Great River Energy News

Rush City Fire Department receives new fire truck

Thursday, November 07, 2019

The Rush City Fire Department held a celebration at the Rush City Fire Hall of a loan closing for a brand-new enclosed top-mount pumper fire truck with a $252,000 check from East Central Energy. John Bosman from East Central Energy thanked Rush City Administrator Amy Mell for applying for the loan. Click here to view the original article from County News Review.

Woodland Bank unveils rebrand

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Woodland Bank announced a brand refresh inspired by the bank’s modern philosophy of community banking. The new logo and branding elements feature a contemporary design while drawing in features from the old brand to represent a nod to the bank’s past, Woodland Bank said in a news release. The bank’s website address is also updating to woodland.bank, although woodlandbank.com will still work and redirect to the .bank address. Click here to view the original article from Business North.

14 New Projects Funded by the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

The partnership will train more than 2,300 workers in high demand jobs throughout the state St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded workforce development grants totaling nearly $3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP), which works with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state. “There is no greater investment in our economic future than by investing in Minnesota workers,” said Governor Tim Walz. “And that’s exactly what businesses working with the MJSP are doing—investing in our workers.” Click here to view the origina...

Red Rock Central students learn about renewable energy at Highwater Ethanol

Sunday, November 03, 2019

Eleven students from Red Rock Central Public School in Lamberton traveled across town recently to visit Highwater Ethanol to learn about renewable energy production. “This is the third straight year students from Red Rock Central Public School have toured our plant. Ethanol production plays a vital role in boosting the economy in Lamberton and other parts of rural Minnesota,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol. Click here to view the original article from the Redwood Falls Gazette.

BASIC BUSINESS CENTS: Prepare to create in the workplace

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Creativity is a continuous process and a cumulative skill. Only some people are creative, but all can create. All they need is a process to make it happen. Think of the possibilities of desired end results and narrow them down to a single vision. Next, note the real starting point or current reality. Then take actions that might help attain your vision that will work, or not. What results you find during your action steps adds to your learning curve, and subsequent actions will be more effective. As you near your vision, you bring the creation into being and take steps toward ...

Otter Bremer Trust exploring strategic options for Bremer Financial Corporation

Monday, October 28, 2019

The Trustees of the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT), the majority shareholder of Bremer Financial Corporation (BFC), announced that they have commenced a process to explore strategic options for BFC. Click here to view the original article from The Fergus Falls Daily Journal.

Northland Foundation now minding everyone’s business

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Northland Foundation - host for the Northeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center As of Oct. 14, the Northland Foundation has stepped into the role of host for the Northeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the former host, the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The SBDC provides technical assistance to help businesses start up, manage and grow. “We’re excited about this opportunity to make a bigger impact on our region’s economy by serving as the local host for the Northeast Minnesota SBDC,” said Tony Sertich, Northland Foundation president. “Our goal is to make this transition seamless for all involved.” Click her...

How startups help cities measure their economic development frontier

Thursday, October 24, 2019

The most prosperous American cities have been able to establish a foothold in innovative, technology-driven industries. This economic development path tends to be paved by young, high-growth companies that achieve technological breakthroughs, create new markets, and yield quality job growth. Iconic examples include Amazon in Seattle, Qualcomm in San Diego, and Epic Systems in Madison, Wis. More often, this development occurs via thousands of less recognizable 50- to 250-person companies whose growth enhances prosperity across the American landscape every year. As a result, cities and states have placed technology entrepreneurship at the center of their economic development strategies. Click here t...

5 Minnesota companies in top 250 of Forbes 'World's Best Employers'

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Best Buy was the highest ranked. Five Minnesota companies have been included in the top 250 of Forbes' list of "World's Best Employers." The list of 500 companies is topped by Google owner Alphabet, followed by software and programming giants Microsoft and Red Hat. Forbes compiles the rankings based upon the feedback of some 1.4 million employees it surveyed, as well as public feedback across the globe. Click here to view the original article from Bring Me The News.

Ten New Grants Boost Nontraditional Careers for Women

Monday, October 21, 2019

I am pleased to announce that DEED has awarded 10 grants totaling $1,425,000 under the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) Competitive Grants program. DEED received about $3.6 million in funding requests, and only $1,425,000 was available for grant awards in the SFY2020-21 funding cycle. Click here to view the original article from MN DEED.

MLEC Awarded Community Connect Grant

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC) was awarded a Community Connect Grant from the USDA, Rural Utilities Service, for a Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet project. The project will encompass a substantial portion of Rice River Township and Spaulding Township in rural Aitkin County. The area also includes land and facilities owned and operated by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in the East Lake Community. Click here to view the original article from the Aitkin Age.

Most & Least Energy-Efficient States

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Energy is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the biggest household expenses for American consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. family spends at least $2,000 per year on utilities, with heating and cooling of spaces alone accounting for more than half the bill. In 2018, the average consumer spent another $2,109 on motor fuel and oil, up $141 from last year. The Department of Energy estimates that adopting energy-efficient measures in the home could reduce a family’s utility costs by as much as 25 percent. It pays to conserve, especially during a time of increasingly warmer temperatures. As for transportation, the agenc...

New Youth at Work Grants Help Young People Achieve Workplace Success

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

DEED has awarded $3,893,100 to 39 organizations to provide young people workforce development and training opportunities during the 2020-2021 state fiscal year. The Office of Youth Development awarded the Youth at Work grants to organizations providing services to economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth ages 14-24. Helping young people achieve workplace success is not only important for the Youth at Work program participants themselves, but for the future of our state. Their success helps to ensure that the next generation of diverse workers is ready to fill job openings as baby boomers retire and new jobs are created. Click here to view the original article from MN DEED.

One issue that unites Republicans and DFLers in Minnesota? Biofuels

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

In turbulent times for trade-dependent corn and soybean farmers, elected officials across the political spectrum in Minnesota have rallied around a particular lifeline for agriculture: biofuels. Top Republicans and Democrats have campaigned for new measures to support ethanol and biodiesel, touting the potential to help agriculture and reduce carbon emissions through vegetable-powered transportation. Many in the local GOP even crossed President Donald Trump after he exempted a wave of oil refineries from laws that require biofuels to be mixed with gasoline. Click here to view the original article from the MinnPost.

How well is Minnesota government prepared to weather the next recession?

Monday, October 14, 2019

Minnesota state budget leaders fancy themselves well-prepared for whatever the economy might send their way whenever the longest recovery in U.S. history inevitably ends. A recent assessment by the Pew Charitable Trusts gives the state relatively good marks when it comes to Minnesota’s fiscal health compared to other states. It has better than average reserves. It has restored many of the cuts made to weather the Great Recession. And has lower than average debt and pension obligations, researchers found. Click here to view the original article from the MinnPost.

United Prairie celebrates

Monday, October 14, 2019

The Willkommen Committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce recently helped United Prairie Bank celebrate 100 years of banking. The New Ulm location originated as Klossner State Bank in 1919. The United Prairie Bank organization was born in 1973 when former President, Jim Sneer, bought Farmers State Bank of Mountain Lake. Some years later he began to acquire other banks and, in 1992, he changed their names to United Prairie Bank. Click here to view the original article from The Journal.

Governor Walz meets with executives from Upsher-Smith’s parent company

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC (headquartered in Maple Grove) announced that executives from its parent company, Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Sawai) including Sawai’s President, Mitsuo Sawai and General Manager of External Affairs, Yoshiomi Kunihiro, joined Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the 51st Midwest U.S. Japan Association Conference. The conference, which took place from Sept. 7 to 10 in Tokyo, brought together leaders from Japan and the Midwest, including the governors from Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin to highlight their strong economic partnerships. Governor Walz traveled to Japan with representatives from the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Department of Employment and Economi...

The fourth industrial revolution in agriculture

Thursday, October 10, 2019

For agribusinesses, implementing new technologies requires focusing on four critical capabilities. Do all cows’ faces look the same to you? They don’t to systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Bovine facial recognition technology, developed through a strategic partnership between Cargill and an Irish technology company called Cainthus, equips barns and fields with smart cameras that can identify each cow in a herd in seconds based on facial features and hide patterns. Linked to machine learning software, the system determines whether a cow isn’t eating or drinking enough, or if she’s sick, and can alert the farmer via smartphone app. It ca...

Lake Country Power dedicates Cohasset Service Center

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Lake Country Power held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Cohasset Service Center including guided tours. The event, open to co-op members and the public, took place at 26039 Bear Ridge Drive in Cohasset Industrial Park II, just off Highway 2. Officials from Lake Country Power, HAWK Construction, Architectural Resources, Inc., and the City of Cohasset gave brief comments to mark the occasion. A cooperative is made up of a community of members, said Greg Randa, LCP general manager. Click here to view the original article from Business North.

Entrepreneur Fund named SBA Rural Lender of the Year

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

The newly opened Rapids Brewing Company in Grand Rapids served as the venue to celebrate the Entrepreneur Fund’s recent recognition as the Small Business Administration’s Rural Lender of the Year. Accepting the award on behalf of the Entrepreneur Fund, CEO Shawn Wellnitz said: “Access to adequate financing is one of the biggest challenges rural entrepreneurs face in Minnesota.” Nancy Libersky, Minnesota SBA district director, spoke to the impact the EF has had on the region’s small business climate. “The Entrepreneur Fund is definitely one of the SBA’s strongest partners,” she said, adding that the nonprofit is one of the top 20 microlender...

Workforce housing project making progress

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Click here to view the original article from the Park Rapids Enterprise.

Angel tax credit welcomed by entrepreneurs

Monday, October 07, 2019

2019 marked the return of Minnesota’s angel tax credit, an incentive program for investors to put money into growing Minnesota startups. The program, which offers a 25% tax credit to investors who put money into eligible startup companies, began in 2010 but disappeared for a year after its funding lapsed in 2017. Resuming the angel tax credit has been welcome news for Minnesota’s startup community, which on Wednesday kicks off a series of seminars, networking and other events for Twin Cities Startup Week. This year’s schedule includes numerous opportunities for founders to meet with investors, said Reed Robinson, executive director of Startup Wee...

Telecommunications Loans; Community Connect Grants

Monday, October 07, 2019

View list of loans and grants here.

Launching a Minnesota business? State has $2.5M to help you get started

Thursday, October 03, 2019

Launch Minnesota, the new Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) program that carves out $2.5 million for startup entrepreneurs, is taking shape. Announced earlier this year, the bipartisan initiative now has some specifics. Applications will be taken starting Oct. 30 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligible companies must be headquartered in Minnesota, younger than 10 years old and less than $1 million in revenue. Click here to view the original article from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Microbrewery Business is Hopping

Thursday, October 03, 2019

In Virginia’s Loudoun County, a booming and affluent exurban community about 30 miles outside of Washington, D.C., 10 of the 12 breweries in business in 2016 opened their doors since 2012. All of them can be defined as “craft breweries”, small and independent businesses that combine traditional brew styles with innovative ingredients. Click here to view the original article from the United States Census Bureau.

USDA to Provide $150 Million to Help Rural Communities Affected by Natural Disasters

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

ST. PAUL, Minnesota -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Brad Finstad today announced that USDA is making $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of natural disasters. “Modern, safe infrastructure is the bedrock of any community,” Finstad said. “When damaged, the economic prosperity of that community is put at risk. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is dedicated to assisting these rural communities in their long-term recovery following natural disasters, because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.” Clic...

Aerospace and Defense Investment Projects Take the Long View

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Understanding and reducing the potential risks of a generational location project involving very large land parcels and investment. If your industry is aerospace or defense, finding locations for new or expanded facilities is becoming an ever-critical aspect of your business. Not surprisingly, economic development organizations (EDOs) are eager to do business with the aerospace and defense companies—but not all are equipped to respond to the distinct requirements of these sectors. Between 2009 to 2017, more than 500 aerospace and defense projects were announced, totaling more than $11 billion in investment and more than 50,000 jobs. Civilian aviation is a major force i...

Managing a moonshot: Keeping large industrial projects on track

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Smarter capital expenditure management can save large industrial companies up to 25 percent on every project. An American manufacturing company had begun to build multiple state-of-the-art factories. Initially, analysts estimated that capital expenditures (capex) would reach $3 billion, and the project would take three years to complete, but even before ground had been broken, headquarters began to receive worrying reports. Serious delays driven by repeated supply chain disruptions, customs disputes, and troubles with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) management contracts pointed toward massive cost overruns. Executives could see that these budget-busting expenditures and the opportunity cost of delayed completion could greatly weaken th...

Millennials Continue to Leave Big Cities

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Census figures show smaller drop in young urban residents than previous years, but many still leaving for cheaper housing, better schools Large U.S. cities lost tens of thousands of millennial and younger Gen X residents last year, according to Census figures that offer fresh signs of cooling urban growth. Cities with more than a half million people collectively lost almost 27,000 residents age 25 to 39 in 2018, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of the figures. It was the fourth consecutive year that big cities saw this population of young adults shrink. New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Las Vegas...

Minnesota Manufacturing Week 2019

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Manufacturing is a dynamic industry, and it’s crucial to the strength of our economic well-being. In recognition of the industry and over 8,400 manufacturers making a wide range of products, Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed Oct. 1-7, 2019 as Minnesota Manufacturing Week. You can read the proclamation here. During the week – and throughout the month – manufacturers are opening their doors to tours by the public and especially students learning about what it’s like to work in a modern facility. Find out more about manufacturing tours in your area at? Dream It. Do It. Minnesota. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

OZ Challenge Winners Announced

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

The MN Opportunity Zone Challenge kicked off in March and the first round of submissions closed June 30. The goal of the Challenge was to spur activity across the state because at the outset of 2019 – almost 13 months after the Investing in Opportunities Act passed – community-led projects weren’t percolating. Round one of the OZ Challenge included 16 projects, totaling over $300m in development. Five were from communities with populations below 5,000; two from towns 5-20,000 and two from Twin Cities suburban communities. Duluth also had a number of projects entered into the Challenge. All projects entered into the Challenge are included i...

MSU, businesses get $700,000 for job skills training

Monday, September 30, 2019

Minnesota State University and three businesses will share in more than $736,000 in grants aimed at tailoring training for employees. Two local businesses, Mankato Clinic and Dotson Iron Castings, and a Twin Cities business will get training for their employees tailored for them by MSU. Tammy Bohlke, coordinator for strategic partnerships at MSU, said the university has been active in applying for the grants in recent years and she manages 15 of the programs. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

DEED Awards $2.7 Million in Business Development Grants

Friday, September 27, 2019

Funds will provide business assistance to targeted populations ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded two-year grants totaling $2.7 million to 13 nonprofit groups that provide services and technical assistance to emerging businesses and entrepreneurs in Minnesota. The Business Development Competitive Grant Program, which was approved during the 2019 legislative session, provides funding to groups that offer business assistance to targeted groups, including women, minorities, rural residents, technology-based companies and entrepreneurs. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

New report explores challenges of Minnesota’s aging workforce

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Courageous Conversations Project, sponsored by the U of M's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, makes recommendations for recruiting and retaining older workers. A new report from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs offers recommendations on how communities and employers can address the state’s workforce needs in response to high retirement rates and fewer new workers. The school's Courageous Conversations Project conducted public forums in communities across the state over the past two years, exploring the challenges of Minnesota's aging workforce. The resulting report from the citizens council overseeing the project recommends: Click here to view the original article fro...

Meeker Cooperative dedicates new Vibrant Broadband service

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Meeker Cooperative's big move to making its Vibrant Broadband service available to its customers throughout the county received praise from Miinnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The governor attended a "ribbon cutting" ceremony at the cooperative's headquarters in Litchfield during which he and other speakers said that internet connectivity today is as important as electricity was 80-some years ago when rural electric cooperatives began supplying that service. Click here to view the original article from the Litchfield Independent Review.

Minnesota ranked 6th healthiest state for women and children

Monday, September 23, 2019

Minnesota is the sixth healthiest state for women and children, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2019 “America’s Health Rankings Health of Women and Children Report.” That’s a good ranking relative to the other 49 states, although it’s one slot lower than last year. Click here to view the original article from the MinnPost.

Absolute Air Breaks Ground!

Friday, September 20, 2019

We at Toll Company are thrilled to part of this historic endeavor in our industry! Toll Company has partnered with 5 other organizations to build an air separation plant in Faribault, MN which will ensure a stable supply of nitrogen, oxygen and argon for our business and our partners. We are pleased to share this moment with everyone through this video footage we captured from the groundbreaking ceremony in Faribault, MN on 9/19/19. Click here to view the original article from Toll Gas & Welding Supply.

Announcing the Launch Minnesota Advisory Board

Friday, September 20, 2019

I'm excited to announce our advisory board for Launch Minnesota, our new statewide collaboration to support technology startups. Each of the 10 members of our advisory board come from unique backgrounds in technology and entrepreneurship. We believe their wisdom and guidance will help Launch Minnesota empower a stronger startup ecosystem for everyone. Launch Minnesota will provide financial incentives, training, and grants to people starting scalable innovative businesses in sectors such as aerospace, agricultural processing, nanotechnology and medical devices. The program provides special consideration for startups in Greater Minnesota, as well as businesses started by women, veterans and people of color. Th...

Exciting, Dynamic, Challenging Work: What Workforce Strategy Consultants Do

Thursday, September 19, 2019

I am one of the seven regional CareerForce Workforce Strategy Consultants. One of the things I love about this work is that every day is different. That makes describing a day in the life a bit tricky, but I’m going to try my best to break it down in this blog post. The typical day can start a few different ways. We could be reporting to the CareerForce location where we are based or we might be traveling to meetings throughout our region. The seven Workforce Strategy Consultants cover vast areas similar to the regional Labor Market Analysts or Business Developmen...

Ready, set, grow: Grant helps set Kenyon business park in motion

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

For a small town like Kenyon, expanding is instrumental in retaining and attracting new businesses. With a $672,000 grant from the state, they will begin construction on a new business park beginning in the Spring of 2020. KENYON -- It’s never easy starting from scratch on a building project. There’s finding the best -- and most affordable -- piece of property. Then planning out infrastructure costs including roadwork, utilities and how many lots you want to have. It’s a massive project that seems never ending. The city of Kenyon has gotten a little bit of help moving its business park forward thanks t...

Rebranded CareerForce is all about finding the right job

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

What is the best way for governments to support unemployed workers – and get them back to work? From job-search and retraining assistance to unemployment insurance and other safety nets, state leaders seek a balance that offers tools and support needed to find the next job without letting people put off their job search indefinitely. Minnesota is retooling its workforce support system under the name CareerForce, and hopes to bring a new emphasis to getting workers into the right job, not just the quickest, said Mike Lang, job service director for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Click here to vie...

Area's growing demand for affordable senior housing unlikely to ease in coming years

Sunday, September 15, 2019

FARGO — Every time Elaine Charlson walks to her apartment in south Fargo, she passes an old photo that brings back memories. The picture from 1968 shows the Perkins Pancake House on Broadway in downtown, where Charlson’s grandmother would take her once a week to eat as a child. The pancake house no longer exists, but the photo hanging on the wall and others like it remind Charlson and her husband, Gary, of days gone by. It’s one of many reasons why they love living at HomeField II, affordable apartments for seniors that opened earlier this year. Click here to view the original article fro...

Heggies provides Vikings pizza partnership update

Sunday, September 15, 2019

There are just certain things that go together. Peanut butter and jelly, fish and chips, wine and cheese. Then there’s football and pizza. A football party without pizza simply doesn’t feel right. That’s why the recently formed partnership between Milaca-based Heggies Pizza and the Minnesota Vikings seems to make perfect sense. Heggies is now the official pizza of Minnesota’s NFL franchise and will be the exclusive pizza sold at U.S. Bank Stadium. Click here to view the original article from the Union-Times.

Minnesota grows business, jobs as it greens the local economy

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Renewables now account for 25% of total Minnesota power production. Policymakers and utilities are talking about doubling that by 2030. Several announcements will advance the renewable-energy, less-carbon and faster-growing Minnesota economy. They support further growth of renewable-energy jobs at double the rate of overall job growth, as the state accelerates efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the largest contributor to climate change. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

Arrowhead Electric Cooperative and partners bring electric charger to the shore

Friday, September 13, 2019

As more drivers realize their automobiles are the number one emitters of carbon emissions in the state of Minnesota, they are turning to purchase electric cars. Electric cars not only reduce harmful emissions, they are quieter than vehicles with internal combustion engines, cost less to run, have more top end torque and come with all of the bells and whistles of combustion engine cars. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Walz signals positive results, but no breakthrough for ag after trade trip to Japan, South Korea

Friday, September 13, 2019

The governor said the state was able to build relationships despite 'chaos and unrest in trade' at the federal level. ST. PAUL — A Minnesota trade mission to Japan and South Korea will likely yield positive results for the state, Gov. Tim Walz said, after his six-day trip. But the demands for agricultural products won't be enough to fill the gap left by China amid ongoing trade wars. Click here to view the original article from the Duluth News Tribune.

American Peat Technology expanding facilities

Thursday, September 12, 2019

APT to build new processing plant in the McGrath area By 2025, American Peat Technology’s (APT) VP Sales and Research Peggy Jones and CEO Doug Green said a new peat processing plant northwest of McGrath will be constructed and ready to refine reed-sedge peat into their products, BioAPT and APTsorb. The new McGrath facility (to be built on land acquired from an exchange with the county), plus the hundreds of acres of peatland to be harvested nearby, will create 25-40 new jobs and will “hopefully” produce just as much product as the existing plant, if not more, although it’s still “an unknown,&rdquo...

Study names Douglas County a top place for small business owners

Sunday, September 08, 2019

Douglas County is one of the top places in Minnesota for small business owners, says a new study released by SmartAsset. The study weighed three factors: the percentage of people in a county with small business income, the proportion of that income to overall income and taxes paid by small business owners. According to the study, Douglas County came in at No. 8. Click here to view the original article from the Alexandria Echo Press.

Minnesota Exports at $5.7 Billion in Second Quarter

Friday, September 06, 2019

Exports fell four percent between the second quarters of 2018 and 2019 ST. PAUL – Sales of Minnesota agriculture, mining and manufacturing exports from Minnesota fell 4% between the second quarters of 2018 and 2019 to $5.7 billion, according to a report by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports fell by 3% during the same period. Minnesota exports fell in North America (down 6%), Asia (down 4%) and Central & South America (down 19%). However, exports increased to selected nations such as Japan (up 6%), Germany (up 8%) and Australia (up 18%). Click here to view the original article fro...

Milaca's Heggies selected as Minnesota Vikings season pizza provider

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Local favorite Heggies Pizza will be the pizza provider for U.S. Bank Stadium during the 2019 Vikings season, the Minnesota Vikings announced in a news release. "From its humble beginning in 1989, Heggies Pizza is now available across most of the Midwest. Based in Milaca, Minnesota, Heggies’ focus on quality ingredients and unique recipes has made it one of Minnesota’s favorites for nearly three decades" the release stated. Click here to view the original article from the Union-Times.

St. Cloud Electrolux production to end November — 90% of staff to be laid off

Monday, September 02, 2019

ST. CLOUD — More than a year after Electrolux announced it would close its St. Cloud plant, the company has set an end date for production at the facility. Production for all lines and shifts is scheduled to end Nov. 1, according to a written statement from the company. Approximately 90% of the company's employees will be permanently laid off at that time. The remaining 10% of employees will be winding down operations for several months afterwards, the company said. Click here to view the original article from the St. Cloud Times.

We Mapped ‘the Midwest’ for You, So Stop Arguing

Monday, September 02, 2019

We surveyed more than 12,000 people (and counting) about the most contentious border question in the U.S. to reveal the true geography of America’s midsection. At a time when it can seem Americans have never been more divided, one issue stirs up passions like no other. I speak, of course, of the definition of “the Midwest.” Delineating that great vast middle of the country—interior but definitely not Southern, west of the Northeast, but not the West—isn’t just a matter of parochial concern to the tens of millions of Americans with ties to the region. It also speaks to an abiding fascinatio...

800+ Employees Available Nov. 2019 - St. Cloud MN Plant Closing

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Location, Location, Location: 7 Site Factors to Consider for a New Industrial Food Production Facility

Sunday, September 01, 2019

There are a lot of variables in play when building a new industrial food plant, and site selection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — so there are several things to keep in mind. It’s not just a matter of securing a piece of property and breaking ground or renovating. The location you choose will have a direct impact on the financial success of your new facility. Here are seven things you must consider when selecting a site for your new food plant. Click here to view the original article from Stellar.

Twin Cities score high among places for best work-life balance (gallery)

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Whether it's disconnecting from your phone after clocking out or taking off early to get to a recital, everybody has their own ways to maintain their work-life balance. But based on a recent study, that balance could be harder to achieve depending on the city you live. Based on a ranking from the New York-based company Kisi, while U.S. cities often aren't the best in the world at helping workers achieve this balance, there are some where you won't burn you at quite as quickly. On a 100-point scale, only three U.S. cities achieved a rating barely over 50. Minneapolis/St. Pau...

Enbridge gives $20,000 for Hill City projects

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Enbridge presented checks totaling $20,000 in grants to the Hill City community. “Hill City and our area residents are very excited to see the Line 3 Project move forward and to be part of this endeavor with Enbridge. This $20,000 grant in our community (police, fire, and city) reflects a partnership we the city welcome from Enbridge with open arms and look forward to working with Enbridge and their staff,” said Hill City Mayor Dan Kingsley. “We’re happy to support Hill City’s fire department, police department and city signage project,” said Trent Wetmore, Enbridge Director of Midwest Operations. The fire department is plannin...

Steve Grove brings a new, Google-inspired approach to measuring results to DEED

Friday, August 30, 2019

When Steve Grove was named commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in January 2019, he sparked some high expectations. Grove—originally from Northfield—had previously directed Google’s $300 million Google News Lab, and Minnesota employers were eager to see how his experience in Silicon Valley might reshape the agency. In August, DEED released its new strategic plan, and the Star Tribune’s Lee Schafer reports that it “has at least one very good idea from Google baked into it.” That’s a new way to measure success, called “objectives and key results,” or OKR. Click here to view the original article from Great Jobs Minnesota.

Twin Cities score high among places for best work-life balance (gallery)

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Attracting business through virtual reality

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Relationships are key to economic development. But let’s face it: This puts rural communities at a disadvantage in business attraction since site selectors don’t often have the time and money to visit small, remote towns. When in-person meetings aren’t possible, the right technology can do an excellent job of bridging the communication gap. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be the next best method for showcasing community assets and capturing the attention of busy site selectors. Great River Energy partnered with economic development communications firm Golden Shovel Agency early to pioneer innovative VR technology for use in economic development. Tom Lambrecht, manager o...

Co-op hosts weeklong economic development course

Thursday, August 22, 2019

A five-day course designed for those new to economic development as well as seasoned professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in the field was hosted at Great River Energy’s Maple Grove office in late July. The Upper Midwest Basic Economic Development Course provided intensive training in the basic concepts, methods and strategies of local economic development. Attendees learned from a diverse and experienced faculty who provided a blend of theory and practice during the course. They studied the core building blocks of the industry, including: business retention and expansion, financing, marketing and business attraction, strategic planning and workforce development. The cours...

Duluth to Denver? Airport seeks federal funding for direct route

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The airport recently applied for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant to help fund the route. The Duluth International Airport (DLH) recently submitted its application to secure federal funding for a direct flight to Denver. The U.S. Department of Transportation grant would fund around 70% of the project’s more than $1.1 million price tag, with the local businesses and entities supporting the remaining costs. Establishing this route would decrease air fares, as well as give Duluth residents and businesses easier access to western cities, according to the grant application. Click here to view the original article from the Duluth News Tribune.

Fresh produce to be grown indoors with electricity

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Leafy greens will soon be grown 365 days of the year Minnesota. How? An insulated shipping container equipped with a complete hydroponic growing system will be delivered to the Central Lakes College (CLC) Agricultural Campus as part of an Electric Power Research Institute research project with Great River Energy, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC), Lakewood Health System (LHS) and the college. Each partner will play a critical role in the two-year demonstration. Students from CLC’s horticulture and agriculture degree programs will learn firsthand about sustainable agriculture practices by maintaining and harvesting the produce, which will then be delivered to LHS for its “Food Farmacy&rdquo...

New future for Mille Lacs County sawmill

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Continued growth in the construction sector has increased demand for erosion control products using wood. One electric cooperative’s partnership with a local business will help meet that need. Gap financing provided through East Central Energy’s (ECE) revolving loan fund will help support the expansion of a sawmill in Milaca, Minnesota, this fall. Silt Sock, Inc., manufactures filter fabric socks filled with processed wood that are designed to allow water to flow through at a controlled rate while trapping sediment. These barriers are used as a lower-profile alternative to silt fencing on construction sites, protecting waterways from excess sediment by way of run-of...

Recruiting and retaining the best workforce

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Workforce development is a topic on the minds of business owners and economic developers around the nation. Minnesota is no different. It’s projected that the state will be short 239,000 workers by 2022. Across Minnesota, and throughout Great River Energy’s member-owner service area, economic development partners are working proactively to address this workforce challenge. Here are a few examples of some of the innovative initiatives making the state more competitive in attracting and retaining talent. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) GSDC’s mission is to spearhead economic development in the greater St. Cloud region. Part of this charge is to expand and nurtur...

In hurricane's wake, Puerto Ricans find safe harbor in Minnesota

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Many are rebuilding their lives here, though they face barriers. Some aren’t sure if they’ll stay. Victor Rivera Garcia, his wife Alejandra and their 1- and 3-year-old daughters fled their home in La Perla, Puerto Rico just as Hurricane Maria came crashing down on the island. They escaped to his mother’s house but when they returned to La Perla they found most of their belongings — from their fridge to laptops to the girls’ clothes — destroyed. Click here to view the original article from MPR News.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz headed to Tokyo and Seoul to promote business partnerships

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Midwest governors are meeting in Tokyo for a conference. Gov. Tim Walz and governors from across the Midwest are headed to Japan in September to talk about international economic partnerships. Walz, along with staff from the state’s Minnesota Trade Office, will be in Tokyo from Sept. 7 through Sept. 10 for the Midwest U.S. Japan Association Conference. Governors from Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin will also attend, according to Walz’s office. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

University of Minnesota spins out a record number of startups

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The University of Minnesota's Venture Center announced that it had spun out 19 startups in the most recent financial year, its most ever. The class of 2019 includes a company that creates concussion recovery technology, a cancer therapy for dogs and a line of acne products for boys. "It was a really good year," Russ Straate said. Straate is the Venture Center's associate director. The Venture Center was founded in 2006 and is part of the University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization, aims to transform research done at the U into tangible products. Click here to view the original article from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Busines...

2019’s States with the Best & Worst Community-College Systems

Monday, August 19, 2019

University education is out of reach for many Americans, especially those from low-income households. But thanks to community colleges, higher education is more accessible than ever. Compared with public four-year institutions, where tuition and fees cost almost three times as much on average, community colleges offer many savings for students. Some states make community college even more accessible than usual. Multiple states and numerous cities across the U.S. have started “College Promise” programs that give residents free rides to community college. New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Tennessee are some of the states that have joined so far. Such initiatives are proving to be mor...

Minnesota Creates Launchpad for Growing Startups

Monday, August 19, 2019

The state that gave the world masking tape, water skis, the Milky Way candy bar, snowblowers and the pop-up toaster is about to give the next generation of startups a helping hand. That hand is called Launch Minnesota, a new initiative being rolled out by the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. According to DEED, “Launch Minnesota will support a series of new initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of high-technology companies. The initiative is designed to lower the risk required to fund, start or grow technology businesses in Minnesota. LM will bring all of these initiatives together under ...

People in Business 2019: Tri-County Health Care announces plans for new hospital

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Tri-County Health Care staff announced in March 2019 plans to either expand or build a new hospital. Later in 2019, after public meetings and researching potential locations, they set their sights on a location west of Wadena on a property in Otter Tail County. If all testing checks out, they are looking at building a new hospital at that location, as soon as spring of 2020. The current hospital faces obstacles such as an inefficient layout, operating rooms that are costly to update, hidden location, poor energy efficiency, lack of parking and limited room for expansion in its current location. These mak...

Catalyst comes to the Northland

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Cook County could one day become a place where movies and TV programs are filmed, or portions of them, anyway, bringing good-paying jobs with the filmmaking. And Cook County could also host locations where TV and film writers gather to work on scripts, Riki McManus told a small group of people at Grand Marais city hall. For more than 30 years McManus has been the director of the Upper Minnesota Film Office. She and Katie Strand, a producer, and JoAnn Jardine, a photographer, were in Grand Marais discussing Catalysts recent move to Duluth, and what that move means for the Northland. Click here t...

Spirits among spirits: Distillery near cemetery produces gin, vodka

Saturday, August 17, 2019

There aren’t many craft spirit companies named after a graveyard. However, count Alexandria’s newest distillery among them. Ida Graves Distillery is located near Lake Ida and Lake Ida Cemetery, and has been distributing products since July. Co-founders and owners Anna Wilson and Brock Berglund wanted to produce spirits locally sourced and environmentally responsible. The two are married and work full-time jobs in other industries, but sought to follow their passions into the craft spirits market as a side endeavor, hopefully turning it into something larger. Click here to view the original article from the Alexandria Echo Press.

Northland Foundation awards 42 grants, several to Cook County nonprofits

Friday, August 16, 2019

During the second quarter of 2019, the Northland Foundation awarded 42 grants totaling $389,835. Five grants of $10,000 were made to increase the supply of childcare openings in the region. The five childcare grants were awarded to help with the start-up four new programs that will be located in Eveleth, Aitkin, Duluth, and Hermantown, and to help expand an existing childcare program located in Virginia. The $50,000 in funding for these grants was provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. “We are appreciative that the State of Minnesota has committed funding to help increase access to high-quality childcare in ou...

Farming is one of backbones for state’s economy

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

I grew up on a small hobby farm just outside of Northfield surrounded by hundreds of acres of our neighbors’ cropland. My dad based his landscaping business out of our small three-and-a-half-acre plot, and we raised chickens and pigeons in the small coop on our property. Every day, I rode the school bus into town with friends and neighbors who shared their stories of working on the farm. The pride in their voices and their strong and independent spirit is something I’ve never forgotten. Farming has always been one of the backbones of the Minnesota economy – it’s part of who w...

Learning through summer jobs: Teenagers taking advantage of multitude of openings

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Jeff Wild started washing dishes at a restaurant many years ago as his first job. Now, he is the owner of Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center. That first job is one of the many reasons Wild sees the importance of jobs for teenagers. “Jobs get them started in life and teach them responsibility,” he said. Showing up for shifts on time, staying safe in the workplace, learning how to request time off and going through training for customer service are some skills teens can learn. “It’s a tremendous learning curve, especially for the younger ones." Despite their busy schedules, many teenagers in Alexandria ar...

Minnesota’s startup ecosystem

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Tucked away in this year’s motley special session package at the Legislature was a bill authorizing the creation of Launch Minnesota, a $5 million public-private program to grow the state’s innovation economy. Amid partisan sniping over proposed increases to public education funding and the state gas tax, Launch Minnesota’s relatively modest investment drew low-key support from both sides of the aisle, emerging from the legislative gantlet with the broad strokes of Gov. Tim Walz’s original proposal intact — albeit with a slimmer budget. The passage of Launch Minnesota was hailed as an early win for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED...

Minnesota Maintains AAA Ratings

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Standard & Poor's and Fitch Affirm Minnesota’s Bond Ratings ST. PAUL, MN – Top financial analysts Standard & Poor's and Fitch announced that they are affirming Minnesota’s AAA, the highest rating awarded by the analysts. The following is a statement from Governor Tim Walz: “AAA ratings from Fitch and Standard & Poor’s is a testament to Minnesota’s strong economy and fiscal management. We are proud of the work we did this legislative session to help secure this rating. Now we need to work to pass a robust bonding bill to invest in the future and ensure our economy works for all Minnesotans.” Click her...

CareerForce Customer Video

Friday, August 09, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fF2nB-yVRU#action=share

8 ways warehouse construction has evolved

Thursday, August 08, 2019

The e-commerce revolution has had a major impact on the design and construction of supply chain facilities. Here are eight ways that these projects have transformed over the past few years. The rise of e-commerce has shaped U.S. warehouse facilities into next-generation logistics hubs. This transformation has radically changed the way these facilities are designed and constructed. Here are eight ways that modern warehouse facilities demand more from construction firms than those of a decade ago: Click here to view the original article from Supply Chain Dive.

Minnesota: Thriving in the North

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

From startups to Fortune 500 companies, Minnesota is the place for businesses to grow and thrive. With a top notch education system, great quality of life and a history of technological growth and innovation, anything is possible in Minnesota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl6_87_3hZg

American Peat extends harvest season with equipment innovation

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

American Peat Technology (APT) is adding new equipment to its fleet that will extend its harvest season from eight weeks to eight months to further its competitive advantage in the global peat market. Through a bank participation loan with Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, the Aitkin-based company secured a custom-built excavator that is configured with float-based sectional barges designed to operate over swampy and water-based surfaces. Prior to the new equipment, APT has harvested peat in January and February when temperatures are well below freezing allowing winter roads to be built across the frozen peat surface. The new equipment will floa...

Minnesota Business Firms Expect Stable Conditions in 2020

Monday, August 05, 2019

Annual survey by DEED, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis measures stability of business services ST. PAUL – Minnesota business service firms feel positive about the economy, with 86 percent expecting sales revenue to increase or remain stable next year, according to a joint survey released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Business services firms are less optimistic however that labor availability will grow or remain stable in 2020. Seventy-nine percent expect labor availability to remain stable, while 13 percent expect a decline. Only 8 percent of respondents anticipate labor availability to grow next year. Th...

Twin Metals proposes alternative tailings system

Sunday, August 04, 2019

Twin Metals Minnesota has announced plans to use the dry stack method to store leftover rock from its proposed underground copper-nickel mine nine miles southeast of Ely. The dry stack method eliminates the storage pond and dam associated with conventional tailings facilities, the nonferrous mining company said Thursday. It has been successfully used in four mines in the northern United States and Canada having similar climates and has been permitted at two mines in the western United States, Twin Metals said. The process, Twin Metals explained, involves removing target minerals and then compressing the remaining tailings into low-moisture, sand-like deposits that ar...

Land, resources available in Minnesota technology corridor

Saturday, August 03, 2019

A collaborative group including Anoka County, Washington County, Connexus Energy and other regional partners has launched the Minnesota Technology Corridor, an initiative to attract companies to the north metro. The initiative targets companies that can use the high energy capacity, high bandwidth, available land and talented workforce available in the area. At the center of this effort is a new website: mntechcorridor.com. This site provides detailed information about the area that notes how the region is primed for new business development, especially in the technology industry. There are 1,000-plus acres of land available in the corridor. In addition, greater than 200-megawatt power capacit...

These are America’s Top States for Business in 2019

Friday, August 02, 2019

The war between the states for business and jobs has never been more intense, with states paying staggering amounts of taxpayer dollars to woo companies. The prizes are big — including Amazon’s promised $5 billion HQ2 project, and Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn’s $10 billion U.S. manufacturing complex. By the numbers, some states are better positioned than others to compete for projects like these, and for the thousands of other smaller developments up for grabs each year. The CNBC America’s Top States for Business study, conducted every year since 2007, ranks all 50 states for business competitiveness using more than 60 metrics in 10 categories including Workforce...

Frandsen Bank & Trust named one of Forbes’ ‘America’s Best Banks In Each State’

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Frandsen Bank & Trust was named one of America’s Best Banks in Minnesota by Forbes magazine. Of the nearly 5,400 banks in the United States, only 149 made the 2019 list, and only three banks from Minnesota were recognized. Frandsen Financial Corporation CEO Chuck Mausbach states, “We were thrilled to learn that the rankings are driven entirely off of customer survey responses. What a huge compliment from our customers.” Click here to view the original article from the County News Review.

Utilities’ Role in the Corporate Location Decision

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Conveying a company’s utility needs to service providers and choosing a location that can properly meet those needs — now and into the future — will help to ensure a project’s success. In today’s competitive landscape, the corporate site selection timeframe from project onset to when the facility is put into use continues to tighten. Decision-makers expect sites selected for new construction or a building chosen for a new operation to have the necessary utility capacity in place from the beginning. Therefore, utility providers can add tremendous value to the site selection process by working with communities, site selectors, and thei...

A push to bolster Minnesota’s tech economy takes shape

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

When Steve Grove was appointed commissioner of the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in January, one of his first priorities was to grow the state’s technology sector to compete with cities like Seattle, Boston and Austin. That agenda is now taking shape with help from the Legislature. In the two-year budget approved in May, lawmakers passed a slate of proposals made by Grove and Gov. Tim Walz to foster startup businesses and build tech companies. The Legislature re-instituted an “angel” tax credit for people who invest in startups and created “Launch Minnesota,” an initiative focused on nurturing the tech scene wit...

How Minnesota's economy depends on small businesses

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Minnesotans around the state owe their paychecks to small business owners. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reported that in 2016, 60 percent of private jobs in greater Minnesota were with businesses that employed fewer than 500 employees. These businesses pay taxes and provide economic stability during even the worst economic times, according to DEED. Small businesses increased by 5 percent in spite of the Great Recession. They were a source of stability for rural parts of the state that saw large organizations shed workers. Now, though, small businesses need to keep up with wage growth if they want to continu...

Best States to Live in

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Deciding on a place to call home can be a tough process. You’ll need to balance things like the cost of living with job opportunities, quality of education and safety. Personal preference also comes into the equation, as you’ll want to live somewhere with the types of attractions, recreational opportunities and weather that suit you. Luckily, there’s 50 states to choose from, from frigid Alaska to sunny Florida. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. If you do the math, some states clearly outshine others in various categories. To find out the best states to live, WalletHub compared the 50 state...

RE/MAX report outlines small-town success

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

On a RE/MAX Top Team Report for April, Jared Lundgren and his real estate team were ranked 20 of roughly 100 RE/MAX teams in Minnesota; excepting Wayzata, RE/MAX Northland is the only team in the top 25 list working from a city smaller than 22,000 people. The report is based on residential commissions and ranks all RE/MAX teams in the state. According to the report, Lundgren’s team of four, after three years in business, surpassed some teams located in Plymouth, Rochester, Duluth, Minneapolis and St. Paul, cities over 30 times the size of Aitkin. Click here to view the original article fro...

A push to bolster Minnesota’s tech economy takes shape

Saturday, July 06, 2019

DEED Names Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Services

Saturday, July 06, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Carol Pankow will serve as Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Services. Within DEED, the workforce services division helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and develop job skills by providing a range of programs and services for laid-off and unemployed individuals. Click here to view the original article from DEED.

Land, resources available in Minnesota technology corridor

Friday, July 05, 2019

Anoka County, along with Washington County, Connexus Energy and other regional partners, have launched the Minnesota Technology Corridor, which is an initiative to attract companies to the north metro that can utilize the high energy capacity, high bandwidth, available land and talented workforce available in the area. At the center of this effort is new website mntechcorridor.com. This site has detailed information about this area that notes why the region is primed for new business development, especially in the technology industry. There are 1,000-plus acres of land available in the corridor, greater than 200-megawatt power capacity with 100 percent renewable battery storage options, significan...

State Awards $3.4 Million in Redevelopment Cleanup Grants

Thursday, July 04, 2019

The money helps clear way for new housing, commercial projects. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $3.4 million in cleanup grant funds to 15 redevelopment projects across the state. DEED estimates that these funds will draw $245.7 million in private investment for the projects. The funding is awarded through DEED’s Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grants Program. “Contaminated sites are standing in the way of growth,” said Gov. Tim Walz in a statement announcing the grants. “That’s why we’re working to clean these sites and allow communities to redevelop the land. These projects will create 130 new jobs, 214 affordabl...

In Minnesota, A Marriage Between Business Giants And Growing Startups

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

How this Midwest state has developed a unique business ecosystem where enterprises and small businesses work together. Home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, it’s no surprise Minnesota has been referred to as a “headquarters economy.” Target is headquartered here, and so are General Mills and Best Buy. The state’s headquarters economy is diverse, with enterprise companies representing a cross-section of industries, including healthcare, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, medical devices, food production, bioscience, energy, and more. Click here to view the original article from the FiveThirtyEight.

Minnesota law opens clean energy financing program to new construction

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

The state’s commercial property assessed clean energy program was originally designed for building retrofits only. The administrator of a Minnesota clean energy financing program expects hundreds of millions of dollars in new projects to qualify thanks to changes signed into law as part of a state budget deal. Minnesota’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing program was originally designed to help finance retrofits for existing commercial buildings. The recently passed measure expands the program to include new buildings as well. It also allows larger loans based on appraised rather than assessed values. Click here to view the original article from the Energy News Network.

DEED Awards Small Cities Development Grants

Monday, July 01, 2019

More than 40 grants totaling more than $24 million approved for Greater Minnesota communities ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded more than $24 million for 43 infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in Greater Minnesota. The Small Cities Development Program is part of the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is funded by Congress. The program helps pay for rehabilitating housing and commercial buildings and updating public infrastructure in small cities and counties. Click here to view the original article from DEED.

Washington and Anoka counties team up to market suburbs as Minnesota Technology Corridor

Monday, July 01, 2019

Two counties and five cities in the northeast suburbs are launching a regional marketing push aimed at attracting data centers and technology businesses to undeveloped pockets near Interstate 35E. Anoka and Washington counties are leading the collaborative pitch to brand the stretch of freeway near Centerville, Columbus, Forest Lake, Hugo and Lino Lakes as the future home of the Minnesota Technology Corridor. The partners engineered a soft launch last week of the corridor website and plan to ramp up marketing efforts in July. The marketing highlights the area’s large utility capacity and its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and emphasizes the tech talen...

Washington and Anoka Counties team up to market suburbs as Minnesota Technology Corridor

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Effort aims to attract data centers, tech employers to two northeast metro counties. Two counties and five cities in the northeast suburbs are launching a regional marketing push aimed at attracting data centers and technology businesses to undeveloped pockets near Interstate 35E. Anoka and Washington counties are leading the collaborative pitch to brand the stretch of freeway near Centerville, Columbus, Forest Lake, Hugo and Lino Lakes as the future home of the Minnesota Technology Corridor. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

Itasca Co. awarded nearly $200k to help boost economic development

Saturday, June 29, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Itasca County has been awarded $190,000 to hire an economic recovery coordinator to help boost economic development in the county. The funds, which were awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, were announced by Congressman Pete Stauber, as well as U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. In a press release by Stauber’s office, he says the investment will go a long way toward unleashing the economic engine in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Click here to view the original article from CBS 3 Duluth.

THE RESTLESS ENTREPRENEUR: After buying fiberglass business, Tyler Deike stays hungry

Friday, June 28, 2019

Adds new products to St. James business Tyler Deike was mowing lawns before he was old enough to drive and cleaning hotels before he could book a room. As a 14- and 15-year-old, Tyler and his siblings would load a mower onto a trailer and get rides to customers from their father. At other times, the teen would clean rooms at a hotel owned by a family friend. “It wasn’t the most glamorous,” he said, but he was eager for the opportunities. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

Startups and Investors: DEED Relaunches Angel Tax Credit Program

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Minnesota Angel Tax Credit, a popular incentive program that has helped 430 startups since 2010, will start accepting applications again on July 1, 2019. The Angel Tax Credit program is now part of Launch Minnesota, a new initiative to grow Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. The incentive program stimulates private investments in emerging Minnesota businesses by providing a 25 percent credit to investors or investment funds that put money into startup companies focused on high technology, new proprietary technology, or a new proprietary product, process or service in specified fields. By encouraging investors, this program helps new businesses at a critical time in their development. Clic...

Zito Media takes over Lake Connections

Friday, June 21, 2019

Lake Connections, the county's municipal broadband project is officially sold and control of the system has been passed over. In the final closing sale June 3, Lake Connections was sold to Pinpoint Holdings, Inc., for $8.4 million, and control over the high-speed broadband system was handed over. But if Pinpoint is the new owner, why does a visit lakeconnections.com take a user to the homepage of a company called Zito Media? Click here to view the original article from the Lake County News Chronicle.

Launch Minnesota: Come Help Us Grow Minnesota’s Startup Ecosystem

Thursday, June 20, 2019

One of the most exciting outcomes of the 2019 Legislative session for DEED was the creation of a new program called Launch Minnesota. Designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state, Launch Minnesota will work with private industry to create financial incentives and programming to demonstrate that Minnesota is committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem that draws global attention. The program concept grew out of a collaboration between DEED and the Minnesota Legislature – with legislators on both sides of the aisle making meaningful contributions. It is a joint initiative with private businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide. Click here t...

Restaurants, senior housing among new local developments

Sunday, June 16, 2019

MANKATO — The growth in senior housing options continues to expand, with The Pillars of Mankato now open on the city's east side. Stacy Wihlm, executive director, said they have a total of 118 apartments, 20 for memory care and 98 independent and assisted living units. "You can come in as an independent living and we bring services to you as you need them and you don't have to change apartments," Wihlm said. Click here to view the original article from The Free Press.

22 Northmen Brewing Company to open Saturday, June 15

Friday, June 14, 2019

Clean, approachable, classic. Historic, innovative, tasteful. Those are all words used by Keith Hefley to describe the beer brewed at 22 Northmen Brewing Company. Hefley is the head brewer at Alexandria's newest craft brewery. Set to open Saturday, June 15, the operation is owned by Kim and Tami Bredeson, who also own Carlos Creek Winery. The brewery is on the same property as the winery on County Road 34 NW in Alexandria. Click here to view the original article from the Echo Press.

Minnesota’s Angel Tax Credit Is Back. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state lawmakers have reinstated a program that gives tax breaks to investors backing Minnesota startups. The angel tax credit provides incentives to investors backing small businesses in Minnesota. It was (in general) popular among local startups, and when you look at the numbers it’s easy to see why. Between 2010 and 2017, more than $420 million was invested in 855 Minnesota businesses through the state’s angel tax credit program, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. In 2017, about 48 percent of investors were non-Minnesotans whose investments made up about 53 percent of all investment tha...

USDA to offer $16B in funds for farmers

Monday, June 10, 2019

The USDA will offer more than $16 billion in programs to help farmers impacted by trade disruption and “unjustified retaliation.” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the USDA will take several actions to assist farmers with programs that estimate the “impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions.” Click here to view the original article from the Litchfield Independent Review.

Rippleside students experience engineering

Sunday, June 09, 2019

For four weeks, Rippleside students experienced Club Invention’s “Flight Sight” program after school. The program was scheduled to run every Thursday for five weeks starting on April 4, but due to unfortunate weather happenings, was limited to four weeks total. Click here to view the original article from the Aitkin Independent Age.

Minnesota ranked third-best state in U.S. News & World Report survey

Saturday, June 08, 2019

The U.S. News & World Report survey ranks states based on 70 metrics, including education, health care, the economy, public safety, roads and the fiscal health of the state's government. As states go, it doesn’t get much better than Minnesota, according to an annual “Best States” survey by U.S. News & World Report. The Land of 10,000 Lakes came in at No. 3. The survey ranks states based on 70 metrics, including education, health care, the economy, public safety, roads and the fiscal health of the state’s government, as well as “the opportunity it affords its residents,” the report said. Click here t...

Minnesota teens savor best summer job market in years

Friday, June 07, 2019

They’ve noticed storefront windows flush with “hiring” signs. Their friends have jobs. And they say Google, that all-knowing oracle for teens, has been serving up a buffet of options from simple web searches. It means Joe Kinsman will fill his summer days dishing out soft serve at Conny’s Creamy Cone in St. Paul. Harshini Sunil will be whipping up drinks at Caribou Coffee in Plymouth and teaching dance. Cole Boelter will be wooing passersby with fuzzy llama prizes at Valleyfair game booths in Shakopee. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

Business Expansions Reflect State’s Diverse Economy

Thursday, June 06, 2019

Minnesota’s diverse economy is reflected in the 226 business expansion projects that were publicly announced in 2018 and tracked by DEED. These projects were spread across the state and involved companies of all sizes in more than 40 industries. While complete data is not available for all of the projects, these expansions represent at least 8,829 new jobs and 1,672 retained jobs. They also reflect new investment of at least $2.4 billion and over 7.5 million square feet. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

DEED Names Director of CareerForce

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Lorrie Janatopoulos has been hired as Director of CareerForce. Led by a network of private, public and nonprofit partners throughout Minnesota, CareerForce guides people toward rewarding careers, connects individuals to employment opportunities, and provides valuable economic and employment development information to employers. Within DEED, the CareerForce team manages and executes the direct services efforts of our workforce development work, in contrast to our grant-making team that deploys capital to partners for workforce development. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Minnesota ranked as top five nonfuel mining state in the U.S.

Monday, June 03, 2019

Minnesota has been named a top five mining state for nonfuel mineral commodities for the year 2018, the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota (IMA) announced. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Minerals Information Center ranked states by 2018 value of nonfuel mineral production, including iron ore and other commodities such as sand, gravel and stone. “Minnesota’s iron mining industry has been a national leader for generations, and we are thrilled to be recognized as a top mining state,” said Kelsey Johnson, IMA president. “Mining remains an essential component of our economy, and this ranking provides Minnesotans with one more reason to b...

Minnesota Exports up 1.5 percent in the First Quarter of 2019

Sunday, June 02, 2019

Exports to Europe grew 14 percent to $1.4 billion ST. PAUL – Minnesota exports grew to $5.4 billion, representing growth of 1.5 percent between the first quarters of 2018 and 2019, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 1.4 percent during the same period. Minnesota exports grew to markets within Europe (up 14 percent) and North America (up 4 percent), but fell within Asia (down 8 percent) and Central and South America (down 1 percent). Click here to view the original article from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Minnesota manufacturing thrived last year despite long list of challenges

Sunday, June 02, 2019

Several of the state's largest manufacturers, such as General Mills, announced or closed major acquisitions, many of them ranking among their largest deals ever. A robust U.S. economy helped bolster overall sales for Minnesota’s manufacturers last year as they weathered a litany of challenges, such as a severe labor shortage, rising freight costs and the trade war with China. Manufacturing is Minnesota’s largest and most diverse sector on the Star Tribune 50, with expertise ranging from motor homes to ice cream bars. Several of Minnesota’s largest manufacturers in the past 12 to 18 months announced or closed major acquisitions, many of the...

Minnesota Exports up 1.5 percent in the First Quarter of 2019

Saturday, June 01, 2019

Nearly $1 million invested in nine area businesses

Saturday, June 01, 2019

The Northland Foundation's Business Finance Program has recently closed nine loans totaling $968,331. These investments will assist northeastern Minnesota businesses to start up or expand, as well as contribute to job growth. MNSTAR Technologies, Grand Rapids Rapids Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Northern Skin Rejuvenation, International Falls Block North, LLC, Aitkin CAST Corportation, Hibbing Hanzell Co. d.b.a. Cedarbrook Lumber Company, Aitkin Spirit of the Lake Community School, Duluth Pharmasea Breeze, LLC, Aitkin Wired2Fish, Inc., Grand Rapids Click here to view the original article from the Northland Foundation Newsletter.

Two local resorts sold as part of a six-part deal

Friday, May 31, 2019

Caribou Highlands in Lutsen and East Bay Suites in Grand Marais were two of six North Shore resorts owned by Odyssey Resorts that were sold to Blackburn Investment Managements private equity firm in Minneapolis, which is the primary owner, and Madison Hospitality Group (MHG), a management company based in Brainerd with experience managing hotels and resorts, and other investors who are minority owners. The sale of the properties was announced on Tuesday, May 28. Click here to view the original article from the Cook County News Herald.

Financing high-impact business projects

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 tea...

Minnesota exports rise to $5.4 billion despite trade war with China, others

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Medical and machine products remained the most in demand. Minnesota exports grew slightly during the first three months of the year despite a trade war that led to a 13% drop in shipments to China. A surge in exports to Mexico and Europe more than picked up the slack, state officials said. Click here to view the original article from the Star Tribune.

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 fo...

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 th...

L-P's siding segment continues to grow; overall net declines

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

For the first quarter of 2019, Louisiana Pacific reported net income of $27 million compared to $91 million for the first quarter of 2018. Net sales were $582 million, down from $691 million in the first quarter of 2018. The company’s sales of SmartSide, which is made in Two Harbors, Hayward and Tomahawk, increased 13 percent compared to the first quarter of 2018. The siding segment reported net sales of $236 million in the first quarter of 2019, an increase of $9 million from $227 million in the first quarter of 2018. For the first quarter of 2019, the Siding segment reported operatin...

DEED Tracked 226 Business Expansion Projects in 2018

Monday, May 27, 2019

They represent at least 8,829 new jobs and $2.4 billion in new investment ST. PAUL – Minnesota had 226 business expansion projects in 2018 – up from 187 the previous year, according to tracking by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), based on publicly announced expansions. While complete data is not available for all of the projects, these expansions represent at least 8,829 new jobs and 1,672 retained jobs. They also reflect new investment of at least $2.4 billion and over 7.5 million square feet. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Six Minnesota Businesses Awarded $1.5 Million from Job Creation Fund

Friday, May 24, 2019

ST. PAUL – Business expansion projects in four Greater Minnesota communities and two metro locations will create more than 200 new jobs over the next three years. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is supporting these projects with grants totaling $1.5 million from the Job Creation Fund. Click here to view the original article from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Chamber Foundation launches forward-looking study of Minnesota’s economy Leading economic experts advising ‘Minnesota: 2030’

Thursday, October 31, 2019

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation announced a new statewide economic research project, “Minnesota: 2030.” When released, it will be the first deep-dive look at the state’s economy in 30 years. “Minnesota: 2030” will examine two major questions. First, how is Minnesota positioned to change and grow over the next decade, based on the performance of its existing regions and industries? Second, how can the state maximize opportunities to advance Minnesota’s economy? Click here to view the original article from Business North.

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