Swift County RDA News

Broadband Has Made it Possible for Rick Molenaar to Grow His Career in Swift County

Monday, December 30, 2019

Rick Molenaar has the best of both worlds. He lives in a place he loves and has a job that he enjoys. That’s all been possible thanks to Swift County’s border to border broadband. Swift County’s partnership with Federated Telephone has provided nearly ubiquitous coverage with speeds of 99.6%, making it the third-fastest county for broadband speeds in the state. “I work for a company based out of San Francisco, but because of broadband a lot of that work takes place at my kitchen table,” said Rick. His company, Trace Genomics, takes agricultural soil samples, extracting the DNA and mapping th...

Outside Funding Sources Important Tool in Swift County’s Housing Toolkit

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Swift County’s Rural Development Authority (RDA) and Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) applied for $500,000 from Minnesota Housing Finance Authority’s Rental Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program (RRDL). The funding helps owners of small to medium rental properties located outside of the five-county metropolitan area to finance moderate rehabilitation of structurally sound residential rental units. If the application is successful the money will enable the Swift County HRA to rehabilitate 15-20 units of rental property while maintaining rents that are affordable for Swift County residents. Winners of funding will be announced in March 2020. “The program is extremely competitive and a few things wil...

Stephanie Smith Moved to Swift County for Her Family and Career

Monday, November 25, 2019

As a young professional Stephanie Smith wanted a rewarding career - one that she would feel excited and passionate about. She found that in Swift County. Stephanie works for the University of Minnesota Extension Office in Swift County. She manages the day-to-day office functions of the Swift County Extension Office and provides support to 4-H and other related programs. “What I enjoy most about my job are the people and families I get to work with every day. I also really enjoy working with the local farmers,” she said. For Stephanie, working in a rural community was a natural fit. “...

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.

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...

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...