s economy (Gross Domestic Product) in 2017. Minnesota has 319,000 jobs...

In Southwest Minnesota, food manufacturing brings much to the table

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Southwest Minnesota accounts for nearly one-fourth of the food manufacturing jobs in the state. Chew on this: Southwest Minnesota is home to 109 food manufacturing establishments providing more than 13,000 jobs and $571.5 million in annual payroll. That is nearly 25 percent of the state’s total employment in food manufacturing, making it one of the region’s most distinguishing industries. In 2017, food manufacturing was nearly four times more concentrated in Southwest Minnesota than the state as a whole. Not surprisingly, Southwest also has several other agriculture-related industries that are more concentrated in the region than the rest of the state: animal production...

DEED awards $2.16 million for redevelopment projects

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Eight blighted sites targeted for cleanup and redevelopment ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $2.16 million in grants and loans for eight redevelopment projects in Minnesota. The agency awarded seven grants under its Redevelopment Grant Program for projects in Battle Lake, Edina, Fridley, Mankato, Minneapolis (two) and Winona. In addition, DEED approved a loan from its Demolition Loan Program for a project in Braham. The projects will create or retain 1,822 jobs and increase local tax bases by $2.6 million. “Redevelopment grants and loans are a good taxpayer investment, with the latest round of projects attracting $151.8 million...

South Central College, Metropolitan State University partner nursing programs

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

NORTH MANKATO — A new partnership will allow South Central College nursing students to seamlessly transfer to Metropolitan State University. Leaders of the colleges announced an expanded articulation program Thursday that will make it even easier for future nurses to earn an associates degree in nursing at either of South Central College's two campuses and go on to Metropolitan State University to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. All colleges and universities within the Minnesota State system already have an articulation agreement guaranteeing graduates of two-year nursing programs with good academic standing the opportunity to continue their studies at a four-year university. “The...

College and Community: A win-win relationship

Tuesday, October 09, 2018

Any talk of that old adage about “town and gown” – when walls of social separation and professional tensions exist between a college and the town in which it resides – will fall on deaf ears when you speak with most people in the Alexandria area. In fact, many speak with tremendous pride about the relationship that exists between the Alexandria Technical and Community College and the city of Alexandria. “There is just such a synergy in this area between the community and the college that has been so impressive to me,” said Tara Bitzan, executive director of the Alexandria Lakes...

County leadership discuss change, challenges, vision

Monday, October 08, 2018

The Association of Minnesota Counties strategic planning workshop was held at Long Lake Conservation Center on Aug. 21. Workshop discussion focused on defining the core values, and reviewing the mission statement and vision of Aitkin County. In a group discussion led by Education Director Heather Bandeen, county leadership spoke about external and internal challenges faced by the organization from the perspectives of each department. “I want you to think about the challenges that are happening statewide,” Bandeen said. Responses ranged from changes in technology, need for training, retaining and recruiting staff, economic development and public communication. Continue to full article

Minnesota exports at record $5.9 billion in second quarter

Friday, October 05, 2018

Exports grew 15 percent between the second quarters of 2017 and 2018 ST. PAUL – Sales of Minnesota agricultural, mining and manufactured exports grew 15 percent to a second quarter record of $5.9 billion, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota represents the 11th largest gain in exports nationwide for this period. U.S. exports as a whole were up 11 percent, with 43 states reporting increased export sales. It is unknown whether countermeasures on U.S. exports had any impact on these statistics. Countermeasures were implemented in June and July by Canada, Mexico, China, and the European...

Minnesota looking to attract 'mass timber' producers

Thursday, October 04, 2018

A burgeoning industry based on a relatively new type of material may be coming to Minnesota. Known as mass timber, the material is an alternative to steel in building construction. While dozens of buildings constructed with the product are dotted around the country, the majority stand in the Pacific Northwest. "This type of building product is new to the U.S.," said Brian Brashaw, a program manager with the U.S. Forest Service. "It's geared at taller buildings; it's building more along the lines of four, five and six stories. That product is seeing a lot of growth in the United States." Now, local groups...

Helping startups succeed—and stay—in the Midwest

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

At the University of Minnesota, launching a new company is one of several ways that breakthrough research can move beyond the lab to benefit the public. But finding the right leader, with the right experience, to bring these new technologies to market can be difficult. “Leadership is just as important as intellectual property to a startup’s success,” said Mary MacCarthy, Venture Center program manager with the U’s Venture Center in the Office for Technology Commercialization. “The biggest challenge the U of M has with launching our startups is finding skilled, available CEOs with experience in particular industries.” A new network comprising 11...

Number of women-owned businesses increased nearly 3,000% since 1972, according to new research

Tuesday, October 02, 2018

The Eighth Annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, Commissioned by American Express, Finds Women Are Starting an Average of 1,821 Net New U.S. Businesses a Day Number of Firms Owned by Minority Women Has Grown by Nearly 3 Times That of All Women-Owned Firms Over the Past 11 Years NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women started an average of 1,821 new businesses per day in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018, according to analysis in the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express (NYSE:AXP). This level of new business formation by women is greater than the daily average during the pre-recession period...

Innovation Voucher Award Program

Friday, September 28, 2018

Twin Metals Minnesota names Osborne CEO

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Kelly Osborne has been named chief executive at Twin Metals Minnesota. Osborne returns to TMM after previously working with Duluth Metals starting in July 2012, including serving as CEO of TMM from 2014-2015. He has more than 30 years of experience in the mining industry, including underground operation. Devoted to the outdoors and northern Minnesota adventures, Osborne’s leadership values, the company said, are consistent with TMM’s commitment to design an environmentally responsible underground mine that protects our wilderness, natural environment, and recreational and cultural resources. His industry expertise will be a valuable asset in ensuring our project meets or exceeds environmental regulations. TMM...

Entrepreneur Fund, Great River Energy combine resources

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

The Entrepreneur Fund and Great River Energy (GRE) are partnering to distribute $1 million of loan financing in rural areas. The money is being provided through Great River’s revolving loan fund and will be available for projects that are served by one of GRE’s electric cooperatives. They include Arrowhead Electric, Cooperative Light & Power, East Central Energy, Lake Country Power, Mille Lacs Energy and North Itasca Electric Cooperative. The Entrepreneur Fund – which offers consulting, programming, training and small business financing up to $750,000 – will work with borrowers and guide them through the application process, then service the loans. Entrepreneur Fund...

Daikin plans $40.3 million expansion in Faribault

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Company adding to manufacturing operations, creating 132 jobs ST. PAUL – Commercial HVAC manufacturer Daikin Applied Americas Inc. will create 132 jobs and invest $40.3 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Faribault. The company said it will buy an existing 300,000-square-foot warehouse and renovate the building into a state-of-the-art production facility. The new jobs will be created within five years and pay wages that average $22.20 an hour. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is supporting the project with a $750,000 loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund and a $1.6 million grant from the Job Creation Fund. The company will...

City of St. James awarded Small Cities Development Program grant

Friday, August 31, 2018

The City of St. James was recently awarded a grant totaling $663,320 which will help with an important issue in the community. Housing. The City of St. James first began the application process to receive the grant many months ago when a grant opportunity became available through a federal grant program called Community Development Block Grant Program. In Minnesota, the grant program is called “Small Cities Development Program,” and the City decided to pursue the grant to make improvements for the community. One of the things that the City did to help secure the grant was to hire Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership to help...

Great River Energy expected to buy St. James Spec Building

Thursday, August 30, 2018

The City of St. James is drafting a purchase agreement and speaking about terms to sell their EDA Spec Building. Maple Grove, Minn. — Great River Energy has agreed to purchase a new 20,000 square foot steel building that is currently being constructed in the St. James Industrial Park. The City of St. James Economic Development Authority approached Great River Energy about buying the building and site from the city as a way to attract and grow local business. “This site is ideal for Great River Energy,” said Jud Goerss, manager, field services. “It’s strategically placed for serving our member-owned distribution substations...

Workforce diversity is becoming more of a reality in southwest Minnesota

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Diversity is a competitive advantage. According to the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF), “research shows organizations with employees of different ages, races, genders, religions, physical abilities and thinking styles perform better.” Diversity can help to attract and retain quality employees, expand the customer base for a business and enhance performance and innovation. The reality is the workforce in southwest Minnesota is becoming more diverse, and to survive employers will need to embrace diversity. That was the message offered earlier this summer when SWIF, in conjunction with a number of regional groups, hosted “Changing Times – Changing Faces,” which addressed the reality of workplace diversity. Luke Greiner,...

MSU, SCC get grants for workforce training

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

MANKATO — Minnesota State University and South Central College are among those getting grants for workforce development. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $2.7 million in grants under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership to train 4,402 workers. Businesses initially meet with an accredited educational institution to explain their training needs and to learn options. Once they agree on a plan, the educational institution contacts DEED to determine eligibility for a grant. MSU and Gentle Touch Health Initiative received at $240,000 award. Gentle Touch operates independent, assisted living memory care and care suite properties in 40 Minnesota communities. Gentle Touch Health...

DEED awards Silver Bay area $500,000 grant

Monday, August 27, 2018

The Minnesota Department of Economic Development announced it awarded more than $500,000 to rehabilitate residential properties and commercial properties in the Silver Bay area. The grant is the result of a partnership among the City of Silver Bay, Lake County and the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency. The grant would provide up to $24,750 for 10 "owner occupied" low- to moderate-income single-family homes. The money could then be used to make improvements on the home such as a new roof, siding or even rehabilitating a kitchen or bathroom. The money can't be used for any outbuildings, like a garage, but otherwise, the money can...

Lake Country Power holds groundbreaking ceremony

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Lake Country Power representatives gathered July 31 for a special groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of its future new headquarters in Cohasset, Minn. Officials from Lake Country Power, Hawk Construction, Architectural Resources, Inc., and the City of Cohasset, were present with shovels in hand, hard hats and comments for the nearly 60 individuals in attendance. Other local officials were also present. “This is a long-term investment that will serve Lake Country Power members and employees for the next 50 years or more,” said Greg Randa, general manager for Lake Country Power. “It’s also a positive change for the co-op’s future as...

'Wherever you are going, we are going too': Transit Alternatives’ Otter Express more than just a jingle

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

‘Wherever you are going, we are going too’ “Wherever you are going, we are going too,” is a fun jingle that many people in the area would recognize as the Transit Alternatives Otter Express motto. It’s simple and yet couldn’t be more true as they seek to help people to get to where they otherwise wouldn’t be able to go. This program is all thanks to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Productive Alternatives, which is a non-profit social services agency, working together to provide the area with public transit. As President of Productive Alternatives, Steve Skauge explains, the program was created...

Chad Landmann joins Bremer Bank

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Bremer Bank is pleased to announce that Chad Landmann has joined the Fergus Falls team as a business Banker. In his new role, Chad is responsible for client relationship management and new business development. Landmann has worked in the financial services industry for the past 14 years. He joined Bremer from American National Bank of Minnesota, where he served as a commercial and consumer loan officer. Previously, he worked as a member advisor at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, and earlier in his career, he was an underwriter at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. “Chad is a wonderful addition to our team,” said...

New Chamber-led platform innovates matching employers, job-seekers

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation has expanded its initiatives to help connect employers and candidates in the midst of today’s challenging workforce shortage. MN Job Match is a distinctive job-to-candidate matching platform that helps employers find the right fit in qualified candidates. “Businesses are only as strong as the talented people they employ. And hiring the right people – with the right talent – is more challenging and important than ever before,” said Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber president. “Traditional recruiting methods often require sorting through volumes of resumes, which is costly and time consuming. It often means settling for less than ideal...

County to apply for grant to fund more broadband

Monday, August 20, 2018

Aitkin County may have an opportunity to increase its broadband funding through the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB) community infrastructure grant. Upon recommendation from Economic Development Coordinator Ross Wagner, the board approved submitting an application for the IRRRB grant during its regular meeting on July 24. Last year, the county dedicated $450,000 for a three-year Aitkin County Broadband Development Grant, to be funded at $150,000 a year for local projects. This year, SCI Broadband, Inc. and Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) submitted applications to the county. The Economic Development Committee recommended the county award its grant to SCI since it will...

Grand opening of new Bell Museum has link to Palisade company

Monday, August 20, 2018

Superior Thermowood of Minnesota’s Palisade wood treatment plant has been processing wood, making specialized parts, and negotiating new markets, all while working to rebuild after a devastating fire in July 2015. The business was open within 13 days of the fire to complete orders for lumber. However, according to owner and manager John Bieganek it’s been an unbelievable challenge for him and his employees, Gene Mejdrich, Vern Bishop, and Greg Kaczor to move forward with all the damage from the fire still so visible around them. Despite the challenges, roughly 360,000 board feet of lumber was processed in 2017. Rising from the...

Broadband initiative success stories shared with Blandin leadership

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Community leaders from Aitkin met with Bernadine Joselyn and Mary Magnuson of Blandin Foundation, and Bill Coleman from Community Technology Resources in Aitkin on July 21. The group met to share success stories and celebrate the first round of Blandin Broadband Communities (BBC) success stories. The BBC program is an intensive, two-year partnership between rural Minnesota communities (cities, counties, tribes or other self-identified communities of interest or place) and the foundation. Selected communities work through a proven process to define their technology goals, measure current levels of broadband access and use, and seek technical assistance and resources to meet their goals. Each BBC...

In a tight labor market, Minnesota employers look to an under-utilized labor pool: workers with disabilities

Saturday, August 18, 2018

On the main floor of the Minneapolis-based Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), Karen Howson is busy arranging piles of flat plastic sheets and transferring them to a nearby production line. From there, her co-workers fold the sheets and then carefully place them under sonic welding machines to form corrugated plastic mail trays that will eventually go to the United States Postal Service. In July, Howson will celebrate her second anniversary as a full-time production line worker at MDI, which designs and manufactures plastic totes, trays, boxes and other products for big and small companies, including Amazon, Caribou Coffee, Best Buy and 3M. Continue to full article

This Minnesota Startup Built a National Directory for Women-Owned Businesses

Saturday, August 18, 2018

MAIA launched earlier this year with a straightforward, single-minded goal: to compile a huge list of women-owned businesses and turn it into an easily-searchable online directory. By developing a platform that made it easy to find women-owned businesses, MAIA founders Kateri Ruiz and Angel Rowell hope to make it easy for consumers to find and support female entrepreneurs across the country. Eden Prairie-based MAIA officially launched in late April, and now has more than 700,000 businesses from across the country listed on its site. But this is just the beginning, Ruiz and Rowell told Minne Inno. There are around 11.5 million women-owned businesses in the United...

Daikin Applied expanding its manufacturing presence in Minnesota

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

On its journey to become the No. 1 applied HVAC manufacturer in North America, Daikin Applied recently announced its proposal to expand production capabilities with a new state-of-the-art, built-to-order manufacturing facility in southern Minnesota, north of Faribault. Daikin selected Minnesota to host the $40 million project over competing sites in the southern United States and Mexico, due in part to infrastructure upgrade commitments made and financed through a partnership between the city of Faribault, Rice County and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Great River Energy is also assisting in the project by covering Rice County’s portion of the financial...

Illume to move its headquarters to Maple Grove Business Park

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Maple Grove's new 50-acre business park has found an anchor tenant. Illume Holding Co., which produces candles and other personal fragrance products, recently announced plans to consolidate its operations into a 288,000-square-foot facility in the Arbor Lakes Business Park being developed by Duke Realty. Bob Sandberg, vice president of power supply and business development for Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH), said “the addition of Illume will help diversify the economy in the Arbor Lakes area, adding a new segment of development from the retail and apartments complexes which have driven development to date.” In addition, Sandberg noted, “the addition of Illume candles and...

Women collaborating, making strides in their industries together

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Women are playing an increasingly important role in the worlds of commercial real estate and economic development – and they are bringing with them a wealth of knowledge from previous jobs on their career path, as well as the strength of relationships built among each other along the way. Erin Sparks, economic developer with Great River Energy – a not-for-profit wholesale power cooperative based out of Maple Grove, Minn. – and Kylle Jordan, regional business development manager at Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), are examples of women making strides in their fields while working collaboratively to achieve both...

Daikin Applied proposes expanding its manufacturing presence in Minnesota

Monday, May 21, 2018

On its journey to become the number one applied HVAC manufacturer in North America, Daikin Applied announced its proposal to expand production capabilities with a new state-of-the-art, built-to-order manufacturing facility in Southern Minnesota, north of the city of Faribault. Daikin Applied is a division of Daikin Industries, the world's number one air conditioning company headquartered in Japan. As the global HVAC leader, Daikin Industries has more than 90 production bases around the world to meet the specific needs of regional world markets, including two successful US plants in Faribault and Owatonna, Minnesota. Daikin Industries' executives and team members explored multiple site...

MMCDC appoints new president

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

The board of directors of Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC) has appointed of Julia Nelmark as company president. Nelmark started at MMCDC in 2004 as an investment analyst and was promoted to director of new markets tax credit financing. She led the deployment of $544 million of NMTC allocation across Minnesota and surrounding states, for dozens of projects ranging from $250,000 to $20 million. Click here to view the original article from the Park Rapids Enterprise

McLeod Co-op Power moving forward on new site

Friday, August 24, 2018

The McLeod Cooperative Power Board of Directors is moving forward to bring together its facilities onto one site at the Glencoe East Industrial Park. After about a year of negotiations with the city of Glencoe for an approximate 10-acre site, the co-op has the parcel it needs to remedy a too-small garage for today’s large bucket trucks; gain efficiencies by co-locating the pole yard, garage, and offices on one site; provide better access for customers; and serve power to itself through construction of a new facility. The parcel purchase is pending upon final approval of the purchase terms by both parties. “The...

Facts

CNBC Ranks MN

1st

MN Is Best

US News Ranks MN

3rd

3rd

2nd

MN Ranks 1st