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![Northland Reliability Project provides sizable boost to state’s economy Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/files/NRP_EconomicImpact_LinkedIn_Jobs.jpg)
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...
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Great River Energy’s Business Expansion Loan Program encourages new energy sales through business expansion and development. The program favors commercial and industrial investment that brings new business into rural Minnesota. Stimulating industry development with the Business Expansion Loan Program Recipients must disburse funds to startups and expanding businesses, emphasizing land acquisition and...
![Meeting the growing demand for cold storage solutions Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/Post%201-31.jpg)
The cold storage industry is witnessing remarkable growth fueled by shifting consumer preferences and tightening regulations. With the global cold storage market reaching an estimated value of USD 119.8 billion in 2022 and projected to maintain a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% from 2023 to 2030, it's...
![New headquarters demonstrate cooperative focus on economic development Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/Post%201-32.jpg)
Many Great River Energy member-owner cooperatives have recognized the need to update their headquarters buildings, service centers and other facilities in recent years, to better serve their members and ensure the safety of their staff. The unique ways they have approached these projects have created significant economic development impacts for...
![Grand Rapids Herald Review: Businesses, communities, housing and outdoor recreation in northeastern Minnesota receive over $13 million in economic development funding Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/GRE%20Grand%20Rapids%20Herald%20Review.jpeg)
At Tuesday's Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board meeting, an estimated $9.5 million in business loans and grants, $2.9 million in housing grants, $793,652 in infrastructure grants and $52,600 in trails grants were reviewed to advance projects in northeastern Minnesota. Agency investment for all projects combined is over $13.2...
![Office of Energy and Transportation: $1.3 billion in funding announced for EV charging infrastructure Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/Office%20of%20Energy%20and%20Transportation%20%241_3%20billion%20in%20funding%20announced%20for%20EV%20charging%20infrastructure.png)
Office of Energy and Transportation: $1.3 billion in funding announced for EV charging infrastructure
May 30 2024The Biden-Harris Administration opened applications today for a historic $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. This is the largest single grant funding opportunity for EV charging in the nation’s history and...
![Maximizing Your Tourism Website: Strategies for Success in the Digital Age Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_6/images/maximizing-your-tourism-website-strategies-for-success-in-the-digital-age.jpg)
In the rapidly changing and highly competitive landscape of the tourism industry, the importance of leveraging digital tools and platforms cannot be overstated. With the widespread use of smartphones and other connected devices, travelers now have unprecedented access to information and resources to plan their trips. As such, tourism professionals...
![Grand Rapids Herald Review: GoMARTI expanding into Cohasset Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/GRE%20Grand%20Rapids%20Herald%20Review.jpeg)
Tammy Meehan Russel and Trisha Peterson were present to talk about goMARTI, at the Tuesday, May 14 regular Cohasset City Council meeting.Russel explained this is Minnesota’s accessible rural transit innovations. It started back in 2022, as a 24-month pilot program through September 2024. There are five self-driving shuttles (three wheelchair...
![Cook County News Herald: Visitors generate over $220 Million of economic activity in Cook County annually. Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/GRE%20Cook%20County%20News%20Herald.jpg)
Cook County News Herald: Visitors generate over $220 Million of economic activity in Cook County annually.
May 17 2024In celebration of the kickoff to summer, Visit Cook County is hosting an Open House on May 23Grand Marais, Minn. – May 14, 2024 – A new study by the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Community Development reveals the significant economic impact of visitors to Cook County, Minnesota.Annually, over...
![Refrigerated and Frozen Foods: RL Cold, Graycor Plan New Minneapolis Cold Storage Facility Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/RL-Cold-MN-Lakeville-Build%20Graycor%20Plan%20New%20Minneapolis%20Cold%20Storage%20Facility.jpg)
Refrigerated and Frozen Foods: RL Cold, Graycor Plan New Minneapolis Cold Storage Facility
May 16 2024RL Cold, a division of RealtyLink, LLC, recently broke ground on a 292,000-square-foot cold storage facility strategically located in Minneapolis to meet the demands of the area’s underserved market.Graycor Construction Company serves as the general contractor on the design-build project, with Ware Malcomb as the design partner.The Lakeville, Minnesota site...
![CBS News: Millions invested into researching possible manganese mine in small Minnesota town Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/10p-pkg-emily-manganese-wcco%20news.jpg)
CBS News: Millions invested into researching possible manganese mine in small Minnesota town
May 13 2024A recent discovery could bring a new kind of mining to cabin country. Geologists are reporting a massive discovery of manganese in the town of Emily.It isn't a treasure hunt anymore — a team of geologists says they were given a map with a giant "X" that dates back to...
![MSP Business Journals: Power lenders for CRE Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/best-img8042_900xx3556-2000-0-217.jpg)
MSP Business Journals: Power lenders for CRE
May 9 2024Community bank leaders in the Twin Cities recognize the high-profile troubles of downtown office markets, but that's not where they lend.For most banks, lending for rent-producing properties is a major part of their overall business plan. And while rising interest rates have drastically slowed this loan growth among the twin...
![MSP Business Journals: Minnesota is the fourth best state to live in, U.S. News says Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/bol-bridge-in-st-paul-dsc3976_900xx8256-4644-0-328.jpg)
Minnesota is closer to being known as the best state to live in, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best States ranking. Minnesota’s overall ranking was No. 4 —higher than last year’s No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best States ranking. The list was led...
![Bloomberg: Record Wave of Americans Fled Big Cities for Small Ones in 2023 Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/More%20Images/shutterstock_1607004745.jpg)
Score a victory for Mayberry. America’s small towns, like the iconic setting of television’s The Andy Griffith Show from the 1960s, saw more in-migration in 2023 than larger areas for the first time in decades.The remote work boom that prompted Americans to flee urban areas for mountain hamlets and seaside...
![Press Release: Members, Directors And Employees Officially Break Ground On New Operations Center And Headquarters Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/Stearns%20Electric%20Association%20Monday%2C%20May%206%20groundbreaking%20for%20the%20Cooperative%E2%80%99s%20new%20operations%20center%20hq.jpg)
Stearns Electric Association members, Board of Directors and employees came together on Monday, May 6, to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Cooperative’s new operations center and headquarters. Excitement was in the air as Stearns Electric CEO Matt O’Shea and Board President Eric Peterson welcomed individuals to the event and shared...
![CFC Solutions: Look for Data Centers To Impact US Power Markets, Co-ops Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/look-for-data-centers-to-impact-us-power-markets--co-ops0_thumb_800_800.png)
Data centers are an increasingly important industry for the world economy, helping innovate and increase efficiency across a wide variety of businesses and services. Through their vital role in supporting cloud-based services, 5G-wireless networks and the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI), data centers are set to be one of...
![Duluth News Tribune: Black-led nature retreat develops near Two Harbors Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/GRE%20Duluth%20news%20tribune.jpg)
Rebeka Ndosi's plan for a BIPOC-led, nature-based retreat on the North Shore is one step closer to fruition.On April 15, the Lake County Board of Commissioners approved Ndosi and her husband Matthew Myrold's bid for a conditional use permit, advancing the development of Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary.The retreat center...
![Mesabi Tribune: Despite cost challenges, Lake country Power holds the line Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/GRE%20Mesabi%20tribune.jpg)
In spite of rising costs for electrical distribution, Lake Country Power is not adjusting electricity rates to the rural cooperative's members in 2024.That's the message Lake Country Power General Manager Mark Bakk delivered to members of the cooperative at its annual meeting.Click here to read the full article from Mesabi...
![How to Master the Maze of Federal Funding in Manufacturing Site Selection Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_6/files/FundingMaze%20Area%20Development%20Q2.jpg)
Getting through the maze of federal funding and incentives in the world of manufacturing site selection and facility planning is akin to a high-stakes chess game. It's not just about the allure of the funds; it's the intricate dance of aligning these opportunities with your project's timelines and strategic goals...
![Engaging the Community in Your Tourism Efforts Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_6/images/engaging-the-community-in-your-tourism-efforts.jpg)
Engaging the Community in Your Tourism Efforts
Apr 29 2024Engaging the local community is crucial for the vitality and sustainability of the tourism sector. This commitment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens local economies and elevates the quality of life for residents.Fostering Community Support and InvolvementInclusive planning and development form the cornerstone of successful tourism initiatives...
![Echo Press: RDO marks 60 years of potato growing in Minnesota Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/echo_runestone.jpg)
For 60 years in a row, R.D. Offutt Farms seed potatoes were buried beneath the sandy soils near Park Rapids.It’s a tradition kept alive by the consumer looking for a steady flow of superior French fries, and RDO staff remaining on the cutting edge of potato production and sustainability.Tuesday, April...
![Duluth News Tribune: After helium discovery, lawmakers and state agencies eye regulations Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/download.jpg)
Duluth News Tribune: After helium discovery, lawmakers and state agencies eye regulations
Apr 20 2024Confirmation of a rich pocket of helium deep beneath Northeastern Minnesota's forest floor this winter has spurred state officials and legislators to create regulations for the fledging industry.Because Minnesota does not have a natural gas or oil extraction industry, existing rules don't account for the production of other gases like...
![Aitkin Independent Age: MLEC Fiber plans for busy season Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/mille_lacs_aitkin_age.jpg)
The mild winter weather has allowed for an early start to MLEC (Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative) Fiber construction and installation. Three projects will make MLEC Fiber Internet available to an additional 1.250 homes and businesses.MCGRATH AREAConstruction is wrapping up on the 100-mile fiber project, passing over 500 homes in the...
![MSP Business Journal: As SBA overhauls its marquee loan program, some banks are optimistic. Others see a 'mixed bag.' Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_2/images/News/gettyimages-1302714697.jpg)
The SBA is making several changes to a major loan program aimed at encouraging more banks to lend. Here's what it means for businesses, and why some bankers are optimistic.Mike McGinley is optimistic a raft of recent changes made by the Small Business Administration to its flagship 7(a) program will...