Spirits in the winery: Chankaska opens Distilled Spirits Room

'Bell Program' to target community college grads across U.S. MANKATO — A year after its Iron Range Engineering program was recognized as one of the world's most innovative, Minnesota State University is preparing to expand the concept to a national audience. "The Bell Program" is aimed at community...Continue Reading

Twenty-four residents of the Aitkin area returned March 29 from a five-day leadership retreat, the first segment of an intense eight-day training provided by the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The team also will participate in three follow-up workshops. A program of the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, BCLP has...Continue Reading

Trying to attract businesses from outside the community or launching startup businesses are key economic development activities. However, economic developers generally agree that the most practical strategy for growth is Business Retention and Expansion, or keeping established businesses in the community.  Enticing Businesses to Stay, co-authored by Michael Darger, University...Continue Reading