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A significant economic boost is expected from the Northland Reliability Project with positive effects on jobs and wages as well as about $2 billion in total impacts to Minnesota’s economy according to the findings of a recent study.Great River Energy and Minnesota Power are planning to build the 180-mile, double-circuit...
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a USDA proclamation to recognize October 2024 as the Department’s 60th anniversary of National Cooperative Month.Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $17 billion in loans and grants to spur economic development, catalyze rural prosperity...
Local farm-fresh meat is becoming easier to access in Milaca with the construction and planned opening of its newest meat-processing facility and retail store.The full-service Milaca Meats will provide locally raised meat from processing to smoking to retail all under one roof once its doors open, with the retail side...
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy expects the company to remain the world's largest renewable energy-buying company for "several years to come," he said Thursday.Why it matters: His comments signal that tech's outsized influence on green energy adoption will remain intact as AI reshapes demand for electricity and resources.The remarks came during...
If you’re in the food manufacturing business, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about cold storage over the last few years. It’s not just a trend. Cold storage is rapidly becoming a critical component of the industrial real estate landscape. The pandemic has only accelerated this shift, highlighting the essential...
Cook County is set to receive a substantial $1 million grant from DEED, a significant boost for the community. This grant will be utilized for two key projects: development of a strategic plan for the transition of the former Taconite Harbor Energy Center located in Schroeder Township; and land acquisition,...
Minnesota employers added 14,400 jobs in August, the largest monthly increase in jobs since July 2022, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).Over the month, employment grew by 0.5% in Minnesota, far faster than the national rate of 0.1%. Minnesota's unemployment rate increased slightly...
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced 31 cities, townships and counties across Greater Minnesota will receive nearly $21 million in Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants. The funding will be used for commercial and residential property rehabilitation, public facility improvements and other economic development projects."DEED's Small...
Echo Press: Runestone Electric Association board awards several grants to community programs
Sep 18 2024The Runestone Electric Association’s Operation Round Up Trust Board approved $11,814 to go toward assisting local community programs during its recent quarterly meeting. The funds were available thanks to contributions from REA’s participating members.The Runestone Electric Association’s Operation Round Up Trust Board is a voluntary board made up of seven...
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport won top honors for passenger satisfaction among the nation’s largest airports, according to a survey released Wednesday by the global consulting firm J.D. Power.MSP regained supremacy in the “mega” category with more than 33 million annual passengers, handily beating Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which came...
Business North: Entrepreneur Fund receives $9 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Sep 17 2024The Entrepreneur Fund (EFund) has received an extraordinary $9 million unrestricted gift from Yield Giving, an organization established by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This investment will allow EFund to further its mission of supporting small businesses and driving economic growth in underserved communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Duluth-based group...
Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota exports of goods surged to $7.1 billion in the second quarter of 2024, a 17% increase over the same period in 2023. Minnesota's export growth topped the national rate (5%) for the quarter and was stronger than all but eight other states."Minnesota's rapid...
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $552,820 in Launch Minnesota Business Operation Innovation Grants to 21 Minnesota startups that have created innovative technology solutions; 76% of the grantees are startups led by entrepreneurs of color, veterans, women or persons with disabilities or are located in Greater...
Collaborative EcosystemsAs concerns over climate change and resource scarcity intensify, Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) are emerging as a noteworthy tool for promoting sustainable economic growth, while minimizing environmental impact. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) defines an EIP as [a community of businesses located on common property, seeking enhanced environmental,...
Environmentally conscious businesses can reduce their environmental impact with the help of the Energy Efficiency and Electrification (E3) Commercial Financing Program provided by Great River Energy. These loans provide the necessary funding to reduce net carbon production while creating new electrical revenue for cooperative members.Member-owner cooperatives provide pass-through loans with...
Out of Sites? Out of Mind.
Sep 2 2024Site readiness programs have significantly evolved over the decades, influenced by changing project demands and market trends.New York pioneered proactive site readiness with the Build Now New York program in the late 1990s. Initially, these programs centered on earning certifications, like a seal of approval — signaling credibility but varying...
Funding for projects leading to net carbon reduction and new energy sales are now available through Great River Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Electrification (E3) commercial financing options. Commercial customers of energy cooperative members can apply for a single-project loan of up to $350,000 for carbon-reduction and electrification projects, including heavy...
Adam Hansen launched his own cabinetry business 20 years ago, when he was just 21 years old and had $1,500 to invest. In the intervening two decades, it steadily grew — initially from A-Cab Custom Woodworking (when it employed, well, him) to Hansen & Company Woodworks a few years ago,...
Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $5 million for three business expansion projects in the state. The projects are expected to support 175 jobs and leverage $72 million in outside investment."We didn't achieve our ranking as a top state...
Great River Energy’s pass-through loan programs fund land acquisition, construction cost, and equipment purchases for new and expanding businesses. Other loans invest in electrification and net carbon reduction projects. Equipment, land acquisition and construction costs are all covered by GRE loan programs Eligible commercial customers can apply for the Business Expansion Loan...
Golden Shovel Agency: Navigating the Skyways: Exploring Federal Funding for Local Airports
Aug 19 2024Federal funding is available to help preserve, expand, and upgrade local airport facilities. “From Runways to Revenue: Economic Benefits of Your Local Airport” provides key information and tips on how to secure this funding. Before downloading, here is an overview of what you need to know.Federal Funding for Airports: Part...
The proliferation of data centers across America is helping to power the nation's increasing digital economy - but for some, it's coming at too high, or too unknown, of a cost. The data center boom isn't new, but the rate at which these projects are being planned, proposed, and built is...
Tribal Business News: $2 billion secured for tribal clean energy as EPA locks in historic funding
Aug 16 2024The Environmental Protection Agency announced it has fully obligated the $27 billion allocated by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to 68 awardees across three grant programs. By officially obligating the funds, the Biden administration ensures that the commitments are irrevocable, even if there’s a shift in the White House...
Two years ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in world history. Key to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, this transformative law is lowering energy costs, creating new income streams, and tackling the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction...
