Swift County RDA News

Swift County may soon have another tool to encourage the expansion of affordable workforce housing options in Swift County.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Swift County may soon have another tool to encourage the expansion of affordable workforce housing options in Swift County. HRA and RDA Executive Directors are proposing an ordinance to the Swift County Board that will establish a county-wide housing trust fund; a permanent and continuously renewable source of funding to help meet the housing needs of moderate, low income and very low income households. The trust fund is expected to provide loans and grants to individual property owners, homeowners, for-profit and nonprofit housing developers and governmental units. “It’s something we hear all the time – when people are considering a jo...

A Disciplined Road Map for Industrial Site Selection

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

It’s almost always good news when an industrial manufacturer needs to find a new plant site. It means business is growing, new markets are emerging, and financials are healthy. However, this is the point of time in the business cycle when decisions about next steps need to be made carefully. Unfortunately, this is when many businesses get tripped up. Plant owners and managers may agree on the need for new production lines, more distribution capacity, new automation processes, and more staff. But this is also when additional rigor is most urgently needed to analyze the best-case business scenarios for that nex...

Finding Talent in a Time of Economic Change

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has caused more economic disruption than the U.S. has seen since the Great Depression. No one can say for sure what the landscape will look like as the economy recovers, but it’s clear that a lot of puzzle pieces won’t snap back into the same places as before. In a post-pandemic reality, business operations may look dramatically different. Many people will be forced to transition from one job or career to another. Put another way, there will be an incredible need for workforce development as millions of idled workers return to the workforce. The country’s many workforce program...

Innovation in America Reaches New Heights

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

The concept of an “innovation center” is certainly not new. However, without much fanfare, over time, some operations have reinvented the traditional center model, changing how and where they operate, leaning upon new partners and resources, and switching out the types of clients or markets served. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, these centers now have additional herculean challenges sprung upon them in a world facing unprecedented levels of economic and social upheaval. How can innovation be supported in this “new normal” era so organizations cannot just survive, but thrive? Read full article.

Preparations for the “New Normal”

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Until an effective treatment is proven or a vaccination is widely distributed, we’ll continue to have more questions than answers regarding a succinct definition or timing of the “new normal.” However, what we do know now is that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the over-reliance on just-in-time global supply chains. Moving forward, the more successful companies will modify these chains to increase reliability, utilize localization, and create redundancy. Strategies such as rapid satellite facility deployment and workforce balancing will be key to maintaining competitiveness. Read full article.

Risk Management, Enhanced Communication Needed in Post-Pandemic Environment

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

COVID-19 has significantly altered the landscape for businesses globally that will reverberate well beyond and into the future. Manufacturing and supply chain decisions for corporations have had to make adaptations due to the massive disruption from this pandemic. Understanding and implementing the new norms will be quintessential to success in this environment. Cost-driven decisions have stranded and left companies vulnerable due to a lack of redundancy in manufacturing. Going forward, adapting a strategy that has supply chain alternatives and enhanced protocol for these facilities will be paramount for implementation. Creating a safe environment that allows employees access to counseling, as wel...

The Nature of Incentives Compliance in the Age of the Coronavirus

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Economic development compliance is historically a long process, one that is typically managed over a multi-year time frame. Companies have negotiated incentives to help offset costs associated with growth and expansion and count on the economic benefits as part of their strategic growth plan — specifically, their plan for building the future of their business and their teams. What no one counted on was a global pandemic bringing life as we know it to a standstill. The dramatic slowdown of the economy has caused business leaders to take a close look at all aspects of their business, which should absolutely includ...

2020 Best to Invest

Friday, May 29, 2020

This annual report is usually a celebratory recognition of some of the world’s best performing economies, especially those most successful at attracting investment and creating jobs. And we’ll still do that. But it’s impossible to highlight last year’s successes as populations and economies in every corner of the world are ravaged by an unprecedented crisis. The world we celebrate on these pages no longer exists, what comes next hotly debated by talking heads on tv screens. Global foreign direct investment (FDI) has declined for the last four years. It’s collapsed this year. It will be years, perhaps decades, before global FD...

Minnesota resorts reinvent hospitality to deal with COVID-19

Thursday, May 28, 2020

NISSWA, MINN. – There will be no throw pillows on the beds at Grand View Lodge resort this summer. No magazines on the coffee tables. No daily visits from housekeeping staff. Before a new guest arrives, a team will sanitize every room with an electrostatic sprayer, lightly dousing toilets, sinks and even upholstered chairs and curtains with a disinfectant. It’s part of Grand View’s new effort to lure and assure travelers that they will be safe staying there amid a global pandemic. Read full article.

Willmar City Council to meet, discuss ways to help businesses with outdoor dining

Thursday, May 28, 2020

(Willmar MN-) Governor Tim Walz will allow outdoor dining at bars and restaurants across the state starting Monday, and the Willmar City Council will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to help local businesses. The video teleconference meeting begins at noon, and on the agenda is consideration of an emergency ordinance for commercial ue of rights of way and public property. Read full article.

5 Ways HR Leaders Can Engage and Empower Hourly Workers

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The turnover rate for hourly employees has always been, and continues to be, extremely high. Retail, for example, has a turnover rate of around 60 percent, and other sectors can be even higher than that. This is a real problem for businesses since replacing an employee costs on average $4,969, according to a 2015 survey. For any business, that is a large cost that could be avoided with better management. HR managers can mitigate this level of turnover by engaging with hourly employees, so they feel listened to and respected, and empowering them with specific work benefits that can lower this churn rate. Let’s dive into five ways that HR leader...

9 Strategies To Build An Employee-First Culture

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Organizations should recognize that if you take care of culture, then the customer experience and profits will take care of themselves. Putting your people at the center of your thinking and decision-making will never steer you in the wrong direction. Culture is experienced in every employee’s actions, 365 days of the year. It is not about the organizational perks, being perfect or being tied to a rigid set of rules. Culture is when employees feel empowered to work autonomously and make decisions driven by core values. Read full article.

Improving Productivity for Remote and Distributed Work Forces

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

At a time when more people are working from home but business deliverables and deadlines remain the same, managers are seeking tangible ways to make remote work function just as well as the usual methods for employees they support. Below are four tangible steps that managers can take to combat communication or productivity issues that can occur for teams who aren’t used to working remotely. Read full article.

Memorial Day 2020

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Flags honoring America’s war veterans were spread throughout area cemeteries as people honored loved ones in their own quiet ways. There were no Memorial Day services or parades this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read full article.

Music in the Parks going virtual through June; ‘Glensheen’ postponed

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Friday morning’s announcement that the Minnesota State Fair won’t happen this year – not unexpected, but it still hurt – was followed later that day by another downer. Minneapolis Music in the Parks, our summertime Memorial-Day-through-Labor-Day series of concerts at five city parks, has canceled all live events in May and June. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will decide on June 1 what to do about July, and on July 1 about August and September. Read full article.

A brief history of Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The Mesabi Iron Range wasn’t the first iron range to be mined in Minnesota, but it has arguably been the most prolific. Since the 1890s, the Mesabi has produced iron ore that boosted the national economy, contributed to the Allied victory in World War II, and cultivated a multiethnic regional culture in northeast Minnesota. The Mesabi Iron Range’s history as a mining district begins well before ore was unearthed. More than two billion years ago, an era of mountain building known as the Algoman orogeny occurred. High mountains were built in northern Minnesota and, later, a large shallow sea covered muc...

Amazon Said To Be In Talks To Buy Self-Driving Startup Zoox

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Amazo may be preparing to make a big move into the self-driving vehicle world as the logistics giant is said to be in “advanced” talks to acquire Zoox, a stealthy developer of robotaxi technology, according to the Wall Street Journal. Along with Amazon, other interested parties are considering offers for the Silicon Valley startup, a person familiar with the matter tells Forbes. The purchase terms would value Zoox below its estimated market value of $3.2 billion, a level attained after its last funding round, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. There’s no final agreement yet, and the timing of when a dea...

What’s Good For The Planet Can Also Be Good For Business

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

By making sustainable packaging for e-commerce and the industrial supply chain, Ranpak is doing well by doing good. Ranpak is a leading global provider of environmentally friendly protective packaging solutions, and its systems play an increasingly important role in an ever more complex and interconnected economy. Ranpak serves a broad array of industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, healthcare, automotive, machinery and consumer goods. Read full article.

It's Time To Close The Digital Divide

Friday, May 22, 2020

With so many school districts around the country working feverishly to implement distance learning programs, there is no better time to talk about the digital divide and a student’s right to education. While the term "digital divide" can be used to describe many instances in which marginalized kids and those that require assistive technologies do not have access to the technologies that they need to stay competitive with their more affluent peers around the world, what I want to address in this article are the millions of K-12 students across the United States who don’t have internet access at home. Read ful...

MnDOT looking at ways to help bars and restaurants re-open with outdoor seating

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Governor Tim Walz is getting pushback after announcing that restaurants and bars may re-open June 1st with outdoor seating only. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove says the administration is working to assist businesses that don’t have that option… “City’s obviously run their own zoning restrictions, so it is a municipal issue, but MnDOT is looking into areas the state runs in roads and freeways and byways and parking lots and things and they’ll be releasing some guidance and thoughts about how MnDOT can help get this right too.” Read full article.

Reopening Minnesota: What’s Allowed & What’s Not Under The New Stay Safe Order?

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — As Minnesota begins to slowly reopen and transition out of its Stay At Home order into the Stay Safe order it can be difficult to decipher what’s allowed and what’s not. So let’s break it down. As of May 18, the state’s Stay At Home order expired and was replaced by the Stay Safe Minnesota order, turning the dial to allow the following changes: Non-critical businesses, like retail stores and main street businesses, can reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50% capacity. Read full article.

What to know about Minnesota’s latest guidelines for reopening bars, restaurants and salons

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz said that beginning June 1 bars and restaurants can serve customers outdoors, while barbers and salons can operate indoors at partial capacity — if patrons wear masks. The announcement was the governor’s latest step to relax restrictions on public life meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, which health officials say has killed 777 Minnesotans since mid-March amid the lockdown on businesses and travel. Read full article.

Exclusive interview, Minnesota's Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development talks candidly about tough decisions

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Minnesota Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the toughest day on the job, in recent months, was the day Gov. Tim Walz issued the first 'stay at home' order. "You know, Mike Tyson once said, 'everyone has a plan until you get punched in the mouth'," said Grove. "And, so we had to drastically change our plans to make sure the program could meet Minnesota's needs." Read full article.

M State, KLN awarded workforce relief grant

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nine workforce development grants totaling nearly $1.3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) to assist businesses and educational institutions in training workers to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants were awarded in early March 2020, prior to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. “The MJSP is a vital tool in helping Minnesotans train for high-skill, high-paying jobs, particularly as Minnesota’s economy will begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months,” said Commissioner of DEED, Steve Grove. “Training workers to meet the need...

A “Now, Next, Later” Approach for Dealing with Pandemic Challenges

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

s the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the U.S. spread in March, leading to shelter-in-place orders in most states and a rapid slowdown of the national economy, businesses have started adopting Baker Tilly’s “now, next, later” framework in dealing with the pandemic challenges: “Now” is focused on the first 30 days; “next” is focused on the following 60 days; and “later” focusing on 90 days and beyond. The “now” response reflects the immediate reality for businesses – survival. An early March 2020 poll by the National Association of Manufacturers showed 35 percent of manufacturers are facing significant interruptions in supply chain operations, though onl...

Assembling the Right Site Selection Team

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Your company has just decided to invest in a new facility expansion, and you have been chosen to lead the effort. Perhaps you have specific knowledge about a certain manufacturing process or maybe you are the most trusted individual to the CEO. Whatever landed you the assignment is irrelevant; now you must understand the CEO and the entire company are putting their collective faith in you to succeed at finding the best location for the planned expansion. Everyone at your company has high hopes for the expansion as it is envisioned to take the company to the next level. While tha...

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

For Magdalah R. Silva, joining Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) was a game changer right from the start. As co-founder, CEO, and president of DMS International—an information and technology services company for the Federal government and the private sector—Magdalah attended the 2019 DWEN Summit in Singapore along with other global women entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. It was there that she connected with Dell representatives and other women who understand the role data and technology play in driving global growth. Read full article.

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain will n...

The Future of Manufacturing Site Selection is Connected

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Top Site Selection Concerns for Heavy Manufacturing Companies When you think of heavy manufacturing, utilities and transportation logistics infrastructure is key for those operations. So, for example, you have operations with demands in the 400 megawatt or the 200 megawatts range. Some smaller heavy-industrial operations require 10 to 20 megawatts – which is already a big operation in terms of electricity demand. It’s not that you find a lot of locations that are ready with 400 megawatts waiting for that operation to come. It's important to find locations that can meet this type of electricity demand, and you can couple tha...

What you need to know about the expiration of Minnesota’s stay-at-home order

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz said he will let his stay-at-home order expire on May 18 but extend many restrictions on public gatherings, including a ban on attending large in-person religious services and eating at restaurants. In a televised speech, Walz said Minnesota now has enough supplies of personal protective equipment, ventilators and intensive care hospital beds to handle the state’s predicted peak of COVID-19 cases this summer, but only if residents keep up much of their physical distancing efforts. The state has also expanded its testing capacity. Read full article.

DEED Awards $681,000 in Airport Infrastructure Grants

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $681,000 in grants to Alexandria, the Duluth Airport Authority and Elbow Lake. “These grants will create jobs and expand economic development opportunities in the Greater Minnesota communities receiving these grants,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This is an important investment as Minnesota’s economy begins to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months.” Read full article.

CareerForce helps connect Minnesotans who need work with senior care providers hiring now

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Minnesota's senior care providers are in critical need of workers to help care for some of our state's most vulnerable residents during the current COVID-19 pandemic. People looking for rewarding and essential work now and interested in making a real difference in the lives of others are encouraged to participate in a CareerForce Virtual Career Fair next Monday, May 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Read full article.

DEED Grant Helps Minnesota Community Meet Child Care Needs during COVID-19 Crisis

Monday, May 04, 2020

New York Mills is facing a problem that many communities throughout the state face: lack of access to quality child care. Thanks to a successful public-private partnership between the City of New York Mills and the manufacturers of Lund and Crestliner boats, plus a $60,000 Child Care Economic Development Grant from DEED, more families in the community have access to the quality child care they need. Read full article.

DEED Awards Ten new Redevelopment Grants

Friday, May 01, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nearly $3.8 million to redevelop 10 sites in eight different cities throughout Minnesota. Redevelopment projects made possible through the grants are expected to create 141 new jobs and retain 440 jobs while providing more than 400 new housing units. Read full article.

10 Site Selection and Economic Development Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Over extended and overly risky supply chains are no longer tolerable. Coronavirus is providing new and forceful momentum for the reshoring of manufacturing investment back to the U.S. from China and elsewhere. Our nation’s medical devices and biopharma sector — now dangerously concentrated in China — must be the first in line to disinvest there and reinvest back here in the States. Currently, less than 30% of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) -producing facilities are in the U.S. - while the number of Chinese facilities has more than doubled since 2010. The recent bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-Tennessee) an...

COVID-19 - Suffocating the global medical supply chain, while breathing life into its future.

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the vulnerabilities of the United States’ reliance on imported medical supplies and equipment. Global manufacturers of these much-needed products have had capacities curtailed due to shutdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions. At the same time more than 50 countries around the world have embargoed or restricted exports of items like personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other much-needed medical equipment and pharmaceutical products. COVID-19 is suffocating the global medical supplies and equipment supply chain. Supply disruption, increasing regulatory controls and a heightened demand have led to critical shortages of PPE and medical equipment in th...

Gov. Tim Walz to unveil what's next for Minnesota after stay-at-home order

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Gov. Tim Walz will announce the next phase of Minnesota’s COVID-19 response — likely dialing back some business closures and restrictions under the current stay-at-home order, which ends Monday, but leaving others in place amid an accelerating death toll. Speaking Wednesday in Worthington, where an outbreak among workers shut down the JBS pork plant, the governor said a wholesale ending of the order would be futile because many workers would refuse to return to workplaces with high infection risks. However, large and small employers alike should be able to reopen when they put effective social distancing precautions in place. Read full article.

Job Club Online Joins CareerForce Lineup of Virtual & Interactive Offerings

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Over 600 Minnesotans across the state – from Minneapolis and Winona to Hibbing and Twig – registered to take part in our first Job Club Online on Tuesday. Catherine Byers Breet – who has 22 years of experience as a career consultant, job hunt coach and recruiter – hosted the job club via webinar. Her topic this week was Video Interviewing: How to stand out and be the one they want. Read full article.

Leafline Labs medical cannabis center to open in Willmar Thursday

Thursday, April 30, 2020

(Willmar MN-) Willmar's new medical cannabis dispensary will be opening. Leafline Labs, LLC describes themselves as a leading provider, manufacturer, and distributor of medical cannabis in Minnesota, and say on Thursday they will be opening their Willmar Care Center, located in the former Payless Shoe Store on South 1st Street. The 3,500-square foot facility has been transformed to support the full operations of a LeafLine Labs Care Center, including three private consultation rooms. Brennan "Buck" McAplin is Chair of the Leafline Labs Board of Directors and says “With an established base of patients from the Willmar area and strong relationship...

Minnesota nonprofits, schools participate in first-ever Give At Home MN campaign

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The first week of May felt a lot like November as Minnesota nonprofits make a flurry of pitches for donations in a first-ever virtual fundraising campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Friday, GiveMN — the nonprofit that in November puts on the largest annual giving day in the state, Give to the Max — is hosting a new eight-day campaign called Give At Home MN. Read full article.

Spending All Day At Your Desk? Four Exercises To Boost Productivity When Working From Home

Thursday, April 30, 2020

We knew sitting all day was not a healthy lifestyle choice, even before the coronavirus hit. Now, however, without commutes to get us walking, or the ability to stroll down office hallways to see a colleague or join a meeting, it’s even easier to spend all day in one chair, with little movement. “Spending all that time online can be grueling,” says Marie Di Virgilio, a core faculty member with Benedictine University’s Ph.D./D.B.A. program in Values-Driven Leadership, for senior executives. Read full article.

The Secret To Retail Success Post Coronavirus? Adopting A Consumer-Centric Approach

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fashion retail was facing unprecedented upheaval long before any of us had even heard of coronavirus or could imagine a situation where all stores would be forced to close and the world would be in global lockdown. This pre-coronavirus need for change was being driven by shrinking margins and an increase in nimble new entrants to the market who were growing their market share at a rapid pace, striping away sales from large incumbent brands and retailers. For the majority of retail businesses, trying to evolve and keep pace in recent years has been a painful experience as it’s meant questionin...

American Retail Reopens—Sort Of: A State-By-State Guide To What’s Back

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The stores of American retailing are starting to reopen—at least some of them, in some places and at some times. As the coronavirus pandemic stretches into its third month on Friday, states and businesses across the country are making fateful decisions on reopening. These acts are accompanied by copious rules and regulations on social distancing, health and safety measures, and reprogrammed shopping procedures—all of which are dependent on shoppers and store employees to both obey and embrace. Read full article.

Announcing new tools to help businesses promote safe work environments

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Health experts around the world will tell you that one of the most important aspects of workplace safety during a pandemic is careful and effective health screening of employees. That's why in Executive Order 20-40, the Governor requires all non-critical businesses coming back into workplace environments to engage in proper health screenings each day. Now, thanks to a unique collaboration between Target Corp, Minnesota IT Services, and the Minnesota Safety Council – Minnesota businesses have a digital tool that can make those screenings even more effective. Read full article.

Izzy's Ice Cream closes original shop in St. Paul after 20-year run

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

After two decades on the Twin Cities ice cream scene, one venerable shop is calling it quits. Izzy’s Ice Cream is permanently closing its first cafe, at 2034 Marshall Av. in St. Paul. “Like many of our colleagues in the food service business, we’re down to 10% of revenue right now,” said Izzy’s co-owner Jeff Sommers. “The lease was coming up, and we just made the decision that this was a time where we needed to pull ourselves together into a tighter operation and see if we can get through this and come out on the other side a better company.” Read full article.

DEED Awards more the $1.3 Million in MJSP Grants

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded nine workforce development grants totaling nearly $1.3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) to assist businesses and educational institutions in training workers to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants were awarded in early March 2020, prior to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. “The MJSP is a vital tool in helping Minnesotans train for high-skill, high-paying jobs, particularly as Minnesota’s economy will begin to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months,” said Commissioner of DEED, Steve Grove. “Training workers to mee...

As many as 20,000 Minnesota businesses could reopen Monday, but will they?

Monday, April 27, 2020

If you’re looking to enjoy the spring weather with a newly assembled pair of Minnesota-made Riedell roller skates, you’ll need to wait a touch longer. Afforded an early-bird chance along with other select businesses to reopen Monday amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Riedell opted to continue to retrofit social-distancing strategies in its Red Wing plant and resume skate manufacturing as planned on May 4 — the final day of the state’s current stay-at-home order. Read full article.

FCC Commissioners Sharply Disagree on U.S. Broadband Report

Monday, April 27, 2020

A Federal Communications Commission report Friday indicated that the U.S. is making progress on closing the digital divide, but FCC commissioners don’t agree on how much progress has been made. The 2020 Broadband Deployment Report showed that very high-speed broadband service (250 Mbps/25 Mbps) can be accessed by roughly 85 percent of citizens — a number that has gone up by 47 percent since 2017. The report attributes this and other gains to the $80 billion invested in broadband infrastructure in 2018, a significant increase in fiber-to-the-home projects in 2019 and the advent of 5G technology. Read full article.

Eleven Companies Receive Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants

Friday, April 24, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $247,000 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants to 11 of the state’s most promising, innovative and scalable technology startups. In this third round of Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants, 12 grants were awarded to 11 different companies: eight grants for business operations and four housing/childcare grants. With today‘s announcement, a total of over $1.2 million has been awarded to Minnesota startups through Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants, with an additional $1.2 million being matched by private sources. Read full article.

HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC

Friday, April 24, 2020

They’re doing what they’ve always done. Doing what they’ll continue to do when coronavirus testing is widespread and a vaccine is developed. When the rest of us return to a new normal, whatever that might look like, they’ll still be on the front lines caring for the sick and afraid, comforting the grieving, fighting for health care equity and championing the message that mental health care is health care. The terrifying risks to them and their families will eventually subside, but never their passion for and clarity about this work. We thank them now, and resolve to keep our eye...

A Framework for safely returning to work

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Governor Tim Walz reviewed a framework for evaluating when it is safe to reopen a variety of workplace, social, and educational environments in Minnesota. That framework takes into consideration a number of health, economic, and social factors – and applies them to a variety of settings that have varying levels of predictability and size considerations. As part of that framework, he issued Executive Order 20-40, which provides a limited first step in the process of safely returning to work, beginning only with workers at non-Critical Sector industrial, manufacturing and office based businesses that are non-customer facing. Read full article.

Small Business Survival Series: Bruce Katz

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Bruce Katz: I run a finance lab at Drexel University and work as a partner with Accelerator for America. I’ve been very focused on trying to codify these local relief funds that are emerging around the country. Grant Baskerville (Sorenson Impact Center): Bruce, if I can pick up on the excellent piece that you coauthored with Colin Higgins and Michael Saadine, you very effectively stratify the different levels of activity that happen city, state, and federal levels. We’d love your input on this. Read full article.

What will it look like when Minnesota’s economy begins to open?

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Mike Frattallone estimates his Ace Hardware stores were among the first Minnesota businesses to put a plastic screen between customers and cashiers, before Governor Tim Walz ordered non-critical businesses to close and Minnesotans to stay at home. Since then, those protection screens have gotten more elaborate. “We have a lot of hockey fans working in the stores, and they’ve taken to calling it the ‘penalty box’ because the plastic is almost on all sides now,” Frattallone said Wednesday. “I’ll tell you what, though, when you’re in there you feel pretty darn safe compared to just being out there.” Read full article.

US Senate approves $484bn funding for small businesses, hospitals

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Washington, DC - The United States Senate on Tuesday approved legislation worth $484bn to provide funding for a small business jobs programme, hospitals overrun by the coronavirus outbreak, and a national testing impetus to help tamp down the pandemic. The Senate bill, agreed to in advance by the White House, allocates $25bn for a testing strategy that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats insisted was key to reopening the US economy. The bill calls on the Trump administration to define a strategy to provide nationwide testing and report on that plan to Congress. Read full article.

How the Walz administration is developing its plans for restarting Minnesota’s economy

Friday, April 17, 2020

When Gov. Tim Walz extended his stay-home order until May 4, he asked state agencies to get some workers back on the job quickly while planning for how to reopen the economy on a wider scale once public health restrictions begin to ease. It’s no simple task. Which business can safely restart — and when — has been a puzzle facing state governments across the U.S. as they try to bolster an imploding economy without overwhelming hospitals or putting lives at risk from COVID-19. Read full article.

Employers are looking for workers in Minnesota

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Postings for jobs in Minnesota were up 50% last week over the previous week - so if you're looking for work, an employer may be looking for you! Here are the top occupations being hired for right now in Minnesota: Personal Care Aides Registered Nurses Nursing Assistants Cashiers/Retail Sales Workers Read full article.

The Nystrom Family Thrives in Kerhoven

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Swift County is made up of inspiring families that bring the community to life. Cliff and Kristy Nystrom are two young professionals who decided to make Swift County home. The couple chose Swift County because of the close knit, supportive community, opportunities to be active in the lives of other residents and the incredible local shopping and dining scene. Kristy and Cliff live in Kerkhoven, Minnesota with their children. Kristy grew up in the area. She was raised on a dairy farm that her father owned and was involved in 4-H, County Fairs and other local clubs and organizations. Kristy graduate...

No Experience Required: 9 Occupations Hiring Now

Thursday, April 09, 2020

Many businesses working to provide essential services like health care, food, supplies and transportation are hiring right now in Minnesota. Some positions may be temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are permanent and, particularly in the health care field, can serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying careers for those who get additional experience or training. In many cases, a person can find a job in one of these occupations without previous experience in the field. Many of the jobs listed below may be posted under multiple titles – some of which vary in their job descriptions, requirements, and wages...

Coronavirus Resources for Your Business

Monday, March 30, 2020

$10,000 Advance Now Available with SBA Disaster Loans DEED Announces Small Business Loan Guarantee Program Department of Labor Info Info from SBA Partners and Other Agencies Stay Updated $10,000 Advance Now Available with SBA Disaster Loans On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, which provided additional assistance for small business owners and non-profits, including the opportunity for an up to a $10,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. This Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven. Visit www.SBA.gov/Disaster to apply via a new streamlined application; one needs to be submitted even if you previously applied. Applying for th...

What is "essential" during Minnesota's Stay at Home Order?

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Governor Walz has issued Executive Order 20-20, directing Minnesotans to limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs from March 27 at 11:59 p.m. to April 10 at 5:00 p.m. We understand that you may have questions about how this will impact your business. The resources below are meant to help you determine eligibility for business exemptions. Please first utilize these resources. If your question is not yet answered, you may submit your inquiry to CriticalSectors@state.mn.us. There are three resources that provide guidance to help you determine if your business is in a critical industry: The Governor’s Executive Order The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’...

COVID-19 Resources for Your Business

Monday, March 23, 2020

Federal and state government entities and nonprofits are working together to control the spread of the coronavirus and to support the businesses and individuals impacted by the virus and/or the protective measures being taken. We've rounded up the resources to help your business navigate these tumultuous times. To download, click here. COVID-19 RESOURCES Federal and state government entities and nonprofits are working together to control the spread of the coronavirus and to support the businesses and individuals impacted by the virus and/or the protective measures being taken. STATE COVID-19 RESOURCES Information for Workers Answers to common questions for workers. This includes new information regarding worker...

How States Are Expanding Broadband Access

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Broadband is increasingly intertwined with the daily functions of modern life. It is transforming agriculture, supporting economic development initiatives, and is a critical piece of efforts to improve health care and modernize transportation. But the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that 21 million Americans still lack broadband access. Other sources place this number as high as 162 million. Communities without reliable high-speed internet service cite a growing gap between the resources and opportunities available to their residents and those in communities that have a robust network. Recognizing the importance of broadband and responding to such frustrations, states are seeking to close thi...

Ridgewater enrollment on the rise

Thursday, February 27, 2020

(Willmar MN-) Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson has done something only 9 of the 37 schools in the Minnesota State System has done...increased in enrollment for two straight semesters. Usually, in a booming economy, enrollment at two-year and technical schools goes down, but Ridgewater has bucked the trend. Kelly Magnuson, Vice President for Advancement and Outreach, says Ridgewater has made changes in their administrative structure and procedures in attracting and retaining students, and it's paying off. Read full article.

We must address America’s child care crisis

Thursday, February 27, 2020

One of the biggest concerns from constituents here in Minnesota is the lack of access to affordable, quality child care. Indeed, our state ranks fourth in the country for having the most expensive child care – behind only California, Massachusetts and Washington, DC. Throughout our state we have heard from parents who have had to make difficult decisions just to get their children quality care. Many parents have left the workforce entirely because the cost of child care would mean they’d either lose money or just break even paying for child care while they worked. Read full article.

Invest in the future of Minnesota: Small businesses and family farms

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Business owners invest in Minnesota’s future every day. They invest in their employees and their communities. They invest in their business needs – equipment, workforce – to grow, many times before company profit is a guarantee. These investments lay the foundation for small businesses to grow and create opportunities across the state and for family farms to continue their legacies. All of this helps Minnesota compete on a global stage to grow Minnesota’s economy and retain and create jobs. We share their commitment to investing in Minnesota’s future and call on legislators to do the same by aligning Minnesota’s income ta...

Minnesota manufacturers expect stability in 2020

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Respondents to an annual Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis say they expect mostly unchanged or improved conditions in 2020. “It’s good news for Minnesota that the majority of manufacturers in our state expect stable or improved business conditions in 2020,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our state economy, accounting for 14% of Minnesota’s GDP and 40% of all Minnesota jobs, either directly or indirectly.” Read full article.

Minnesota politicians, businesses hopeful for new firework bill

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

A bill to legalize audible and aerial fireworks in Minnesota has started off with a “bang” in this year’s legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz recently voiced support for the bill, which would expand the types of fireworks people over 18 years old can buy in the state, including bottle rockets and Roman candles. Some people say legalizing this type of pyrotechnics will bring revenue back to the state, while others are concerned about increases in injuries and fire hazards. Read full article.

10 essential pieces of advice for anyone who wants to leap from employee to entrepreneur

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. It’s difficult, risky, and stressful; but if you’re successful, you’ll become the master of your destiny. These business founders and "Advisors" in The Oracles share how they made the leap from employee to entrepreneur — and how you can too. Read full article.

The future of retail in the US: industry trends and market trends

Monday, February 24, 2020

Retail sales volume was higher in 2019 than ever before — and it will only continue trending upward as the entire experience becomes more streamlined and frictionless for customers. However, the face of the industry is changing rapidly; Business Insider Intelligence recently reported that in 2019 ecommerce sales surpassed 10% of total retail sales for the first time ever. The growing online trend impacts both e-tailers and brick-and-mortar sellers. Because merchants must embrace ecommerce to boost their own growth, the roles of solutions providers like BigCommerce and Shopify, as well as marketplaces like Amazon, could expand further in the coming years, due t...

Delta lifts off with $1 billion pledge to become carbon neutral

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Delta Air Lines has become the latest aviation company setting its sights on becoming "carbon neutral," with an ambition to reach that target by 2030 and pledge to invest $1 billion in achieving the goal over the next 10 years. The investment will focus on driving innovation, advancing clean air travel technologies, accelerating reductions in waste and emissions, and establishing new offsetting and natural carbon sequestration projects, the company said. Read full article.

Small business confidence rises, signaling a more positive outlook for the US economy

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Small business sentiment is on the rise to kick off 2020, with confidence nearing all-time highs, according to data from CNBC and SurveyMonkey. The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Confidence Index climbed two points in the first quarter, from 59 to 61, as concerns over trade policy impacts lessened, thanks to a trade deal with China and the signing of the USMCA. This is a sharp turnaround from the lows seen last summer as trade turmoil weighed on Main Street’s outlook. The Small Business Confidence Index is calculated based on entrepreneurs’ responses to a set of eight questions about their businesses as part o...

Assessing How We Are Addressing A Changing World

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Technology is changing the way Americans live, work, play and receive health care. And, it appears, the rate of change will only accelerate as almost magical innovations pile one on top of another. They will continue to shape, and reshape, every facet of our lives in ways hard to imagine. Thrown into this cauldron of technological change is the vast uncertainty of how a warming climate will disrupt our communities, agriculture, and industry. Through its American Roundtable project, the Architectural League of New York seeks to look at how communities are doing today and preparing for tomorrow. To gather information, it i...

State and Local Leaders Discuss Efforts to Address Affordable Housing in Minnesota

Monday, February 17, 2020

Sen. Tina Smith made a visit to Duluth Monday to discuss her findings from a study she did on housing issues in Minnesota after hosting several listening sessions with community members across the state. She presented this with Mayor Emily Larson and AICHO leaders who are working on helping people in the community with affordable housing. Read full article.

What is the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund?

Friday, February 14, 2020

On February 7, the Federal Communications Commission released the report and order that creates the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the latest effort to extend the reach of broadband networks deeper into rural America. The FCC's own research estimates that $80 billion is needed to bring broadband everywhere in the U.S., so the $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is a significant -- although likely insufficient -- step in closing the digital divide over the next decade. Here we review the framework and note some controversy around the FCC decision. Read full article.

Maple Grove approves plans for commercial site near Hy-Vee

Thursday, February 13, 2020

The Maple Grove City Council approved a new multi-tenant building development stage plan for the Markets at Rush Creek at its Feb. 3 meeting. The council also authorized the city to apply for a Minnesota Investment Fund Loan on behalf of a new business in Maple Grove. MARKETS AT RUSH CREEK The council approved the Markets at Rush Creek outlot multi-tenant development stage plan. This 12,000-square-foot multi-tenant building would be located between 70th Way and Bass Lake Road, adjacent to the Hy-Vee convenience store and northwest of the Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh building. Read full aritcle.

Expanding entrepreneurship for everyone

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The NIA Office of Small Business Research (OSBR) team is intrigued by startups and their unique role in research and development. Of course, we’re a bit biased — after all, we lead NIA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs, which are designed to help new companies commercialize products and technology to extend the healthy, active years of life. The OSBR team is pleased to support a diverse range of innovative ideas. To help broaden our reach, we recently produced a factsheet (PDF, 5.3M) that explains how our SBIR/STTR programs can provide significant seed funding to small businesses to addres...

All aboard! Wisconsin and Minnesota on track for improved passenger rail

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

A variety of railroad projects are coming together to greatly improve passenger service in Wisconsin, including “higher speed” rail. They include: doubling daily service between St. Paul and Chicago; increasing the number of round-trip Milwaukee to Chicago trains from seven to 10; express service between Minneapolis and Duluth-Superior; and, already underway, more than $5 million in improvements to the Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station at General Mitchell International Airport, with completion expected in 2023. Read full article.

States, Governors Focus on Broadband Expansion

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

GOVERNORS ACROSS THE country are increasingly prioritizing broadband deployment and high-speed internet access in a bid to resolve connectivity concerns that disproportionately hang over America's most rural communities. Of the 40 State of the State speeches delivered so far this year, 20 included references to high-speed internet access or state broadband installation projects, according to a U.S. News analysis of governors' prepared remarks. Read full article.

Small rail operators looking for $91 million in Minnesota help over several years

Saturday, February 08, 2020

The economic ripple created by a $1.5 million state investment a few years ago in a freight-rail spur line south of White Bear Lake, has empowered several small railroads to ship the Minnesota Legislature a 2020-2025, $91.4 million rail and crossing-improvement program. "The proposed legislation requires a relatively small amount of funding compared with state spending on highways supporting truck traffic, a direct and more expensive competitor to rail shipping," said a report from the rail-improvement consortium. "Minnesota has no financial resources or programs devoted to rail infrastructure and rail-related economic development needs of [spur-line carriers] while Wisconsin has spent mor...

Hooray for broadband connection project

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Access to high-speed broadband technology has been limited for many rural residents and efforts to ensure availability have been slow despite the best efforts of Minnesota state government. That’s why it was a momentous occasion in January when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will invest $11 million in three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The funds will benefit more than 1,395 rural households and 120 businesses. The funds will be allocated to Harmony Telephone Co., Consolidated Telephone Co., and Osage Municipal Utilities. Read full article.

Land O’Lakes’ Ford: Rural areas need broadband

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Land O’Lakes’ Ford: Rural areas need broadband

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Land O’Lakes CEO and President Beth Ford doesn’t mince words about what she sees as the harsh conditions agricultural communities are facing across the country. “Rural America is the new inner city,” Ford told attendees at Wednesday’s meeting of the Economic Club of Minnesota. “It has not been invested in, there’s a lack of attention, and it should concern all of us.” Rural areas face a range of challenges, Ford said, from persistently low agricultural commodity prices to a shortage of young farmers as an older generation retires. A range of creative solutions could help, she said, if only the technology infrastructure...

Meeting in Renville Wednesday to discuss RC Hospital-HealthPartners union

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

(Olivia MN-) A meeting takes place in Renville to present info about the upcoming affiliation between RC Hospital and HealthPartners. Read full article.

Panel reduces list of candidates to design, build new Willmar City Hall-Community Center

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

(Willmar MN-) The list of companies interested in designing and overseeing construction of a new Willmar City Hall and Community Center is down to two. City Administrator Brian Gramentz says initially there were 10 companies interested in being the construction manager and 14 interested in being the architect-engineer. But Gramentz says a panel of 6 residents representing the city hall task force, community center committee and two staffers chosen by himself narrowed the list down... Read full article.

20 Startups Secure Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants in 2020’s First Round

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Developments (DEED) awarded more than $672,000 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants to 20 tech startups across the state. Five individual founders also received a $7,500 housing and childcare grant. In a release, DEED said the crop of companies represent the “most promising, innovative, and scalable technology businesses in the state.” Each of the grants require a one-to-one match in privately sourced funds, skyrocketing the potential for the investments to reach $1.3 million. Read full article.

Minnesota Pork Board Names 2020 Industry Award Winners

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The Minnesota Pork Board recognized individuals and families who have made significant contributions through pork promotion, consumer and producer education, youth mentoring and service to the pork industry at its annual Awards Reception in Minneapolis, according to a board release. Read full article.

Applications now open for Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN) in Greater Minnesota

Monday, February 03, 2020

Entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide free, individualized coaching to a cohort of rural entrepreneurs, and 2) develop a series of workshops aimed to educate, connect, and support businesses in greater Minnesota. Read full article.

Building Community Through Strategic Philanthropy

Monday, February 03, 2020

Minnesota banks are targeting grants for housing, job training, financial literacy, and other pressing needs to make a difference in communities. In the summer of 2019, Laurie Nordquist was in St. Paul’s Phalen neighborhood when she saw firsthand what it means to move into a Habitat for Humanity home. Nordquist, Wells Fargo Minnesota CEO, was there to celebrate the bank’s 25-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The home dedication was for a husband and wife and their teenage son. Read full article.

Minnesota crane company expands into Superior

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Vic’s Crane & Heavy Haul expands company to serve heavy industry in the Twin Ports A company founded in 1951 in Rosemount, Minn., is expanding its business into the Twin Ports. Vic’s Crane & Heavy Haul, which provides crane and heavy transportation services, announced it’s setting up shop at 1105 Elm Ave., in Superior. Read full article.

20 Conferences That Should Be on Your List for 2020

Saturday, February 01, 2020

Say "yes" to a conference that sparks your interest. It could be the best thing you do all year. It's 2020. Are you ready to say "yes" to your resolutions, bold plans and big goals? The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to think about all the changes and upgrades you want to make in your business and personal lives. Attending a conference is one of the best ways to add new energy to your life. A great conference will put you in a position to create meaningful relationships, meet new people who can help you (or that you can help), close deals...

TCB Q&A: Steve Grove, Minnesota's Economic Development Czar

Saturday, February 01, 2020

The former Google exec explores the challenging realities of growing the state's startup and innovation economy. Steve Grove had been with Google for more than a decade but wanted to get out of Silicon Valley. The Northfield native and his family moved back to Minnesota in 2018. “I was always in the business development and strategy side,” Grove says. “Google didn’t have an office here. I had a global team that I led when I was at Google, so working remotely from here was doable. I worked from a co-working space.” Grove started at YouTube, which had been acquired by Google, where h...

Clyburn says House infrastructure plan would expand broadband internet to '100 percent' of US

Thursday, January 30, 2020

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) touted a new infrastructure plan being put forth by Democrats. Clyburn told Hill.TV that the comprehensive plan aims to expand broadband internet to "100 percent" of the United States, effectively getting rid of “digital deserts” — or areas without a single internet service provider. “No matter how many schools you build, those schools are not going to be effective unless the students are connected to the rest of the world, and that can only be done with broadband deployment,” Clyburn said during an interview. Read full article.

FCC Broadband Fund Decision Draws Crowd

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Praised as progress toward closing digital divide Stakeholders inside and outside Washington were ready to weigh in after the FCC voted on rules for its new $20 billion rural broadband subsidy fund. The FCC has yet to release the Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF) order, which had some last-minute changes, so some were reserving final judgment until they saw the final item, but the initial reaction was predominately positive. Read full article.

US economy grew modestly last quarter against a hazy outlook

Thursday, January 30, 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy expanded at a moderate 2.1% annual rate in the final three months of 2019, capping a year when a weak global landscape and a sharp pullback in business investment resulting from President Donald Trump's trade fights combined to slow growth. The fourth-quarter rise in the gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — matched the third-quarter gain, the government said. For all of last year, economic growth — 2.3% — was the weakest since Trump's election in 2016. Read full article.

The Economic Development Administration’s Five Investment Priorities

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Knowing your revitalization partner’s priorities adds clarity and saves time. When they are a funder with a competitive grant process, there’s all the more reason to know their priorities. For local communities interested in knowing where the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is at with their current investment priorities, this month’s speech at the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delivered by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord pointed the way. Read full article.

How Business Leaders Can Help Rescue Dying Local News

Sunday, January 26, 2020

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Richard Edelman released the 20th Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual public opinion poll that tracks attitudes towards government, corporations, civil society, and the media in more than 20 countries. One of the key takeaways from this year’s report is the pressing need for corporate leaders to assume a more central role in addressing key societal issues, such as global warming and rising inequality. Edelman also observed the seismic shifts occurring in the media, and especially in journalism. He noted that the rapid demise of local news is denying people critical information on vital issues...

Walz announces $23 million in rural broadband grants

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

ST PAUL -- Thousands of Minnesotans previously left in the dark will now be plugged into the internet thanks to $23 million in grants from the state. Gov. Tim Walz announced that nearly 11,000 homes, businesses and institutions in 30 communities across Minnesota will receive state and local funds to build broadband infrastructure, thanks to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. "We all know that (broadband access) is far more than just a nice thing to have," Walz said at a news conference in St. Paul. "This is an economic development tool. It's absolutely critical to equity in education and opportunit...

Minnesota awards $5.3 million to nine cities for projects

Friday, January 17, 2020

St. PAUL, Minn. – More than $5 million has been awarded to nine communities by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The $5.34 million in grants to nine cities across Minnesota will help clean up 11 contaminated sites approved for redevelopment. Read full article.

IU, U.S. Economic Development Administration launch USA Opportunity Zones website

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Indiana University and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration have launched a new online mapping tool that will help business people find Opportunity Zones that aim to steer private investment toward economically distressed areas. The Opportunity Zone initiative passed in 2017 grants capital gains tax cuts and deferrals to investors in designated Opportunity Zones, which locally include portions of Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Valparaiso, Michigan City and LaPorte. Read full article.

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...

The Future of Manufacturing Site Selection is Connected

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

American Retail Reopens—Sort Of: A State-By-State Guide To What’s Back

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

American Retail Reopens—Sort Of: A State-By-State Guide To What’s Back

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Pandemic Builds Momentum for Broadband Infrastructure Upgrade

Thursday, April 23, 2020