Swift County RDA News

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...

DEED Names Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development

Friday, May 17, 2019

Recently appointed Assistant Commissioner of Economic Opportunity Hamse Warfa has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development here at DEED. In this role, Warfa will continue to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity, and will also take on leadership of Employment and Training Programs, CareerForce, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Warfa’s experience in the philanthropic/nonprofit and private sectors has helped him bring great thinking to DEED’s workforce efforts. After interviewing dozens of candidates for our commissioner-level roles in workforce development, I’m confident that Hamse is the right leader for these efforts. Read full blog post.

Northrop Grumman Expands Plymouth Operations

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

The company is expected to create more than 60 high quality jobs within the next three years ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Northrop Grumman plans to improve their existing 191,000 square foot facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, and is expected to create more than 60 new high quality jobs during the next three years. DEED is supporting the project with a $600,000 loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund, and $700,000 from the Job Creation Fund. Read full press release.

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...

Minnesota adds 1,300 Jobs in March

Monday, May 13, 2019

Unemployment rate at 3.2 percent ST. PAUL – Minnesota gained 1,300 seasonally adjusted jobs in March while the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.2 percent according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8 percent. Minnesota total over-the-year growth rebounded back into positive territory in March as employment was up 7,605 or 0.3 percent over last March. February’s seasonally adjusted job loss was reduced through revisions by 1,000 jobs to 7,800 jobs lost. Read full press release.

PFA Awards Over $28 million in Water Infrastructure projects

Friday, May 10, 2019

Funding will support five projects in Greater Minnesota ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $28.35 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glencoe, Glenwood and Rice County. “I’m working hard to rebuild infrastructure in every corner of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I’m excited that $28 million dollars will be going directly to these greater Minnesota communities to help improve their water quality. Everyone in Minnesota deserves clean drinking water–regardless of their zip code.” “These PFA dollars are a valuable resource to communities all across Minnesota,” sai...

Reps. Miller and Baker and Sen. Lang part of Trump roundtable Monday

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

(Burnsville MN-) Representatives Dave Baker and Tim Miller and Senator Andrew Lang were among about 200 people who attended the business round table discussion with President Trump in Burnsville. Baker, Miller and Lang said while they didn't have a chance to speak with Trump one-on-one, it was a great experience and they appreciated the tax cuts Trump was Trumpetting... Read full article.

Q&A: Workforce director, council positioning workers for jobs

Tuesday, May 07, 2019

When she was growing up in the Twin Cities Jewish Community in St. Louis Park, Andrea Ferstan learned two Hebrew words that would inspire her to fix the things around her that she could. “Tikkun olan” translates to “repair the world.” Ferstan, who was recently named as the first executive director of the Greater Metropolitan Workforce Council, has long been working toward that goal in her professional life, which has centered on linking people with jobs. Her career path is rooted in social justice, something she a learned from watching her mother work in the Minnesota Department of Health. She was also inspire...

Budget for One Minnesota: Broadband

Monday, May 06, 2019

Access to robust broadband is a critical factor in the economic and social sustainability of all Minnesota communities. In 2014, the state of Minnesota set a goal of border-to-border broadband access by 2022, signaling that access to quality broadband service should be a right for all Minnesotans. Read full blog post.

Budget for One Minnesota: Closing the Opportunity Gap

Friday, May 03, 2019

A report by 24/7 Wall Street ranked Minnesota as the second-worst state in the country for racial equality. Although U.S. Census figures show income gains and lower unemployment rates for Minnesotans of color, we’re still experiencing drastic inequality in these areas across the state. Governor Walz’s Closing the Opportunity Gap investment continues direct appropriations made in the 2018-2019 biennial budget and funds competitive youth employment programs that target at-risk youth. Read full blog post.

Growing Our Leadership for Minnesota's Workforce

Thursday, May 02, 2019

One of the most important areas of focus for our work at DEED is to help Minnesota workers from all professional backgrounds find great jobs, and to help companies large and small meet their hiring needs – enabling our economy to grow and thrive. That’s why we’ve decided to expand the leadership team within the DEED commissioner’s office by creating two Assistant Commissioner positions to lead our workforce efforts. We’ve just posted these two unclassified jobs – one is as an Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Services (Keyword 31802) and one is as an Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Development (Keyword 31799). You can find out mor...

Minnesota Exports Jump to Record $23 Billion in 2018

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Canada and China lead in export gains ST. PAUL – Minnesota exports of goods grew 10 percent between 2017 and 2018, reaching a record high of $23 billion, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 8 percent during the same period. Minnesota’s solid export performance led to the state’s ranking rising to 20th highest in exports among all states in 2018, up from 23rd last year. Export growth was strong, even within an environment of continued uncertainty created by changing trade policies in the U.S. and trading partners. Read full press release.

DEED Awards $2 Million in Redevelopment Grants and Loans

Monday, April 29, 2019

Five sites Awarded Funding for Demolition and Redevelopment DEED awarded four redevelopment grants for the cities of Mankato, Minneapolis, Woodbury and Edina. Fergus Falls Port Authority was also awarded a Demolition Loan from the agency. “Redevelopment can be a costly and time-consuming process for local municipalities,” said Governor Tim Walz. “With DEED’s assistance, these projects will attract or retain 455 jobs and increase the local tax base by as much as $1.76 million.” “Turning blighted and underutilized sites into productive uses is a good investment,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The criteria for DEED’s Redevelopment Grant Program and Demolition Loan programs ensure tha...

Baker says bill to help businesses hurt by Benson Power Plant closure advances

Friday, April 26, 2019

(Benson MN-) Representative Dave Baker says The House Energy and Climate Finance Policy Division passed his bill seeking compensation for businesses affected by the closure last year of the Benson Power Plant. Baker says two years ago the legislature passed a bill allowing Xcel Energy to get out of a 20-year agreement to buy power from the plant. Xcel said the power, created by burning turkey litter and wood chips, was too expensive. Xcel bought the plant and shut it down, and is now entertaining offers from businesses interested in creating a new biomass plant there. Baker says closing the plan...

Why Minnesota's Broadband Push is Crucial to Rural Residents

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Rural communities in Minnesota fail to conduct timely business because they lack fast Internet. In one town, it's the difference between employment and mass layoffs. A new state bill would fund broadband for two years. (TNS) — International Falls, Minn. – After more than 30 years of doing business in this longtime mill town, Optum Health plans to close its health care claims office this summer. The good news is the company's 90 workers can keep their jobs. The bad news is that offer is good only if they're able to work remotely. And those who live outside the city limits ma...

DEED seeks $70 million for rural broadband

Monday, April 22, 2019

After a five-year effort to bring broadband internet to rural Minnesota, state leaders believe the finish line is in sight. Under Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development would spend $35 million in both 2020 and 2021 to support the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. That $70 million will put the state on track to hit a statutory goal of extending broadband to all Minnesotans by 2022, DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said. Read full article.

Meet Claire Goff – a Marketing & Communications Coordinator Growing her Career in Swift County

Monday, April 22, 2019

Claire Goff is a millennial and the Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company, a farmer-owned business in Swift County. She is responsible for the branding and identity of the CVEC and CVEC owned, Glacial Grain Spirits, handling the appearance and tone of information and the traditional and digital marketing strategies for both entities. We wanted to learn about her experience as a marketing manager and what she loves about working and living in Swift County. Here is what Claire had to say – Q: What inspired you to go into your career? A: My education and backgroun...

Best & Worst States for Women

Friday, April 19, 2019

In 2019, women in some parts of America still get the short end of the stick — even as they outnumber men in most states. For instance, women representnearly two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers in the U.S. Their political representation also suffers, as women make up 51% of the U.S. population but only 25% of the Senate and 23.4% of the House of Representatives. And the prevalence of sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in 2019’s political landscape. In order to determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the Distric...

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...

MSP named best airport in North America for 3rd year in a row

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

It shared the honor this year with Detroit. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport continues to fly high atop the rankings for the best airports in the world. The Twin Cities travel hub was named the best airport in North America for its size for the third year in a row by Airports Council International (ACI). It shared top billing in North America for airports that handle 25-40 million passengers with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Read full article.

Swift County Can Be Proud of Farmer-Owned Glacial Grain Spirits

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Glacial Grain Spirits (GGS) is a value-added agriculture company located in Swift County. They produce high-quality alcohol that is being used by manufacturers throughout the United States. If you have sipped American vodka or used hand sanitizer, there’s a chance you’re using an end product that started as corn grown in the fields in and around Swift County. This is the magic of Glacial Grain Spirits and their parent company Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co. – they have created a way for locally grown crops to be utilized in a number of different ways – strengthening farmers and our economy i...

Building up gender diversity

Monday, April 15, 2019

If enrollment growth at Dunwoody College of Technology is a good tape measure, women are poised to made big strides in Minnesota’s construction industry. Women currently make up about 18 percent of all students in the school’s popular construction management program, up from just 2 percent a decade ago, said Heather Gay, who has taught at Dunwoody since 2008. Those rising numbers are no accident, school officials say, as Dunwoody has been deliberate about bringing more women into the school’s technical programs. Read full article.

Budget for One Minnesota: Child Care Investment and Integrity

Friday, April 12, 2019

For many Minnesota families, child care is a necessity, yet a growing number of Minnesotans can’t access it – it just doesn’t exist. The number of licensed family childcare providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesota since 2005, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Census data from 2014 show that about 310,000 children in Minnesota ages 0-5 have both parents or guardians in the workforce and likely need some form of child care. Lack of affordable, quality child care is a significant barrier to workforce participation that can negatively affect job and wealth creation, business expansion and retention...

Budget for One Minnesota: Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

States and cities that create attractive environments for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative talent are quickly distancing their economies from those who do not. For every one job created in the innovation sector, five more jobs are created in adjacent sectors – the strongest network effect in job growth today. Minnesota must put our economy on the cutting edge of this ecosystem by making strategic investments in our innovation ecosystem. The proposed Minnesota Innovation Collaborative (MIC) contains a series of initiatives focused on growing Minnesota’s innovation economy by accelerating the growth of our startup ecosystem and attracting top technology talent to the state. Comprise...

Budget for One Minnesota: Community Prosperity

Monday, April 08, 2019

Prosperity and opportunity for all people in all parts of our state stems from the well-being of their community. Governor Tim Walz’s budget ensures that communities are thriving – not just surviving. His budget expands access to affordable childcare and housing, invests in infrastructure and broadband internet, and gives local leaders the tools they need to succeed. In total, the Budget for One Minnesota represents an investment of $432 million in community prosperity investments over the next two years, with an additional $1.9 billion in transportation and infrastructure. Read full article.

Minnesota adds 3,800 Jobs in January

Friday, April 05, 2019

Unemployment rate ticks up to 3 percent ST. PAUL - Minnesota added 3,800 jobs statewide during the first month of 2019, and the state's unemployment rate increased to 3 percent, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in January. Read full article.

Expo Gets Youth to Think About Careers; Employers, the Next-gen Workforce

Thursday, April 04, 2019

An HR executive, truck loader, court reporter and physical therapist will be among 25 Minnesota professionals who are blind, DeafBlind, or low-vision networking with blind students at the 2019 Career Expo sponsored by State Services for the Blind. The Expo highlights the diversity of career paths for job seekers who are blind. This free event, focused on high school and undergraduate students, will be held Sat., April 27 at Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Conference Center B. Directions. Click here for event details.

DEED Names Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Will lead strategic, department-wide efforts to address economic disparities ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Hamse Warfa has been named Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity. This external-facing role will work with stakeholder groups, DEED partners, and local officials and boards across the state to advance economic equity in our State and amplify DEED programs that target under-invested and under-capitalized communities of color. Additionally, the position will work internally with DEED's senior leadership team to bring a lens of equity into the agency and champion department-specific objectives against priorities for economic equity. This role will lead DEED's Offic...

Funding rural broadband: A no-brainer for this legislative session

Friday, March 22, 2019

Consider this your daily affirmation of Minnesota’s excellence: We have the best funding structure for connecting our rural areas to high quality broadband internet access. You can thank the Minnesota’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program housed within the Department of Employment and Economic Development for this. The overarching goal of this program is to extend high quality and affordable internet access to all Minnesotans, especially those in unserved or underserved areas. Despite the myriad partisan battles between 2014 and now, the Minnesota Legislature has allocated $90.5 million to the program, providing a booster shot to the economy of Greater Minnesota. Interne...

Here’s the No. 1 state for jobs in the U.S. — and it’s not California or New York

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

The U.S. economy added 304,000 jobs in January, but not all jobs are created equally The U.S. added 304,000 jobs in January, as the country continued to enjoy the best labor market in decades. But even as the economy gains jobs at a breakneck pace, not all workers will benefit equally from the booming jobs market. That depends where those people choose to live and work — and while populous states like New York and Texas may seem the most attractive for job-seekers, it’s Iowa that may be the best bet for people looking for work. Iowa ranked as the best state for job...

March 2019 - Minnesota Economic Trends

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Economic development professionals agree that Business Retention and Expansion – BRE – is the most practical strategy for growth. Co-authors Cameron Macht and Michael Darger pair the Business Employment Dynamics dataset with ongoing projects that aim to keep businesses in Barnesville and Cottage Grove. Using transfer payment data, Dave Senf tracks Minnesota’s per capita personal income ranking over the last 20 years. Elsewhere, Sanjukta Chaudhuri and Carrie Marsh walk us through the Bachelor’s Degree and Career Destination tool – BDCD – funded through a 2015 State Longitudinal Data Systems grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Lastly, David Stokman, former intern with DEE...

March 2018 Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

A Public Meeting was held at 5:00p.m. on Wednesday March 14, 2018 to discuss the TDS Franchise for the City of Murdock.. All Council members were present as well as Adam Simmonds and Trista Kavanagh. Mike Wentzel from TDS was at the meeting to present information regarding TDS providing Cable Service as a choice for residents of Murdock. Discussion was held and questions answered. The Public meeting was adjourned at 5:30p.m. The Murdock City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 5:30p.m. with all members present. Adam Simmonds was also present. February meeting minutes were read and approve...