Swift County RDA News

Swift County 4-H is on the Cutting-Edge of Technology

Monday, October 21, 2019

A new app is being used to help Swift County MN 4-H to accomplish their mission of developing citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of the community’s youth through experiential learning programs. Stephanie Smith, Office Support Specialist for the University of Minnesota Swift County Extension, along with Becca Turnquist, Swift County 4-H Program Coordinator, helped to spearhead the creation and implementation of the app to make it easier for 4-H members, parents and alumni to stay connected to the organization and take advantage of programs and opportunities. According to Smith, their location in Swift County helped to make the project possible...

Becca Turnquist Found Her Dream Job in Swift County

Monday, September 30, 2019

Becca Turnquist, Swift County 4-H Program Coordinator, has chosen to grow her career in beautiful Swift County. Raised in the county, she decided to try something new and move to Fargo, North Dakota for college. “I enjoyed my time at North Dakota State University (Go Bison!), but ultimately, Swift County is home, and this is where I want to be,” she said. During college she had experience working at Fargo Public Schools and could have remained in the area but chose to move back to Minnesota. “Growing up as a Swift County 4-Her is what made me want to come back...

NYT: Hey, College Graduates: Don’t Dismiss Rural America

Monday, September 16, 2019

And in related news, this from The New York Times… EXCERPT: “When I talk to undergraduate students about their postgraduate plans … the answer inevitably reveals a common assumption: Big cities are where highly educated people must go to succeed economically and socially….But these preconceptions are not only incorrect, they are also unduly limiting the opportunities of new college graduates… Read full article.

Kohl's in Willmar to open September 29th

Saturday, September 07, 2019

(Willmar MN-) The new Kohl's store at The Kandi Mall in Willmar will open for business September 29th. According to a sign in the window of the store, they will have a grand opening event October 5th and Q102 will be broadcasting live. Kohl's is occupying the eastern side of the former Kmart Space on the southern end of the mall. The store will be smaller than the typical Kohl's store, and will employ 70 full and part time workers. Read full article.

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 released 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%). “Minnesota is committed to unleashing economic opportunitie...

Tech Startups: The FCC continues to close the digital divide with $121M in funding to connect and expand broadband internet to rural homes and businesses in 16 US states

Friday, September 06, 2019

EXCERPT: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it has authorized over $121 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 36,579 unserved rural homes and businesses in 16 states, representing the fourth wave of support from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction. Read full article.

Study shows Minneapolis is a good place to retire

Thursday, September 05, 2019

(Minneapolis MN-) With only 23 percent of Americans reporting that they are “very confident” they will have enough money for retirement, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2019’s Best & Worst Places to Retire. To help Americans plan for a comfortable retirement without breaking the bank, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 46 key measures of affordability, quality of life, health care and availability of recreational activities. The data set ranges from cost of living to retired taxpayer-friendliness to share of the population aged 65 and older. Read full article.

PFA Awards $7.5 Million in two Greater Minnesota Communities

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Le Sueur?County and?the City of?Pipestone to receive awards for water infrastructure projects ST. PAUL –?The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) announced that Le Sueur?County and?the City of?Pipestone will both receive awards for water infrastructure projects. “These water projects will protect Minnesota’s waterways and provide reliable water systems,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This is a perfect example of how state programs can help protect natural resources and?improve infrastructure.” “Making sure?Minnesotans?have access to water is one of the most important responsibilities of government.” said Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “These improvements will allow these Greater Minnesota communities t...

Recognizing Success in Foreign Markets

Thursday, August 22, 2019

We're pleased to announce that the Minnesota Trade Office is accepting nominations for the 33rd Governor's International Trade Awards. These awards honor Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in foreign markets and recognize the tremendous positive impact that exports and trade have on the state's overall economy.?Last year, we reached a record-high: Minnesota businesses exported $23 billion worth of goods to countries all over the world. We'll be accepting nominations for the Governor's International Trade Awards until Friday, September 13, 2019. The winners will be recognized at an event on Friday, October 11. Read full article.

MinnPost’s illustrated guide to municipal composting

Monday, August 19, 2019

Composting is the talk of lots of Minnesota towns these days, as dozens have adopted programs to collect residents’ table scraps and tissues and turn them into nutrient-rich soil. For the most part, composting is easy: most things that come from animals and plants can go in the bin. But it’s not always that clear-cut. What about wine corks? A dead goldfish? Pizza boxes? And why does it have to be bagged? (We’ll tackle that last one right away: the bags help the compost clear the bin cleanly in collection.) Read full article.

What the Gannett-GateHouse merger means for Minnesota

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Gannett Co. Inc. and GateHouse Media — two of the biggest newspaper chains in the U.S. — recently announced plans to merge. Under the terms of the agreement, GateHouse owner New Media Investment Group plans to acquire Gannett, publisher of USA Today and several smaller papers across the country. The new company would retain the Gannett name. Both Gannett and GateHouse have a presence in Minnesota, though GateHouse’s market share here is considerably larger. GateHouse publishes eight papers in the state, most of them weekly, while Gannett’s sole presence in Minnesota is the daily St. Cloud Times. Read full article.

Help Lead Our Workforce Development Grantmaking Center of Excellence

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Earlier in the year, we rolled out a plan to make our competitive grantmaking processes more transparent, fast and fair. Now we’re searching for a director of Employment and Training Programs who can get behind these processes, work strategically and thoughtfully with state and federal partners, and build a center of excellence in grantmaking that will be central to Minnesota’s workforce development needs. We're looking for a proven leader, who knows Minnesota's workforce development, economic development and education policies and programs inside and out. The director, who is part of our senior leadership team, is responsible for day-to-day coordination, implementation and results for a full workforce development program portfolio that includes Adult and Career Pathways Programs...

New women’s gym in Willmar designed for multicultural appeal

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

A new gym in Willmar is bringing fitness with the comfort of women in mind. The space will have the staples of a regular gym, like ellipticals, treadmills and a few dumbbells. But unlike other fitness centers, only women will be allowed to exercise there. The rule is seen as a boon to the health and privacy of Somali women in particular, who often feel uneasy working out in the town’s co-ed gyms. “The thing is, women cannot open their hair in front of men,” said Lul Ahmed, a 20-year-old Somali resident who advised the project. “We didn’t have like, (a) privat...

Yellow Medicine County getting federal broadband money

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

(Washington D.C.) -- The Federal Communications Commission says they are providing 28-point-five million dollars in broadband funding to rural households in Minnesota. The money will go to around eight thousand homes and businesses across the state. The funding will be distributed over the next 10 years. Polk, Traverse, Blue Earth, Freeborn, Kittson, Marshall, Mower and Yellow Medicine are among the counties receiving the funding. Read original article.

Former DEED Field Operations Manager Ray Douha to Lead Veterans Employment Programs

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Former DEED Field Operations Manager Ray Douha to Lead Veterans Employment Programs

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Ray Douha, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has been named Director of Veterans Employment Services at DEED. Douha is not new to DEED nor to the Veterans Employment Services program. Most recently, he served as a field operations manager where he successfully hired, trained and provided program guidance to 17 veterans staff at DEED. He also served as Unemployment Insurance supervisor, responsible for project management, veterans’ outreach, performance management, and the overall customer experience. While stationed in San Diego, CA with the U.S. Navy, Douha was attached to Helicopter Combat Search and Rescue Antisubmarine Squadron. He held positions as work center supervisor, flight deck coordinator, and air warfare specialist. Ray completed several deployments to Southeast Asia an...

Barrett Petfood Innovations Expanding to Little Falls

Monday, August 12, 2019

The move is expected to create 85 jobs within the next three years with an average wage of $15.98 per hour. ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Barrett Petfood Innovations (BPI) will expand to Little Falls. The move is expected to create 85 jobs within the next three years with an average wage of $15.98 per hour. DEED is supporting the project with a $450,000 investment from the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), and a $175,000 investment from the Job Creation Fund (JCF). “Barrett Petfood Innovations is a rapidly growing company in central Minnesota with customers locate...

PFA Approves $12 Million for Water Infrastructure Projects

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Awards will fund water infrastructure projects in Aitkin, Dassel, Gibbon and Marshall ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) announced $12 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Aitkin, Dassel, Gibbon, Marshall. “These projects will increase access to clean water and protect the environment,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This represents a great investment in the health and wellbeing of our local communities.” “Water infrastructure continues to be a vital resource for Minnesota communities,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “These projects represent an investment in the future health and economic growth of Greater Minnesota.” Read full article.

REGIONAL REPORTS: THE TURNING TIDES OF RED WING

Monday, August 05, 2019

THE OLD, ESTABLISHED RIVER CITY IS CRAFTING A FUTURE WHILE MAINTAINING HISTORIC TRADITIONS. It’s easy to think of Red Wing as little more than a picturesque town on the Mississippi downriver from St. Paul. And that picture isn’t exactly wrong. Red Wing’s downtown has charm. There are shops, restaurants, and the venerable St. James Hotel. But there’s much more to Red Wing than historic charm. The city of 16,572 is also home to a remarkable diversity of businesses. About 21 percent of all jobs in Red Wing are in manufacturing, a sector that includes famed “craft manufacturers” Red Wing Shoes and Red Win...

PFA Approves $20.8 Million for Projects in Three Greater Minnesota Cities

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Awards will fund water infrastructure projects in Oronoco, Marshall and Detroit Lakes ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) announced $20.8 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Oronoco, Marshall and Detroit Lakes. “These three Greater Minnesota cities are utilizing PFA resources to improve their community wastewater infrastructure,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I congratulate these three cities on their awards.” “Investing in a water infrastructure prepares these communities for future economic growth,” said Steve Grove, PFA chair and commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “The PFA continues to be a critical tool in helping communitie...

Minnesota Adds 3,300 Jobs in June

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Labor force participation rate increases to 70% ST. PAUL – Minnesota gained 3,300 jobs in June and the state’s unemployment rate held at 3.3% according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7%. May’s previously announced gain of 100 jobs was revised upward to 2,000 jobs. The state has now gained jobs in four consecutive months for the first time since February 2018. Annual employment growth rebounded to 20,992 for a 0.7% gain. Minnesota’s labor force participate rate also inched up a tenth point to an even 70%. Read full article.

Group considers new Willmar city hall/Community Center combo

Thursday, July 18, 2019

(Willmar MN-) The search for a site for a new Willmar City Hall seems to be moving out of the downtown area. City Hall Task Force member Mayor Marv Calvin says the group met to review downtown sites like Block 25-the former Nelsen Laundry site-as well as remodeling or rebuilding at the current city hall site, and the group didn't like what they saw... Read full article.

500 cyclists coming to Benson July 25

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

An estimated 500 bicyclists and 125 support people raising money for the fight against Multiple sclerosis (MS) are expected to be staying overnight in Benson, Thursday, July 25. Most of the bikers and their support teams will be camping out at Ambush Park. The City of Benson agreed last year to host the bikers and is looking for the community to extend a welcome during an evening of entertainment and camaraderie at the park. There will be a beer garden sponsored by the Benson Golf Club, singing groups, city bus rides around the community, “people mover” wagon rides and food provided. Th...

Minnesota Business Firms Expect Stable Conditions in 2020

Tuesday, July 16, 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. The result...

Five Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Funding will support infrastructure improvements in Hutchinson, Kenyon, Paynesville, Perham and Sleepy Eye ST. PAUL – Grants totaling $5.3 million were approved by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities. DEED awarded the funding from its Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) for projects in Hutchinson, Kenyon, Paynesville, Perham and Sleepy Eye. The grants were all approved in the second quarter of 2019 and are expected to create or retain 365 full-time jobs. Read full article.

Minnesota Hops Take a Giant Leap Forward

Thursday, July 11, 2019

What exactly do Minnesota-grown hops taste like? Beer lovers, gather round, we are in receipt of some of the biggest Minnesota-beer news of all time. First off, Minnesota's poised to break our all-time hops harvest this year, with 100,000 pounds coming out of Mighty Axe hops in Foley, just north of St. Cloud. That's more than before Prohibition, it's more than ever. But that's only the start of this story, because Mighty Axe founder, hops-champion, and CEO Eric Sannerud feels so strongly that the hops he's growing are unique in the world, in terms of their flavor and aromas, that he's rebrande...

PFA Approves more than $36 million for projects in five Minnesota cities

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

The PFA approved funding for Columbia Heights, De Graff, Little Falls, Ortonville, and Perham ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved just over $36 million in grant and loan funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. The cities of Ortonville, De Graff, Perham, Columbia Heights and Little Falls were approved for funding. “These projects will revitalize existing water infrastructure,” said Governor Tim Walz, “Thanks to the hard work of the PFA and these local governments, these Minnesota cities will have clean drinking water and safe waterways for years to come.” “Water infrastructure is a vital resource to a growing community,&rdquo...

Minnesota Hops Take a Giant Leap Forward

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

DEED Awards Over $3 Million for Contamination Cleanup

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Fifteen grants will attract $245.7 million in private investment ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded funding under the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grants Program for 15 different projects totaling more than $3,400,000. The projects are expected to create and retain jobs and add over 200 affordable housing units. “Contaminated sites are standing in the way of growth," said Governor Tim Walz. “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 affordable housing units, and allow Minnesota to build for the future." Read full article.

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire a Veteran Month" to encourage Minnesota employers to connect the state's 153,000 military service members of working age with employment opportunities in July and throughout the year. As part of “Hire a Veteran Month,” DEED is inviting job-seeking veterans, active military members, and their spouses to attend the 13th Annual Veterans Career Fair on Wednesday, July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Brooklyn Center. The event will provide networking opportunities with over 100 on-site employers who have been encouraged to offer full-time jobs with benefits an...

Governor Walz Proclaims “Hire A Veteran Month” in Minnesota

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

ST. PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has declared July 2019 "Hire a Veteran Month" in the State of Minnesota. Governor Walz's proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year. "Veterans returning from deployments face higher unemployment rates and experience more challenges entering the workforce," said Governor Walz. "I encourage all Minnesota employers to give veterans the uppermost consideration when hiring." As part of "Hire a Veteran Month," Minnesota veterans are encouraged to attend the 13th Annual Veterans Career Fair taking place on Wednesday...

DEED Awards Small Cities Development Grants

Friday, June 28, 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. “I’m working to improve infrastructure and access to housing for Minnesota families,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Thes...

Launch Minnesota: Help Shape Minnesota's Startup Ecosystem

Thursday, June 27, 2019

I wrote about the creation of Launch Minnesota, a new program at DEED designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state. We’re excited to get Launch Minnesota off the ground, but we need your help in building a team that can make state government a meaningful contributor to Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. DEED is looking for an Executive Director to run Launch Minnesota, but this isn’t your typical state government job. You’ll be based in a co-working space working directly with startups and entrepreneurs every day. This is truly a unique way to help shape Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. This executive directo...

Swift County Businesses Are Leveraging Border to Border Broadband to Grow

Monday, June 24, 2019

Swift County, known for its enterprising nature, has something incredibly rare in rural communities – border to border broadband. Historically, companies, entrepreneurs and those working from home, have had to choose between expensive cities with broadband access and rural communities with slow internet connections. This is not the case in Swift County. Here, businesses and residents have the advantage of living somewhere affordable and beautiful, while still being able to work remotely, connect with customers across the country, stream and upload content, etc. In Swift County, you can have it all and sacrifice nothing. Local Businesses Are Leveraging Broadband to Grow Fast interne...

Swift County ranked 3rd in Minnesota for broadband speeds at 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up

Sunday, June 23, 2019

They don't call us Swift for nothing. Who is Super Fast? Swift County is Super Fast!! Swift County moves to 3rd place in Minnesota state rankings of broadband availability of speeds at 100 Mbps down & 20 Mbps up. This is 38 county improvement over 2018 when Swift County ranked 41st in the state. Read more at the Blandin on Broadband blog, by Ann Treacy at this link: http://j.mp/2X3nSJE #SwiftConnections

Swift County Is Enterprising by Nature

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Enterprising by nature is more than a tagline. It describes the essence of Swift County, the attitude of the people who call it home, and the drive behind the county’s innovative business climate. Here, young professionals, families, community leaders, business owners and cooperatives are working side by side to leverage Swift County’s assets and make the most out of life. This is an active community – the type of place where seizing the day means both creating and enjoy opportunities. And opportunities are everywhere. Swift County has a history of being enterprising A spirit of entrepreneurism that has been a cornerstone of Swif...

Letter: Quality child care is vital to growing our workforce

Friday, May 24, 2019

My wife Mary and I are the proud parents of two-year old twins. Raising them is the most amazing thing we’ve ever had the opportunity to do - so every morning when I leave for work, it’s hard to say goodbye. But you know what makes it a lot easier? Knowing they’re going to grow and learn all day long, thanks to the excellent child care we have available. Unfortunately, for many Minnesota families, excellent childcare (or any child care at all, for that matter) is simply not available. Read full article.

Enticing Businesses to Stay

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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 of Minnesota Extension, and Cameron Macht, DEED, looks at results from DEED’s Business Employment Dynamics dataset and provides insights and examples from ongoing business retention and expansion projects in Barnesville, near Fargo-Moorhead, and Cottage Grove, metro area. Read full blog post.

Improving Our Competitive Grantmaking at DEED

Monday, May 20, 2019

The mission of DEED is to grow the economy of Minnesota for everyone. One of the most important ways we pursue that mission is through partnerships. Minnesota is home to many nonprofit and civic organizations who are building innovative solutions to help Minnesotans from all backgrounds find meaningful employment across the state. By working with excellent partners, we can do so much more for Minnesota’s job-seekers and businesses. One of the ways we work with partners is through competitive grants, which create competition between organizations for state dollars to meet DEED’s mission. Over time, some of our community partners have tol...

Kerkhoven EDA Launches $12,500 "Jump-Start Kerkhoven" Business Plan Contest

Monday, May 13, 2019

Kerkhoven EDA Launches $12,500 “Jump-Start Kerkhoven” Business Plan Contest The Kerkhoven Economic Development Authority has officially launched its “Jump-Start Downtown” business plan competition – which is designed to identify and assist with the start-up of a new business on Kerkhoven’s Main Street. With over $12,500 in prizes, potential to take ownership of a downtown building, the contest is one of the largest of its kind. Prizes include $10,000 in start-up capital, $2,500 in marketing consultation and services, free Small Business Management classes, on-going business coaching & mentoring, free business checking, and more! Any type of business is eligible, so long as it meet...

RDA Participates in Great Plains Institute’s The Future of Anaerobic Digestion in Minnesota

Thursday, April 18, 2019

RDA Participates in Great Plains Institute’s 'The Future of Anaerobic Digestion in Minnesota'. Providing opportunities for community and economic development in Swift County Benson, April 18, 2019 — Swift County RDA staff participated in a facilitated discussion regarding the Future of Anaerobic Digestion in Minnesota. The one-day event was held April 17th in St. Paul and facilitated by Great Plains Institute, a nonpartisan, national, nonprofit organization transforming the energy system to benefit the economic and the environment. RDA’s Executive Director, Jennifer Frost participated, along of over twenty-five energy, environment, and development professionals, including those integral to advancing anaerobic digestion in Swift County: Rob Wolfington, Cit...